Professional Development Events

This interactive training equips educators with practical tools and strategies to foster a positive school climate through restorative practices and effective de-escalation techniques. Participants will explore relationship-centered approaches to discipline, learn how to facilitate restorative conversations, and develop skills to recognize and respond to escalating behaviors calmly and constructively. The training emphasizes proactive, trauma-informed methods to build trust, repair harm, and support student regulation—creating a safer learning environment for all. Teachers and principals make a tremendous impact on the lives of students. With such an impact, it is critical schools cultivate an environment where students, teachers, and administrators can reach their fullest potential. Implementing the Restorative Discipline model can facilitate such potential. RD works to help schools foster positive relationships and build a caring school community that supports even the most at-risk students. National Trainer, Dr. Summer Pannell will lead the course.

Professional Learning, Collaboration, and Resource Sharing for School Psychologists in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties. Virtual option provided by request.

GaTAPP Administrator Training

GaTAPP Mentor Training

The First District RESA Mathematics Team is excited to partner with the GaDOE Mathematics Team to offer a professional learning session on the Georgia Early Numeracy Project for elementary MTSS Coordinators, administrators, instructional coaches, EIP teachers, and K-7 teachers. 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.

The purpose of this professional development session is to provide educators with a clear, visual model of how to implement Georgia’s Learning Plans with fidelity, enhancing instruction, engagement, and outcomes for all students.Grades 8-9: 8am - 11amGrades 6-7: 12pm - 3pm

The Counselors Collaborative Meeting is for all K-12 School Counselors and 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.

In this session, teachers will receive an introduction to Specially Designed Instruction, participate in a process for planning SDI, and practice utilizing tools for implementation. In this session, teachers will receive an introduction to Specially Designed Instruction, participate in a process for planning SDI, and practice utilizing tools for implementation.

This professional learning session will be presented at the FDRESA Brunswick location and then repeated at FDRESA in Metter. It is designed for grades 3–10 ELA teachers looking to strengthen writing instruction in light of Georgia’s new ELA Standards. Together, we’ll explore how writing is now embedded across the standards—and how this shift calls for a balance of essay writing and meaningful revision. With targeted breakout sessions, teachers in grades 3, 5, 8, 9, and 10 will focus on strategies for guiding students through effective essay writing, while grades 4, 6, and 7 will hone in on revision techniques that deepen student understanding and strengthen written expression. Join us for a practical, standards-aligned workshop that equips you with tools to ignite purposeful writing and revision across your classroom.

In this session, teachers will receive an introduction to Specially Designed Instruction, participate in a process for planning SDI, and practice utilizing tools for implementation. The training emphasizes the importance of: Opening Spaces & Building Relationships Establishing Roles and Responsibilities Having Planning Conversations Understanding individual students needs that result from their disability in order to select instructional strategies and supports to help them meet the grade-level standards.

The First District Transition Alliance connects educators, agencies, and resources across our region in order to improve post-school outcomes for students with disabilities.

This professional learning session will be presented at the FDRESA Brunswick location and then repeated at FDRESA in Metter. It is designed for grades 3–10 ELA teachers looking to strengthen writing instruction in light of Georgia’s new ELA Standards. Together, we’ll explore how writing is now embedded across the standards—and how this shift calls for a balance of essay writing and meaningful revision. With targeted breakout sessions, teachers in grades 3, 5, 8, 9, and 10 will focus on strategies for guiding students through effective essay writing, while grades 4, 6, and 7 will hone in on revision techniques that deepen student understanding and strengthen written expression. Join us for a practical, standards-aligned workshop that equips you with tools to ignite purposeful writing and revision across your classroom.

The Counselors Collaborative Meeting is for all K-12 School Counselors and 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.

The Library Collective: Curators of Creativity - First District RESA's School Librarian Learning Community School libraries are the heART of the school and within these magical places, school librarians create inspiring spaces and curate experiences that spark curiosity! Join us for our 2025-2026 Library Collective as we explore creatively inspired ways to ignite wonder and passion for learning within the school library. Become a member of this collective learning community of school librarians committed to passion-driven, imaginative, and yes, magical learning experiences.

