Professional Learning Opportunities
Professional Learning Opportunities
July and August
Embedded Files
GLRS
GLRS
Getting Started with the Wilson Reading Program (2 Day Course)
Facilitated by Lara Butler (lbutler@pioneerresa.org)
Dates Offered: July 16th and 17th
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Mastering IEP Best Practices: Essential Skills for New Special Education Teachers
Facilitated by Sandy Walden (swalden@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: July 21st
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Future Ready! Helping Students with Disabilities Prepare for Post Secondary Education, Employment, and Everyday Life!
Facilitated by Sandy Walden (swalden@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: July 25th
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Mountain Education Regional Support Center
Special Education Directors Collaborative Community
Facilitated by Sandy Walden (swalden@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: August 15th
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Understanding Dyslexia and Reading Practices that Support Struggling Learners
Facilitated by Lara Butler (lbutler@pioneerresa.org)
Dates Offered: August 20th
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Mastering IEP Best Practices: Essential Skills for New Special Education Teachers
Facilitated by Sandy Walden (swalden@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: August 22nd
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Introduction to UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute Foundations Program)
Facilitated by Lara Butler (lbutler@pioneerresa.org)
Dates Offered: August 22nd
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
School Psychologist Collaborative Community
Facilitated by Sandy Walden (swalden@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: August 25th
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Co-Teaching Teams Training
Facilitated by Lara Butler (lbutler@pioneerresa.org)
Dates Offered: August 26th
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Transition Collaborative Community
Facilitated by Teresa Bruce (teresa.bruce@pioneerresa.org)
Dates Offered: August 27th
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Special Education Teacher Induction Program for New Special Education Teachers: Year 1
Facilitated by Lara Butler (lbutler@pioneerresa.org)
Dates Offered: August 28th, September 19th, November 3rd, February 11th
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Administrators
Administrators
Teacher Keys Effectiveness System Training and Credentialing
Facilitated by Jan Pearce (jpearce@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: July 9th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Leader Keys Effectiveness System Training and Credentialing
Facilitated by Jan Pearce (jpearce@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: July 14th
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Teacher Keys Effectiveness System Training and Credentialing
Facilitated by Jan Pearce (jpearce@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: August 20th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Leader Keys Effectiveness System Training and Credentialing
Facilitated by Jan Pearce (jpearce@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: August 27th
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Tribunal Training
Facilitated by Jason Kaup (jkaup@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: September 4th
Time: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Principal Collaborative
Facilitated by Kevin Gaines (kevin.gaines@hart.k12.ga.us)
Date Offered: September 8th
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Math
Math
The Power of Progressions: Untangling the Knotty Areas of Teaching and Learning Mathematics (Addition, Subtraction, and Place Value)
Facilitated by Graham Fletcher Questions? Contact: Marcia Williams (mwilliams@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: September 3rd
Location: Habersham EMC
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
The Power of Progressions: Untangling the Knotty Areas of Teaching and Learning Mathematics (Fractions)
Facilitated by Graham Fletcher Questions? Contact: Marcia Williams (mwilliams@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: September 4th
Location: Habersham EMC
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Literacy
Literacy
Sound Walls: Building Better Readers
Facilitated by Dana Penland (dpenland@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: August 29th
Location: Pioneer RESA
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Curriculum & Instruction
Curriculum & Instruction
Heads Together
Facilitated by GaDOE & RESA Network Questions? Contact: Allison Funk (afunk@pioneerresa.org)
Dates Offered: July 9th, July 23rd, August 6th, August 20th, September 3rd
GACIS
Facilitated by Jan Pearce (jpearce@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: August 13th
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Coaches Academy 2025-2026 (Fall)
Coaches Academy 2025-2026 (Fall)
Other
Other
PBIS District Coordinator Job Alike (VIRTUAL)
Facilitated by Jason Kaup (jkaup@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: July 9th
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Substitute Teacher Training
Facilitated by Jason Kaup (jkaup@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: July 18th
Time: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Mental Health Specialist Job Alike
Facilitated by Jason Kaup (jkaup@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: August 13th
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Substitute Teacher Training
Facilitated by Jason Kaup (jkaup@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: August 15th
Time: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
School Social Worker Job Alike
Facilitated by Jason Kaup (jkaup@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: August 18th
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
ESOL and Gifted Endorsements
ESOL and Gifted Endorsements
2025-2026 School Year
2025-2026 School Year
We are excited to offer endorsement opportunities in ESOL and Gifted education. Our endorsement cohorts will begin in the fall and winter to accommodate the needs of all educators. Course 1 registration for the fall cohort in both ESOL and Gifted endorsements is now open. Please see below for start dates and registration information.
