More than 65 Atlanta schools educators accused in a massive test cheating scandal will lose their teaching licenses in Georgia.

The state Professional Standards Commission voted Thursday to suspend the certificates of 47 teachers for two years and permanently revoke licenses for 19 principals and testing coordinators. A state investigation last summer revealed widespread cheating in nearly half of the district's 100 schools.

The commission's vote puts a sizeable dent in the 180 educators accused in the probe. Until now, the commission had taken action against just 16 educators because the Fulton County district attorney's office asked the state to hold off on its investigation.

The teachers can appeal the commission's decision.

Sanctions from the commission can range from a warning to permanent revocation.

Tags: teachers, Atlanta Public Schools, cheating scandal