Professional Learning Opportunities
June and July
June and July
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
Teacher Keys Effectiveness System Training and Credentialing
Facilitated by Jan Pearce (jpearce@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: June 4th
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tribunal Training
Facilitated by Jason Kaup (jkaup@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: June 11th
Time: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Brasstown Valley Resort
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
Heads Together
Facilitated by GaDOE & RESA Network Questions? Contact: Allison Funk (afunk@pioneerresa.org)
Dates Offered: June 11th, July 9th, and July 23rd
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
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 14 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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
The links below are the annual update for previously trained administrators/hearing officers/panel members only, if you have anyone who is a new administrator or new hearing officer and they need the initial 5-hour course, Pioneer RESA offers two in-person opportunities for this training:
Post-Conference Session at Brasstown Valley Resort, Wednesday, June 11, 2025 8:30-Noon, Course #4620
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 two upcoming in-person Pioneer RESA initial 5-hour training courses.
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.
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.
Launching Project/Problem-Based Learning
Are you looking to increase student engagement within your classroom? Join us for a two-day interactive, virtual professional learning opportunity focusing on project/problem-based learning. The workshop is designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to implement project/problem-based learning in their classrooms. The sessions will be facilitated by Dr. John Spencer. Day One sessions will focus on building a foundation for project/problem-based learning. Day Two sessions will focus on creating a PBL to use in your classroom. Dr. Spencer is a former middle school teacher and current college professor who is passionate about assisting students in reaching their creative potential. He is the co-author of the bestselling books, “Launch,” “Empower,” “Vintage Innovation,” and “The AI Roadmap.”
Dates: June 3rd and 4th
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
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:
June 4th: Curriculum: Reflecting on the Year
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
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: 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:
June 9th, July 14th, August 11th, September 8th
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
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: June 9th (10:00-10:30 AM ), July 29th (10:00-10:45 AM), July 30th (2:00-2:30 PM)
Integrating Creativity into the Content Areas
Participants will learn instructional strategies with examples of how to integrate creativity into the main content areas. These strategies will support standards/inquiry-based teaching and learning and differentiated instruction for advanced learners and teachers. Participants will integrate creativity strategies into their own units/lessons.
Dates: June 9th (10:00-11:00 AM), June 10th (2:00-3:00 PM ), June 30th (10:00-11:00 AM)
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: June 9th (4:00-4:45 PM), June 12th (9:00-9:45 AM), July 21st (11:00-11:45 AM), September 2nd (2:00-2:45 PM)
It's a Mystery! Making Mystery Music Lessons
Struggling with student engagement in your music classroom? Let your students be their own detectives and solve the mystery while they are learning! Learn how to create effective mystery lessons that are intriguing and fun for your students.
Dates: June 10th
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
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:
June 10th (10:00-11:00 a.m.): Domain Jigsaw — Teachers will break out into working groups to discuss one of the four domains. After becoming their domain’s experts, teachers will come back together as a whole group to share their understanding, allowing everyone to piece together the full standards framework collaboratively.
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.)
Learner Agency and Teacher Clarity: Secondary
Join the Georgia DOE team for a highly interactive session for grade 6-12 teachers focused on facilitating and planning student-centered practices or personalized learning. All content is aligned with Georgia’s vision and standards for personalized learning.
Our goal is to better understand the why, what, and how of learner agency and teacher clarity. We will explore how to develop a mindset that encourages setting goals and embracing mistakes as learning opportunities. With teacher clarity, we will practice communicating the learning intention and success criteria so students can identify their learning progress. Activities will include student-focused approaches and simulations of best practices in action, including voice and choice.
Facilitators will share hands-on and reflection activities designed to engage and empower learners. Participants will walk away with knowledge of easy-to-use learner-centered experiences and the ability to apply practices that build capacity for the sustainability of personalized learning.
Date: June 11th
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Essential Elements of a Structured Literacy Block, Parts I & II
Since literacy involves the development of many interconnected skills, schools must ensure that students are engaged daily in a literacy block that addresses word recognition, comprehension, and writing. This two-part series will explore a Structured Literacy Block Screening Tool offered by GaDOE that is intended to serve as an initial screening step to gauge the presence of all essential elements within a comprehensive structured literacy block. Participants who engage with all 8 indicators will leave with a clear picture of what constitutes a structured literacy block and access to a screening tool for considering next steps in adjusting schedules, training, and resources to accomplish its full implementation.
Dates:
June 11th: Part 1 Word Recognition focuses on 4 of the 8 indicators from the Structured Literacy Block Screening Tool–phonemic awareness, phonics, decodable text, and word meaning.
June 18th: Part 2 Text Comprehension focused on the remaining 4 of 8 indicators from the Structured Literacy Block Screening Tool–complex syntax, linguistic differences, writing, comprehension standards/strategies. [Prerequisite: Essential Elements of a Structured Literacy Block, Part 1 Word Recognition]
Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 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: June 12th, July 10th, August 14th, September 11th, October 16th, November 20th, December 11th
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Science Assessment Series: Supporting Student Proficiency, Part 1
Join the GaDOE science team for this virtual, three-part series on science assessment. The sessions will explore resources and strategies to support standards-based assessment. A varied approach to proficiency measures will be discussed, from formative to summative. The first two sessions are synchronous, and the third session will be provided as an on-demand session. (Be sure to check out our Science Assessment Series: Supporting Student Proficiency, Part 2 as a next step.)
Date: June 12th
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Science Assessment Series: Supporting Student Proficiency, Part 2
Join the GaDOE science team for this virtual, three-part series on science assessment. The sessions will explore resources and strategies to support standards-based assessment. A varied approach to proficiency measures will be discussed, from formative to summative. The first two sessions are synchronous, and the third session will be provided as an on-demand session. (Be sure to register for our Science Assessment Series: Supporting Student Proficiency, Part 1.)
Date: June 13th
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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: June 13th, July 21st
Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
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:
June 16th from 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
June 18th from 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
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: June 17th, 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: June 18th, July 24th (Repeat Session)
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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: June 18th
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 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: June 20th, July 18th, August 22nd, September 19th, October 31st, November 21st, December 12th
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Fit Georgia Office Hours
Office hours are available for discussions and questions regarding Fit Georgia.
Dates: June 25th, July 16th, July 30th, August 6th
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Quad Text Sets: Building Knowledge by Scaffolding Text Comprehension
Research consistently reinforces the vital role that background knowledge plays in comprehension. Historically, though, there has been a tendency to place standards and strategies at the forefront of literacy instruction with content knowledge taught separately or covered tangentially whenever possible. Quad text sets offer a systematic instructional approach to correcting that misconception. Participants will leave with strategies and resources to support teachers with planning and implementing quad text sets that strategically build knowledge while also developing literacy skills that transfer across texts.
Date: July 2nd
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:30 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 7th, 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM (ELA)
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)
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
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
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
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
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 Closeout
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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:
June 11, 2025
No Meeting on June 25, 2025
July 9, 2025
July 23, 2025