Exceptional Child Course
Exceptional Child Course
This 10 week 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.
GaTAPP and GaLAPP Programs
GaTAPP and GaLAPP Programs
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!
Save the Date: Principal Collaborative
Save the Date: Principal Collaborative
The Principal Collaborative is a professional learning and networking opportunity designed to support school leaders across our region in strengthening instructional leadership, fostering school improvement, and sharing best practices. This series will bring principals together throughout the year to engage in collaborative learning, explore current educational topics, and discuss challenges and successes in leading schools.
Our first session is scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025, at 9:00 AM at Pioneer RESA. We look forward to building a strong community of leaders committed to continuous improvement and student success.
Introducing the Pioneer RESA Let's Read Georgia Literacy Coaches
Introducing the Pioneer RESA Let's Read Georgia Literacy Coaches
We are excited to introduce the 2025-2026 Pioneer RESA Literacy Coaching Team! What started as a team of one full-time and two part-time coaches has now grown to five full-time and three part-time literacy coaches. They are all ready and eager to serve across our region.
Each district has been assigned a dedicated literacy coach who will work alongside your teams to support and strengthen local literacy efforts. Coaches will be reaching out soon to schedule an introduction and begin conversations around how they can best support your goals. In the meantime, feel free to contact your assigned coach directly—their contact information is included below.
While support may look different from one district to another, here are just a few ways these coaches might be utilized:
Co-planning and modeling evidence-based literacy instruction
Engaging in coaching cycles with teachers and/or coaches to provide job-embedded professional learning through goal setting, observation, modeling, feedback, and reflection
Facilitating professional learning around the new ELA standards and the Science of Reading
Supporting curriculum implementation and aligning resources with instructional goals
Assisting with literacy block design, lesson planning, and instructional routines
Leading or participating in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) focused on improving literacy outcomes
Coaching teachers and instructional leaders using data to drive instruction
Participating in literacy walkthroughs alongside district or school staff to identify trends and determine next steps for professional learning
Collaborating on intervention strategies and student progress monitoring
These are just a few ideas, the possibilities are truly limitless. We want you to begin thinking now about how your district and elementary schools might best utilize your assigned literacy coach to support your local goals and initiatives.
Meet Our New Literacy Coaches at Pioneer RESA
Meet Our New Literacy Coaches at Pioneer RESA
Welcoming Back Our Returning Literacy Coaches
Welcoming Back Our Returning Literacy Coaches
Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS) Corner
Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS) Corner
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.
This is the annual update from GAEL for any administrator/staff member who has been trained as a district hearing officer, or student discipline hearing panel member. All participants in the student discipline hearing process must watch the update video and complete the google form to document their completion of the annual tribunal training updates.
If you have anyone who is a new administrator or new hearing officer and they need the initial 5-hour course, Pioneer RESA has one remaining in-person opportunity for this training:
In-person at Pioneer RESA, Thursday, September 4, 2025, 8:30-Noon, Course #4743
Please contact Dr. Jason Kaup if you have any questions or need any assistance with either the annual update or registering participants for the upcoming in-person Pioneer RESA initial 5-hour training course.
Additionally, GAEL will offer New Tribunal Member Trainings virtually on the third Thursday of each month, May through October, to register for these courses, please contact Dr. Jimmy Stokes at jstokes@gael.org, 770-601-3798, to get the training link and materials. These sessions will be held on May 15, June 19, July 17, August 14, September 18, and October 16. GAEL offers one additional in-person training on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 8:30 am at the annual GAEL Summer Conference.
FY26 Job Alike Offerings
We are excited to announce the upcoming FY26 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.
2025-2026 Mathematics Professional Learning
2025-2026 Mathematics Professional Learning
The 2025–2026 Mathematics Professional Learning offerings at Pioneer RESA provide a range of in-person sessions designed to strengthen instructional practice in math across grade levels:
Power of Progressions facilitated by Graham Fletcher
Grades K-3: Untangling the Knotty Areas of Teaching and Learning Mathematics (Focuses on addition, subtraction, and place value.)
