Description:
School leaders wear many hats—coach, communicator, problem-solver, and
supporter—often while carrying the emotional weight of an entire school community.
This engaging, research-based session explores how the neuroscience of stress,
resilience, and emotional regulation influences leadership, school culture, and teacher
well-being. Participants will discover practical, brain-based strategies to improve
decision-making, establish healthy boundaries, create sustainable work-life balance,
prioritize personal wellness, and model healthy leadership. Through simple, realistic
practices, including movement, breathing, nutrition, purposeful routines, and intentional
self-care, leaders will leave equipped to strengthen their own well-being while creating a
ripple effect that empowers teachers, supports students, and fosters a thriving school
community.

Presenters:
Casey Kruk is a 21-year veteran educator whose career spans roles as a teacher, coach,
athletic director, high school assistant principal, and–most recently–6 years as a middle school
principal. Anchored by the belief that school administrators must be led by a desire to be
instructional leaders, he has guided his middle school to consistent growth over the last 6

years–including its first-ever Exceeds Growth designation in 2022–while navigating the
challenges of COVID-19, two major floods, and all the other things the world has thrown at us.
As a cancer survivor, he pairs this deep commitment to educational excellence with hard-earned
personal perspective, advocating for educator stress management, long-term well-being, and
meaningful human connection.

Dr. Natalie Boone is an educator, coach, and wellness advocate with more than 20
years of experience helping students and educators recognize their strengths, improve
their well-being, and create meaningful change. She currently serves as an Associate
Professor of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at Mars Hill University, where she
teaches health, human performance, kinesiology, and physical education. In addition to
teaching, she serves as an academic advisor, internship coordinator, Physical
Education Teacher Education coordinator, and growth coach for student-athletes. She
holds two doctorates: one in Educational Leadership from Gardner-Webb University and
one in Kinesiology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, as well as two
master’s degrees and numerous certifications.
Boone’s work is grounded in the belief that effective teaching and leadership begin with
understanding the whole person. Her professional interests include the neuroscience of
learning, educator wellness, stress and emotional regulation, movement-based learning,
student engagement, and the connection between physical, mental, emotional, and
relational health. She is passionate about translating research into practical strategies
that educators and school leaders can realistically use in their daily lives and
professional practice.
Beyond the university classroom, Boone leads professional development workshops for
educators across the state, coaches CrossFit, and provides movement and wellness
opportunities in her community. Her engaging and authentic presentation style
combines research, practical application, reflection, movement, and humor. Whether
working with students, teachers, athletes, or school leaders, Boone’s goal is to help
people feel seen, supported, and equipped to lead and live well.

If you have additional questions, contact Candie Sellers at  csellers@wresa.org

If you are unsure whether your school system is a WRESA member, click  WRESA MEMBER List.

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The post Lead Well, Teach Well: The Neuroscience of Administrator Wellness and School Culture appeared first on WRESA.

Description:

High-leverage practices (HLPs) are instructional approaches educators in
K–12 settings can use to teach a wide range of learners and content. The 22
research-based practices are organized into four essential aspects of teachers’
work: collaboration, assessment, social/emotional/behavioral practices, and instruction.
Together, they provide a shared framework and common language to support students
with disabilities and those who benefit from additional instructional support.

This two-day professional development workshop introduces participants to selected
HLPs that can be used across grade levels and content areas. Participants will examine
how these practices connect to daily instruction, classroom routines, student
engagement, behavior support, and planning for generalization of learning.

In this 2-day professional development, participants will be introduced to the HLPs and
address the following content.

“WHAT TO TEACH” Pillar HLP 7: Learning environments

● HLP 9: Teach Social Behaviors
● HLP 14: Teach cognitive and meta cognitive strategies
● HLP 21 Teach students to maintain and generalize new learning.

“HOW TO TEACH” Pillar HLP 16 Explicit Instruction
● HLP 18: Active Student Engagement
● HLP 15: Scaffolded Instruction
● HLP 13: Adapt Curriculum Tasks & Materials
● HLP 19: Use Assistive and Instructional Technologies
● HLP 17: Use Flexible Grouping
● HLPs 8/22: Provide Positive & Constructive Feedback

Presenter: Kelly Doppke is an IDEA Consultant for the Western Region with the Office
of Exceptional Children, where she provides regional support to EC leadership and
school teams in LEAs and Charters across the area.

