The Connection
October 2024 updates from your friends at Metro RESA
Metro RESA Let's Read, Georgia Team
We want to welcome our newest team, Let's Read, Georgia (LRG) to the Metro RESA support network of specialists. In April of 2023, HB 538 was signed into law. This historic bill addresses the literacy deficit in Georgia and identifies components for systematic improvement. Georgia’s Early Literacy Act includes several components that your MRESA Let’s Read, Georgia Literacy Coaching Specialists can support district and building leaders in implementing. We look forward to partnering with you in this work to get Georgia READING! Visit the team's new website pages to learn more.
You will find upcoming professional learning and job-alike supports on the LRG informational pages. To meet the team members and find out who to contact for your district, click here. The LRG team is ready and excited to serve our districts in K-3 literacy!
If you want to receive K-3 literacy information first, sign up today to be included in the Metro RESA LRG K-3 Mailing List. Click Here to Register
LRG Team Supports- Active Now!
Join the Let's Read, Georgia (LRG) Metro RESA Team for immediate support.
- Job-Alike Lunch and Learn Virtual Half-Time Huddles Register Now
- October 9, 2024
- December 10, 2024
- February 26, 2025
- May 14, 2025
- Professional Learning Sessions
- Science of Reading: The What and The Why on November 13, 2024 Register Now
- Science of Reading: The How on January 15, 2025 Register Now
Registration Extended!: Coaching Connections Academy 2024-2025
Metro RESA is proud to offer a five-month, in-person academy created for both new and experienced instructional coaches led by expert leaders in the field. Register before the October 30th session to be a part of the CCA25 cohort. Only a few spaces left!
The Metro RESA Coaching Connections Academy is a focused, engaging, and intensive professional development opportunity available to Metro Atlanta instructional coaches that will begin in the Fall of 2024. The academy aims to provide a big-picture view of instructional coaching, while still diving in deep to develop crucial skills and strategies instructional coaches need to know to become successful coaching partners with the educators and students they serve.
Target Audience: K-12 Building and District-Level Instructional Coaches and Coordinators
Cost: $299 (Click here to register today!)
Sessions:
- September 11th: Personalized Learning
- October 30th: Building Relationships + Creating Positive School Climate and Culture
- November 6th: Diving Into the Data + Improving Outcomes
- December 18th: Small Group/Station Rotation and Action Plan Reflection
- January 22nd: Aspiring Leaders and Graduation/Celebration
Find more updates on the Metro RESA website.
Student-Centered Practices and Differentiation Workshop
Metro RESA will be hosting GaDOE specialist, Tiesha Reed, for an exciting two-day workshop focused on personalized learning for students. The FREE two-day workshops will be filled with strategies and activities used to promote student-centered practices and differentiation in the classroom. If you are looking for professional learning that is fun, exciting, intentional and leaves you ready to head back to school to implement new tools, this is the workshop for you! K-12 educators, intervention staff, instructional coaches, and curriculum leaders are invited to attend.
When: Thursday, October 24 and Friday, October 25 Register Now
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Metro RESA Campus, 1870 Teasley Drive SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
Metro RESA Webinar Series 2024-2025
Join Metro RESA, businesses, and partner school districts to learn how districts around the metro creatively collaborate to meet the demands of today's students, educators, leaders, and various district support departments. Each month Metro RESA will focus on a specific topic relevant to improving stakeholder engagement and success. During sessions, private companies will share opportunities for support through new tools, products, and services. In addition, sessions will include a partnering district perspective. Participants will learn more about the process and specific success directly related to the current partnership. Monthly webinars will run from August 2024 through April 2025. More information and updates can be found on the Metro RESA website.
Quarter I Session Topics: Register Today!
- October 29th: Inspire the Next Generation to Find Their Grind/Preparing Students for the Future of Work - Register to Attend
Metro P-20 Collaborative
Join the Metro P-20 Collaborative this October 25, 2024, for the fall convening. This session will focus on the Top 10 Issues in Education with a theme of Reimagining Ed. Prep Programs through Collaborative Partnerships. Come learn with leaders from the GaDOE, metro K-12 districts, and Higher-Ed institutions. The convenings are a great opportunity to come and connect and learn with leaders across the metro.
