Substitute Teaching 101: Online User Registration

Register below. If you are a New User (which means that this is the first WRESA Online course you have taken),  enter you First Name, Last Name, Username, Email and a password in the form below and click “Submit”. Please record your email and password for future reference.

If you are a Returning User (which means you have already taken one of our online courses and thus, have a WRESA login with an email and password ), scroll down to the Returning User registration for instructions.

If you have questions, please contact lsluder@wresa.org or 828-774-5681 ext. 102.

New User:

Substitute Teaching 101: Online - New User

Substitute Teaching 101 Online Course for registrants who need to create a New User account on our WRESA online course platform so they can gain access to work on the course.

Name
Password

Returning User:

If you have previously registered for a WRESA Online Learning Course and have a username and password, login with your username and password in the top left corner. After logging in, scroll back down and fill out the information under Returning User, and click “Submit”.

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Facilitating Meaningful Math Discourse

Date:     November, 4, 2026
Time:     9:00am – 3:00pm

Type:     In-Person

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

 Fee:     $ 65 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. If you need to change the
name of the person attending, send an email to registrations@wresa.org
with the information of the person who will attend in your place.

CEUs:      5 Contact Hours
Limit:    45 Participants
Audience: K-5 Classroom Teachers and Instructional Coaches
What to bring?: Your own device

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

National Board Support for New Candidates and Renewals: – July 2026

Date:     July 23, 2026  
    
Time:     Morning Session:    9:00am – 12:00pm
          Afternoon Session:  1:00pm -  3:00pm 

Type:     In-Person

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

Fee:      $25 WRESA Members (per session)
          $50 Non-members   (per session)

CEUs:     3 Contact Hours (each session) - if district accepts them
Limit:    50 Participants
Audience: National Board New and Renewal Candidates 

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

National Board Support for New Candidates and Renewals – Sept 2026

Date:     September 19, 2026  (Saturday)
    
Time:     Morning Session:    9:00am – 12:00pm
          Afternoon Session:  1:00pm -  3:00pm 

Type:     In-Person

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

Fee:      $25 WRESA Members (per session)
          $50 Non-members   (per session)

**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:     2.5 Contact Hours (each session) - if district accepts them
Limit:    50 Participants
Audience: National Board New and Renewal Candidates 

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

 

Student Centered Coaching

Date:  September 29, 2026
Time:  9:00am – 3:00pm

Type:  In-Person

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

 Fee:     $45 WRESA Members
          $70 Non-members

**NOTE: We have a No Refund policy for our WRESA courses. However, you
are welcome to send a colleague in your place. If you need to change the
name of the person attending, send an email to registrations@wresa.org
with the information of the person who will attend in your place.

CEUs: 5 Contact Hours
Limit: 45 Participants
Audience: K-12 Instructional Coaches
What to bring?: your own device

Description: 

The work of instructional coaching is a dynamic part of school communities. Supporting coaching cultures where students are at the center is an essential part of this work. Join us at WRESA to embrace the components of student-centered coaching. We will learn coaching moves that create opportunities for professional growth, and suggestions for putting student learning at the forefront. The day will include models for co-teaching moves and providing strength-based feedback. This session is intended for K-12 instructional coaches. 

Presenter:  

Gin Hodge is the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) Chief Academic Officer. With over 30 years of experience, she is instrumental in selecting and managing NCCAT programs and ensuring their alignment with NCCAT’s missions and goals. Gin Hodge is known for her collaborative leadership style and unwavering commitment to academic excellence. Since receiving her master’s degree from Western Carolina University, she has contributed to the field as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and NCCAT Senior Early Grades Literacy Specialist. 

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

Early Planning for a Successful Retirement – July 2026

Date:     July 22, 2026
Time:     9:00am - 3:00pm

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

FEE:      $45 WRESA Members
          $70 Non-members 

LIMIT:    40 Participants

Description:

This one-day session focuses on teachers/administrators who have taught 0 – 30 years and want assistance with critical retirement information and decision making before they retire.  This session will review the implications and repercussions of early-mid career decisions, laws, policies and processes, benefit options and investment plans.  Whether you are just starting your career or close to the end- you will learn how to maximize your benefits and be ready to make better decisions for the future. The workshop will be conducted by Sherry Dixon, April Spencer and Deborah Rapetski.  You will leave the day tired, but much better informed.

