The Connection
September 2026 updates from your friends at Metro RESA
🍂 Looking Ahead: We’re Better Together
One month into the 2026–2027 school year, the energy across Metro Atlanta is already strong. As classrooms settle into routines, relationships grow, and the work of supporting every student continues, we’re looking ahead to a fall filled with learning, collaboration, and opportunity.
At Metro RESA, our theme this year, Better Together, is more than a theme. It reflects what we see every day across our metro Atlanta districts: educators, school leaders, districts, families, and community partners accomplishing more when we learn from one another and work together.
As you move through the fall, Metro RESA is here to support you with high-quality professional learning, innovative resources, leadership development, and opportunities to connect with colleagues across the region.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. We’re excited about what’s ahead and all that we can accomplish Better Together! 🍁📚🤝
🌟Hot off the Press! Meet the Newest Team at Metro RESA! 🌟
We are excited to introduce our newly united Literacy Team, bringing together specialists from Growing Readers and Let’s Read, Georgia to create one dynamic team focused on strengthening literacy across our region.
Together, our Regional Literacy Coaches and Regional Literacy Leaders bring a wealth of expertise, collaboration, and passion to the important work of supporting educators, schools, and students.
📚 One team. Shared expertise. A shared commitment to literacy.
Meet the Metro RESA Regional Literacy Coaches and Regional Literacy Leaders
We are better together! 💙
📚 Join Metro RESA & GaDOE for Book Study II: Fall 2026!
K–12 educators across Georgia are invited to engage in a transformative professional learning experience centered on writing instruction. This year’s featured text is The Writing Revolution 2.0: A Guide to Advancing Thinking through Writing in All Subjects and Grades by Judith C. Hochman, Natalie Wexler, and Kathleen Maloney.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
✨ Learn directly from the author
✨ Collaborate with educators from across the state and beyond
✨ Engage in meaningful conversations
✨ Strengthen writing instruction across all subjects
🗓 Session Dates:
September 2, 2026
September 17, 2026
October 22, 2026
December 10, 2026
⏰ All sessions will be held from 7:00–8:30 PM EST
💻 One-time registration grants access to all sessions
🎉 No fee to participate
Registered participants will receive meeting details prior to each session, and resources will be available on the 2026 Metro RESA Statewide Book Study webpage. Register to receive communications:
ELA Diving Deeper Series 2026-2027
The Diving Deeper Series is back and better than ever, with engaging professional learning opportunities designed to support and strengthen ELA instruction across grade levels.
Register now and pay later! Explore upcoming sessions, resources, and learning opportunities today.
Click Here to Register - Course Keyword Search: Diving Deeper
📅 October 20, 2026
Diving Deeper: Writing to Learn – Connecting Reading, Writing, and Content
📅 November 10, 2026
Diving Deeper: Interpreting and Constructing Texts – Building Proficient Readers and Writers
📅 November 17, 2026
Diving Deeper: Interpreting and Constructing Texts – Building Proficient Readers and Writers
Understanding the Science of Reading for Secondary Educators
Not every student enters secondary school reading on grade level. Are you equipped to support them?
While Georgia’s K–12 English Language Arts Standards do not include a Foundations Domain at the secondary level, secondary educators still encounter students who need targeted reading support.
This professional learning session will introduce educators to how the brain makes meaning from text and explore evidence-based instructional practices grounded in scientific reading research.
Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of how to support secondary students who need reading intervention and practical approaches they can apply in their classrooms.
👥 Audience: Secondary Educators | Grades 6–12
📅 Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
📍 Location: Metro RESA | 1870 Teasley Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080
💲 Cost: $99
Click Here to Register - Course Keyword Search: sor
🔎 Have questions? Contact Erika.Tucker@mresa.org
Adolescent Literacy Workshop - Grades 4-6
This session equips teachers of grades 4–6 with practical, research-based strategies to strengthen adolescent literacy across content areas. Participants will explore how to support students in navigating complex texts through scaffolding, multimodal approaches, and explicit comprehension strategies, enabling deeper understanding and engagement with grade-level standards. Through modeling, collaborative planning, and hands-on application, educators will leave with ready-to-use tools to improve students’ ability to read critically, think analytically, and communicate effectively in both academic and real-world contexts.