Audience: K-12 and Higher-Ed Educators and Leaders
Date: Friday, October 25, 2024
Time: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Mercer University Atlanta Metro Campus, 2930 Flowers Road S, Atlanta, GA 30341
Cost: FREE
Registration: Click Here
iLEAD Tier I and Tier II Certification Program: Opens January 2025
Enrollment Opens January 6, 2025!
iLEAD Tier I and Tier II Leadership Certification
https://www.mresa.org/ilead/home
Since 2016 the Metro RESA iLEAD program has provided Educational Leadership certification to hundreds of leaders in the Metro Area and beyond! The iLEAD program is one year, cost-effective and job-embedded! Detailed program and application information is on our website at https://www.mresa.org/ilead/home
Please also visit our Graduate Spotlight page at https://www.mresa.org/ilead/ilead-graduate-spotlight to see what completers share about our program. We look forward to serving you!
For more information, contact Metro RESA's iLEAD Tier I and II Coordinator, Carmen Havrilla at carmen.havrilla@mresa.org
Brian Buffington: Buff Nuggets/ AI Technology in the Classroom
AI Learning Tools Series with Brian Buffington
Three separate Buff Nuggets sessions will run this 2024-2025 school year. Sessions will be held at the Metro RESA Campus. The cost/session is $149. For more session details, visit the Metro RESA Special Session General PL page. Use the Metro RESA Course Catalog or click the links below to register today!
Amie Dean: Student Behavior Learning Series for 2024-2025
Behavior Learning Series with Amie Dean
Join Metro RESA as we once again host Amie Dean, The Behavior Queen. Amie has a passion for helping students and teachers across the world. Her behavior-focused workshops offer right-on-time strategies to minimize and process behaviors in the classroom successfully. Leave the workshop ready to implement positive and practical strategies that can be used right away.
Three separate Amie Dean sessions will run this 2024-2025 school year. Sessions will be held at the Metro RESA Campus. The cost/session is $199. Session descriptions can be found on the Metro RESA website under Special Sessions General PL Opportunities. Use the Metro RESA Course Catalog or click the links below to register today!
- 12/4/24: The Reboot: Start the New Year Off Right
- 1/29/25: Behavior Interventions That Work
Metro RESA Schools and Districts Recognized for PBIS Excellence!
We are thrilled to announce many of our Metro RESA schools and districts have received recognition from the Georgia Department of Education for their outstanding implementation of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework for the 2023-24 school year! View the list of schools and districts here.
This recognition celebrates schools that exemplify best practices in fostering a positive school climate. Through the dedicated efforts of our educators, staff, and students, we are creating supportive and inclusive environments where all learners can thrive.
The PBIS framework not only enhances student behavior but also promotes a culture of respect, responsibility, and safety across our campuses. This recognition reflects the commitment of our entire community to prioritize the well-being and success of every student.
Whole Child Supports Monthly Mental Health Newsletter
The office of Whole Child Supports has started a Monthly Mental Health in Schools newsletter. Please subscribe to stay abreast of new information, tips and techniques, and additional insight on the mental health in our schools. Also, feel free to email Granville Freeman for any requested "deeper dives" that may interest you or submit an article of interest that you feel others would benefit. He can be contacted at granville.freeman@mresa.org
Mental Health Newsletter: Special Edition
In light of the recent events at Apalachee High School, a special edition of the Mental Health in Schools newsletter was released in September. Please feel free to access and share this edition with anyone you think would benefit from its content. You may also subscribe to receive the regular monthly newsletters by scanning the QR code above. Email Granville Freeman at granville.freeman@mresa.org for more information and support.
Empowering Educators: Mastering Essential Classroom Practices
These full-day workshops are designed to equip educators with effective strategies centered around five essential classroom practices: building relationships, classroom structure and teaching, active engagement, responding to appropriate behavior, and responding to inappropriate behavior. Throughout the workshop, participants will engage in hands-on activities and collaborative discussions to solidify their understanding and application of these practices. Please join us in taking the first step toward transforming your classroom environment!
