Description: 

In this session, educators will apply a trauma-informed lens to classroom management and student behavior. Participants will gain practical strategies and systems to foster high-trust relationships with every student and guide them toward meaningful reflection and accountability. We will also explore techniques for repairing harm and teaching essential Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) skills that support a resilient classroom community. 

Presenter:  

Brian Randall is the Regional Manager for the Public School Forum’s center for Resilience and Learning. His experience and focus is serving students who are navigating challenges in and out of school through facilitating joyful and rigorous experiences.  

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.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON!

The post Classroom Management and Discipline for Elementary appeared first on WRESA.

Description:

WRESA is thrilled to announce Hands-On, Minds-On: Cultivating Science and STEM
in K-4 Classrooms. Through this session, educators will have the opportunity to dive
deeper into their science standards, explore the Science and Engineering Practices,
and promote meaningful student discourse in science. Participants will engage in
hands-on activities, discover practical classroom strategies, and leave with ready-to-use
resources that will help ignite curiosity and engage all learners in high-quality science
learning experiences.

Presenter:
Brad Rhew is the current K-8 Science & STEM Coordinator for Guilford County
Schools.  Rhew has been in education for over 15 years teaching elementary and
middle school science. He works closely with district, state, and national science
leaders to provide hands-on quality science instruction to all students. He serves as the
President for the North Carolina Science Teachers Association.  He completed his
doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on STEM from Gardner-Webb
University. In his free time, he enjoys kayaking, hiking, and traveling.

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 Hands-On Minds-On: Cultivating Science and STEM in K-4 Classrooms appeared first on WRESA.

Description: 

Making Grade

Level Content Accessible, Memorable, and Meaningful for Secondary

Multilingual Learners

This workshop will cover the fundamentals of second language acquisition and provide an overview of multilingual learners in Western North Carolina. It will include a review of best practices, along with an explanation of why these approaches are effective, supported by relevant brain research.

Participants will be introduced to specific instructional strategies and will have dedicated time and support to develop lessons and activities aligned to grade-level content.

Participants are asked to bring standards or curriculum materials for planning, a fully charged device, and a colleague. If possible, ACCESS scores for the multilingual learners they serve should also be brought. While all teachers are welcome, the session focuses on strategies general education teachers can use when delivering content.

Participants will leave with:

• An understanding of multilingual learners
• Knowledge of effective instructional practices and the rationale behind them
• Awareness of how targeted strategies are developed and implemented
• Classroom-ready plans and materials

Presenter:  

Simone Wertenberger serves as the Director of ESL, Migrant Education, and World/Dual Language for Henderson County Public Schools. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Psychology, and Education from Kalamazoo College in 2000, followed by a Master’s degree in Social and Cultural Foundations of Education and Human Development from DePaul University in 2004. Wertenberger has been a National Board Certified Teacher in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages since 2009 and is an OCDE Project GLAD® (Guided Language Acquisition Design) Certified Agency Trainer. Her professional background includes extensive K–12 classroom teaching experience, as well as both school-based and district-level administrative leadership.

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 Unlocking Learning for Secondary Multilingual Learners appeared first on WRESA.

Description: 

Completion of the edTPA is a requirement for all initially licensed teachers in North Carolina. This professional development session provides a comprehensive overview of the assessment, along with practical strategies and resources to help break the process into manageable, achievable steps. Participants will engage in an in-depth exploration of Task 1, which focuses on instructional planning, and will have dedicated time during the session to begin working on their Task 1 submission. To fully participate in session activities, participants should bring a laptop.

Presenter: Dr. Myra Watson is an educator whose work focuses on teacher preparation, early childhood education, and induction support for early-career teachers in North Carolina. Currently, Dr. Watson serves as the Director of Teacher and Professional Education at Western Carolina University.

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

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

REGISTER

The post EdTPA Overview and Task 1 appeared first on WRESA.

Description: 

Making Grade

Level Content Accessible, Memorable, and Meaningful for K-5

Multilingual Learners

This workshop will cover the fundamentals of second language acquisition and provide an overview of multilingual learners in Western North Carolina. It will include a review of best practices, along with an explanation of why these approaches are effective, supported by relevant brain research.

Participants will be introduced to specific instructional strategies and will have dedicated time and support to develop lessons and activities aligned to grade-level content.

Participants are asked to bring standards or curriculum materials for planning, a fully charged device, and a colleague. If possible, ACCESS scores for the multilingual learners they serve should also be brought. While all teachers are welcome, the session focuses on strategies general education teachers can use when delivering content.

Participants will leave with:

• An understanding of multilingual learners
• Knowledge of effective instructional practices and the rationale behind them
• Awareness of how targeted strategies are developed and implemented
• Classroom-ready plans and materials

Presenter:  

Simone Wertenberger serves as the Director of ESL, Migrant Education, and World/Dual Language for Henderson County Public Schools. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Psychology, and Education from Kalamazoo College in 2000, followed by a Master’s degree in Social and Cultural Foundations of Education and Human Development from DePaul University in 2004. Wertenberger has been a National Board Certified Teacher in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages since 2009 and is an OCDE Project GLAD® (Guided Language Acquisition Design) Certified Agency Trainer. Her professional background includes extensive K–12 classroom teaching experience, as well as both school-based and district-level administrative leadership.

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 Unlocking Learning for K-5 Multilingual Learners 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.

REGISTER

The post Student Centered Coaching appeared first on WRESA.

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

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

Description: 

Leap into the upper strands of the Reading Rope in this engaging session focused on language comprehension. Participants will explore the essential components of morphology, language comprehension, and fluency instruction. Gain practical insights through concrete classroom examples and evidence-aligned instructional routines designed to impact DIBELS outcomes while supporting the current ELA core curriculum. The session will also highlight data collected from a pilot study conducted in Buncombe County Schools during the previous school year.  

Presenters:  

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.  

Lisa Lemus is a dedicated educator with over three decades of experience in education. After 32 years in the classroom and five years as an instructional coach, she now serves as a Title I literacy coach, where she is passionate about supporting both students and teachers in developing strong literacy skills. When she’s not working, Lisa enjoys being outdoors and making memories with her family.

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 Unlocking Language Comprehension: Navigating the Upper Realms of The Reading Rope (Grades 2-5) 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.