The Connection

Target Audience: Educators of All Levels, Prospective Educators, Community Members

When: March 2024 - May 2024

Registration: Click Here to Register

Navigating today's world of induction, recruitment, and retention in the educational profession is a hot topic nationwide. Join our conversations as we explore innovative practices, support resources, and the benefits of choosing education as a sought-after career choice for exceptional candidates to not only sign-on but to stay. Join us as we host keynote speakers that will offer informative, and on-time presentations to support you, your district, your institution, or your school with supportive solutions to address the shift in the hiring marketplace arena. Each one-hour session will welcome a keynote speaker to lead the main focus topic outlined for each of the learning series opportunities. Following the keynote speaker, a local metropolitan district, or organization, representative will follow up with creative supports that are currently in place that relate to the overall session topic. The last segment of each session will be open to all attendees for questions and discussions.

Session Times: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

April 18th: What Teacher Vacancies? How to Future-Proof Your Human Capital Strategy. Join Shaily Baranwal, CEO, Elevate K12 and District Guest, Michelle Ruble, Douglas County Associate Superintendent of General Administration for an engaging conversation. View more information here.

iLEAD Program for Educational Leadership Certification

Application Window Opened: December 1, 2023

Application Window Closes: May 20, 2024

Metro RESA Contact: Carmen.Havrilla@mresa.org

MRESA iLEAD Application Window is open! The iLEAD Tier I and II Educational Leadership Certification Programs are open for applicants. Apply today!

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 located on our website.

Please also visit our Graduate Spotlight page to see what completers share about our program. We look forward to serving you!

Amie Dean Behavior Learning Series

Join Metro RESA as we 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.

Use the Metro RESA Course Catalog to register today!

• May 7, 2024: Behavior Interventions That Work- For Paraprofessionals Morning Session (8:30 am - 11:30 am) or Afternoon Session (12:30 pm - 3:30 pm)
  
  
• June 4, 2024: Behavior Interventions That Work: Starting The Year Off Right, Full Day Session (8:30 am - 4:00 pm)

Metro West GLRS hosts a bi-monthly behavior specialist job-alike group. The consortia provide professional development for system practitioners to:

• discuss common concerns, share ideas, resources, and information
• disseminate news from local, state, and federal sources
• engage in collaborative professional development and problem-solving efforts relative to how specific job roles can improve student achievement, as stated in the mission.

Metro RESA Intervention Specialist Endorsement Information Page

Metro RESA Contact: Wendy.Cox@mresa.org

Informational Flyer: Click Here

Informational Video: Click Here

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 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).

Metro RESA offers 13 endorsement programs. Visit the Metro RESA Endorsement Overview page for more information.

Coaching Endorsement Information Page

Metro RESA Contact: wendy.cox@mresa.org

Informational Flyer: Click Here

Informational Video: Click Here

The Coaching 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 a candidate is employed. Candidates who complete the Coaching Endorsement Program will gain knowledge and skills to lead coaching cycles around student learning, lead data-focused conversations, and facilitate group protocols. Program completers will be able to use intentional communication skills to build coaching partnerships with colleagues and lead collaborative learning teams. Candidates will gain the dispositions and skills to support a coaching culture with individuals and teams of teachers.

This endorsement is designed to support teachers who hold a clear, renewable Georgia teaching certificate (T4 or higher) in any teaching, service, or leadership field. The application window will open in March 2024 for the next cohorts which will begin in July 2024 and end in May 2025. Space will be limited, so plan to apply early.

Metro RESA offers 13 endorsement programs. Visit the Metro RESA Endorsement Overview page for more information.

Endorsement: Online Teaching (Now Enrolling!)