Learn more about the Metro RESA Whole Child Supports Team and view additional 2024-2025 Whole Child Supports workshop offerings on the Metro RESA website.
Location: Metro RESA Campus, 1870 Teasley Drive, Smyrna, Georgia 30080
Time: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Upcoming 2024-2025 Workshop Sessions:
- Novice Teachers: Tuesday, January 14, 2025- Click Here to Register
For more information about the Metro RESA Empowering Educators: Mastering Essential Classroom Practices Series, please contact Leah.Black@mresa.org and/or Michelle.Sandrock@mresa.org.
Restorative Practices: Introduction and Circles
Purpose: To provide a range of strategies educators can use every day to foster a restorative climate in their school.
Target Audience: District and School Educators and Staff, anyone who works with children, adolescents, or families.
This is a two-day training series. Those who register must be present for both days.
Day One: Introduction into Restorative Practices Day Two: Circles training.
Restorative practices is an emerging social science that focuses on how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within communities. It is a positive step forward in helping students learn to resolve disagreements, take ownership of their behavior, and engage in acts of empathy and forgiveness. During this two-day training, participants will learn fundamental theories and practices for engaging with students, staff, and parents in their school setting. Topics include how to set high expectations while being supportive, how to provide direct feedback and ask questions that foster accountability, and the most effective methods to resolve common conflicts. Participants will also learn to facilitate circles, an essential process for creating a positive learning environment and school culture. Circles may be used to build social capital, resolve social problems, and respond when harm occurs.
The sessions will meet from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
2024-2025 Workshop Dates:
- Thursday, February 27, 2025 and Tuesday, March 4, 2025 (participation required for both dates)- Click Here to Register
For more information about the Metro RESA Restorative Practices: Introduction and Circles Two-Day Workshop or to inquire about setting up a training for your district, please contact Leah.Black@mresa.org and/or Granville.Freeman@mresa.org.
QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (Suicide Prevention Training)
Target Audience: District and school educators and staff, anyone who works with children, adolescents or families
QPR suicide prevention training, also known as gatekeeper training, provides people without professional mental health backgrounds to recognize the warning signs of suicide and intervene effectively to question, persuade, and refer. Through interactive learning modules and real-life scenarios, educators will learn how to become frontline responders in promoting mental health and suicide prevention within their communities. Become empowered to save lives by connecting students in crisis with appropriate resources, referrals, and support.
Learn more about the Metro RESA Whole Child Supports Team and view additional 2024-2025 workshop offerings on the Metro RESA Whole Child Supports professional learning resource pages.
Location: Virtual - Link to be sent at least 48 hours prior to workshop date
Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
2024-2025 Training Opportunities:
- Tuesday, October 22, 2024- Click Here to Register
- Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - Click Here to Register
For more information about the Metro RESA OPR: Questions, Persuade, Refer Training or to inquire about setting up a training for your district, contact Michelle.Sandrock@mresa.org
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Purpose: To teach skills for providing initial help to young people experiencing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis, and substance use disorders.
Target Audience: Teachers, School staff, coaches, people who work with youth
Youth Mental Health First Aid is a training primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people by teaching them how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge or is in crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Participants will learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.
Learn more about the Metro RESA Whole Child Supports Team and view additional 2024-2025 workshop offerings on the Metro RESA Whole Child Supports professional learning resource pages. After registering for the training the participants will be directed to sign up on the MHFA website to complete some pre-work which must be completed prior to the workshop.
Location: Virtual2024-2025 Workshop Dates/Times:
- Tuesday, October 29, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM - Click Here to Register
- Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM - Click Here to Register
- Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM - Click Here to Register
For more information about the Metro RESA Youth Mental Health First Aid Workshops or to inquire about setting up a training for your district, contact Granville.Freeman@mresa.org
Georgia Early Numeracy Project- FREE Workshop!
Building Numeracy Foundations: A Comprehensive Look at the Georgia Early Numeracy Project
Target Audience: K-7 Educators
When: Friday, October 11, 2024 from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Metro RESA Campus, 1870 Teasley Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080
Cost: FREE! Limited Seating!