For more information, contact April at aspencer@wresa.org, or 828.774. 5681 ext 103

REGISTER

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Description:
WRESA, in partnership with NCASBO, is providing  a structured, professional development series
for superintendents, finance officers, and human resource directors across the Western Carolina
Region.
This series will strengthen financial leadership capacity, improve transparency, and ensure
accountability in the management of public school funds. Training to be led by teams consisting of
one superintendent and one finance officer – a pairing that reflects the essential collaboration
required for effective financial management in school districts.

OUTCOMES –  Participants will:
• Leave each session with at least one ready to use tool
• Strengthen collaboration
• Increase operational efficiency
• Improve compliance readiness
• Understand the fiscal cycle
• Build a regional network of peers

Session 1: September 22, 2026 – Laying the Foundation
• NC Public School Fiscal Control Act/Fund Accounting/Chart of Accounts
• Financial Reporting Requirements
• Current Year Allotments
• Continuing Budget Resolutions & Budget Adoption
• Position Control & Staffing Alignment

Session 2:  October 13, 2026 – Building & Communicating the Budget
• Presenting Budgets to Boards of Ed. & Stakeholders
• Working on Budgets with Central Office Directors & Principals
• Annual External Audit & Preparing for Annual Audit Presentation
• Spending Projections for Current Year
• State & Federal Allotments for Special Populations
• Cash Management Requirements
• Investment of Idle Funds

Session 3: November 3, 2026 – Operational Controls & Assets
• Purchasing & Compliance – Board Approval Requirements
• Fixed Asset Tracking
• Property Disposal Rules
• Internal Controls & Risk Management
• Long Term Planning for Declining Enrollment

Session 4: January 12, 2027 – Preparing for the New Fiscal Year
• State Planning Allotments for 2027-2028
• Budget Projections for 2027-2028
• Salary Audit Exceptions

Session 5: March 9, 2027 – Fiscal Year End Close
• Planning and Preparing for Year-End Fiscal Close out
• Allotment Projects
• Fund Balance Projects

REGISTER

The post Finance Series for Superintendents, Finance Officers & HR Directors appeared first on WRESA.

How Great Leaders Build Trust, Accountability, and High Expectations Through Everyday
Conversations

Description: 

Have you ever wondered why some schools naturally develop a positive, high-performing
culture while others struggle with conflict, inconsistency, and low morale? Or have you ever
walked away from a difficult conversation with an employee wondering, “Did I handle that the
right way?”

The reality is that school culture isn’t built through programs, slogans, or initiatives. It is shaped
by the conversations leaders have every day. Every interaction either strengthens trust,
reinforces expectations, or weakens the culture you’re trying to create.

In this interactive, full-day workshop, school leaders will discover practical strategies for creating
a culture where relationships matter, accountability is embraced, and teaching and learning
thrive. Participants will explore the Core Four of Leadership—Judgment, Relationships, Work
Ethic, and Integrity—and learn how those leadership qualities are brought to life through the
Five C’s of Sustainable School Culture: Communication, Consistency, Collaboration,
Commitment, and Compassion.

Throughout the day, participants will engage in realistic leadership scenarios, practice
navigating challenging conversations, and learn how to use artificial intelligence as a leadership
coach to prepare for difficult discussions, strengthen communication, and become more
reflective, confident leaders.

Participants will leave with practical conversation frameworks, AI-powered leadership tools, and
strategies they can immediately apply to shape a stronger school culture—one conversation at
a time.

Presenter BIO:

Scott Rhodes – Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources with Henderson County Public Schools
Mr. Rhodes is starting his 34th year in public education. He has served in Henderson County as
a teacher, coach, assistant principal, middle and high school principal, and now serves as
assistant superintendent for Human Resources.

