ATLANTA -- Governor Nathan Deal announced on Tuesday that 58 educators of Georgia schools have earned the "Master Teacher" certification. 

The certification is based on how each teacher demonstrated excellence in student achievement and growth across the 2013 academic year, reported a spokesperson from the Governor's office. 

The "Master Teacher" program began in 2005 with the help of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. A Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) measured classroom performance and academic growth, along with the teachers' professional practice. 

The "Master Teacher" certification lasts seven years, and as long as they qualify, teachers can renew their certificates. 

Kelly Henson, Executive Secretary for the Georgia Professional Standards Commission said, "The 2013 Master Teachers join a group of Georgia's highly skilled and dedicated educators who share a passion for teaching and student learning." 

ATLANTA -- Restoring power to the area's storm-affected customers appears to be nearing completion.

PHOTOS | June 13 storms

Georgia Power is reporting only 500 customers are still without electricity. The remaining Cobb EMC members still without power in Cherokee stands at 300.

The number of closed roads also continues to drop. The majority of those are in Sandy Springs. The most recent update from the city lists the following as closed.

ATLANTA -- The Judicial Council of Georgia Domestic Violence Committee awarded a grant on Friday that will go towards the work of nine nonprofit organizations in and near Atlanta. 

The grant of almost $1.7 billion will help bring legal services to around 4,500 people with low income around Georgia who have suffered from domestic violence and are working to bounce back. A spokeswoman for the Judicial Council reported that the funds are given each year to develop domestic violence training and legal services for victims.

According to the spokeswoman, not included are divorces, deportations and other matters which are not related with the victim's safety, along with economic security.