The Georgia Early Numeracy Project is a free, optional, evidence-based resource for schools and districts to use to help students build a solid foundation in numeracy and algebra readiness. Join us for an in-depth professional learning session dedicated to the Georgia Early Numeracy Project, an intervention resource designed to strengthen students’ understanding of numbers and their ability to use numbers to solve problems. The Georgia Numeracy Project combines assessment and intervention within a school-wide, multi-level prevention system to maximize student achievement and increase numeracy skills. This session will equip educators with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to implement the resource effectively in their schools, with a focus on starting with high-quality Tier 1 instruction and support. Objectives: • Learn how to administer the Global Strategy Stage Assessment (GloSS) and the Individual Knowledge of Assessment of Number (IKAN). • Understand the role of Tier 1 instruction in numeracy development. • Apply practical tools and strategies to enhance numeracy achievement using a multi-tiered prevention system, including how to effectively utilize the Numeracy Intervention Instrument (NII) for students who need more intense intervention and support.
K-2 STEM Integration of Math and Science
Target Audience: K-2 Teachers, Coaches, Administrators
This session will explore the purposeful integration of Georgia's K-12 Mathematics Standards with the Georgia Standards of Excellence in Science for grades K-2. Participants will engage in interactive, grade-specific activities that blend science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Participants will receive various STEM resources to enhance their classroom practices, including curated websites and sample lessons.
Date: October 7, 2024
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Registration: Click Here
Cost: $99
Location: Metro RESA Auditorium, 1870 Teasley Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080
3-5 STEM Integration of Math and Science
Target Audience: 3-5 Teachers, Coaches, Administrators
This session will explore the purposeful integration of Georgia's K-12 Mathematics Standards with the Georgia Standards of Excellence in Science for grades 3-5. Participants will engage in interactive, grade-specific activities that blend science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Participants will receive various STEM resources to enhance their classroom practices, including curated websites and sample lessons.
Date: October 8, 2024
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Registration: Click Here
Cost: $99
Location: Metro RESA Auditorium, 1870 Teasley Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080
Mathematics Effective Teaching Practices: Sessions 2 and 3 Now Registering!
Are you ready to elevate your instructional expertise? Enhance your math teaching skills with the 2024-2025 Exploring Georgia’s Learning Plans Through Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices Series! Join the Metro RESA team in an immersive professional development experience designed to deepen your understanding of research-based instructional strategies. This series focuses on the NCTM’s Effective Mathematics Teaching Practices, aligned with Georgia’s K-12 Mathematics Standards.
Find more information on the Metro RESA website. Sessions cost $99/session. Registrants wishing to participate in all three sessions must register for Session I, Session II, and Session III.
Session 2 Workshops: Goals - Meaningful Discourse and Purposeful Questions
Monday, November 18, 2024: Kinder-First Grade Register Now
Monday, November 18, 2024: Grades 6-7 Register Now
Wednesday, November 20, 2024: Second-Third Grade Register Now
Wednesday, November 20, 2024: Grade 8 and Algebra: C&C Register Now
Thursday, December 5, 2024: Fourth - Fifth Grade Register Now
Thursday, December 5, 2024: Advanced Algebra: C&C Register Now
Session 3 Workshops: Goals - Procedural Fluency, Productive Struggle, and Student Thinking
Tuesday, January 28, 2025: Kinder-First Grade Register Now
Tuesday, January 28, 2025:Grades 6-7 Register Now
Thursday, January 30, 2025: Second-Third Grade Register Now
Wednesday, January 29, 2025: Grade 8 and Algebra: C&C Register Now
Tuesday, February 4, 2025: Fourth - Fifth Grade Register Now
Tuesday, February 4, 2025: Advanced Algebra: C&C Register Now
The Write Stuff with the Metro RESA ELA Team
When writing is used as a tool for learning rather than just a tool of learning, students not only become more proficient writers but also show increased achievement. This session will share literacy strategies that promote the shared ways of reading and thinking that students need to be successful. Participants will learn a variety of instructional approaches to incorporate authentic writing tasks.
