Events and training

SDI Literacy Cohort 3rd-5th

Join us for a year-long literacy cohort to empower special educators with the literacy skills their students deserve. This professional learning series addresses specially designed instruction, diagnostic assessment, structured literacy, and IEP alignment. Coaching is provided for all participants. This cohort is for educators working with students in grades 3-5.

Effingham County Counselor Keys (CKES)

Counselor Keys (CKES) Evaluation Tool Training for Effingham County

Paraprofessional to Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway Information Session

This session is for district HR Directors, Personnel Directors, Superintendents, and CTAE Directors. Heather Finley will share the details of the program and how your district can take advantage of this outstanding opportunity. Flyer

SDI Literacy Cohort 6th-8th

Join us for a year-long literacy cohort to empower special educators with the literacy skills their students deserve. This professional learning series addresses specially designed instruction, diagnostic assessment, structured literacy, and IEP alignment. Coaching is provided for all participants. This cohort is for educators working with students in grades 6-8.

First District RESA School Psychologists' Consortium

Join us for this exciting opportunity for School Psychologists from Districts 14 and 15 to learn, collaborate, and share resources with their job-alike colleagues throughout the 2026-27 school year.Sessions 1-3 will be held at the Bryan BOE, with a virtual option available upon request.Session 4 will be virtual for all, for us to wrap up and conduct a Needs Assessment.

School Safety and Anti-Gang Endorsement Courses- Metter

This is a 4-hour class as a part of the Schoo Safety and Anti-Gang endorsement. For endorsement eligibility register here: https://training.gema.ga.gov/TRS/courseDesc.do?sourcePage=courseSearch&cofId=68912The School Safety and Anti-Gang (SSAG) Endorsement was established by the Safe Schools Act (HB 147) to provide school personnel with the resources, skills, and knowledge to help keep schools safe and prevent gang activity and recruitment in classrooms.  The School Safety and Anti-Gang (SSAG) Endorsement trainings are available for ALL school personnel; non-certified and certified and will result in a Completion Certificate or the Endorsement.  Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE)  This training will cover how to identify a true active shooter, examine the history of active shooter incidents and discuss the possible responses to various active shooter situations. We will also explore pro-active steps that can be taken to possibly reduce the likelihood of an incident occurring. (1Hour)Stop the Bleed (STB)  This training is intended to cultivate grassroots efforts that encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped, and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. (1 Hour)Visual Weapons Screening This training discusses concealment techniques and the indicators that a person may be carrying a weapon. It also discusses different screening techniques, how to apply those techniques, and what procedures should be followed if a weapon is suspected. (1 Hour) 

SDI Literacy Cohort 9th-12th

Join us for a year-long literacy cohort to empower special educators with the literacy skills their students deserve. This professional learning series addresses specially designed instruction, diagnostic assessment, structured literacy, and IEP alignment. Coaching is provided for all participants. This cohort is for educators working with students in grades 9-12.

Behavior Interventions That Work with Amie Dean

This workshop is appropriate for all grade levels, and will cover a wide variety of strategies using examples of all levels. This seminar will equip participants with strategies to use to teach and motivate students to be respectful and exhibit appropriate behavior. Join the "Behavior Queen" learning real interventions that work and can be used the very next day!

FDRESA Speech-Language Pathologist Consortium

This consortium provides professional learning, collaboration, and resource-sharing opportunities for Speech-Language Pathologists in the First District. The cohorts for Coastal and Southeast GLRS have merged to a single Consortium for 2026-2027.

First District Transition Alliance

Connect, collaborate, and learn with transition professionals from across the First District. The Transition Alliance provides opportunities to share best practices, explore current transition initiatives, access valuable resources, and strengthen services that support successful postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities.

Adaptive Curriculum Community of Practice & CFLA Book Study

Join fellow Adaptive Curriculum Special Educators across First District for a 4-part collaborative learning series! This year, we’re diving deep into Comprehensive Literacy for All with interactive, hands-on strategies you can actually take back and use in your classroom.

