The Georgia RESA Network launched its Let’s Read Georgia Literacy Coaches’ Training event July 23-25. The event brought together 56 literacy coaches from across the state, 17 Implementation Team members, and RESA Directors, marking the first major step in the new literacy initiative.

Attendees at the Literacy Kick-off Celebration held at Central Georgia Technical College in Warner Robins included Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro), Rep. Chris Erwin (R–Erwin), current State Teacher of the Year, Holly Witcher, Georgia Council on Literacy Chairman Scott Johnson, State Board Members Lisa Kennimore, Helen Rice and Phenna Petty, and representatives from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) and the Georgia Department of Education (GADOE).

Working alongside the RESA Directors, the Design and Implementation Teams began their work officially after the Georgia Council on Literacy approved the RESA Network Plan on June 7, 2024. The RESA Network was allocated funding from the Georgia Legislature through the FY 2025 Budget specifically for Regional Literacy Coaches.

Budget guidelines provided by the Georgia Legislature outlined specific roles for regional coaches, including:

• Providing onsite teacher training on the science of reading, structured literacy, foundational literacy skills and evidence-based decision-making.

• Demonstrating lessons.

• Offering immediate feedback to improve instructional practices.

On May 8, a group of Senate and House legislators presented and approved the detailed plan for the RESA Regional Literacy Coaches. Following this, the RESA executive committee met with the Georgia Literacy Council executive committee for final approval, marking the official start of this significant initiative.

Sen. Billy Hickman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Higher Education. He represents the 4th Senate District which includes Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Evans, and a small portion of Chatham County. He may be reached at 404.463.1371 or via email at [email protected]