The First District Developing Leaders at All Levels Program is designed for any person in a leadership position across your district. Principals, APs, District Office Leaders are encouraged to take part in the timely sessions led each time by Dr. Mark Wilson other great leaders from across First District. This session deals with creating time in classrooms as a priority. Dr. Wilson will lead discussion around how to make this happen, pitfalls to avoid, and creating priorities to look for while you are there.

This training provides educators and administrators with a process to conduct effective Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs), ensuring legal compliance and equitable support for students with disabilities. Participants will work through case studies and scenarios to align with current policies and procedures.

GaTAPP Saturday Seminar

Join an interactive session with the GaDOE science team, focusing on the practical application of 3-dimensional science teaching and learning. Learn to implement rigorous, relevant standards-based instruction aligned with the Biology Georgia Standards of Excellence. During this session, we will plan for instruction by examining biology standards to boost student achievement. Explore resources that you can take back and implement in your classroom.

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

Join an interactive session with the GaDOE science team, focusing on the practical application of 3-dimensional science teaching and learning. Learn to implement rigorous, relevant standards-based instruction aligned with the Biology Georgia Standards of Excellence. During this session, we will plan for instruction by examining biology standards to boost student achievement. Explore resources that you can take back and implement in your classroom.

Teachers will gain knowledge, strategies, and tools to support their students with disabilities to become more independent and successful learners in the classroom. This training equips teachers to: Prioritize behavior, social, and EF skills that are impeding successful participation and progress. Align specific EBP with individual needs Develop methods for tracking student progress and adjusting instruction to ensure continued growth

Teachers will gain knowledge, strategies, and tools to support their students with disabilities to become more independent and successful learners in the classroom. This training equips teachers to: Prioritize behavior, social, and EF skills that are impeding successful participation and progress. Align specific EBP with individual needs Develop methods for tracking student progress and adjusting instruction to ensure continued growth

This interactive training equips educators with practical tools and strategies to foster a positive school climate through restorative practices and effective de-escalation techniques. Participants will explore relationship-centered approaches to discipline, learn how to facilitate restorative conversations, and develop skills to recognize and respond to escalating behaviors calmly and constructively. The training emphasizes proactive, trauma-informed methods to build trust, repair harm, and support student regulation—creating a safer learning environment for all. Teachers and principals make a tremendous impact on the lives of students. With such an impact, it is critical schools cultivate an environment where students, teachers, and administrators can reach their fullest potential. Implementing the Restorative Discipline model can facilitate such potential. RD works to help schools foster positive relationships and build a caring school community that supports even the most at-risk students. National Trainer, Dr. Summer Pannell will lead the course.

Introduction to AAC, best practices for selecting and introducing AAC, initiating and documenting AAC in the IEP. The session will feature a hands-on AAC lab.

Teachers will gain knowledge, strategies, and tools to support their students with disabilities to become more independent and successful learners in the classroom. This training equips teachers to: Prioritize behavior, social, and EF skills that are impeding successful participation and progress. Align specific EBP with individual needs Develop methods for tracking student progress and adjusting instruction to ensure continued growth

Teachers will gain knowledge, strategies, and tools to support their students with disabilities to become more independent and successful learners in the classroom. This training equips teachers to: Prioritize behavior, social, and EF skills that are impeding successful participation and progress. Align specific EBP with individual needs Develop methods for tracking student progress and adjusting instruction to ensure continued growth

Topics: Literacy lessons and updates, math resources, tech tips, whole child support. Well also break up into job-alikes to discuss challenges and problem solving. Target audience: Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Directors and Lead Teachers

GaTAPP Saturday Seminar

Explicit Instruction for Students with Disabilities trains special education co-teachers and resource teachers in clear, systematic teaching methods. It covers core components and includes interactive activities to support students.

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!

