Georgia CTI Winter Workshop Brings Coordinators Together for Learning, Networking, and Collaboration
February 3-4, 2025 | Athens, GA Georgia Career and Technical Instruction (CTI) hosted its 2025 Winter Workshop at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education, providing an invaluable opportunity for CTI Coordinators from across the state to collaborate, gain insights, and strengthen their programs to better support student success.
The event kicked off with a networking reception at the Rialto Club at Hotel Indigo. The evening was a great success, featuring live music, a delicious catered dinner, and a welcoming atmosphere for coordinators to connect with one another. Attendees had the chance to engage in meaningful conversations, share best practices, and build relationships that will continue to support their efforts throughout the year.
Empowering Sessions for Student Success
The workshop officially began with a powerful opening session led by Georgia CTI Executive Director Mary Donahue and GaDOE Program Specialist Lynsey Singleton. Their session, “Georgia CTI CTSO and Transition Goals: Aligning to Promote Student Success,” highlighted how Georgia CTI and the broader Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) work together to create opportunities for students. They reinforced the importance of transition planning and how coordinators can best support students in preparing for their futures. Additionally, they emphasized the value of strong local fundraisers to help offset CTSO costs, ensuring that all students have access to the experiences and resources these organizations provide.
During region meetings, coordinators received region-specific updates, collaborated with teachers from nearby schools, and shared strategies to strengthen their programs. These meetings also served as a time for important leadership transitions, as coordinators voted on Board positions, with some current members completing their terms.
Therese Standard presented “Teens in the Driver’s Seat,” an engaging session about the importance of teen driver safety. She encouraged coordinators to bring this peer-led safety program to their schools and discussed how it could positively impact their students.
Coordinators then heard from Georgia SPCTE representatives, who reinforced the importance of membership in the organization. They provided information on how coordinators could stay engaged, and leverage SPCTE resources to enhance their programs.
A highlight of the afternoon was an entertaining and insightful presentation by Dessa Morris and Jami Cash, a former CTI Coordinator, on building relationships with business and industry partners. Dressed as Mario and Luigi, they humorously illustrated the challenges and successes of workforce development while sharing practical strategies for connecting with local employers.
The day concluded with a thought-provoking presentation by Kathryn Shirey, CTI Coordinator at Global Impact Academy, on the role of artificial intelligence in education. She demonstrated how AI can be a powerful tool for both students and teachers—enhancing learning without replacing the effort and critical thinking required for true academic success.
A Successful Workshop with a Lasting Impact
The 2025 Georgia CTI Winter Workshop provided coordinators with valuable insights, meaningful connections, and practical strategies to take back to their schools. As Georgia CTI continues to grow, events like these ensure that educators are equipped with the resources and knowledge to help students thrive in education, career preparation, and beyond.
Click HERE to view photos from the event
For further information, please contact:
Mary Davis Donahue
Georgia CTI Executive Director
(P) 678.617.0439 | (F) 706.314.9624
3 Central Plaza, #245, Rome, GA 30161
About Georgia CTI
Our Mission: To provide meaningful transition activities through leadership and employability experiences for students with disabilities in grades 9-12 identified through career, technical, and agricultural education courses in order to increase postsecondary outcomes.