Description:
School safety is built on strong relationships, shared understanding, and a commitment to
working together. In this session, school administrators and School Resource Officers (SROs)
will explore strategies for building effective partnerships that foster trust, improve
communication, and create a unified approach to supporting students and staff. Through practical
examples and real-world experiences, participants will examine how strong administrator-SRO
relationships contribute to a positive school climate, proactive problem-solving, and a safer
school community for all.

Presenters:
Captain Stephanie Cantwell
Captain Stephanie Cantwell has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, including 14
years with the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout her career, she has served as a
Patrol Officer, Detective, Training Coordinator, and School Resource Officer.

Since joining the School Resource Officer Division in 2018, Captain Cantwell has advanced
through the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain while building strong partnerships
between schools, law enforcement, students, and families. She has served on numerous school-
focused committees, including the School Safety Advisory Board, School Justice Partnership,
School Health Advisory Committee, Behavioral Threat Assessment Team, Juvenile Crime
Prevention Council, and Handle with Care.

A strong advocate for collaboration and relationship-building, Captain Cantwell has helped lead
school safety initiatives, coordinated multi-agency training exercises, and supported responses to
school-related incidents throughout Henderson County. In 2025, she was appointed to the
Henderson County Board of Education.

In addition to her law enforcement service, Captain Cantwell is an Adjunct Professor at Blue
Ridge Community College. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Technological
University and a master’s degree in Human Resource and Leadership Development from
Louisiana State University. Her experience in public safety, education, and leadership provides a
unique perspective on the vital partnership between schools, administrators, and School
Resource Officers.

Dr. Carl Taylor
Dr. Carl Taylor has 27 years of experience in public education and currently serves as the Chief
Administrative Officer for Henderson County Public Schools. Throughout his career, he has
served as a mathematics teacher, high school principal, and district leader, developing extensive
experience in school leadership, student services, operations, and school safety.

In his current role, Dr. Taylor oversees school safety, transportation, facilities, and district
operations while working closely with school administrators, School Resource Officers, and
community partners to support safe and effective learning environments.  He has served on
numerous district and community committees focused on student well-being, school safety, and
organizational leadership.  Throughout his career, Dr. Taylor has focused on creating systems and
partnerships that support both student success and school safety. He has helped
lead districtwide safety initiatives, crisis response planning, policy development, and
professional learning opportunities for school leaders. His work emphasizes proactive
communication, shared responsibility, and strong collaboration among educators, law
enforcement, students, and families.

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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View my Transcripts/Certificates

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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:

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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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:

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

The post National Board Support for New Candidates and Renewals: – July 2026 appeared first on WRESA.

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

The post National Board Support for New Candidates and Renewals – Sept 2026 appeared first on WRESA.

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.

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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.

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The post Early Planning for a Successful Retirement – July 2026 appeared first on WRESA.

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.

The post WRESA Job Opportunity: Part Time Middle/Secondary Education Coordinator appeared first on WRESA.

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

The post Unlocking Word Power: Proven Strategies for DIBELS Success (K-3) appeared first on WRESA.