Mr. Rhodes received his undergraduate degree in Health and Physical Education from Western
Carolina University and his master’s degree in School Administration from Gardner Webb
University.

Mr. Rhodes was selected as the 2015 NASSP, North Carolina Secondary Principal of the Year.

If you have additional questions, contact Candie Sellers at  csellers@wresa.org

If you are unsure whether your school system is a WRESA member, click  WRESA MEMBER List.

REGISTER

The post Shaping School Culture…One Conversation at a Time appeared first on WRESA.

Description:
This session focuses on strengthening classroom discourse through purposeful
planning and facilitation using the 5 Practices for Orchestrating Productive
Mathematical Discussions and the Launch–Explore–Discuss framework. Participants
will explore how to anticipate student thinking, monitor and select student work,
and sequence and connect ideas to build deep mathematical understanding. Through
hands-on tasks and reflection, educators will learn strategies to create inclusive,
student-centered discussions that elevate reasoning, promote equity of voice, and
make thinking visible. By the end of the session, teachers will leave with practical
tools to support meaningful discourse that advances both engagement and conceptual
understanding.

Presenter:
Meredith Stanley is a K–8 math specialist who partners with schools and districts
across North Carolina to provide student-centered professional learning. A former
elementary classroom teacher and instructional coach in Buncombe County, Meredith is
a two-time finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and
Science Teaching, a Buncombe County Teacher of the Year, a Buncombe County
Math Teacher of the Year, and a National Board–certified educator. She earned her
Master of Mathematics Teaching from Mount Holyoke College, where she also serves
as an instructor.
Meredith’s passion is helping students and teachers see themselves as confident,
capable mathematicians—a mission that drives all of her professional work. Learn more
and explore her recommended instructional resources at meredith4math.com.

If you have additional questions, contact Candie Sellers at csellers@wresa.org

If you are unsure whether your school system is a WRESA member, click  WRESA MEMBER List.

REGISTER

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Description: 

This one-day workshop provides teachers with actionable methods for aiding elementary and intermediate learners (grades 4–7) across general and special education settings. The session focuses on overcoming hurdles that arise when heightened emotions disrupt a student’s ability to concentrate on academics. Attendees will investigate forward-thinking approaches, such as emotional regulation strategies, sequential problem-solving, visual aids, and executive function development, to empower students in balancing their school and home life.

Presenter:  

Serving the K-12 population of Buncombe County Schools in Asheville, North Carolina, Marlou DeVera brings over three decades of professional experience within educational environments. 

In her capacity as an autism and behavior specialist, she provides coaching and professional development for educators, focusing on proactive classroom programming and emotional regulation. Furthermore, she organizes and leads social skills groups for K-12 learners with diverse needs, partnering with therapists and special education and general education faculty.

Her extensive background includes previous roles as an exceptional children’s curriculum specialist and an intensive intervention teacher for middle school students on the spectrum. She also served as the director for a program facilitating the mainstreaming of K-12 students with high-functioning autism.

Marlou is recognized as a TEACCH Advanced Consultant through UNC-Chapel Hill and has completed clinical studies with Social Thinking in San Jose. She earned her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of the Philippines.

If you have additional questions, contact Candie Sellers at  csellers@wresa.org

If you are unsure whether your school system is a WRESA member, click  WRESA MEMBER List.

REGISTER

The post Managing Big Emotions: Strategies for Academic Focus (Grades 4-7) appeared first on WRESA.

Description:

School administrators are provided an overview of the service delivery model of co-teaching, practical tools used to give substantial support to both the general and special educators implementing co-teaching in their schools. Administrators will discuss considerations for the selection of staff and students for co-teaching, planning for implementation, scheduling, the importance of collaborative planning, the six approaches utilized in the classroom that enhance universal design for learning, and evaluation of effective co-teaching implementation.

ADMINISTRATORS MUST ALSO JOIN THEIR TEACHER TEAMS ON October 6th from 2:30 until 3:30 for collaborative planning. 

Administrators without a team may sign up for this session to learn about this co-teaching model.

