Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) Professional Development

For dates, times, and general information contact Sharon Henderson.

PLU Offerings

NEA’s KEYS To Excellence For Your Schools (2 PLUs)

Interested in knowing what all stakeholder groups think of your school? The web-based confidential survey used by KEYS will provide each school with information from parents, staff, business leaders, etc. KEYS is a comprehensive, research-based, and data driven continuous improvement program. Schools or school districts may utilize KEYS for assessment only or as a complete school improvement system. The KEYS survey yields a profile on 42 separate indicators of school quality that correlate with high student achievement. The indicators are clustered into six essential “keys” that together define school quality: 1) shared understanding and commitment to high goals; 2) open communication and collaborative problem solving; 3) continuous assessment for teaching and learning; 4) personal and professional learning; 5) resources to support teaching and learning; and 6) curriculum and instruction. The KEYS school profile sets the stage for further analyses and sound group- decision making, which leads to effective program planning, implementation and whole-school improvement.

C.A.R.E. (Culture, Abilities, Resilience, Effort) Strategies for Closing the Achievement Gap (1 PLU)

Interested in closing the achievement gaps based on research-based, classroom proven strategies? Training on C.A.R.E. strategies provides a multi-themed approach to help accomplish this. By focusing on the themes of cultural, economic and language difference; unrecognized and undeveloped abilities; the power of resilience; and the importance of effort and motivation, the C.A.R.E. training advances the idea that if educators view these qualities of students as strengths, rather than deficits, they can be successful in closing achievement gaps. Participants are introduces to the research base for using the materials they are provided in their classrooms to engage all students.

Bullying and Sexual Harassment Prevention Intervention (1 PLU)

Learn how to create a student code of conduct and how to communicate this code to all stakeholders. Participants will develop a common vocabulary in order to bring awareness to bullying and to assist in developing strategies to reduce/eliminate bullying and sexual harassment in schools. A foundation of facts, research, related laws and Supreme Court rulings is provided. Codes of conduct, sexual harassment policies, the “telling school”, parent and community involvement, and behavior-changing methods for bullies, targets and bystanders are all explored. The training focuses on how to use three Teacher Guides a part of ongoing learning and the development of a whole school campaign.

“The Magic Touch For You Classroom”: Classroom Management: A Hands-on Approach (1 PLU)

If you are interested in avoiding classroom management issues, this workshop is for you! A classroom management planning process is provided. The session creates an environment for the participants to explore various classroom management strategies/styles. Activities will be fun and meaningful in order to skillfully integrate diverse management concepts, theories, and strategies into practice. A variety of methods which lead to a better understanding of effective lesson planning, classroom management and discipline will be explored.

Finding The Right Balance: The Ideal Learning Environment For Success (1 PLU)

Teaching is a demanding profession. Acquiring the right combination of skills to maximize student achievement comes with finding a balance of strategies to create the ideal learning environment. In the school setting, the teacher is expected to manage time, plan for instruction, relate to parents, organize the classroom, and create a positive and nurturing environment. Participants will learn to balance these many expectations by utilizing strategies and practices provided in this course. Time Management, Planning Ahead, Communicating Effectively, Organization, and Stress Management will be the topics addressed in this workshop.

Special Education Strategies: Meeting The Challenges Of Teaching Students With Academic And Behavioral Difficulties (1 PLU)

In an ever changing world, educators are required to motivate and teach students on all skill levels. Educators will be given useful ideas and practical timesaving strategies, IEP goals, rubrics and behavioral intervention plans to meet the individual needs of students with academic or behavioral challenges. Resources will be provided to enhance teaching styles and to assist special and general educators in the process of modifying lessons and activities to promote academic achievement.

There are additional PLU Offerings, please contact Sandy Schwellinger at sandy.schwellinger@gae.or or 678-837-1106 for additional information.

Samples Of Other Offerings:

Making The Most Out of Twenty (20) Minutes

Educators will be provided a basic understanding of evaluation and observation procedures and explore tools for a successful process. We will explain the correlation between the observation process and lesson plans, the instruments to be used in the process, things to do prior to the arrival of the evaluator, requirements for new and returning teachers, the necessity for documentation as well as the three types and purposes of a Professional Development Plan (PDP).

The Art Of Difficult Conversations

Communication is the exchange of information and opinions. Participants have a chance to practice how to have a “Difficult Conversation” in a way that helps resolve problems instead of making them worse or ignoring them. It also stresses the importance of understanding the difference between perception and reality. Each person’s reality in a situation is largely based on perception instead of fact. Learn how to become a better communicator.

Reaching The Struggling Learner

Who are the struggling learners in your classroom? Struggling learners are found along the learning continuum. This session will look at both the emotional and academic needs of the student who struggles. Strategies for meeting the needs of such students will be shared and discussed.

ESP’s

Education Support Professionals: Management for Locations Outside the Classroom

This session targets bus drivers, custodians, food service employees, office staff, and paraprofessionals as they deal with managing student behavior in non-classroom areas of the school. The session focuses on enhancing the structure of the educational support personnel’s work environment to be a place in which students are cooperative, well behaved and where ESP’s are supported as valuable members of the whole school staff.

Living Wage

Putting respect back in to wages! This workshop will explain what a living wage campaign is and how to implement. Participants will get practical tips on how to improve wages, benefits and working conditions for the members in their association.