FACT VS. FICTION BOOK STUDY: DEVELOPING MEDIA LITERACY IN THE CLASSROOM

Instructor: Jennifer Freedman                                45 hours, 3 inservice credits Grades K-12

Dates:  July 1 - August 25, 2025     Time: Asynchronous                                                         Fee: $150

Required Materials:

Fact vs Fiction: Teaching Critical Thinking Skills in the Age of Fake News (available in paperback, e-book, or audio)

            In today's digital age, students are constantly exposed to vast amounts of information, much of which is misleading or false. Teaching them to critically evaluate and navigate this information is essential for fostering responsible digital citizens. This professional development course, based on the book Fact vs. Fiction by Jennifer LaGarde and Darren Hudgins, will guide educators through the key concepts of media literacy, misinformation, and the ethical responsibilities of consuming and sharing information. Through a combination of reading, reflection, and practical application, participants will explore strategies for teaching students to verify sources, recognize bias, and engage thoughtfully in digital spaces. Educators will engage in discussions on how to cultivate a culture of healthy skepticism and fact-checking, and they will examine the role of digital citizenship in promoting ethical behavior online. This course is designed for K-12 educators who are looking to equip their students with the skills necessary to critically assess and engage with the digital world. Whether you're a teacher, librarian, or instructional coach, this course will provide valuable insights and tools to help your students navigate a complex information landscape.

Course Objectives: 

By the end of this course, participants will have:

● A deeper understanding of the challenges of teaching media literacy in the 21st century.

● Practical lesson plans and resources ready for use in their own classrooms.

● Strategies for empowering students to become critical thinkers and responsible media consumers.

● A concrete plan for integrating media literacy and ethical digital behavior into their curriculum.

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BOOSTING YOUR LESSON PLANS FOR STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

Instructor: Mildred Mirabile                        45 CTLE hrs./ 3 inservice credits.                                                                        Grades K-12

Dates:  July 1 - August 5, 2025               Time:  Asynchronous                                                         Fee: $150

Give your lessons a boost and engage your students for success! Explore what students believe about themselves as learners as you discover strategies like failure, productive struggle, and the impact of having a growth mindset. Freshen up your tried & true engagement strategies with technology, games, graffiti, and more. Empower students and encourage active participation and diverse learning styles. Participants will develop the capacity to share their expertise by communicating engagement strategies to their colleagues, ensuring a ripple effect of enhanced engagement throughout the educational community. 

Connections to Practice

This course provides the following classroom connections:

• Strategies for tools and processes to support students who have anxiety

• Techniques for implementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in your classroom

• Methods to implement coping skills and ideas for accommodations no matter their needs

• Tips for fostering a positive learning environment that supports meaningful learning

Course Objectives

In this course, participants will:

• Use prompts about highly engaging lesson plans to describe assumptions and insights of practitioners, researchers and self, including how the information relates to professional education practice and growth. 

• Explain the relationship between student engagement and lesson planning. 

• Write learning objectives to re-engage students. 

• Design an engaging activity that is aligned with a learning objective. 

• Create an engaging lesson plan that reflects alignment between the standard, objective, and the assessment. 

• Construct a professional development lesson plan that would educate teachers on how to create engaging lessons.

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AI AND SPECIAL EDUCATION

Instructor - Mike DeMario                                            45 CTLE hrs; 3 Ins. Credits Grades K-12

Dates:  July 1 - August 15, 2025                                                                                         Fee: $150

Required Online Synchronous Meeting:  July 2nd 10AM-11AM     

Participants meet virtually via online communities to discuss and share lessons and strategies. Personal Google accounts will be required to access the course.

This course empowers educators to harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in special education settings. Through a blend of theoretical foundations and hands-on application, teachers will learn to leverage AI tools and resources to personalize instruction, adapt curriculum, and support diverse learners effectively. Topics include AI-driven assistive technologies, data-driven decision-making, and creating inclusive learning environments. Ethical considerations, accessibility standards, and best practices for collaboration between AI systems and human educators will be explored. By the end of the course, teachers will be equipped with the knowledge and strategies to integrate AI seamlessly into their instructional practices, enhancing outcomes for students with special needs.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: 

• Examine case studies illustrating how AI is currently employed in Special Education settings.

• Compare and contrast traditional teaching methods with AI-assisted approaches in supporting students with special needs.

• Assess the ethical considerations and potential biases associated with the use of AI in Special Education.

•  Identify specific AI technologies used in the context of personalized learning.

•  Explain the fundamental principles of personalized learning and how AI tailors educational experiences.

• Analyze the impact of AI on student engagement and motivation in personalized learning settings.

• Explain how AI can be tailored to address the specific needs of students with different disabilities.

• Describe the potential benefits of using AI to support students with disabilities.

• Evaluate the potential limitations or challenges associated with integrating AI in special education for different disability categories.

• Evaluate the reliability and validity of AI-generated insights in supporting behavioral interventions.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of AI-driven interventions in addressing specific behavioral challenges.

• Demonstrate the use of an AI application aimed at promoting emotional well-being.

• Develop a comprehensive AI-powered inclusive education plan that addresses the diverse needs of students with varying abilities.

• Create a framework for implementing AI-driven interventions to support students with special needs within an inclusive environment.

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DESIGN FOR DAY ONE: 

GET THE YEAR STARTED WITH INSPIRATIONAL CANVA CREATIONS

Instructor: Christine Sanfratello             15 CTLE hrs./ 1 inservice credit                                                        Grades K-12

Dates:    July 28- Aug. 22, 2025          Time:  Asynchronous                                                                         Fee: $50

Unlock your creative potential and revolutionize your classroom resources with Canva! This hands-on

course is specifically designed for educators eager to integrate visually engaging and high-quality materials into their classrooms. Participants will learn to harness the power of Canva's intuitive design platform to create a wide array of practical and impactful resources ready for immediate use at the start of the new school year. From captivating presentations and interactive worksheets to eye-catching classroom decor, and engaging social media graphics, this course will equip teachers with the skills to design, customize, and personalize materials that enhance learning from the very start. This course is for both novice teachers looking to start designing with Canva and for experienced teachers looking to do more with their canvas. Design expectations will be set by each teacher's individual preference and classroom needs so that the course outcomes are personal and meaningful.

By the end of this course, you'll walk away with:

• a personalized toolkit of classroom-ready designs, specific to your needs, saving you valuable time and energizing your teaching from day one!

• many templates, designs, and tools to create fantastic resources that can be immediately used within the classroom.

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TEACHING WITH EXECUTIVE FUNCTION IN MIND:  

SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH EXECUTIVE FUNCTION DEFICITS

Instructor: Allison Biancamano                   15 CTLE hours: 1 in-service credit                                                 Grades K-12 all areas 

Dates:  July 1 - July 31, 2025                                                                                                                                           Fee: $50   

This course will be provided asynchronously via Google Classroom - work at your own pace**Personal Google accounts will be required to access this course**

This course is designed for general educators, special educators, teacher assistants and support staff who wish to develop a better understanding of the special education evaluation process.

This course is designed to equip educators with a deeper understanding of executive function (EF) and its critical role in student success. This course will explore how deficits in areas such as organization, time management, emotional regulation, and task initiation can impact learning and behavior in the classroom and often be confused with ADHD. Participants will gain practical strategies to create supportive learning environments, implement effective interventions, and foster independence in students with EF challenges. Through case studies, collaborative discussions, and hands-on activities, educators will leave with a new perspective and actionable tools to help every student thrive.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Define executive function and explain its role in cognitive processes

• Identify key executive function skills and how they influence learning and behavior

• Identify signs and symptoms of executive function challenges in students

• Analyze how EF deficits may manifest in academic tasks, social interactions, and emotional regulation

• Develop and apply evidence-based strategies to support students with EF deficits

• Adapt classroom routines, instructional methods, and assessments to meet diverse student needs

• Teach students self-regulation and organizational skills using scaffolding and differentiation

• Encourage the development of executive function skills through goal setting, time management, and self-monitoring techniques

• Partner with families, specialists, and support staff to create comprehensive support plans

• Advocate for appropriate accommodations and resources to enhance student success

This course will be conducted in an asynchronous, online setting, utilizing Google Classroom as the delivery platform. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in virtual discussion forums to collaborate and brainstorm with other educators. The instructor will offer virtual office hours on an as-needed basis via Google Meet (by appointment) to field questions and provide additional support. The course is to be completed independently via posted material and assignments.

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THE POWER OF PLAY: LEARNING TO BOOST ENGAGEMENT 

Instructor. Debbie Fitzpatrick                                        45 CTLE Hours; 3 Inservice credits                   Grades: K-12

Dates:  July 7, 2025 - August 18, 2025                           Time: Asynchronous                                                                     Fee: $150

This course invites educators to rediscover the classroom as a vibrant space where play and learning converge. By exploring the psychological and developmental underpinnings of play, teachers will be equipped with innovative strategies to spark curiosity, creativity, and collaboration among their students. Integrating theory with hands-on applications, the course guides you in creating dynamic lesson plans, designing flexible spaces, and using both traditional and digital tools to cultivate an environment where learning is joyful and meaningful. Participants will leave with a toolbox of practical techniques to boost student engagement, foster emotional resilience, and promote lifelong learning through the power of play.

At the conclusion of this course, teachers will be able to:

• Understand the Role of Play in Learning: Develop a comprehensive grasp of how play influences cognitive, emotional, and social development.