Presenter:  

Paige Bode has been an educator for 27 years and currently works as an IDEA Math Consultant for the Office of Exceptional Children at NC DPI where she serves the  Western and Northwestern regions.

Teri Queen has been an educator for 27 years as well and currently works as an IDEA Literacy Consultant for the Office of Exceptional Children at NC DPI where she serves the Western and Northwestern regions.    

If you are unsure whether your school system is a WRESA member, click  WRESA MEMBER List.

If you have additional questions, contact Candie Sellers at  csellers@wresa.org

REGISTER

The post Co-Teaching: Calling All Administrators appeared first on WRESA.

Description:

This professional learning supports best practice by providing teams of teachers (general and special educators) with the six approaches of co-teaching, their implementation and practical tools, can be utilized by teams implementing co-teaching as a service delivery model in their schools. The teams will gain knowledge of the essential elements of co-teaching: co-planning, co-instructing and co-assessing. The teams meet with their administrators the last hour of the day to collaborate.

The administrators who attend must have also attended Co-Teaching: Calling All Administrators on Oct. 5.

Presenter:  

Paige Bode has been an educator for 27 years and currently works as an IDEA Math Consultant for the Office of Exceptional Children at NC DPI where she serves the  Western and Northwestern regions.

Teri Queen has been an educator for 27 years as well and currently works as an IDEA Literacy Consultant for the Office of Exceptional Children at NC DPI where she serves the  Western and Northwestern regions.    

If you are unsure whether your school system is a WRESA member, click  WRESA MEMBER List.

If you have additional questions, contact Candie Sellers at csellers@wresa.org

REGISTER

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Description: 

Transform your reading instruction with Lindsay Kemeny, teacher and author of “7 Mighty Moves”! This workshop dives deep into the seven key moves that ensure reading success for all students.

Part 1: Cracking the Code

• Demystify phonemic awareness: Gain a clear understanding of this foundational skill and discover research-backed strategies for effective instruction, including scaffolds for struggling learners.
• Master explicit phonics: Learn how to make phonics engaging and ensure students develop a strong foundation in decoding skills.
• Unlock the power of decodable texts: Explore engaging routines and strategies for using decodable texts in whole-group and small-group settings.

Part 2: Building Fluency and Comprehension

• High-frequency words: Learn specific steps and strategies for teaching high-frequency words effectively.
• Gaining fluency: Move beyond traditional round-robin reading and discover effective methods for promoting meaningful fluency practice across all grade levels.
• Boosting vocabulary and comprehension: Explore how to leverage vocabulary instruction and background knowledge to enhance students’ understanding of text. Learn to incorporate writing strategies to improve students’ comprehension.

Throughout the workshop, Lindsay will share practical tips, engaging activities, and specific protocols to help you implement these “mighty moves” in your classroom. 

Exciting news!  The first 50 registrants will receive a free copy of 7 Mighty Moves courtesy of Scholastic.

Presenter:  

Lindsay Kemeny is an elementary school teacher, speaker, and author with a passion for literacy and applying research to practice. After her son was diagnosed with dyslexia and depression, she began her deep dive into effective literacy instruction for all children. She enjoys presenting locally and nationally, and co-hosting the Literacy Talks podcast. She is the author of the books, 7 Mighty Moves, 7 Mighty Moves Reading Resources, and Rock Your Literacy Block. She loves being in the classroom every day, teaching kids to read and write. 

If you have additional questions, contact Candie Sellers at csellers@wresa.org

If you are unsure whether your school system is a WRESA member, click  WRESA MEMBER List.

REGISTER

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Description:

Morning Session:  Come spend the morning learning about the National Board process for new candidates. Lynn Carter, our own NBCT expert will go over all the details and provide you with a timeline and resources to be successful. This workshop will be 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Afternoon Session: The afternoon session will be from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm and will be for those NBCTs who are getting ready to renew. They will have an opportunity to discuss this process and begin thinking about the entries and accomplishments that would work best.

Presenter:  Lynn Carter will facilitate both sessions with her wealth of knowledge about the process.

For more information, contact April at aspencer@wresa.org, 828.774. 5681 ext 103

REGISTER

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