Professional Learning Opportunities
April and May
April and May
Special Education Collaborative
Facilitated by North GLRS
Questions? Contact: Sandy Walden (swalden@pioneerresa.org)
Dates Offered: April 17th and May 9th from
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Speech/Language Pathologist Collaborative
Facilitated by North GLRS
Questions? Contact: Sandy Walden (swalden@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: April 25th from
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Developing Effective Instructional Materials for Students with ASD - Pursuing Alternate Achievement Standards & Have Participated in the GAA
Facilitated by Dr. Toni Bowen, Great Instruction, Inc.
Questions? Contact: Sandy Walden (swalden@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: April 29th from
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Registration Link)
Specially Designed Instruction Collaborative for Leaders Session #4
Facilitated by Sandy Walden (swalden@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: April 30th from
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Registration Link)
Preschool Collaborative
Facilitated by North GLRS
Questions? Contact: Sandy Walden (swalden@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: May 2nd from
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Principal Job Alike (VIRTUAL)
Facilitated by Tim Cochran (tcochran@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: April 14th from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Assistant Principal Job Alike (VIRTUAL)
Facilitated by Tim Cochran (tcochran@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: April 21st from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Heads Together
Facilitated by GaDOE & RESA Network Questions? Contact: Allison Funk (afunk@pioneerresa.org)
Dates Offered: April 16th, April 30th, May 14th from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Curriculum Collaborative (VIRTUAL)
Facilitated by Allison Funk (afunk@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: April 16th from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Curriculum Collaborative (VIRTUAL)
Facilitated by Allison Funk (afunk@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: May 14th from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Georgia's K-12 ELA Standards: Practices for Grades K-5
Facilitated by the PRESA Literacy Team (afunk@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: April 18th from
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Registration Link)
Georgia's K-12 ELA Standards: Practices for Grades 6-12
Facilitated by the PRESA Literacy Team (afunk@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: April 21st from
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM (Registration Link)
PBIS District Coordinator Job Alike (VIRTUAL)
Facilitated by Jason Kaup (jkaup@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: April 15th from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
School Nutrition Director Job Alike
Facilitated by Jan Pearce (jpearce@pioneerresa.org)
Date offered: April 15th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Nutrition Bookkeeper Job Alike
Facilitated by Jaclyn Adams (jadams@pioneerresa.org)
Date offered: April 17th from 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Human Resources Job Alike
Facilitated by Jan Pearce (jpearce@pioneerresa.org)
Date offered: April 23rd from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Accounts Payable Job Alike
Facilitated by Ginger Howe (ghowe@pioneerresa.org)
Date offered: April 24th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CTAE Job Alike Work Session
Facilitated by Jan Pearce (jpearce@pioneerresa.org)
Date offered: April 25th from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Special Film Screening: My Ascension
Facilitated by Jason Kaup (jkaup@pioneerresa.org) and Teresa Hearn (thearn@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: April 30th from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Facility & School Safety Job Alike
Facilitated by Jan Pearce (jpearce@pioneerresa.org)
Date offered: May 1st from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Transportation Directors Job Alike
Facilitated by Marilyn Delgado (mdelgado@pioneerresa.org)
Date offered: May 1st from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Payroll & Benefits Job Alike
Facilitated by Laura Corley (laura.corley@white.k12.ga.us)
Date Offered: May 8th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Health Services/School Nurse Job Alike
Facilitated by Jan Pearce (jpearce@pioneerresa.org)
Date offered: May 8th from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
A film to spread hope and fight suicide
For our last Whole Child Collaborative job alike meeting this year, on April 30 we are hosting a special IN PERSON screening event of MY ACSENSCION, a film to spread hope and fight suicide, live Q&A with Emma Benoit, and district/school prevention planning! Lunch is also included. There is no cost to attend, however there are limited seats available (100 seats only). We encourage you to attend as a district/school team with Superintendents; District/School Administrators; MTSS , PBIS; and Wraparound personnel; Athletic Directors; School Community Partners. If you have any questions, please contact Teresa Hearn at thearn@pioneerresa.org or Jason Kaup at jkaup@pioneerresa.org.
Following the GaDOE teacher tour, these sessions will offer an in-depth exploration of each domain within the revised Georgia K-12 ELA Standards. Participants, including district and school leaders, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders, will focus on integrating the standards into their own curriculum, assessments, and literacy instruction schedules. Emphasis will be placed on aligning practices with the updated expectations to enhance instructional effectiveness, equipping leaders to guide this work across their districts.
Space is limited! Register today to secure your spot!
This online course serves as an introduction to educating exceptional children and youth. It focuses on the identification and best practices for teaching exceptional individuals. Participants will be provided with specific instructional strategies and resources to implement effective educational programs for students with disabilities. This course fulfills the state requirements for H.B. 671 for teachers in Georgia and is approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC). For candidates planning to enter the GaTAPP program next year, completing this course early is a great way to get ahead.