Fall Semester Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Spring Semester Date: Wednesday, February 10, 2027
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $99
Location: Metro RESA, 1870 Teasley Drive SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
Click Here to Register - Course Keyword Search: Literacy
Metro RESA Regional Literacy Coaches: Better Together
We partner with districts and schools to deliver customized support designed around each system’s unique goals, strengths, and priorities. Working side-by-side with school leaders and literacy coaches, we move beyond concept training to onsite coaching and implementation.
📚 One team. Shared expertise. A shared commitment to literacy.
Meet the Metro RESA Regional Literacy Coaches and Regional Literacy Leaders
From Foundations to Application: A Deep Dive Into K-5 Mathematics Content and Instruction
The purpose of the From Foundations to Application: A Deep Dive Into K-5 Mathematics Content and Instruction series is to support educators in understanding how mathematical thinking develops across the first and second semesters of the school year. These sessions will focus on research-based instructional strategies that build strong foundations in number sense, early numeracy, and student engagement, while incorporating the Georgia Department of Education’s Instructional Learning Plans. Educators will explore how to design purposeful learning experiences that support students in making sense of mathematics, and through collaborative discussions and hands-on activities, participants will refine their instructional practices and expand their repertoire of strategies to enhance student learning and content mastery.
Dates (Semester 1 Focus):
1st Grade: September 18, 2026
Kindergarten: September 28, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Cost: $99
Location: Metro RESA, 1870 Teasley Drive SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
Click Here to Register - Course Keyword Search: Deep Dive
🌿🔬 Bring Science & STEM Outdoors! 🌎✨
Ready to transform your outdoor spaces into dynamic learning laboratories?
Join Metro RESA Science for our 3-D Science and STEM Outdoors Workshop Series—a hands-on professional learning experience designed to help educators bring Science and STEM to life through meaningful outdoor investigations, authentic problem-solving, and student-centered learning.
Participants will:
✅ Connect 3-D Science and STEM through real-world phenomena
✅ Learn effective Project-Based Learning (PBL) strategies
✅ Design outdoor units, lessons, projects, and assessments ready for implementation
✅ Receive practical resources, templates, rubrics, and frameworks
📅 Workshop 1: October 2, 2026
Exploring the Intersection of 3-D Science, STEM, and Outdoor Settings
📅 Workshop 2: November 2, 2026
Effective PBL for 3-D Outdoor Science & STEM
📅 Workshop 3: December 1, 2026
Adapting or Creating Curriculum for 3-D Outdoor Science & STEM
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
📍 Location: Metro RESA Offices
1870 Teasley Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080
💰 Special Multi-Workshop Pricing
• First Workshop: $99
• Additional Workshops: $50 each (Save $49 per session)
After registering for your first workshop, email reagan.biwott@mresa.org to receive your discount code for additional sessions.
Click Here to Register - Course Keyword Search: Outdoor
Growing STEM Thinkers: Integrating Science and Math in K-2 Classrooms - A Two-Day Workshop
Day 1: Introduction to STEM: Exploring the Meaningful Integration of Science and Mathematics
This session will explore the purposeful integration of Georgia's 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 19, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: Metro RESA, 1870 Teasley Drive SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
Day 2: Designing STEM PBL Tasks for Real-World Relevance
Are you looking to bring authentic problem-solving and creativity into your STEM classroom? In this hands-on work session, participants will dive into the essential elements of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and engage in the process of designing their own STEM-focused PBL tailored for early learners. Educators will have an opportunity to collaborate, brainstorm, and draft a PBL plan that connects math and science content with real-world challenges. Participants will leave this session with a ready-to-implement project and the tools to inspire curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking in their students!