If you have questions, contact April at aspencer@wresa.org

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

REGISTER

WRESA Job Opportunity: Part Time Middle/Secondary Education Coordinator

The Western Region Education Service Alliance (WRESA) is seeking an energetic, knowledgeable, and innovative educator with expertise in middle and high school curriculum to join our team.

This position requires a strong understanding of North Carolina’s middle and high school curricula, state standards for grades 6–12, and best instructional practices. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of teaching experience, hold at least a master’s degree in education, and have prior experience presenting to adult learners.

Preferred qualifications include a willingness to pursue additional training in response to the evolving needs of local school systems, strong collaboration and networking skills, and flexibility. Proficiency in using technology for both in-person and virtual instruction is essential. This role will require travel, particularly within western North Carolina.

WRESA serves educators across eighteen school systems in Western North Carolina. The organization provides professional development, facilitates regional collaboration, coordinates job-alike meetings, pursues grant opportunities, organizes regional and statewide conferences, and supports school systems based on their changing needs. WRESA is a 501(c)(3) organization. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and responsibilities. The anticipated start date for this position is Fall 2026.

For more information, please contact:
Dr. Jan Webster at 828-774-5681 ext. 101 or jwebster@wresa.org
Dr. April Spencer at 828-774-5681 ext. 103 or aspencer@wresa.org

To apply, please complete the application.  Part Time Middle/Secondary Education Coordinator

WRESA is an equal opportunity employer and administers employment in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, military service, disability, or gender, except where exemptions are permitted by law.

Unlocking Word Power: Proven Strategies for DIBELS Success (K-3)

Date:  October 8, 2026
Time:  9:00am – 12:00pm

Type: In-Person

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

 Fee:     $25 WRESA Members
          $40 Non-members

**NOTE: We have a No Refund policy for our WRESA courses. However, you
are welcome to send a colleague in your place. If you need to change the
name of the person attending, send an email to registrations@wresa.org
with the information of the person who will attend in your place.

CEUs: 3 Contact Hours
Limit: 45 Participants
Audience: K-3 Teachers, Administrators and Coaches
What to bring?: your own device

Description: 

Join us for a transformative session focused on the lower strands of the Reading Rope: word recognition. Participants will unpack the essential components of phonological awareness, decoding, and sight recognition of familiar words—key building blocks for developing proficient readers. Explore how the science of reading informs effective, evidence-based instruction in word recognition.

Gain practical insights into refining instructional approaches to strengthen student performance in nonsense word fluency, phoneme segmentation fluency, and oral reading fluency for our youngest learners. Participants will also take a deep dive into each DIBELS subtest by grade level and leave with a clear, actionable plan to move the needle on student outcomes.

Presenter:  

Cynthia Hutchins is a District Title I Literacy Coach with over 15 years of experience in education, specializing in structured literacy and the science of reading. She has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and reading specialist in Buncombe County Schools, where she now leads district wide literacy initiatives across 27 Title I schools. Cynthia is passionate about ensuring all students have access to effective, evidence-based reading instruction and works closely with educators to implement high-impact practices, analyze data, and improve student outcomes. She also designs and facilitates professional development, including Fundations and LETRS-aligned training, and has partnered with nationally recognized literacy experts to support teacher growth and student achievement.  

If you have additional questions, contact Candie Sellers at csellers@wresa.org3

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

REGISTER

Exploring Plant Genetics at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Ext. Center – 2026

Date:     June 16, 2026
Time:     9:00am – 3:00pm 
Type:     In-Person

Location: Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Ext. Center
          455 Research Drive
          Mills River, NC 28759

Fee:      Free, and receive lunch and classroom materials/supplies to use
          in the future  

**NOTE: We have a No Refund policy for our WRESA courses. However, you
are welcome to send a colleague in your place. If you need to change the
name of the person attending, send an email to registrations@wresa.org
with the information of the person who will attend in your place.

CEUs:     5 Contact Hours 
Limit:    24 Participants
Audience: K-12 Teachers

Description: 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 to and interactions in the Research Station fields with faculty and graduate students involved in research on different plant varieties. The morning will be filled with discussions, site visits, and activities exploring the research happening at the 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 them in your classroom.  Following the workshop will be a tour of Sierra Nevada and a discussion of the research’s impact on the local economy.

If you have additional questions, contact Michelle Taylor at mtbenign@ncsu.edu 

REGISTER