Metro RESA Online Teaching Endorsement Information Page

Metro RESA Contact: Wendy.Grey@mresa.org

Informational Flyer: Click Here

Informational Video: Click Here

The Online Teaching 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 Online Teaching Endorsement to a current standard Georgia Professional Certificate. The Online Teaching Endorsement classes will consist of K-12 educators who have a desire to strengthen their online instructional knowledge, skills, and disposition toward online teaching. There will be opportunities to differentiate the tasks across grade levels, content areas, and service areas.

Participants are required to implement online instructional lessons through integration of TKES, National Standards for Quality Online Learning, iNACOL, and InTASC.

Metro RESA offers 13 endorsement programs. Visit the Metro RESA Endorsement Overview page for more information.

Endorsement: Computer Science (Now Enrolling!)

Metro RESA Online Computer Science Endorsement Information Page

Metro RESA Contact:Wendy.Grey@mresa.org

Informational Flyer: Click Here

The window to register for the Computer Science Endorsement is closing soon! Please see our website for details. You don't want to miss this opportunity!

Metro RESA offers 13 endorsement programs. Visit the Metro RESA Endorsement Overview page for more information.

MTSS Facilitator Endorsement Information Page

Metro RESA Contact: Brandi.Roberts@mresa.org

Informational Flyer: Click Here

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. Cohort 2 is a 100% asynchronous/self-paced version of the endorsement and is currently open for registration. 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 offers 13 endorsement programs. Visit the Metro RESA Endorsement Overview page for more information.

On, March 23, 2024 Kimberly Gregory from Metro West GLRS was asked to speak at Special Needs Respite's Annual Gala, Rockin' for Respite. At the event, Kimberly made an appeal on behalf of metro families who need access to free respite care. In 2023, Special Needs Respite, a 5013(c) non-profit organization, has offered 80 scholarships for families with students who experience extreme behaviors. Special Needs Respite helps bridge the existing funding gap that many parents have when trying to get childcare for their special needs child. We can provide funds that will pay qualified caregivers to care for these children when no other way to pay is available to the parents. Since 2017, the founder, Stacy Georges, has been growing Special Needs Respite with the goal of serving the 7,100 families that have been waiting for State funding for Respite care. The foundation and processes are in place now. For us to meet the need, we need introductions to private businesses that are willing to invest in making social change, by giving parents hope. Parents tell us "Knowing that I can get a break for rest, helps me make it through another day." Research bears out that parents raising children with special needs are 80% more likely to divorce. They are prone to physical and mental health issues. These parents face isolation, depression, and despair. We can make a difference! Please contact Stacy Georges at stacy.georges@gmail.com if you would like to learn more about how to make a difference.

Learn more about Special Needs Respite.

Metro GLRS has enjoyed the collaborative efforts between 3 Metro Atlanta districts, the GADOE, and Kennesaw State University. We are proud of the 66 new special education teachers and have confidence in their future impact.

On February 20, the Clayton County School System hosted its graduation ceremony. In total, 34 graduates completed the new teacher induction program. M.D. Roberts Middle School Autism Teacher, Ms. Irving gave a testimonial of the impact the program had on her teaching. Candidates shared reflections and other testimonies about their learning experience with HLP's and the mixed reality simulation lab. Bennett, the SIM operator and the student avatars made a special appearance to congratulate the teachers and wish them well. In attendance was Jessie Gorre, School Board Chair, Dr. April Crawford, Deputy Superintendent of Student Services, Trina Brown, Director of Special Education, and other district and school-based leadership. This initiative was supported by the Clayton County SDI coaches: Brooke Maynor-Rayfield, Sharon Wright, Kanethia Henderson, Kelisha Chance, Gina Fitzpatrick, Latarsha Neal-Champion, and Tyra Simon, Coordinator of Exceptional Students.

Douglas County Schools have 22 new special education teachers slated to complete the program in April. Under the leadership of Michelle Fernander, Annette Murphy, and Nelko Battle, the new teachers have grown in their understanding of High Leverage Practices and IEPs.

Marietta City Schools celebrated the program completion for 10 new special education teachers under the guidance of district coaches Anquanette Herndon and Renea Kiger.

