Franklin Covey 4 Disciplines of Execution for Educators

Date:     August 5, 2025 (Cancelled - To Be Rescheduled)
Time:     9:00am – 3:00pm 
Type:     In-Person

Location: WCU Biltmore Park
          28 Schenck Pkwy
          Asheville, NC 28803

Fee:      No Fee
Audience: K-12 Educators, School Administrators and District Superintendents
CEUS:     5 Contact Hours  

Description:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have additional questions, contact Jan Webster at   jwebster@wresa.org

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

REGISTRATION WILL REOPEN WHEN IT IS RESCHEDULED

Responsibility-Centered Discipline (RCD) Day #2: Advanced Skills

Date:     October 29, 2025
Time:     8:30am-3:00pm

Location: Goodwill Career Center 
          1616 Patton Ave
          Asheville, NC 28806

Fee:      $ 50 WRESA Members
          $100 Non-members

**NOTE: We have a No Refund policy for our WRESA courses. However, you
are welcome to send a colleague in your place. Contact LaDonna Sluder
at lsluder@wresa.org or 828-774-5681 (ext 102) if you need to change
the name of the person attending.

CEUs:     5 Contact Hours
Limit:    65 Participants
Audience: Teachers, Principals, Assistant Principals, and other Educational Leaders
What to Bring? Your own device 

Description: 

Building upon the foundational concepts introduced in RCD Day #1, RCD Day #2 dives deeper into the practical application of Responsibility-Centered Discipline (RCD) through scenario-based training and systemic solutions that support teachers, students, and administrators.

Key components of Day #2 include:

  • Scenario Training
  • Level Three: The Correction Process (Office Referrals)
  • Addressing Level 2 & 3 Students
  • RCD Implementation 

By the end of Day #2, participants will be equipped with actionable tools to reinforce responsibility-centered discipline, strengthen school-wide consistency, and improve student outcomes through proactive, solution-focused strategies.

Presenter: Larry Thompson, M.ED

Our presenter for the day is Larry Thompson. He is often called upon to deliver keynote presentations for state and national education conferences because of his knowledge, humor and passion for assisting today’s students. He has helped thousands of educators and schools break away from their traditional discipline models to a model that creates a responsible climate and responsible students. Larry has served in a wide variety of roles in education – from special education teacher to alternative and traditional high school principal. Larry understands that systems must be created that can be realistically implemented and sustained. 

For additional information/ questions contact Jill Chambers jchambers@wresa.org

REGISTER

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt – Online Book Study

Type:  Online and Self-Paced

Cost:  $45 - WRESA Members
       $70 - Non-members 

CEUs:  20 Contact Hours

This course examines the influence of  smartphone usage on young people growing up in a society that is dependent on digital devices. After each section, which will consist of reading 1-2 chapters in the book, you will write a summary about specific topics in that section. This is a self-paced course. You will be responsible for purchasing the book.

For more information, please contact Jan Webster at jwebster@wresa.org

***IMPORTANT NOTE:  Prior to registering, we encourage you to watch one of the registration help videos if you haven’t taken an Online Course with WRESA or if you need a refresher on the process.  Follow the directions below to view one of the videos:

1)  If you DO NOT have a WRESA account (which means you have not taken an online course with us), click on the following help video for how to register and enroll as a New User: Help Video for a New User.

2)  If you have taken an online course with us previously and already have a WRESA account, click on the following help video for how to add a course to your account as a Returning User: Help Video for a Returning User.

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

 

REGISTER

Science Lab Safety for Schools and School Systems

Date:     December 9, 2025 
Time:     9:00am – 3:00pm 
Type:     In-Person

Location: WRESA   
          200 Ridgefield Ct, Suite 206
          Asheville, NC 28806

Fee:      $25  WRESA Members  
          $50  Non-members

**NOTE: We have a No Refund policy for our WRESA courses. However, you
are welcome to send a colleague in your place. Contact LaDonna Sluder 
at lsluder@wresa.org or 828-774-5681 (ext 102) if you need to change
the name of the person attending.

CEUs:     5 Contact Hours 
Audience: K-12 Educators

Description:

Are your science labs or classrooms safe for teachers and students?  Have you had some turnover in your schools and want to make sure the people in your schools are properly informed on safety procedures?  Are your chemicals stored properly?  Are emergency procedures in place at your school?

How can you be sure?  Join us to create or improve upon your school science safety plan.  Make your classroom, your school, or your school system as safe as it can possibly be!

Presenter:  Gina Barrier, Director of Summer Programs & Extended Partnerships at the NCSSM Morganton will be your instructor.

