Professional Learning Opportunities
Professional Learning Opportunities
May, June, and July
Embedded Files
GLRS
GLRS
Special Education Director Collaborative
Facilitated by North GLRS
Questions? Contact: Sandy Walden (swalden@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: May 9th
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Year 2 Special Education Teacher Induction Program
Facilitated by Lara Butler (lbutler@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: June 2nd and 3rd
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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
Administrators
Administrators
Leader Keys Effectiveness System Training and Credentialing
Facilitated by Jan Pearce (jpearce@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: June 2nd
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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 - 4:00 PM
Curriculum & Instruction
Curriculum & Instruction
Heads Together
Facilitated by GaDOE & RESA Network Questions? Contact: Allison Funk (afunk@pioneerresa.org)
Dates Offered: May 14th, June 11th, July 9th, and July 23rd
Curriculum Collaborative (VIRTUAL)
Facilitated by Allison Funk (afunk@pioneerresa.org)
Date Offered: May 14th
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Other
Other
Payroll & Benefits Job Alike
Facilitated by Laura Corley (laura.corley@white.k12.ga.us)
Date Offered: May 8th
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Health Services/School Nurse Job Alike
Facilitated by Jan Pearce (jpearce@pioneerresa.org)
Date offered: May 8th
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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
Summer Leadership
Summer Leadership
Conference 2025
Conference 2025
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 22 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!
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!
Let's Read, GA!
Let's Read, GA!
This week marks the first birthday of Let’s Read, GA!, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate with you! Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with educators, schools, and districts across Northeast Georgia to inspire a love for reading and literacy growth in every district across our region!
Thank you for being a part of this journey! Your support, energy, and commitment have made a powerful impact. We’re looking forward to another incredible year of learning, sharing, and growing together!
As you prepare for summer fun,
Stay connected and learn a ton!
Jump on the Let’s Read Georgia bus,
Scan the codes and follow us!
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:
May 14, 2025
No meeting on May 28, 2025
June 11, 2025
No Meeting on June 25, 2025
July 9, 2025
July 23, 2025
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.
Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS) Corner
Georgia Learning Resources System (GLRS) Corner
Final GLRS FY 25 PL Flyer.pdf
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.
Come Grow With Us at
Come Grow With Us at
Pioneer RESA!
Pioneer RESA!
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!
FY25 Job Alike Offerings
FY25 Job Alike Offerings
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.
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.
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:
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
Fit Georgia Office Hours
Office hours are available for discussions and questions regarding Fit Georgia.
Dates: May 7th
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
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: May 7th
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 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:
May 7th: Data, Now What?
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: 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:
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
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: May 13th
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 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
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:
May 13, 2025 (4-5 p.m.): Understanding Georgia’s K-12 ELA Standards — In this kickoff session, we’ll explore the structure and purpose of Georgia’s K-12 English Language Arts Standards, unpack the organizational framework, and highlight key conceptual shifts. Whether you’re new to the standards or looking to refresh your understanding, this session will lay the foundation for confident, standards-aligned instruction.
June 10, 2025 (10-11 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 8, 2025 (10-11 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.
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: May 15th, June 12th, July 10th, August 14th
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Overview of Best Practices to Support Student Mental Health within Tier 2
Symptoms of anxiety and depression have significantly increased over the past five years, with at least 18-25 percent of youth experiencing clinically significant anxiety and/or depression. Mental health challenges are even higher in special populations, with as many as 70 percent of autistic youth experiencing clinically significant anxiety, depression, and/or ADHD. It is important for educators, providers, and student support staff to support mental health symptoms because they may manifest as school refusal (resulting in absences or tardies), physical complaints that may result in trips to the nurse’s office, disruptive behavior that may result in excessive disciplinary action, and difficulty engaging in classroom and extra-curricular activities. This webinar provides an overview of best practice strategies to support anxiety, depression, and executive function challenges for youth within Tier 2. It also includes considerations for adapting these practices when working with neurodivergent youth and other special populations.
Date: May 15th
Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 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: 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: May 20th
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
FY25 REI Partnership Hours
Join the Office of Rural Education and Innovation (REI) team for monthly office hours to highlight resources for removing academic and non-academic barriers to learning for students in rural districts. Participants will learn about existing and new resources available to support college and career readiness, instruction, wraparound supports, teacher and leader recruitment and retention, and technology. Participants will have an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and share innovative practices with other rural districts across the state.
Date: May 20th
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: May 21st, June 18th
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 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:
May 29th from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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
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)
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)
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 11, 2025: 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 18, 2025: 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
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
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
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