Learn more about the Metro RESA ELA team and other upcoming professional learning opportunities on the Metro RESA website.
Location: Metro RESA, 1870 Teasley Drive, Smyrna, Georgia 30080
Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
2024-2025 Workshop Sessions:
- K-2 Educators and Literacy Coaches: Thursday, October 24, 2024- Canceled Due to Low Enrollment (October 29th Session will Now Cover K-5)
- UPDATED! K-5 Educators and Literacy Coaches: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 - Register Now
- 6-12 ELA Educators and Literacy Coaches: November 14, 2024- Register Now
ELA Diving Deeper Series 2024-2025: Foundations Domain
Following the success of Metro RESA's Mathematics Diving Deeper Series, the MRESA ELA Team is rolling out a similar series for K-12 English Language Arts educators. Each separate training session will focus on a domain of Georgia’s new K-12 English Language Arts Standards. Participants will have opportunities to collaborate to deepen their understanding of the Big Ideas, Standards, and Expectations for each domain. The Overview and Practices workshop sessions will provide an overview of the alignment and structure of the new standards. Participants will then dive deeper into the Practices Domain, designed so that students will continuously cultivate key practices that will sustain their literacy endeavors throughout their K-12 education experiences and beyond. To learn more about the Metro RESA ELA Team or more ELA workshops, visit the Metro RESA website.
Foundations Domain 2024 Sessions: 9 AM - 3 PM
- Fall Session: Tuesday, October 22, 2024 (Grades K-5) - Register Now (Only 2 Seats Remaining!)
- Spring Session: Monday, February 10, 2024 (Grades 6-12) - Register Now
GaDOE ELA 2024-2025 Launch Tour
The Fall 2024 sessions of the GaDOE Launch Tour were a success! There is still time to register for the Spring 2025 sessions in March 2025. Join GaDOE as they kick off the 2024-2025 school year with the GaDOE Statewide ELA Launch Tour. Metro educators are invited to attend the sessions at no cost. Sessions will be held at the GaDOE Towers in Atlanta. View the GaDOE informational flyer for more session details. For additional questions, contact the Metro RESA ELA team for more information.
Fall Semester GaDOE ELA Launch Tour Registration is Now Open!
- Tuesday, March 4, 2025: Elementary Session Register Now
- Friday, March 7, 2025: Secondary Session Register Now
ELA Diving Deeper Series Domain Focus: Texts
Following the success of Metro RESA's Mathematics Diving Deeper Series, the MRESA ELA Team is rolling out a similar series for K-12 English Language Arts educators. Each separate training session will focus on a domain of Georgia’s new K-12 English Language Arts Standards. Participants will have opportunities to collaborate to deepen their understanding of the Big Ideas, Standards, and Expectations for each domain. The Overview and Practices workshop sessions will provide an overview of the alignment and structure of the new standards. Participants will then dive deeper into the Practices Domain, designed so that students will continuously cultivate key practices that will sustain their literacy endeavors throughout their K-12 education experiences and beyond. To learn more about the Metro RESA ELA Team or more ELA workshops, visit the Metro RESA website.
Fall 2024 Texts Domain Sessions:
Wednesday, November 20, 2024: Elementary Session Register Now
Thursday, November 21, 2024: Secondary Session Register Now
Spring 2025 Texts Domain Sessions: (Repeat of Fall 2024)
Tuesday, March 11, 2025: Elementary Session Register Now
Wednesday, March 12, 2025: Secondary Session Register Now
Using Cognitive Science to Engage Vocabulary Strategies That Build Literacy Competence
Join the Metro RESA ELA Team for an exciting day of learning cognitive science to engage vocabulary strategies that build literacy competence. Whether the focus is word study or morphology, effective vocabulary instruction is one of the five pillars of reading that is crucial for academic achievement at any grade level. This training will present the cognitive science of vocabulary instruction, going beyond memorizing definitions to developing students' ability to transfer vocabulary acquisition skills to any learning context. To learn more about the Metro RESA ELA Team or more ELA workshops, visit the Metro RESA website.