For more information, contact April at aspencer@wresa.org

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

REGISTER

Exploring Plant Genetics – Aug 2024

Date:     August 28, 2024   
Time:     9:00am – 3:00pm

Location: Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Ext. Center
          455 Research Drive
          Mills River, NC 28759
           
Cost:    Free and receive classroom materials/supplies to use in the future
Audience: K-12 teachers
Credit:   5 Contact Hours

The Mountain Horticultural Crops  Research and Extension Center is a 397-acre campus located just outside of Asheville and hosts a wide range of plant breeding programs. The Center has played a significant part in field research and numerous scientific achievements including the release of new varieties. Research is conducted on tomatoes, apples, ornamental landscaping crops, vegetables, peaches, biofuel crops, corn, soybeans, and even hops. The agricultural research projects continue to change to reflect the needs of our society and to address new challenges within the agricultural community of Western North Carolina. 

This one-day workshop will provide teachers with visits and interactions in the Research Station fields with faculty and graduate students involved with research on different varieties of plants. The morning will be filled with discussions, site visits, and activities exploring the research happening at Center. The afternoon will be spent in the classroom doing investigations related to the research and includes resources to take with you so you can implement in your classroom.

If you have questions about the workshop, contact Michelle Taylor at mtbenign@ncsu.edu. If you have questions about registration, contact LaDonna Sluder at lsluder@wresa.org 

REGISTRATION CLOSED

 

Business Externships

Experience our Businesses Virtually:

Virtual Career Exploration

Name Type
Andy Taylor FordAutomotive
Army National GuardMilitary Services
Bascom GalleryNonprofit-Arts
Blue Ridge Mountain ElectricElectric/Broadband
Deal FarmsAgriculture
Doug Taylor Electrical ContractingContracting
Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians Office of Natural ResourcesGovernment
Harris Regional HospitalHealthcare
Highlands Aerial ParkOutdoor Recreation
John C. Campbell Folk SchoolNonprofit-Arts
Kanini's Restaurant and CateringHospitality, Restaurant
Laurel Ridge Country ClubHospitality
Mainspring Conservation TrustNonprofit-environmental
Nantahala Outdoor CenterRecreation
Rikki Tikki TeesRetail, manufacturing
Sunburst TroutRetail, Agriculture
TekToneManufacturing
Wehrloom Honey and MeaderyRetail, Manufacturing, Agriculture
Ward's Plumbing and HeatingHome Services

Andy Shaw Ford Career Spotlight

 

Andy Shaw Ford Virtual Tour 

PowerPoint Andy Shaw Ford

 

Army National Guard Career Spotlight

 

PowerPoint Army National Guard

 

The Bascom

PowerPoint The Bascom Gallery

 

BRMEMC Career Spotlight

 

PowerPoint BRMEMC

 

Deal Family Farms

PowerPoint   Deal Farms

Doug Taylor Electric, LLC

PowerPoint Doug Taylor Electric

 

EBCI Natural Resources Career Spotlight

 

PowerPoint    Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians Office of Natural Resources

Harris Hospital Career Spotlight

PowerPoint Harris Regional Hospital

Highlands Aerial Career Spotlight

PowerPoint   Highlands Ariel Park

John C Campbell Folk School Career Spotlight

 

PowerPoint John C. Campbell Folk School

 

Kanini’s Restaurant and Catering Spotlight Tour

 

Kanini’s Restaurant Virtual Tour

PowerPoint Kanini’s Restaurant

 

Laurel Ridge Country Club and Event Center Career Spotlight

 

PowerPoint Laurel Ridge Country Club

 

Mainspring Career Spotlight

 

PowerPoint  Mainspring Conservation Trust

 

Murphy Rehabilitation & Nursing Career Spotlight

 

Murphy Rehabilitation and Nursing Virtual Tour

NOC Career Spotlight

 

NOC Virtual Tour

 

PowerPoint Nantahala Outdoor Center

Rikki Tikki Tees

PowerPoint Rikki Tikki Tees

 

Sunburst Trout Farms Career Spotlight

PowerPoint   Sunburst Trout

Tektone Career Spotlight

Tektone Virtual Tour

PowerPoint TekTone Sound

Ward Plumbing, Heating & Air Career Spotlight

Ward Plumbing, Heating & Air Virtual Tour

 

PowerPoint Ward Plumbing, Heating, & Air

 

Wehrloom Honey and Meadery

Video Coming Soon

PowerPoint The Original Wehrloom Honey and Meadery

AI: Artificial Intelligence Questions Examined Through “Klara and the Sun” – Online Book Study

Type:  Online and Self-Paced

Cost:  $45 - WRESA Members
       $70 - Non-members 

Credits: 10 Contact Hours

We will examine areas of thought related to the use of artificial intelligence through the use of a fictional story “Klara and The Sun” by Kazuo Ishiguro. This book examines a fictional scenario involving an “Artificial Friend” and her family. You will submit your responses to questions based upon the 5 sections of the book. This is self paced. You will be responsible for purchasing the book.