The First District Developing Leaders at All Levels Program is designed for any person in a leadership position across your district. Principals, APs, District Office Leaders are encouraged to take part in the timely sessions led each time by Dr. Mark Wilson Richard Smith. This session addresses working with your staff and getting the most out of your team. Dr. Wilson will discuss how to motivate your staff and build buy-in for your mission!

Teachers will enhance their ability to plan SDI for students with reading deficits by selecting and utilizing evidence-based strategies that are based in the Science of Reading. In this session, teachers will: Participate in activities that they can take back and immediately implement in their classrooms. Use the SDI planning protocol to address the 5 Pillars of Reading. Utilize a variety of resources to embed SDI and enhance core instruction.

Teachers will enhance their ability to plan SDI for students with reading deficits by selecting and utilizing evidence-based strategies that are based in the Science of Reading. In this session, teachers will: Participate in activities that they can take back and immediately implement in their classrooms. Use the SDI planning protocol to address the 5 Pillars of Reading. Utilize a variety of resources to embed SDI and enhance core instruction.

Teachers will enhance their ability to plan SDI for students with reading deficits by selecting and utilizing evidence-based strategies that are based in the Science of Reading. In this session, teachers will: Participate in activities that they can take back and immediately implement in their classrooms. Use the SDI planning protocol to address the 5 Pillars of Reading. Utilize a variety of resources to embed SDI and enhance core instruction.

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/RTI Coordinators to have an opportunity to learn and collaborate on needs of the Whole Child.

Teachers will enhance their ability to plan SDI for students with reading deficits by selecting and utilizing evidence-based strategies that are based in the Science of Reading. In this session, teachers will: Participate in activities that they can take back and immediately implement in their classrooms. Use the SDI planning protocol to address the 5 Pillars of Reading. Utilize a variety of resources to embed SDI and enhance core instruction.

Join us in 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.

This session will assist teachers in writing effective transition plans with appropriate goals.

Teachers will improve their knowledge of and capacity to implement specially designed instruction in the area of mathematics. This training will improve special educator’s ability to: Utilize resources to effectively collaborate to plan SDI that aligns with Georgia’s standards and framework. Engage in planning conversations to address the unique needs of students and develop action steps to tackle barriers to successful implementation.

Teachers will improve their knowledge of and capacity to implement specially designed instruction in the area of mathematics. This training will improve special educator’s ability to: Utilize resources to effectively collaborate to plan SDI that aligns with Georgia’s new standards and framework. Engage in planning conversations to address the unique needs of students and develop action steps to tackle barriers to successful implementation.

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.

Professional Learning, Collaboration, and Resource Sharing for School Psychologists in Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, and McIntosh Counties. Virtual option provided by request.

GaTAPP Saturday Seminar

This session is designed for Special Education Teachers, district leaders and staff who would like to increase their knowledge of transition planning and writing compliant transition plans. The session will provide a review of the Transition Planning Survey (Indicator 13) and best practices for writing compliant transition plans that prepare students for post-secondary outcomes.

Teachers will improve their knowledge of and capacity to implement specially designed instruction in the area of mathematics. Utilize resources to effectively collaborate to plan SDI that aligns with Georgia’s new standards and framework. Engage in planning conversations to address the unique needs of students and develop action steps to tackle barriers to successful implementation.

Teachers will improve their knowledge of and capacity to implement specially designed instruction in the area of mathematics. This training will improve special educator’s ability to: Utilize resources to effectively collaborate to plan SDI that aligns with Georgia’s new standards and framework. Engage in planning conversations to address the unique needs of students and develop action steps to tackle barriers to successful implementation.

The First District Developing Leaders at All Levels Program is designed for any person in a leadership position across your district. Principals, APs, District Office Leaders are encouraged to take part in the timely sessions led each time by Dr. Mark Wilson Richard Smith. We all want to be better at what we do. In this session, Dr. Wilson will lead conversation around managing your day, your work, and your priorities.