Whole Chlid Supports New Coaches Training

Are you in charge of MTSS, PBIS, or Wellbeing at your school or in your district? If so, join us to learn procedures, best practices, and tips to help you and your team survive and thrive during your first year!

Special Education Essentials

Participants will explore Specially Designed Instruction (SDI), High Leverage Practices (HLPs) for Special Education, best practices for writing compliant EIPs, and essential components of an effective IEP meeting. Target audience: Teachers who are new to special education (within their first 3 years), GaTAPP Special Education candidates

First District RESA Preschool Consortium

Join our Preschool Intervention Teacher Consortium to collaborate with other early childhood educators who are passionate about supporting young learners with diverse needs. This consortium provides a space to exchange ideas, share resources, and explore effective strategies for early intervention in the classroom. You'll stay up-to-date on the latest developments in preschool education and build a network of professionals dedicated to fostering growth and success in young children.

Wayne Check and Connect

Check & Connect is an intervention used with K-12 students who show early warning signs of disengagement with school and who are at risk of dropping out. At the core of Check & Connect is a trusting relationship between the student and a caring, trained mentor who both advocates for and challenges the student to keep education salient. Students are referred to Check & Connect when they show warning signs of disengaging from school, such as poor attendance, behavioral issues, and/or low grades. GLRS are trained trainers. Training is FREE. GLRS provides ongoing support.

High Incidence Disabilities Consortium

Explore the foundations of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and practical strategies for implementing SDI within co-teaching classrooms. Participants will learn evidence-based instructional and behavior supports, discover technology tools to enhance individualized learning, and collaborate on planning strategies that improve outcomes for students with disabilities.Designed for: K–12 general and special education teachers, instructional coaches, co-teaching teams, and school and district administrators.

Power On...Minds On

In today’s classroom, engagement is everything. “Power On… Minds On” is all about energizing students so that their brains—and their curiosity—are fully switched on. When students are actively involved in learning, they retain more, think critically, and develop a love for discovery. This approach blends movement, brainstorming, and interactive thinking to make learning memorable and meaningful.Through simple strategies, teachers can ignite student curiosity, promote active participation, and create a dynamic learning environment where every student is mentally “on” and ready to learn. Because when students’ minds are on, learning truly comes alive!

Statewide Transition Consortium

The Statewide Transition Consortium supports school personnel who work in transition to prepare students with disabilities for successful postsecondary outcomes. It offers professional development, resource sharing, and strategic planning to promote access to postsecondary opportunities.Goals• Deepen understanding of transition planning under IDEA.• Strengthen partnerships with state and community agencies.• Provide tools to support student goals in education, employment, and independent living.• Identify funding and support resources for postsecondary success.Consortium events feature presentations from key partners such as the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, Centers for Independent Living, and postsecondary institutions. Participants gain current information on services and legal requirements, build agency connections, and learn how to link students and families to essential postsecondary supports.

Maximizing FTE

This session aims to increase school teams' understanding of FTE and provide tips to maximize your FTE funding with strategic coding strategies. The intended audience is Special Education leaders and SIS personnel who oversee the FTE process.

FDRESA Tech Director Meeting

Collaborative meetings to share tech updates throughout the year

LETRS for Special Education Teachers

This LETRS cohort is for special educators and meets 4 times throughout the year.

2 Day IEP Writing Writing Workshop

GLRS is excited to present a 2-day training on best practices for developing compliant Individual Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities.  Intended Audience: New and experienced special education teachers seeking to enhance their IEP-writing skills.

School Counselors Collaborative in Metter

The Counselors Collaborative Meeting is for all K-12 School Counselors. It serves as a valuable platform for school counselors to learn, collaborate, and empower one another to create a positive impact on their students lives. This meeting aims to provide a supportive and interactive forum where school counselors from various educational institutions can come together to gain knowledge, exchange best practices, and collaborate on strategies to enhance the well-being and success of their students. Mental health and wellbeing initiatives and materials will also be shared. Counselors will also have time to meet and problem solve in breakout groups with grade level bands. Counselors are encouraged to bring lessons/ideas to share and digital copies can be emailed to rperry@fdresa.org for inclusion in the resource folder.