Date: November 9, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: Metro RESA, 1870 Teasley Drive SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
Click Here to Register - Course Keyword Search: STEM
Have a Question About the Session? Contact miranda.westbrook@mresa.org
Growing STEM Thinkers: Integrating Science and Math in 3-5 Classrooms - A Two-Day Workshop
This session will explore the purposeful integration of Georgia's 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 23, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: Metro RESA, 1870 Teasley Drive SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
Day 2: Designing STEM PBL Tasks for Real-World Relevance
Are you looking to bring authentic problem-solving and creativity into your STEM classroom? In this hands-on work session, participants will dive into the essential elements of Project-Based Learning (PBL) and engage in the process of designing their own STEM-focused PBL tailored for early learners. Educators will have an opportunity to collaborate, brainstorm, and draft a PBL plan that connects math and science content with real-world challenges. Participants will leave this session with a ready-to-implement project and the tools to inspire curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking in their students!
Date: November 9, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: Metro RESA, 1870 Teasley Drive SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
Click Here to Register - Course Keyword Search: STEM
Have a Question About the Session? Contact miranda.westbrook@mresa.org
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@mresa.org for any requested "deeper dives" that may interest you or submit an article of interest that you feel would benefit others.
School Social Worker Keys Effectiveness System (SSWKES)
🌟 Strengthen your understanding of Georgia's evaluation framework for school social workers!
Join Metro RESA for this interactive professional learning session designed to help educational leaders implement the School Social Worker Keys Effectiveness System (SSWKES) with confidence and consistency.
Participants will:
👥 Gain a deeper understanding of the SSWKES framework and evaluation process
📚 Explore the system's structure, practice standards, and performance criteria
📝 Engage in case studies and collaborative discussions
✅ Build confidence in conducting fair, meaningful evaluations that support professional growth
💙 Recognize and support the essential role school social workers play in student success
📅 Session Option 1: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
🕣 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
📅 Session Option 2: Thursday, January 14, 2027
🕧 Time: 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Metro RESA Campus,1870 Teasley Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080
Cost: No Fee
Click Here to Register - Course Keyword Search: SSWKES or whole child
📧 Questions? Contact Leah Black at Leah.Black@mresa.org (Whole Child Supports).
Counselor Keys Effectiveness System (CKES) Training
🌟 Build confidence in evaluating and supporting professional school counselors! Join Metro RESA for this interactive professional learning session designed to help educational leaders implement the Counselor Keys Effectiveness System (CKES) with fidelity and consistency. Aligned with the four components of a comprehensive school counseling program—Define, Manage, Deliver, and Assess—this training provides leaders with the tools and strategies needed to conduct meaningful, growth-focused evaluations.
Participants will:
👥 Explore Georgia’s CKES evaluation framework
📚 Examine the CKES rubric and supporting documents
💬 Engage in collaborative discussions to deepen their understanding of performance indicators
📈 Learn strategies for conducting consistent, growth-focused evaluation conversations
💙 Strengthen school counseling programs while supporting professional growth and student success
📅 Session Option 1: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
🕧 Time: 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
📅 Session Option 2: Thursday, January 14, 2027
🕣 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
💲 Cost: No Fee
📍 Location: Metro RESA Campus, 1870 Teasley Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080
Click Here to Register - Course Keyword Search: CKES or whole child
📧 Questions? Contact Leah Black at Leah.Black@mresa.org (Whole Child Supports).
Restorative Practices: Introduction & Circles (Two-Day Training)
🌟 Build stronger relationships, foster accountability, and create a positive school culture through restorative practices! Join Metro RESA for this engaging two-day professional learning series that introduces participants to the foundations of restorative practices and the powerful use of restorative circles. Restorative practices help strengthen relationships, build community, and equip students with the skills to resolve conflicts, take responsibility for their actions, and develop empathy and forgiveness.
