Okefenokee RESA

Welcome back to school teachers! Check out the lastest edition of Teacher Connections from the GaDOE.

Teacher Connections connects Georgia educators with timely resources, professional learning, and practical classroom suports. In this August edition, you'll find back-to-school resource collections in GaDOE inspire, information on the new House Bill 1030 Mathematics Guidance, opportunities through Georgia Writes, Biology Revealed on GPB, literacy-focused EdTalks, and a special Well Wishes for a New School Year message from Georgia's 2027 Teacher of the Year.

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Okefenokee RESA Regional Literacy Coaches and our bestie Michelle Palmer took Atlanta by storm as they learned about their new roles!

Wrapping up the school year with purpose! 💼📖

Dr. Wendy Good and Leslie Giraldo recently led end-of-year reflection sessions and a deep-dive resource review with Brantley County teachers. We love seeing our educators collaborate, reflect on their growth, and prep for the future! 🚀

LRG coaches Amy Hughes, Reba Smith, and Rhonda Gatewood met with teachers at West Green Elementary to discuss their recent assessment data and the fantastic growth that their students had this year! Such a hard working group of teachers!!!!

🐊 Swamp Squad! 🐊

The OKRESA crew traded our desks for the deck of a boat yesterday! We had an absolute blast visiting Okefenokee Swamp Park for a guided tour through the "Land of the Trembling Earth."

Check out some of the sights (and the gators!) we captured during our trip. It was the perfect day for team building in one of Georgia’s 7 Natural Wonders. ✨

Who else has been out to the swamp lately? Let us know your favorite part in the comments! 👇

🌱Cultivate literacy and build your gardening toolkit with resources, tips, and highlights from our LRG coaches...check out the Q3 Let's READ, Georgia newsletter! 🍑📚

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The following is information regarding the student meal schedules. If you have any questions or concerns please message us. Thank you

Brantley County Fire Resources

If you are in need of clothing, Brantley Family Connections has more than they can currently manage and would truly like to get these items into the hands of people who need them.

They are even willing to ship clothing to families who have been displaced by the fires.

If you send your family’s sizes, they will work to get clothing to you. You can email them at
[email protected]

If you are able to go in person, they also have food, clothing, and other supplies available at
10305 Main Street North, Nahunta, GA 31553

This year, the Georgia Council on Literacy will recognize a Literacy Teacher of the Year from each of our 16 RESAs. From these 16 regional winners, one Georgia Literacy Teacher of the Year will be recognized this fall. The intent of this competition is to honor outstanding literacy teachers who have demonstrated success in classroom-level student growth and who can articulate the connection between their practice and those outcomes.

Who can apply?
Any Kindergarten through 3rd Grade teacher in a Georgia public school can apply.

What are the criteria?
The Georgia Literacy Teacher of the Year should be able to describe the following:
How did your students grow from beginning of year to end of year based on an approved universal screener?
How did you effectively use data to guide your instruction and interventions with your students?
How do you show a commitment to improving literacy outcomes for your students?

Why should I apply?
Each RESA Teacher of the Year will receive the following:
$1,500 award*
$500 for classroom supplies
Recognition at a statewide event in the fall
The State Literacy Teacher of the Year will also receive admission and travel costs to literacy-focused instructional conference**
*Cash awards are subject to all applicable taxes.
**Conference must be approved by the Literacy Teacher of the Year Committee

How do I apply?
Review and analyze your classroom screener data.
Complete the online application by clicking the link below.
All applications must include literacy screener data demonstrating student growth. (Link and directions are included in the application.)

When is the deadline?
All applications must be submitted by June 15, 2026.

For more information or guidance on the application process, please reach out to your RESA LRG Coaches.

Ready to apply? Click the link below!!!
https://fs3.formsite.com/GOSAGHP/jicueouvhq/index