Grades 3–8: Untangling the Knotty Areas of Teaching and Learning Mathematics. (Focuses on fractions.)
Mastering Manipulatives with Learning Plans
Separate grade-level sessions (K–2, 3–5, 6, 7, 8) in fall and spring provide hands-on strategies using manipulatives, with free materials included.
Teaching, Technology, and Teamwork (9–12)
Full-day sessions supporting high school math instruction through collaboration and tech integration.
We hope you will make plans to join us for these exciting opportunities. Please see the flyer for more details.
Professional Learning Offerings
Professional Learning Offerings
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.
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.
Let's Talk ELA, GA! for Teachers
Join the Georgia DOE ELA team for Let’s Talk ELA, GA! for Teachers, a new virtual professional learning series designed to support Georgia’s classroom educators with the implementation of Georgia’s K-12 English Language Arts (ELA) Standards. Each interactive session will engage participants with a different focus. Through dialogue and shared expertise, participants will build a stronger understanding of how to implement the standards effectively. Teachers will leave with practical resources and a deeper understanding of how to bring the new standards to life in their classrooms. Come ready to connect, collaborate, and create! Let’s get the conversation started!
Dates:
July 8th (10:00-11:00 a.m.): Collaborative Planning — This session will provide K-12 teachers with an opportunity to explore the updated standards, share instructional strategies, and co-develop lesson ideas that promote literacy growth.
August 12th, September 9th, October 14th, November 18th, December 9th (4:00-5:00 p.m.)
Examining Expectations for Student Writing: Grades 3 & 5
(Limited capacity. Each district is asked to register only one participant per grade band.)
Join the GaDOE Test Development team to learn about expectations for student writing on the NEW Georgia Milestones English Language Arts assessment. In this session, participants will take a deep dive into the new three-trait writing rubric. This one-day session for Grades 3 & 5 will be offered on the dates shown below. Register for only ONE session.
Dates: July 8th, 9th, 10th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Examining Expectations for Student Writing: Grade 8 and Lit and Comp II
(Limited capacity. Each district is asked to register only one participant per grade band.)
Join the GaDOE Test Development team to learn about expectations for student writing on the NEW Georgia Milestones English Language Arts assessment. In this session, participants will take a deep dive into the new three-trait writing rubric. This one-day session for Grade 8 and Literature and Composition II will be offered on the dates shown below. Register for only ONE session.
Dates: July 8th, 9th, 10th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
GKIDS 2.0/Readiness Check Pre-Administration
System Test Coordinators are presented with guidance in support of their schools as they prepare for the school year.
Date: July 10th
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 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: July 10th, August 14th, September 11th, October 16th, November 20th, December 11th
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Exploring Elementary Mathematics Progressions
Join us for a deep dive into the elementary mathematics learning progressions outlined in Georgia’s K–12 Mathematics Standards. This session will highlight research-based teaching practices and examine how mathematical concepts develop within and across grade levels. Participants will engage in thoughtful exploration of the coherent structure of the standards and how they support student understanding and long-term success in mathematics.
Date: July 10th
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Inspired Instruction Series: Explore Inspire's Content Resources
Join us this summer for Inspired Instruction, a hands-on series where you’ll work directly in Inspire with Curriculum and Instruction experts to explore ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies resources. Experience live demos, pick up time-saving navigation tips, and get real answers to the most frequently asked questions. Whether you’re new to Inspire or ready to sharpen your skills, you’ll leave with fresh ideas and practical tools to fuel student success.
Dates:
July 10th, 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (ELA)
July 17th, 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM (Math)
July 21st, 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM (Math)
July 21st, 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM (Social Studies)
July 24th, 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM (Social Studies)
August 4th, 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM (Science)
August 7th, 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM (Science)
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:
July 14th, August 11th, September 8th
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Assessment Training for System Test Coordinators, Part 1
System Test Coordinators are presented guidance and policy related to summative assessments and formative assessment options. Included in the presentation are issues of test security, student privacy, and district assessment planning for the current academic year.
Date: July 15th
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Fit Georgia Office Hours
Office hours are available for discussions and questions regarding Fit Georgia.
Dates: July 16th, July 30th, August 6th
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Fall 2025 Technology Directors Assessment Training
District Technology Directors are presented with information and guidance needed to set up online platforms for state-mandated assessments during the Fall and Winter administrations.