GLRS Collaborative Community

District 14 & 15 monthly Special Education Director collaborative.

FDRESA Autism Consortium

Professional learning, collaboration, and resource-sharing sessions related to Autism for educators across the First District.

Paraprofessional, The Real MVPs! From Playbook to Impact: Making Every Move Count

Join fellow K–12 paraprofessionals for an engaging time of learning and collaboration—because when it comes to supporting our students, we are all on the same team! In this workshop, you’ll begin building your personal Impact Playbook while focusing on the vital role paraprofessionals play in schools, exploring how students learn best, and developing proactive classroom management approaches that set both you and your students up for success. Breakout sessions will provide targeted strategies in math, literacy, and specially designed instruction. You’ll leave equipped with practical tools, ready-to-use resources, and your very own playbook to make a lasting impact in your classroom.

Discipline & Due Process Training with Cory Kirby

Join us for an in-depth look at Student Discipline & Due Process procedures with Cory Kirby of Pereira, Kirby, Kinsinger & Nguyen, LLP.Topics to be covered include:Student Discipline Procedures and ProtocolsChanges in the Law for Student DisciplineStudent Discipline involving Students with DisabilitiesAdministrative preparation for Discipline TribunalsTribunal Appeals to the local Board of Education & Georgia BOETargeted toward:School AdministratorsSpecial Education Directors & CoordinatorsDistrict Administrators who deal with Student DisciplineDistrict Hearing OfficersSuperintendents

School Counselors Collaborative in Brunswick

The Counselors Collaborative Meeting is for all K-12 School Counselors. It serves as a valuable platform for school counselors to learn, collaborate, and empower one another to create a positive impact on their students lives. This meeting aims to provide a supportive and interactive forum where school counselors from various educational institutions can come together to gain knowledge, exchange best practices, and collaborate on strategies to enhance the well-being and success of their students. Mental health and wellbeing initiatives and materials will also be shared. Counselors will also have time to meet and problem solve in breakout groups with grade level bands. Counselors are encouraged to bring lessons/ideas to share and digital copies can be emailed to rperry@fdresa.org for inclusion in the resource folder.

Foundations First: Laying the Foundation for Literacy Coaching Cycles

Google Gemini for Educators: A Full-Day AI Workshop

Step into the future of teaching with a full-day, hands-on workshop led by Google and brought to you by First District RESA and GADOE. This is your chance to explore Gemini AI and discover how to bring its power directly into your classroom.You'll see real demonstrations of effective AI use in education, learn practical strategies to save time and boost student engagement, and walk away with ideas you can implement right away. Whether you're new to AI or ready to deepen your skills, this session is designed to meet you where you are.Spaces are limited—secure your seat now!If this location doesn't work for you, check for additional openings across Georgia at googletraining.georgiaresa.org.

SDI Literacy Cohort K-2

Join us for a year-long literacy cohort to empower special educators with the literacy skills their students deserve. This professional learning series addresses specially designed instruction, diagnostic assessment, structured literacy, and IEP alignment. Coaching is provided for all participants. This cohort is for educators working with students in grades K-2.

Regional Youth Mental Health First Aid

Educators often play a critical role in the lives of children beyond the classroom. They can be an outlet, a source of support and help when kids really need it. This is especially true for children and adolescents experiencing mental health challenges. But for teachers, coaches and administrators to be effective, they need the skills that Youth Mental Health First Aid offers. This is a regional event, open to districts!

First District RESA Assistive Technology Consortium

Join a dynamic consortium designed to equip educators with effective assistive technology tools for supporting students across diverse learning environments. Sessions will address supports for students with high-incidence disabilities, complex communication needs, and the integration of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies throughout.