Winter 2025 Sessions:
Monday, January 27, 2025: Elementary Session Register Now
Tuesday, January 28, 2025: Secondary Session Register Now
Metro West GLRS Has a New Look!
Visit Metro West New Website Pages Today!
Metro West Georgia Learning Resource System (GLRS) is a part of the statewide network of eighteen sites to provide professional learning, technical assistance and resources to educators, leaders, and families students with disabilities.
Metro West GLRS serves the following Local Education Agencies: Clayton County, Cobb County, Douglas County and Forsyth County; Atlanta Public Schools and Marietta City Schools, as well as more than thirty Metro Area State Charter Schools (LEAs)
We provide professional learning opportunities for specified target audiences within the districts that we serve, in addition opportunities are also made available to other districts served by Metro RESA. These opportunities include in-person, virtual and hybrid options. Custom-designed professional learning opportunities are conducted based on school district request meeting the unique needs of the LEA.
The Metro West GLRS Team provides professional learning, technical assistance and coaching school districts regarding various topics such as:
General Supervision-Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), IEP Support and Development
Specially Designed Instruction
High Leverage Practices and Evidence-Based Practices
Supporting and Implementing Graduation and Dropout Prevention Initiatives.
Conducting Comprehensive Data Analysis
Supporting new special education teachers, leaders and instructional coaches
Transition planning and assistive technology support
Metro West GLRS Supports Metro Atlanta ATSI Schools- Spotlight on the Metro
Metro West GLRS has designed a 5-day Specially Designed Instruction Cohort for ATSI schools; spanning from August 2024 to May 2025. This professional development series brings together school teams to support the planning for and implementation of SDI. Guest experts will equip participants with ready-to-use tools for assistive technology, co-teaching best practices, guidance on how to pair instructional techniques to specific processing deficits, and data analysis. Technical assistance is being provided by an MWGLRS Program Specialist in close collaboration with the Georgia Department of Education.
Facilitating Restorative Conferences- A Great Day in the Metro!
Restorative practitioners in the Metro Atlanta School Districts gathered for a 2-day professional learning on facilitating restorative conferences in schools. This advanced-level course focused on enhancing participant's skills in the responsive side of the restorative continuum.
Metro Atlanta Special Education Instructional Coaches Cohort - Spotlight on the Metro
Special Education Instructional Coaches and Leaders gathered for the first of 4 cohort sessions for the 2024-2025 school year. Participants heard from guest expert Kimberly Jenks, Fulton County's IRR Instructional Coordinator on SDI Coaching cycles, Douglas County's SDI Coach Michelle Fernander on best practices in coaching co-teaching, and Marietta City's Prevention Intervention Specialist and Restorative Practices Trainer Brittany Phillips on teacher wellness. Metro West GLRS Program Specialists Kimberly Gregory and Beverly Maxwell are eager to continue supporting special education coaches in the 4th year of this cohort. Would you like to attend the remaining 3 sessions? Reach out to beverly.maxwell@mresa.org.
Metro RESA Gifted Endorsement
MRESA is pleased to offer a new cohort for the Gifted Endorsement program beginning January 7, 2025! Register through this link: https://mresa.geniussis.com/Registration.aspx?aid=1253 or visit the MRESA website for the course catalog: https://mresa.geniussis.com/Registration.aspx
Course 1 and 2 will be completed this academic year, with Courses 3 and 4 to be offered in Fall semester 2025.
The Gifted In-Field Endorsement program is designed to train Candidates to identify and teach gifted students from a variety of cultural, linguistic, and economic backgrounds. This program ensures that its graduates have in-depth knowledge of teaching the gifted and talented students. The assignments, performance tasks, and assessments for each course will serve as the basis for ensuring that candidates have this knowledge.
Program candidates will complete 200 hours of coursework offered in a blended virtual format of synchronous and asynchronous online courses and applied field experiences. Content knowledge will be integrated across courses to help ensure mastery and coverage.