Participants will learn how to:
🤝 Build stronger relationships with students, families, and colleagues
💬 Set high expectations while providing meaningful support
🗣️ Use restorative questions and direct feedback to promote accountability
🧩 Resolve common conflicts using restorative approaches
⭕ Facilitate restorative circles to build community, address challenges, and respond to harm
📅 Training Format
This is a two-day training series. Participants must attend both days to receive credit.
📘 Day One: Introduction to Restorative Practices
⭕ Day Two: Restorative Circles Training
📅 Session Options
Option 1
📅 Tuesday, September 29, 2026 and Thursday, October 1, 2026
Option 2
📅 Tuesday, February 24, 2027 and Thursday, February 25, 2027
🕣 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
👥 Audience: District and School Educators, Support Staff, and anyone who works with children, adolescents, or families
📍 Location: Metro RESA Campus
1870 Teasley Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080
💲 Cost: $40
📍 Location: Metro RESA Campus, 1870 Teasley Drive, Smyrna, GA 30080
Click Here to Register - Course Keyword Search: restorative or whole child
🎓 Professional Learning Credit: Participants who successfully complete both days will earn 10 hours of professional learning and 1 Professional Learning Unit (PLU).
📧 Questions or interested in hosting a district training? Contact Leah Black at Leah.Black@mresa.org or Granville Freeman at Granville.Freeman@mresa.org.
🤝 Building Effective Wraparound Supports
Foundations of Wraparound and Stakeholder Voice
Discover how the Wraparound Approach supports the whole child. Learn practical strategies for engaging students, families, educators, and community partners to build trust, gather meaningful feedback, and establish shared priorities.
📅 Choose Your Session
October 20, 2026 | 8:30 AM–3:30 PM
March 16, 2027 | 8:30 AM–3:30 PM (Repeat Session)
📍 Location: Metro RESA
Click Here to Register - Course Keyword Search: wraparound or whole child
📩 Questions? Contact Leah.Black@mresa.org.
🧠 Youth Mental Health First Aid
Learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in youth ages 12–18. This virtual training is designed for teachers, school staff, coaches, and others who work with young people.
Participants will learn a practical 5-step action plan for supporting youth experiencing both crisis and non-crisis situations.
💻 Virtual Training Dates
📅 October 22, 2026 | 9:00 AM–2:30 PM
📅 February 23, 2027 | 9:00 AM–2:30 PM
📅 April 20, 2027 | 9:00 AM–2:30 PM
Click Here to Register - Course Keyword Search: mental health or whole child
📩 Questions or interested in this training for your school or district?
Contact Granville.Freeman@mresa.org.
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.
We are excited to launch another cohort! Together, we'll deepen our understanding of dyslexia while exploring evidence-based practices and standards that support students with dyslexia.
Metro RESA offers 14 endorsement programs. Visit the Metro RESA Endorsement Overview page for more information.
K-5 Mathematics Endorsement
This endorsement program is designed to deepen educators’ mathematical content knowledge and strengthen instructional practices that support high-quality mathematics teaching and learning. Across four courses, participants will explore effective, research-based strategies for teaching mathematics in K–5 classrooms.
Upon successful completion of the program, educators’ certificates will be updated to include the K–5 Mathematics Endorsement field. In addition, candidates may be eligible to receive a $1,000 annual stipend for up to five years, contingent upon funding approved by the Georgia General Assembly.
For more information on qualifications, cost, and program requirements, visit the Metro RESA K–5 Mathematics Endorsement webpage or contact the K–5 Mathematics Coordinator, Michelle Mikes, at michelle.mikes@mresa.org.
MTSS Facilitator Endorsement: Open Registration/Rolling Admissions
Learn More: Click Here
MTSS Endorsement Flyer: Click Here
Metro RESA Contact: brandi.roberts@mresa.org
Are you ready to level up your educational impact? Unlock your potential with the MTSS Facilitator Endorsement! Metro RESA's MTSS Facilitator Endorsement is your ticket to mastering Multi-Tiered System of Supports and transforming student outcomes. With rolling registration, you can start when it best suits your schedule!
