Professional Development Events

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.

Using Strategies by Amie Dean, the Behavior Queen, Amie's dynamic instructor, Shawna Griffin, will lead participants in addressing solutions to common challenging behaviors. Learn evidence based strategies and tips to use right away and help you survive and students to thrive in the classroom. The workshop is appropriate for all grade levels, and will cover a wide variety of strategies using examples of all levels. This virtual seminar will equip participants with strategies to use to teach and motivate students to be respectful and exhibit appropriate behavior. Start the New Year off with positive strategies to help teachers not just survive, but THRIVE!

Jan 5, 2026

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Virtual

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

The Exceptional Child Course is a 10-week online course that will satisfy the requirements of HB671. The participant will learn to effectively address the needs of Exceptional Learners.

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.

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.

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.

This training is for administrators who supervise GaTAPP candidates.

Jan 29, 2026

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Virtual

This training is for mentors who work with GaTAPP candidates.

Jan 29, 2026

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Virtual

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.

Get ready to take writing instruction to the next level! In Ignite the Write: Part 3, participants will extend their learning by exploring practical, high-impact strategies that help students take meaningful next steps after receiving feedback. Aligned to the new Georgia K–12 ELA Standards, this session focuses on the critical question: “Students recieved feedback… now what?” Participants will have actionable practices to advance writers’ confidence, creativity, and proficiency in grades 3–10.Each grade breakout band (3 & 5), (4, 6 & 7), (8, 9 & 10) will engage with strategies tailored to priorities identified in the Part 2 participant survey, ensuring the learning is relevant, responsive, and immediately applicable.

Get ready to take writing instruction to the next level! In Ignite the Write: Part 3, participants will extend their learning by exploring practical, high-impact strategies that help students take meaningful next steps after receiving feedback. Aligned to the new Georgia K–12 ELA Standards, this session focuses on the critical question: “Students recieved feedback… now what?” Participants will have actionable practices to advance writers’ confidence, creativity, and proficiency in grades 3–10.Each grade breakout band (3 & 5), (4, 6 & 7), (8, 9 & 10) will engage with strategies tailored to priorities identified in the Part 2 participant survey, ensuring the learning is relevant, responsive, and immediately applicable.

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.

This training is for administrators who supervise GaTAPP candidates.

Feb 5, 2026

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Virtual

This training is for mentors who work with GaTAPP Candidates.

GaTAPP Saturday Seminar

Feb 7, 2026

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Virtual

In this two-day workshop, presenters will focus on best practices for developing compliant Individual Education Programs for students with disabilities.

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.

Session Description: The Georgia Department of Education’s Educator Development Division is partnering with RESAs and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to host the upcoming Wellness in Action: Thriving Staff, Thriving Schools workshop. This interactive session from 9 AM-12:30 PM will highlight practical strategies for building positive relationships among staff, creating an authentic system of gratitude, and providing resources and tools that help educators prioritize their own well-being. Participants will leave with actionable ideas and tools to cultivate a supportive, thriving work environment—strengthening teacher retention and building stronger schools. Wellness teams are encouraged to attend!

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.

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.

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 and free to all FDRESA districts!

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.

Feb 26, 2026

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Richmond Hill Community Ed

120 Constitution Way, Richmond Hill, GA 31324

Join your colleagues for a full day of hands-on learning, networking, and exploring the latest educational technology trends at Coastal Pines in Jesup!What to Expect:AI Integration in Education - Practical applications for classroom instruction and literacy supportEducational Robotics & Coding - Hands-on experiences with tools that engage studentsDigital Literacy Innovation - Technology strategies that support struggling readersGamification & Engagement - Interactive tools that motivate and inspire learnersData-Driven Solutions - Analytics and assessment toolsPerfect For:Media Specialists & School LibrariansTechnology Directors & CoordinatorsInstructional Technology SpecialistsReading/Literacy CoachesSTEM/STEAM EducatorsForward-thinking Administrators

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.

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.

GaTAPP Saturday Seminar

AT Makers Day! An interactive and hands-on workshop for educators to create AT for their classroom.

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 practices, GaMTSS updates, and strategies that connect wellbeing, behavior, and learning.

Agency Expo for families and educators to learn about local agencies and area supports for students with disabilities.

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.

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 partnership with Okefenokee RESA, join us for the Winter GaDOE Teaching and Learning Summit, a collaborative professional learning event designed to empower educators across the region with the latest strategies, resources, and insights aligned to Georgia's educational priorities. The focus will be on instructional best practices, DOE updates, assessment, and student success.

Agency Expo for families and educators to learn about local agencies and area supports for students with disabilities.

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. Dealing with parents does not always have to be a challenge. Dr. Wilson will share ideas that will help you keep your parents informed, how to have those courageous conversations, and how to deescalate situations that may occur.

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.

Teachers will improve their knowledge of and capacity to implement specially designed instruction in the area of mathematics. This training will improvespecial and general educators' 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.

Teachers will improve their knowledge of and capacity to implement specially designed instruction in the area of mathematics. This training will improve special and general educators' 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

District leaders, come join our Whole Child MTSS Summer Strategic Planning Retreat to recharge and collaborate. Plan for effective MTSS systems in Academics, Behavior, and Mental Health and Wellbeing. Sessions will include building effective implementation strategies, team building, and current best practices in all MTSS work. Open for all PBIS, MTSS, Mental Health and SEL district leaders, coaches, and administrators. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Space is limited so Register Now!

Join us for When the Unthinkable Happens: Effective Crisis Response & Recovery in Schools training. When crisis strikes a school community, the impact is immediate—but the path to recovery requires skilled, compassionate leadership. Whether facing the loss of a student or staff member, an act of violence, or a natural disaster, school systems must be prepared not only to respond in the moment but also to guide their communities through the essential work of psychological recovery.This session equips school decision-makers and school-based mental health professionals with evidence-based strategies to reduce trauma, promote emotional stabilization, and foster long-term resilience. Together, we will explore how proactive planning, coordinated response efforts, and thoughtful leadership in the aftermath of crisis can shape a healthier, more resilient recovery for students, staff, and families.Participants will leave with actionable practices that strengthen preparedness and support a more stable, connected, and trauma-responsive school community—before, during, and after crisis.Lunch will be provided.

Tier I or Tier II Leadership Certification Program

Jun 1, 2026

12:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Virtual

Join us for the Read, Write, and Inspire Conference, an inspiring event designed to spark creativity and strengthen writing skills for educators and students alike. Our featured guest speaker, Nik Philmon, will share insights and strategies to motivate writers of all levels. Participants will also enjoy breakout sessions led by literacy and writing experts, offering hands-on learning and practical tools to enhance instruction and engagement. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and reignite your passion for writing!Hotel Registration Link:Will be provided at a later dateRegister before February 1st for $50 off!