The program consists of 4 Courses with an Internship component embedded within the 4 courses:
1. Foundations and Characteristics of the Gifted Learner
2. Identification and assessment of the Gifted Learner
3. Curriculum and Strategies for the Gifted Learner
4. Program Development for Gifted Learners Internship with an E-Portfolio submitted
The courses must be taken sequentially. Tuition costs per Candidate is $350 per course (total of $1,400 per Candidate for the program) plus course materials.
Candidate admission to the Metro RESA Gifted Endorsement Program requires the following:
• Candidates must hold a Standard Professional, Performance-Based Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional Georgia Teaching Certificate. Candidates with an Induction Teaching Certificate must meet the requirements to convert to a Standard certificate as outlined on their Induction certificate. Candidates with a Provisional certificate cannot be accepted.
• Candidates must be recommended for participation in the program by their employing principal. It is strongly suggested that Candidates have at least one year of teaching experience.
For further information please contact Sherry Wiedman at sherry.wiedman@mresa.org or Sarah Kessel at sarah.kessel@mresa..org or visit our website at https://www.mresa.org/endorsements/gifted-endorsement.
New! Intervention Specialist Endorsement: Now Registering
Learn More: Click Here
Metro RESA Contact: Wendy.Cox@mresa.org
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for the Intervention Specialist Endorsement! Two new cohorts will be open for registration on September 1st. One cohort will meet on Saturday mornings at 8AM and the second cohort will meet on Monday afternoons at 3PM. There will be 15 seats open in each cohort so register soon! Find more details at: https://www.mresa.org/endorsements/intervention-specialist-endorsement
The Intervention Specialist Endorsement is a one-year hybrid program supporting candidates from across the state of Georgia. Courses meet via Zoom and include job-embedded field experiences in the school setting where the candidate is employed. Candidates who complete the Intervention Specialist Endorsement Program will gain knowledge and skills to match instruction and assessment to the GA Content Standards. Program completers will be able to identify appropriate interventions to increase the success of at-risk students. Candidates will gain the dispositions and skills to improve the collaboration of learning teams in the areas of data analysis, professional learning, and communication with stakeholders. This endorsement is designed to support teachers who hold a clear, renewable Georgia teaching certificate (induction, professional, advanced professional, or lead professional) in: Elementary Education (P-5), Special Education General Curriculum Elementary Education (P-5), Middle Grades Education (with a language arts and/or mathematics area of concentration), or Special Education General Curriculum (with a language arts and/or mathematics concentration).
K-5 Science Endorsement: Now Registering for New 100% Online Model!
Learn More: Click Here
Metro RESA Contact: Reagan.Biwott@mresa.org
MRESA’s new, fully online Science Endorsement cohort will begin in September! Only eight seats remain, so pre-register at the link below today!
Dyslexia Endorsement: Open Registration/Rolling Admissions
Learn More: Click Here
Metro RESA Contact: Kimberly.Gregory@mresa.org
Metro RESA Dyslexia Direct Mobile Contact: 470-242-1216
The Dyslexia Endorsement at Metro RESA is a GaPSC approved preparation program that provides approved candidates with the coursework and related field experience required to add the Dyslexia Endorsement to a current standard Georgia Professional Certificate.
Metro RESA offers 14 endorsement programs. Visit the Metro RESA Endorsement Overview page for more information.
MTSS Facilitator Endorsement: Open Registration/Rolling Admissions
Learn More: Click Here
Metro RESA Contact: Iris.Im@mresa.org
Are you interested in being an MTSS Coordinator in your school or school district? Join the MTSS Facilitator Endorsement Program. During this 3-course endorsement, you will explore the history and foundations of RTI/MTSS/SST, the problem-solving model, and develop plans for successful implementation.
Our Open Course Cohort model is a 100% asynchronous/self-paced version of the endorsement and registration for this cohort is ongoing. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please view the admission requirements and tuition costs on our MTSS Facilitator Endorsement website page.
Metro RESA School Improvement Has A New Look!
Visit the Metro RESA School Improvement pages to learn more about the incredible work this team leads around the metro Atlanta area!
Visit their Spotlight On the Metro page to celebrate successes across the metro.