Metro West GLRS Program Specialists Kimberly Gregory and Beverly Maxwell have been delighted to support this work. All participants received on-site coaching, support embedding HLPs into their specially designed lesson plans, and mentoring related to IEPs.

The 5th-grade students at Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School had an opportunity to design, build, test, and troubleshoot circuits. The dynamic 5th graders were given light bulbs, foil, batteries, wires, scotch tape, and recording sheets to create their circuits. Students worked independently and with peers as they explored creating electricity. As the students worked on their designs and understanding of circuitry, the teachers provided students with standards-based feedback to guide their progress toward mastery of the standard.

Mr. Tennyson, IB Instructional Coach, supported the 5th-grade team with their instructional planning, providing the supplies and feedback after observations. Mr. Tennyson and the 5th-grade team enjoyed providing the students with inquiry-based learning opportunities that promoted critical thinking and communication skills. The key takeaway from the hands-on activities is that the simple circuits students created helped students understand and visualize how a circuit provides a closed path for electricity to travel. Atlanta Public Schools and the Jackson Cluster’s future is looking bright with these future engineers and scientists!

Learn more about Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary.

Our Metro RESA specialists want to keep you informed. Receive the latest updates in ELA, Mathematics, Science, School Climate, and Whole Child Support. Head to our catalog and search "mailing" and you can register for one, or all!

Mr. Mercede Broadwater is the new principal at Flat Shoals Elementary School in Dekalb County. Since Principal Broadwater’s first day on March 1, he has established himself as a servant leader with “high energy and high expectations”. In his short time as the school leader, his high energy levels have been observed throughout the building. During Principal Broadwater’s first 30 days, he has spent time in classrooms engaging with students, meeting one-on-one with teachers and staff, and fostering relationships with parents during family meet-and-greet meetings. His message of “my door is always open, and I welcome input, feedback, and ideas to work together and create the best possible educational experience for students” has been communicated to all stakeholders. He believes in working collaboratively to positively impact students' lives.

Principal Broadwater's “high energy and high expectations” motto has set the tone for the school's success, which was evident in the school's recent math and literacy night. He credits the teachers and staff for planning critical thinking activities and engaging their school families in learning activities while also having fun. Students and their families enthusiastically participated in various activities at teacher-created centers. His servant leadership platform facilitated an atmosphere of excitement and learning, resonating with teachers, parents, and students alike. Parents were thrilled by the event's success, declaring it one of the most memorable and impactful ones hosted by the school. Additionally, over 25 families attended, with the local public library issuing 12 library cards to promote the message of reading beyond the event. Communities in Schools generously provided over $100 in gift cards and essential support to families in need, ensuring everyone could fully participate in the event. Moreover, the revival of the PTA, with over 15 dedicated parents and teachers signifies a renewed commitment to strengthening the connection between families and the school, enhancing the overall educational experience for students under Principal Broadwater's leadership. Throughout, student achievement remains the driving force behind every decision made at Flat Shoals, ensuring a focus on empowering students to reach their full potential.

Learn more about Flat Shoals Elementary.

The purpose of the Young Georgia Authors (YGA) writing competition is to encourage students to develop enthusiasm for and expertise in their writing, to provide a context to celebrate their writing successes, and to recognize student achievement in arts and academics.

Congratulations to the 2024 Metro RESA Finalists! These young authors will now move ahead to the state competition level. Good luck to each of these incredible young metro authors!

• Kindergarten, Carter Francis from Settles Bridge ES
• First Grade, Miracle Chandler from Dorsett Shoals ES
• Second Grade, Sofia Setiawan from Puckett's Mill ES
• Third Grade, Paisley Brown from Poole's Mill ES
• Fourth Grade, Beatrice Cox from Timber Ridge ES
• Fifth Grade, Kougblenou Aguibou from East Clayton ES
• Sixth Grade, Jasmine Garbar from Hendricks MS