What’s New in Educator Preparation:
GaTAPP, GaLAPP & Exceptional Child Course
Take a look at the latest from Pioneer RESA’s Professional Learning Department! This update highlights important developments in our educator preparation programs, including GaTAPP, GaLAPP, and the Exceptional Child Course.
Don't miss your chance to join us for an unforgettable experience of learning, networking, and leadership growth in the beautiful North Georgia mountains!
Dates: June 8th–11th
Location: Brasstown Valley Resort
Spots Remaining: Only 34 left!
Come connect with fellow leaders, gain fresh insights, and recharge for the year ahead. Grow as a leader and connect with others in a setting that inspires reflection and renewal.
Register now before it’s full!
Bimonthly virtual calls for updates, networking, and specialized training for curriculum and professional learning leaders through a partnership between the GaDOE Office of Teaching and Learning and your statewide RESA network.
When: Every Other Wednesday 9:00 AM-10:00 AM
Upcoming Dates:
No meeting on April 2nd
April 16, 2025
April 30, 2025
May 14, 2025
No meeting on May 28, 2025
We are now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year for our GaTAPP and GaLAPP programs! GaTAPP (Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy) is a non-traditional certification pathway for aspiring educators. GaLAPP (Georgia Leader Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy) is our alternative leadership preparation program designed for individuals seeking Tier I leadership certification. Apply now to take the next step in your teaching or leadership journey!
School Districts can request additional professional learning from North GLRS by contacting Sandy Walden, North GLRS Director or Lara Butler, North GLRS Continuous Improvement Specialist. Requests should come from building level administrators or the Special Education Director. Professional learning provided by North GLRS must be tied to the GLRS Scope of Work as determined annually by the GADOE and should support the achievement, graduation rate, post-secondary success and needs of the whole child for all students including students with disabilities.
Pioneer RESA is hiring! We're looking for passionate, motivated professionals to join our team and help support schools and educators across Northeast Georgia. If you—or someone you know—are committed to making a meaningful impact in education, check out our current vacancies. Please share with anyone who might be interested in growing with us and making a difference!
We are excited to announce the upcoming FY25 Job Alike sessions. These sessions provide an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with peers in similar roles across the region. By sharing best practices, resources, and strategies, we can collectively enhance our efforts and support the critical work we do as educators.
Collaboration with those in like positions is essential for professional growth and improving student outcomes. We look forward to your participation and the insightful discussions that will strengthen our educational community.
Understanding the Redesigned Georgia Milestones ELA Assessment
Join the GaDOE Assessment team for the latest updates pertaining to the redesigned Georgia Milestones English Language Arts (ELA) assessments, aligned with Georgia’s K-12 ELA Standards. Topics will include test design, item types, writing rubrics, and availability of resources.
Understanding Georgia Milestones Webinar Series
Do you have questions about the Georgia Milestones assessments? The Understanding Georgia Milestones webinar series includes the answers to frequently asked questions related to test design, test questions, reading passages (ELA only), item scoring, test results, and score interpretation.
Georgia Literacy Academy- Literacy for K-3 Electives Courses
The content in Every Classroom Counts: Georgia Literacy Academy for K-3 Electives Courses were designed especially for electives teachers of K-3rd grade students and meets the professional learning requirements of the Georgia Early Literacy Act for this group of teachers.
Adolescent Literacy: Effective Instructional Practices Series
Join Keys to Literacy and the Georgia Department of Education for this series of engaging live webinars where you will explore evidence-based strategies to enhance literacy outcomes for students in grades 4-12. Participants will leave equipped with actionable insights to transform literacy instruction and support all learners effectively.
Dates:
April 7, 2025: Effective Writing Instructional Practices (suitable for content area teachers) – Explore effective strategies for integrating writing into subject-specific instruction for students in grades 4-12. Participants will gain practical techniques for implementing quick writes in their classrooms, understand how to connect writing with reading strategies, and leave with ready-to-use templates to engage and support adolescent learners in various content areas, including ELA.
May 5, 2025: Connecting the Writing Rope and Reading Rope with Keys to Literacy (suitable for all teachers) – Discover how the interconnected strands of writing and reading can be leveraged to enhance literacy instruction. This session will explore the connections between Scarborough’s “Reading Rope” and Sedita’s “Writing Rope,” and it will highlight the reciprocal relationship between writing and reading. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of and practical methods for aligning writing and reading instruction, as well as resources to support student literacy development.
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Special Education Directors' Webinar
The K-12 Special Education Directors’ webinar is held monthly to support districts in the implementation of IDEA and improve results for students with disabilities.
Dates: April 8th, May 13th
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Fit Georgia Office Hours
Office hours are available for discussions and questions regarding Fit Georgia.