AASD Gets Crashed
The Atlanta Area School for the Deaf (AASD) is celebrating a major win as the proud recipient of the 2024 Georgia United Credit Union School Crashers Award! The prestigious honor recognizes schools across the state that are in need of facility improvements, granting them transformative makeovers that enhance the learning environment and uplift school spirit. The announcement was met with overwhelming excitement from students, staff, and the entire community. The School Crashers program, known for its heartwarming mission of renovating and upgrading school facilities, has brought a wave of positive change to AASD’s campus. Thanks to this award, AASD can enjoy significant upgrades that directly benefit both students and staff. Specifical to the renovation has been the new Deaf History Museum at AASD which is designed to provide a vibrant and educational space where students can connect with their heritage, fostering empowerment, pride, and a deeper understanding of Deaf culture. The school is open to receiving visits to their museum. Please reach out to them if you are interested in visiting. The “Crash” has brought together a new opportunity for students to boost learning, creativity, and collaboration. AASD’s recognition for the School Crashers program is a testament to its dedication to creating an inclusive and inspiring learning environment for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The improvements to the school will not only provide a more innovative space but also support the school’s mission to empower students to succeed both academically and socially. Georgia United Credit Union’s School Crashers program has once again proven the incredible impact that can be made when communities come together to invest in education and the future of Georgia’s students. Metro RESA remains ever-excited as we support AASD’s evolving transformation and merge into the history and future of its success.
"Be the One: Join the Movement!" – A New School Year Begins with a Focus on Impact, Inclusion, and Innovation at Continental Colony Elementary School
As the new school year dawns, the halls of Continental Colony Elementary School are buzzing with excitement and anticipation. This year, the school is embracing the theme "Be the One: Join the Movement!"—a powerful call to action for every member of the school community to take an active role in shaping the future. Under the direction of thoughtful and reflective leadership of Principal Kristen Horton -- This theme is more than just a slogan; it's a commitment to making a difference in the lives of every student, and it's setting the stage for a year of growth, collaboration, and achievement.
The Power of One: Influencing a Child's Life - At the heart of this year's theme is the idea that every educator, student, and staff member can be the one to make a positive impact. In the opening sessions, teachers were presented with scenarios that highlighted the diverse challenges and opportunities faced by students. These scenarios served as a powerful reminder that the influence of a caring, attentive educator can be transformative. Whether it's a student struggling with confidence, another dealing with challenges at home, or one who needs just the right encouragement to pursue a passion, the message was clear: educators have the power to change lives.
These scenarios also provided educators with a chance to reflect on their roles—not just as teachers of content, but as mentors and guides who can provide students with a wide range of experiences and opportunities. The goal is to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and resilience they need to succeed not only in school but in life.
Inclusion and Teamwork: A Winning Strategy - In a creative twist that underscores the importance of inclusiveness and teamwork, new teachers were introduced and welcomed into the school community with a basketball-themed ceremony. They were placed on house teams, each representing a key value of the school's mission, such as respect, perseverance, and collaboration. The basketball theme was more than just a fun activity; it symbolized the collective effort needed to create a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.
The Flat Shoals Elementary principal, Mercede Broadwater, and the school community are excited and ready to begin the 2024 – 2025 school year. They welcome a new assistant principal, Maya Rozier, to their school family. Ms. Rozier brings over 17 years of experience in elementary education, specializing in reading and math instruction, educational leadership, and academic coaching. She will support teachers and motivate students in an inclusive and dynamic learning environment, that fosters academic and personal growth.
The leadership team also recently participated in a four-day leadership retreat to build the team's capacity. The morning team-building activities allowed the group to bond and build trust. The biggest message learned by the team is that leaders must balance leading with following. One activity required each group leader to assemble a puzzle while blindfolded to learn the lesson that “sometimes leaders must navigate through matters while blind to what lies ahead.” The team members only assisted the leader with assembling the puzzle through description and verbal guidance but could not touch the puzzle pieces. They learned teamwork becomes successful when the team shares their ideas, skills, and knowledge with the leaders. The leadership team feels ready to begin the school year because they completed several tasks that support the implementation of the school improvement plan.
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