Beyond the Basics- Significant Cognitive Disabilities

Make-and-Take workshop for teachers of students on Georgia's Extended Content Standards (GAA 2.0) presented by Jessie Moreau in collaboration with GADOE.“Beyond the Basics” training for teachers of students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities (SCD) who have previously attended a “Back to Basics” training This training is for teachers of students with significant cognitive disabilities, including autism, who have previously attended a “Back to Basics” training by Jessie Moreau;  Instructional Coaches/Administrators may also attend.The focus of this daylong training includes instruction of students with autism & SCD based upon the book, “Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew” by Ellen Notbom; a deeper dive into cross-curricular standards-based instruction via:-Depth of Knowledge (DOK) charts-Adapted Thinking Maps-Adapted Frayer Modelsand use of a variety of Response Choice strategies. A significant portion of the afternoon’s session includes  Make’n Take activities corresponding to topics covered throughout the day.  A flash drive with adapted instructional materials and all materials covered during the training is provided to each participant.

FDRESA Behavior Support Consortium

Join us for an opportunity for professional learning, collaboration, and resource sharing between behavior support personnel in the First District.Intended Audience: Behavior Specialists, Interventionists, BCBAs, RBTs, PBIS Leads, GNETs Personnel, Counselors, Administrators, and other educators who support behavior in their schools.

A Learning Experience for Ed Tech Specialists & Classroom Innovators: Pixels & Possibilities

Join us for Pixels & Possibilities: Painting a Future with Ed Tech, a 2-day journey where technology meets imagination!Ignite your creativity and reimagine what’s possible with Pixels & Possibilities—a dynamic, professional learning experience designed for K–12 instructional tech specialists and educators.Grounded in the ISTE Standards for Educators, this immersive series blends innovation, artistry, and purposeful technology use to transform teaching and learning. Explore innovative tools, design student-centered lessons, and build your Creative Teaching Playbook!Session Info:October 20, 2026: Preparing the Canvas – Cultivating a Creative Mindset with EdTechFebruary 4, 2027: Blending the Palette – Designing Engaging Learning Experiences

2 Day IEP Writing Workshop

GLRS is excited to present a 2-day training on best practices for developing compliant Individual Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities.  Intended Audience: New and experienced special education teachers seeking to enhance their IEP-writing skills.

Data Warehouse Training

Join us as we host Northwest Georgia RESA and their team for a walkthrough on the Data Warehouse platform!

A Learning Experience for K–12 School Librarians: In Sync - Heart & Harmony

School libraries are the rhythm section of a thriving school. This year, step into your role as both conductor and composer. "In Sync: Heart & Harmony" challenges you to move beyond inspiration and into intentional alignment where literacy, technology, and student voice blend seamlessly.These sessions help you fine-tune your craft through hands-on design and application.Together, We Will Explore How To:Harmonize literacy, digital fluency, and creativity with classroom learning.Strengthen collaborations with teachers and instructional leaders.Align library programs with district priorities and student needs.Design inclusive experiences that amplify every learner's voice.Orchestrate SuccessGrounded in state and national standards, this experience empowers you to build a library program that doesn't just support learning, it orchestrates it.When we work in sync, students don’t just learn...they thrive in harmony.

Fall Whole Child Coalition

Be part of a day designed to strengthen how districts support the academic, behavioral, and wellbeing needs of every student. Hear from district and state leaders about data-driven attendance practices, GaMTSS updates, and strategies that connect wellbeing, behavior, and learning. Engage in meaningful reflection using your district’s own climate data and MTSS manual and collaborate with peers to plan next steps.Lunch provided Designed for All Educators including GaMTSS Leads, District PBIS and MTSS Coordinators, School Counselors, PBIS Coaches, SEL Coordinators, School Social Workers, Behavior Interventionists, Building Level Special Education Coordinators, School Climate or Wrap Around Specialists, Administrators, and School MTSS/RTIParticipants are asked to bring laptops and district MTSS manuals to this event.

Whole Child Supports Wellbeing Session

Join us to explore mental health wellness and purposeful practices strategies to promote collective and self care and personal growth. Guest Speakers will lead participants in interactive sessions. Take-away real applications! Lunch will be provided.