Dates: April 9th, April 23rd, May 7th
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Data Collection and Validation Open Office Hours
The GaDOE Data Collection and Validation team will hold open office hours to address your questions and concerns to prepare for completing Student Class (SC), Certified/Classified Personnel Information (CPI), Student Record (SR), and Full-Time Equivalent (FTE).
Dates: April 10th, May 8th, June 5th, June 12th
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
ELA Graduation Guidance Open Office Hours
Each session will begin with a 20-minute update of a key topic related to the new guidance. The remainder of the hour will be dedicated to open Q&A, allowing participants to ask questions, seek clarification, and share feedback and examples of what their district is doing. Since these are open sessions, feel free to drop in as best meets your schedule.
Dates:
April 14, 2025 (Session 4): Course Descriptions – The Flexibility of Georgia’s K-12 ELA Standards
May 12, 2025 (Session 5): Course Descriptions – ELA Electives Showcase
June 9, 2025 (Session 6): Countdown to School Year 2025-26 – What do you need?
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
EIP and REP Technical Assistance Chats
The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) invites district and school leaders to drop in to ask questions and seek clarification on Early Intervention Program (EIP) and Remedial Education Program (REP) expectations. During these drop-in sessions, attendees can ask questions pertaining to the 2024-25 Early Intervention Program (EIP) Guidance and the 2024-25 Remedial Education Program (REP) Guidance. These sessions will not be recorded, and registration is required.
Dates: April 16th, May 21st, June 18th
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
ESOL Directors Munch and Learn
This webinar series will provide ESOL program leaders with information, resources, and updates for managing their language programs, including guest speakers from GaDOE and other institutions, as applicable.
Dates: April 16th, May 7th
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Let's Talk ELA, GA!
The Georgia Department of Education English Language Arts content team invites leaders throughout the state to join a virtual professional learning series to prepare for the implementation of Georgia’s K-12 English Language Arts Standards. Important updates will be provided monthly to support leaders. There will be time set aside monthly for attendees to ask questions pertaining to the standards. These sessions will not be recorded, and registration is required.
Dates: April 17th, May 15th, June 12th
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Accessing Results for Georgia's New School Climate Survey 2024-2025
This statewide webinar demonstrates how to access the New School Climate Survey data within MyGaDOE Portal. Webinar attendees will understand where to find the reports feature of the survey application and learn of plans for additional tools to assist with using survey data for improvement.
Date: April 17th
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Lexile in Action: Strategies for Literacy Success
Discover how Lexile data within the Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS) can transform literacy strategies. This session highlights the importance of understanding literacy and competency data to identify and support students struggling with reading comprehension. Learn practical methods as the Technology Services team models how to analyze Lexile data and develop actionable literacy strategies to enhance student success. Join us to unlock the power of Lexile data in your classroom.
Dates:
April 21st from 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
June 16th from 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
June 18th from 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Instructional Tech Talks
The goal of the Instructional Tech Talk (iTT) initiative is to inspire and equip a community of Instructional Technology Specialists, academic coaches, and others by creating a platform where participants can share personal stories, struggles, successes, and EdTech resources and tips with each other to recharge the coaching batteries. Each iTT session features guest speakers who charge up and engage participants in inspiring Q&A time.
Dates: April 22nd
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Gifted Education and Advanced Academics Open Office Hours
Join the GaDOE for an informal discussion related to gifted education and advanced academics that will include a Q&A time. You may drop in as you need to do so.
Dates:
April 24th from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
May 29th from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Let's Talk Math, GA!
The Georgia Department of Education Mathematics Team invites mathematics leaders throughout the state to join a virtual professional learning series to support the implementation of Georgia’s K-12 Mathematics Standards. Important updates will be provided monthly to support district leaders.
Dates: April 25th, May 16th, June 20th
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Federal Programs Timely Talks
During each monthly Timely Talks session, GaDOE Federal Programs staff share right-on-time guidance that informs upcoming grant cycle topics. All federal programs leaders are encouraged to register and participate in this series that addresses overarching topics relevant to all programs. Each session includes dedicated time for questions and answers. While live participation is encouraged, each session is recorded and posted in the GaDOE Community Professional Learning Catalog for later viewing.
Dates: April 29th, May 20th
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Literacy Coach Network
Literacy coaches serve a vital and often singular role in our schools. The goal of the Literacy Coach Network is to provide a space for coaches to come together; support one another; and gain new perspectives, resources, and information. Each session has a different grounding focus related to one slice of the coaching role. Leaders from the GaDOE Literacy Team and the Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy will facilitate the sessions and share select resources, but ultimately the power of our time together will come from the collective strength of the literacy coaches who lean into this collaborative undertaking.
Dates:
May 7th: Data, Now What?
June 4th: Curriculum: Reflecting on the Year
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
PQ & In-Field Open Office Hours
Presenters discuss new gifted requirements, 20-day notifications, delivery model requirements, ACS coding, and AP/IB coding requirements in CPI. Time is provided for questions and answers.
Dates: May 13th
Time: 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM