Garth Larson

Ed.D, Co-Founder & CEO of @1stEdResources | Author | Consultant | Proud Husband/Father | Former Teacher/Administrator | Co-Host of The Fires in Grading Podcast

[Garth Larson @LarsonGarth]

After 6 months of writing, design, and feedback, our new website is live! Explore enhanced navigation, better access to resources, and new ways to connect with us.
👉 https://t.co/tXnhX9j86c
#FIRSTEducation #ProfessionalLearning #EdLeadership

[Garth Larson @LarsonGarth]

This book is a fantastic resource that ALL leaders need right now. A great mix of research, practical ideas and relatable stories! Congratulations @DonSmithEdu and @Jenni_Donohoo

[Don Smith @DonSmithEdu]

I’m excited to share the release of The Confidence to Lead, a new book I co-authored with Jenni Donohoo.

It focuses on principal efficacy, collective efficacy, and how leaders can build belief in themselves and their staff, not just manage initiatives.

https://t.co/ffpt42z5td

[FIRST Ed Resources @1stEdResources]

🔥 Episode 21 is LIVE

The History of Grading Reform

@beckypeppler @donsmithedu and @larsongarth are joined by Dr. Thomas Guskey, one of the most influential voices in grading reform.

If you want to understand why grading practices look the way they do today and why change so often stalls, this episode is essential.

🎧 Listen now
👉 https://t.co/UgG9ujsrfC

#FiresInGrading #ThomasGuskey #AssessmentReform

[Jimmy Casas @casas_jimmy]

Another incredible week of registrations for the Culturize Institute, scheduled for June 23-24 in Chicago. If you are an educator feeling stuck in the hustle and struggling to find your peace in the quiet, then this is the conference for you. Seats will become limited soon so register today at https://t.co/hfTzV9uWRY

#Culturize #TheDripEffect

@Joe_Sanfelippo @RachelEdohoEket @LarsonGarth

[FIRST Ed Resources @1stEdResources]

Instructional coaching works when teachers are fully engaged.

Join us at the Spring 2026 Instructional Coaching Summit featuring keynote Jim Knight as we tackle teacher engagement head on and build real plans for impact.
🔗 https://t.co/eZ3oMilcEe

#InstructionalCoaching #CoachingImpact

[FIRST Ed Resources @1stEdResources]

Leading Standards-Based Grading isn’t just about changing report cards - it’s about leading mindset, systems, and communication.

If you’re a superintendent, principal, curriculum leader, or coach navigating the transition, this 3-hour interactive session is for you.

Clarity. Strategy. Next steps. @donsmithedu @beckypeppler

🔗 https://t.co/TopyiOvPS9

#StandardsBasedGrading #SchoolLeadership #STAGR

[FIRST Ed Resources @1stEdResources]

Strong PLCs don’t happen by accident—they’re intentionally built.
In Building PLCs from the Ground Up, led by @larsongarth educators explore the foundations of meaningful collaboration, shared purpose, and team impact planning that leads to real gains in student learning.

🔗 https://t.co/ibo3i93dxX

#PLCcenter #CollaborativeCulture #ObservableImpact

[Garth Larson @LarsonGarth]

If your school is working on assessment and grading reform, you know the questions are not simple. I’m excited to be part of THE Spring SBG Conference, where I’ll be leading a session on looking at assessment as nothing more than an avenue to gather evidence of learning. It’s a full day focused on real challenges and practical solutions. May 5 | Virtual More info: https://t.co/wXU4O2af4T @1stEdResources

[FIRST Ed Resources @1stEdResources]

If grading feels harder in a co-taught classroom, that’s not a failure — it’s a signal.

Episode 18 explores why shared standards, shared clarity, and shared responsibility matter more than teacher roles.

🎧 Catch the full conversation:
👉 https://t.co/wMpqQXvSyu

#FiresInGrading #CoTeaching #GradingReform @donsmithedu @beckypeppler @larsongarth @otusk12

[Don Smith @DonSmithEdu]

Join us in June in Chicago for the 2026 Culturize Institute! This is more than a conference, it is a community. I’m leading a breakout session on Fostering School Leader Efficacy. We will explore the research behind collective teacher efficacy and examine how a principal’s own sense of leadership efficacy directly influences staff belief and student achievement. @1stEdResources @LarsonGarth @casas_jimmy #Culturize https://t.co/wOFGPMsSuW

[FIRST Ed Resources @1stEdResources]

Strong PLCs don’t happen by accident—they’re intentionally built.
In Building PLCs from the Ground Up, led by @larsongarth educators explore the foundations of meaningful collaboration, shared purpose, and team impact planning that leads to real gains in student learning.

🔗 https://t.co/MnGAl9nCCx

#PLCcenter #CollaborativeCulture #ObservableImpact

[Garth Larson @LarsonGarth]

Every student. Every day. Whatever it takes.
Join me and several amazing thought leaders at the 2026 Culturize Institute for two powerful days of learning, connection, and inspiration designed to elevate your school’s culture and impact.
Every attendee receives: Official Culturize Institute t-shirt; Culturize Action Guide filled with practical, ready-to-use tools; Culturize Lunch Card to explore local restaurants; Access to our Night 1 Social to connect with presenters
Register at https://t.co/sHiyL1bIZl

[FIRST Ed Resources @1stEdResources]

🔥 Episode 17 is LIVE!
How Culture Impacts the Change Process in Grading Reform

Joined by Jimmy Casas, we explore why grading reform is inseparable from school culture and what leaders can do when resistance shows up before results.

🎧 Listen now:
👉 https://t.co/R9QWYFiKBV

#FiresInGrading #Leadership #AssessmentReform

@casas_jimmy @larsongarth @donsmithedu @otusk12 @beckypeppler

[FIRST Ed Resources @1stEdResources]

🎯 School improvement doesn’t have to be complicated.

Download the free sample chapter from Simplifying School Improvement by @larsongarth and discover a practical, focused approach to real impact, through reflection, connection, collaboration, and clarity.

📥 Get the chapter: https://t.co/N9drUSGUQ8

#SchoolImprovement #EducationalLeadership #FocusOnWhatMatters #SimplifyToAmplify #EdLeadership

[Matt Townsley @mctownsley]

The Spring SBG Conference is a one-day event for educators and leaders engaged in standards-based learning and grading.

Learn more 👉 https://t.co/xdupTv9chR

[FIRST Ed Resources @1stEdResources]

Grading reform doesn’t usually stall because of policies.
It stalls because of culture.

In Episode 17 of The Fires in Grading Show, we’re joined by Jimmy Casas to unpack how adult behavior, beliefs, and school culture shape whether grading change actually sticks.

🎧 New episode drops Feb 6
👉 https://t.co/Ulthnna43B

#FiresInGrading #SchoolCulture #GradingReform #STAGR @casas_jimmy @larsongarth @donsmithedu @otusk12 @beckypeppler

[Jimmy Casas @casas_jimmy]

The Culturize 2026 Institute is back and this year, it’s all about reconnecting to purpose.

Step away from the noise. Find peace in the pause. Reflect on your impact. Reignite your commitment.

Join us as we strengthen school culture from the inside out.
@larsongarth @Joe_Sanfelippo @RachelEdohoEket

#Culturize2026 #Leadership #Culture #SchoolCulture #Teachers #Admin

[Garth Larson @LarsonGarth]

As we wrap up the year, I’m incredibly proud of the work accomplished at FIRST Educational Resources. In 2025, we partnered with 878 districts across 62 states and countries combined, hosted 52 in-person and virtual events with more than 2,200 educators and school teams attending, and supported out in the field through 445 days of coaching, consulting, and presenting.

Those numbers reflect meaningful relationships, thoughtful conversations, and real impact on leaders, teachers, students, and schools.

A sincere thank you to our leadership team of Tammy Larson, @DonSmithEdu Lisa Baldauf, Shelly Daun, @BeckyPeppler @gabe_firstedu @DanicaLewis20 Kelly Barkovich, @tonyfrontier , Mark Bazata, and @Jenni_Donohoo for making this year such a success. I’m proud of what we’re building together and excited for what’s ahead in 2026.

[Matt Townsley @mctownsley]

Drawing from school and district experiences, our book identifies common barriers and provides strategies to prevent, contain, and overcome the “fires” that can derail reform efforts.

📕 https://t.co/MLtTCLdhmd

[Garth Larson @LarsonGarth]

Join us in Chicago this summer!

[Jimmy Casas @casas_jimmy]

The Culturize 2026 (June 23-24) Institute is back—and this year, it’s all about reconnecting to purpose.
Step away from the noise. Reflect on your impact. Reignite your commitment to leading with hope, excellence, and heart.

Grounded in the transformational Culturize framework, this institute helps educators explore what it truly means to Champion for Students, Carry the Banner, Expect Excellence, and be Merchants of Hope. https://t.co/QAQ6HJ2Dzh

Join us as we strengthen school culture from the inside out. Save $100 when you register by December 31!

@larsongarth @Joe_Sanfelippo @RachelEdohoEket
#Culturize2026 #EdLeadership #SchoolCulture

[FIRST Ed Resources @1stEdResources]

🎙 New episode drops Friday!
We’re joined by @myrondueck author of Grading Smarter, Not Harder, for a candid conversation about where the movement began and why smarter grading still matters.

🔥 Episode 14 releases Dec 12 @ 8 AM CST
👉 https://t.co/0rnZstDqva

#FiresInGrading #MyronDueck #GradingSmarterNotHarder #STAGR @larsongarth @beckypeppler @donsmithedu