Principal

Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mr. Gerard Latimore


Mr. Latimore is a decorated educator whose career has spanned more than seventeen years. A true champion for students and adults, his journey began right here in Atlanta Public Schools. Early in his career, he was honored with the Early Career Educator of Color Leadership Award by the National Council of Teachers of English. This recognition propelled his commitment to excellence in education. As a classroom teacher, Mr. Latimore twice led classes in two different schools where every student achieved a one hundred percent pass rate on state standardized testing. Along the way, he earned endorsements in ESOL, Reading, Teacher Support Systems, and Science.
After leaving the classroom, Mr. Latimore became the International Baccalaureate Coordinator and Coach at Benteen Elementary. During this time, he played a pivotal role in launching the school’s dual language immersion program and supported the school in becoming an authorized IB World School. Benteen proudly became the second school in the Jackson Cluster to earn this distinction and the thirty second school in the state of Georgia. In addition, he often served as an instructional coach, helping the school strengthen teaching and increase student mastery.
Within four years, Mr. Latimore was promoted to a neighboring school where his leadership left a lasting impact on students, staff, and the wider community. During his tenure as Assistant Principal, the school achieved:
  • IB World School authorization, becoming the thirty seventh school in Georgia to earn this distinction. This marked the second school that Mr. Latimore helped elevate to this status.
  • Recognition as a four time PBIS Distinguished School, honored every year of his service
  • A 90 percent decrease in discipline infractions over a four-year period
  • Launched a staff mentorship program that strengthened instructional practices and culture
  • The highest CCRPI score in school history
  • Prestigious recognitions in 2024, including:
    • Beating the Odds School
    • Closing Gaps School (100 percent)
    • Five Star Climate Rated School
    • US News Best Public School
  • Prestigious recognitions in 2025, including:
    • Title I Reward School
Mr. Latimore is a proud lifelong learner. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Clark Atlanta University, a master’s degree from Troy State University, and two specialist degrees from Georgia State University. He is currently pursuing his doctorate in Educational Leadership at Georgia State University with an anticipated graduation in 2027.
To prepare for the role of principal, Mr. Latimore completed several selective leadership development programs, including:
  • Certificate in School Management and Leadership – Harvard University
  • Aspiring Principal Program – Georgia Governor’s Office of Student Achievement
  • Aspiring Principal Program – The Principals Center at Georgia State University
  • Aspiring Principal Program – Fulton County Schools
In addition to his school leadership, Mr. Latimore has presented at educational conferences across the nation. During the 2024–2025 school year, he was honored to present at:
  • IB Global Conference – New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Innovate Schools Summit – New York, New York
  • Impact Schools Conference – hosted by Cognia
Mr. Latimore is a former member of the Emerging 100 of Atlanta and a newly inducted member of Clark Atlanta University’s 40 Under 40, an honor awarded to alumni under the age of forty who have made a positive impact in their field.
He is a proud resident of Atlanta’s Westside where he lives with his wife, Ashley, Esq., and their loving dog, T’Challa. He is an avid traveler, sports enthusiast, and enjoys spending quality time with his family.
Mr. Latimore looks forward to living up to the promise of Benteen and carrying forward the brilliance that shines in the building every day.