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

GaTAPP New Cohort Orientation

The First District Transition Alliance connects educators, agencies, and resources across our region in order to improve post-school outcomes for students with disabilities.

Consortium meeting for AT Leads in FDRESA districts- This session focuses on assistive technology to support students with disabilities in reading and ELA.

In this session, teachers will receive an introduction to Specially Designed Instruction, participate in a process for planning SDI, and practice utilizing tools for implementation. The training emphasizes the importance of: Opening Spaces & Building Relationships Establishing Roles and Responsibilities Having Planning Conversations Understanding individual students needs that result from their disability in order to select instructional strategies and supports to help them meet the grade-level standards.

In this session, teachers will receive an introduction to Specially Designed Instruction, participate in a process for planning SDI, and practice utilizing tools for implementation. The training emphasizes the importance of: Opening Spaces & Building Relationships Establishing Roles and Responsibilities Having Planning Conversations Understanding individual students needs that result from their disability in order to select instructional strategies and supports to help them meet the grade-level standards.

The Counselors Collaborative Meeting is for all K-12 School Counselors and 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.

School libraries are the heART of the school and within these magical places, school librarians create inspiring spaces and curate experiences that spark curiosity!In this session, you will gain ideas & inspiration to help you lead and advocate with heART from your school libraries. Join us for our 2025-2026 Library Collective as we explore creatively inspired ways to ignite wonder and passion for learning within the school library. Become a member of this collective learning community of school librarians committed to passion-driven, imaginative, and yes, magical learning experiences.

GaTAPP January New Cohort Orientation

Day 3 in a 4-day series for pre-ETS providers on high-leverage practices.

In this session, teachers will receive an introduction to Specially Designed Instruction, participate in a process for planning SDI, and practice utilizing tools for implementation. The training emphasizes the importance of: Opening Spaces & Building Relationships Establishing Roles and Responsibilities Having Planning Conversations Understanding individual students needs that result from their disability in order to select instructional strategies and supports to help them meet the grade-level standards.

Introduction to Specially Designed Instruction In this session, teachers will receive an introduction to Specially Designed Instruction, participate in a process for planning SDI, and practice utilizing tools for implementation. The training emphasizes the importance of: Opening Spaces & Building Relationships Establishing Roles and Responsibilities Having Planning Conversations Understanding individual students needs that result from their disability in order to select instructional strategies and supports to help them meet the grade-level standards.

This training seeks to prepare new administrators and special education department chairs to serve as LEA Representative in IEP meetings. Participants will improve their ability to support productive, efficient meetings and lead IEP teams.

Explicit Instruction for Students with Disabilities trains special education co-teachers and resource teachers in clear, systematic teaching methods. It covers core components and includes interactive activities to support students.

This training seeks to prepare new administrators and special education department chairs to serve as LEA Representative inIEP meetings. Participants will improve their ability to support productive, efficient meetings and lead IEP teams.

GaTAPP Saturday Seminar

Featuring: Strategies and Examples appropriate for various age and ability levels, subject areas, and activities (calendar/morning meeting, meal times, field trips, CBVI, with peers, to participate in their IEP meetings). Examples include AAC across continuum (no-, low-, mid-, high-) Resources for implementation

In this half-day training session, teachers will gain knowledge, strategies, and tools to support their students with disabilities to become more independent and successful learners in the classroom.

In this half-day training session, teachers will gain knowledge, strategies, and tools to support their students with disabilities to become more independent and successful learners in the classroom.

The First District Developing Leaders at All Levels Program is designed for any person in a leadership position across your district. Principals, APs, District Office Leaders are encouraged to take part in the timely sessions led each time by Dr. Mark Wilson Richard Smith. Part of being a leader is seeing the BIG picture. Dr. Wilson will lead the group in conversation that helps you bing clarity to your staff, commitment from the group, and establish consistency in your practices.

In this half-day training session, teachers will gain knowledge, strategies, and tools to support their students with disabilities to become more independent and successful learners in the classroom.