For more information, please contact Jan Webster at jwebster@wresa.org

***IMPORTANT NOTE:  Prior to registering, we encourage you to watch one of the registration help videos if you haven’t taken an Online Course with WRESA or if you need a refresher on the process.  Follow the directions below to view one of the videos:

1)  If you DO NOT have a WRESA account (which means you have not taken an online course with us), click on the following help video for how to register and enroll as a New User: Help Video for a New User.

2)  If you have taken an online course with us previously and already have a WRESA account, click on the following help video for how to add a course to your account as a Returning User: Help Video for a Returning User.

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

 

REGISTER

Online Book Study: Designing and Implementing Performance Tasks and Projects

Date:              Ongoing

Cost:              Free        WRESA Members 

                        $65.00   Non-WRESA Members

Type:             Online Book Study 

Hours:          20 contact hours

Participants will need to purchase the book prior to starting the course.

Eric Carbaugh, co-author of the book titled: Designing Authentic Performance Tasks and Projects: Tools for Meaningful Learning and Assessment  will take you through this course using the book as a guide.

This course, focused on the book Designing Authentic Performance Tasks and Projects: Tools for Meaningful Learning and Assessment, addresses the design and implementation of authentic performance tasks and projects. Throughout the course, you’ll learn about many practical tools to help you integrate these learning and assessment strategies into the fabric of your classroom. In addition to the modules devoted to the design of tasks, projects, and rubrics, you’ll also explore how to differentiate these tasks, teach in a performance-based classroom, and overcome common management challenges. The last chapter is devoted to creating a performance-based curriculum.

By completing this course, participants will:

  • Design meaningful and authentic learning experiences and assessments
  • Create tools to evaluate student work
  • Differentiate tasks and projects for student interest or readiness
  • Understand key instructional shifts in performance-based classrooms
  • Effectively manage student work
  • Explore opportunities for a performance-based curriculum

These modules include a collection of reflection questions, activities, and/or job embedded tasks, which will ask you to apply strategies and tools to your own teaching.

For more information about this course, contact Candie Sellers at csellers@wresa.org.

   If you are interested in taking this online course, contact Candie Sellers 

The Science of Reading: 5 Part Online Series

Type:         Online and Ongoing
Time:         Self-Paced (Available At Your Convenience)

Cost:         $45 for WRESA Members
              $70 for Non-members

Credit:       5 Contact Hours 
Audience:     K-5  
Presenter:    Cindy Hutchins, Instructional Coach for Buncombe County Schools 

 

This course is designed as a follow up from the Introduction to the Science of Reading led by NCCAT Early Grades Literacy Specialist, Gin Hodge.  Participants will dig deeper into each of the five components of high quality reading instruction and will explore resources to support the explicit instruction of each component during face to face instruction as well as virtual instruction.  This self-paced, five hour course will dedicate a session to phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, oral language and vocabulary, and comprehension.  

Target audience: K-5 grades (Must View all 5 Sessions to Receive Credit).  There are no prerequisite requirements for this course. Each participant must submit a final summary after viewing all 5 webinars to receive 5 hours of credit for the course.  A good summary guideline to follow is roughly one paragraph for each webinar. Summaries should be sent to Candie Sellers at csellers@wresa.org .

Presenter: Cindy Hutchins Instructional Coach Buncombe County Schools.

Cindy taught fourth and second grade at W.W. Estes Elementary school for five years before becoming an Instructional Coach for Buncombe County Schools for the past five years. She is passionate about the Science of Reading and progress in the area of neuroscience related to how children learn to read.

If you have further questions, please contact Candie Sellers: csellers@wresa.org

***IMPORTANT NOTE:  Prior to registering, we encourage you to watch one of the registration help videos if you haven’t taken an Online Course with WRESA or if you need a refresher on the process.  Follow the directions below to view one of the videos:

1)  If you DO NOT have a WRESA account (which means you have not taken an online course with us), click on the following help video for how to register and enroll as a New User: Help Video for a New User.

2)  If you have taken an online course with us previously and already have a WRESA account, click on the following help video for how to add a course to your account as a Returning User: Help Video for a Returning User.

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

REGISTER

Free Resources for Behavioral Health Support

 

Building Resilience: Social Emotional Supports for Teachers and Students

Click to watch the video Building Resilience

During this time of stress in our communities and families, it is now more important than ever to be providing social and emotional support for our students. In this course, teachers will:

  1. Learn to better support students’ social emotional learning needs
  2. Be able to describe how chronic stress affects the brain and nervous system
  3. Be able to recognize how stress may present in the classroom
  4. Learn how to integrate Social Emotional Learning practices with existing best instructional practices to support students’ mental health and learning

This was developed by Amy Jamerson of Buncombe County Schools. North Windy Ridge Intermediate School.