Date: July 17th
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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: July 18th, August 22nd, September 19th, October 31st, November 21st, December 12th
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Unpacking Digital Standards with GaDOE SuitCASE
Discover the power of Georgia’s innovative standards platform, SuitCASE, in this engaging live webinar. Learn to navigate frameworks and engage with standards in a digital format. Explore features like associations, comments, pins, copy, print, and search. Understand how SuitCASE supports your work in the classroom by exploring enhanced notes, evidence of student learning, and work examples. Join the Technology Services team to uncover new features and the latest updates in SuitCASE.
Dates: July 21st (11:00-11:45 AM), September 2nd (2:00-2:45 PM)
Unlocking Success: Connecting Science and Social Studies to Literacy
How do social studies and science connect to literacy and the Science of Reading? This interactive webinar will link the importance of integrating social studies and science instruction in supporting students’ reading comprehension. This session will include a variety of engaging activities that connect the science and social studies to literacy. Participants will leave with strategies and free lessons to use in their classroom.
Dates: July 21st
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
FY26 Federal Programs Timely Talks
Each monthly Timely Talks session features GaDOE Federal Programs staff providing timely guidance on upcoming grant cycle topics. Federal programs leaders are encouraged to register and participate in this series, which addresses overarching, timely topics relevant to all programs. While live attendance is encouraged, sessions are recorded and available later in the GaDOE Community Professional Learning Catalog. Sessions highlight a main topic, allow time for emerging grant cycle updates, and include a dedicated question and answer segment.
Dates:
July 22, 2025: Equitable Services Start of Year
August 12, 2025: Use of Funds, ConApp Budgets
September 23, 2025: ConApp Budgets, FY25 Completion Reports
October 21, 2025: Equitable Services Fall Updates
November 4, 2025: Drawdowns and Source Documentation
December 9, 2025: Ongoing Monitoring, Implementation/Effectiveness, CLIP Progress Monitoring
January 20, 2026: Carryover Budgets and Mid-Year Allocation Adjustments
February 17, 2026: Identifying Needs with Stakeholder Input, FY27 CLIP
March 24, 2026: Equitable Services Spring Updates
April 21, 2026: Ongoing Monitoring, Implementation/Effectiveness, FY27 CLIP
May 19, 2026: Year End CloseoutTime: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Keeping Phenomena in Focus
What is the big deal with a phenomenon—and how is it structured for science learning? A phenomenon can drive three-dimensional science instruction. Join this session to discuss the importance of phenomena as well as what it is and what it isn’t. Resources and strategies will be shared! (If you are interested in the next step, check out our other session, Introducing, Connecting, and Supporting Science Vocabulary, linked in the Additional Resources below.)
Dates: July 23rd (Repeat Session)
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Introducing, Connecting, and Supporting Science Vocabulary
A phenomenon provides the foundation to connect and build meaning of new science vocabulary in context. Join this session to discuss how a strong foundation can lead to providing intentional strategies for differentiation across English language proficiency levels. (This session is being offered as a next step to the Keeping Phenomena in Focus session.)
Dates: July 24th (Repeat Session)
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
SB351 Implementation Webinar
With the passage of Senate Bill 351, Georgia public schools are required to implement methods for promoting responsible digital citizenship and the safe and appropriate use of technology. The Georgia Department of Education has partnered with Parent ProTech to provide districts and schools with a solution to comply with this new state requirement and to equip our educators to keep students safe online. Join this informational webinar to learn more about this support.
Dates: July 29th (10:00-10:45 AM), July 30th (2:00-2:30 PM)
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:
July 9, 2025
July 23, 2025
August 6, 2025
August 20, 2025
September 3, 2025
Teaching and Learning Summits
Teaching and Learning Summits
We are excited to announce the upcoming Georgia Department of Education Teaching and Learning Summits, hosted in partnership with North Georgia RESA, Northeast Georgia RESA, and Pioneer RESA.
Please mark your calendars for these two important events designed to bring educators together around best practices, innovation, and collaboration.
Fall Teaching & Learning Summit (Virtual)
Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Location: Online
Join us virtually for a professional learning experience centered on high-quality instruction and receive updates from around the state.
Winter Teaching & Learning Summit (In-Person)
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Location: Ramsey Conference Center, Lanier Technical College, Gainesville, GA
We look forward to seeing you in person for a day of powerful learning, networking, and shared insights across districts.
More information will be available soon.
We can’t wait to learn and grow with you at both events!
Page updated
Report abuse