Why Join?
- Enhance your skills in data-driven decision-making.
- Lead effective intervention planning.
- Collaborate with a network of passionate educators.
Our Open Course Cohort model is a 100% self-paced version of the asynchronous endorsement. Registration for this cohort is always ongoing, so register today. 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.
STEM & STEAM Endorsement Opportunities NOW Enrolling
Metro RESA is excited to launch the updated STE(A)M Endorsement, offering pathways for educators interested in earning either a STEM or STEAM endorsement. The new model provides greater flexibility while maintaining a strong focus on innovative, interdisciplinary teaching and learning.
Already STEM endorsed? We've also been approved to offer a STEAM Micro-Credential, making it easier than ever to add arts integration to your STEM expertise.
Explore the STE(A)M Pathways document and visit the STEM/STEAM Endorsement website to learn more and enroll today!
Registration is now open for the newly approved STEAM Micro-credential for anyone currently holding a STEM endorsement. You can find more details on the Metro RESA website.
📚 Calling All Special Education Leaders & Instructional Coaches!
We’re excited to kick off Year 5 of the Metro Atlanta Instructional Coaches and Leaders PLC! 🎉
This year, we’re going deeper than ever as we explore coaching the Science of Reading and the powerful role instructional leaders play in supporting high-quality literacy instruction.
Join fellow leaders from across Metro Atlanta for meaningful collaboration, practical strategies, and opportunities to strengthen your coaching practice. 🤝📖
Ready to be part of the conversation?
👉 View registration information
📚 Literacy for ALL!
Calling all Low Incidence teachers and service providers! Join Metro West GLRS for an engaging book study—with the text provided—designed just for you.
Ready to grow your literacy practice?
👉 Register Here
Questions? Contact beverly.maxwell@mresa.org.
Dr. Shirley Chesser Retires
On July 31, 2026, Metro East GLRS had the pleasure of celebrating Dr. Shirley Chesser's retirement alongside the Rockdale County School Board. Dr. Chesser has long been a collaborative partner with Metro East GLRS in serving and meeting the needs of all students in the district. She was further honored when the County Commissioners declared July 31 as Shirley Chesser Day. We salute Dr. Chesser for her amazing career in education. She will surely be missed.
From Arrival to Achievement: Clarkston High School’s Commitment to Graduation
Clarkston High School’s Operation Graduation reflects a schoolwide commitment to helping every student reach the finish line. Through intentional progress monitoring, credit recovery, counseling, and individualized graduation planning, school leaders and staff work together to remove barriers and create clear pathways to success. Discover how Clarkston is turning its focus on each student’s unique journey into a coordinated approach from arrival to achievement.
Learn more about Clarkston High School and the incredible work happening to support student success! 🏫✨
Metro RESA Summer Learning Lab Inspires Growth and Elevates Practice
Metro RESA’s two-day Summer Learning Lab brought School Improvement Specialists together for focused professional learning, collaboration, and strategic planning designed to strengthen their impact in schools and districts. Guided by the theme “Inspiring Growth. Elevating Practice.”, participants deepened their instructional expertise, strengthened their leadership and coaching skills, and explored strategies for supporting continuous school improvement. The experience concluded with a powerful call to action: What will you do differently to support your schools this year?
Communications: Join Our Mailing Lists Today!
Our Metro RESA specialists want to keep you informed. Head to the Metro RESA catalog and search "mailing" and you can register for one, or all!
Metropolitan Regional Service Agency, Metro RESA
Email: registrar@mresa.org
Website: https://www.mresa.org/
Location: 1870 Teasley Drive, Smyrna, GA, USA
Phone: 770.432.2404
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroRESA
Twitter: @MetroRESA