• Design Dynamic, Playful Learning Environments: Equip teachers with the skills to create flexible, engaging classroom spaces that encourage active participation and exploration.

• Integrate Technology with Play-Based Strategies: Learn to merge digital tools and innovative gamification techniques with play-based teaching methods. 

• Evaluate and Refine Play-Based Instruction: Develop assessment techniques that measure student engagement and learning outcomes effectively.

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BRIDGING THE GAP: ELEVATING THE EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES FOR BOYS 

Instructor:  William Scampoli                  45 CTLE Hours/3 inservice credits             Grades: K-12 

Dates:  July 9 to August 20, 2025 Time: Asynchronous                                             Fee: $150

This course provides educators with a comprehensive framework to refine teaching practices, with a focus on improving the educational experiences and outcomes of male students. Participants will engage with scholarly literature and educational videos to assess evidence-based strategies for supporting boys in the classroom. Upon completion, educators will develop a reflective 

implementation plan to integrate these strategies into their teaching, ensuring the translation of theory into 

effective practice.

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to: 

• Develop an understanding of gender-based disparities in education. 

• Develop an awareness of societal and psychological influences. 

• Identify and mitigate biases. 

• Apply evidence-based teaching practices. 

• Develop engaging and inclusive curricula. 

• Develop skills in creating supportive classroom environments. 

• Develop collaborative engagement strategies.

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INSTANT IMPACT: QUICK STRATEGIES FOR BECOMING A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE TEACHER:

A BOOK STUDY

Instructor - Amy Koutsakos         45 CTLE hrs./ 3 inservice credits                                                                   Grades K-12

Dates: July 7 - August 11, 2025                       Asynchronous                                                                                          Fee: $150

Required Reading:  Become an Effective Teacher in Minutes: Best Teaching Practices You Can Use Now  Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/c6k15fL

What if you were to become a more effective teacher?  Would this allow for you to save hours during the school year, teach students to believe in themselves, motivate unmotivated students, spend less time on classroom management and more time teaching, or be able to stay calm amid the chaos?  All of these things are possible when we work effectively.  Whether you are a seasoned teacher or are just starting your career, this course will give you ideas and tools that you can use in your classroom.   This course is appropriate for any grade level.

In this course, you will gain an understanding of best teaching practices that you can use immediately to become a more effective educator.  Participants will discuss strategies and methods that can be applied in daily teaching practices.  You will leave this course with practical resources and tools that can be used in your classroom.  

During this course, participants will:

• Navigate through best teaching practices.

• Gain insights into small changes that will make a big impact for both teachers and students.

• Analyze the process of becoming a more effective teacher.

• Access a variety of resources available for more effective teaching.

• Learn about the importance of creating an environment that is welcoming to all students.

• Utilize effective teaching strategies and new knowledge to save hours during the school year.

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CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT FOR NEWER STAFF MEMBERS

Instructor: Selina Durio                         15 CTLE hrs./ 1 inservice credit                                            Grades: K-12 Educators & Support Staff

Dates:  July 7- August 18                                                                                                                                       Fee: $50

2 Hour Mandatory Synchronous Dates   7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 8/4, 8/11, 8/18

Time: 12 Noon or 6:00 PM.   (You choose the most convenient time for you.)  

Students must attend at least 4 synchronous sessions. Sessions are offered at either noon or 6:00 pm on each date. You MUST attend at least one on 7/7 and 8/18 and then choose any other 2 offered, for a total of 4. (You cannot participate in 2 on the same day!) Four hours of synchronous and eleven hours of independent work constitute the 15 hours required.

Course Description:

What is classroom management, and how do you adapt it to your personal style? This workshop explores not only the basics of good classroom management, but also shows how one size does not fit all! By the end of this course, you will construct your personal classroom management plan.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

● Module 1: Identify what classroom management is and why we need a plan.

● Module 2: Identify the difference between Classroom Rules, Procedures, and Expectations.

● Module 3: Identify how your physical classroom set-up influences your classroom

management.

● Module 4: Present a written Classroom Management Plan.

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THE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT: 

SETTING UP YOUR CLASSROOM LEARNING SPACE FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

Instructor: Erica Blasi                           15 CTLE hrs./ 1 inservice credit                                                                   Grades K-6

Dates: August 11th - 15th, 2025 Time: Asynchronous                                                                                  Fee: $50

The key to an effective classroom environment is a respectful and organized space where every student feels welcome, comfortable, secure, and has a sense of belonging.    This course will provide teachers  with the tools and strategies needed to create a learning space which will foster student success. 

Classroom decor,  organization and storage, flexible seating, student work displays, classroom routines and organizing teacher workspace will be explored and participants will adapt what they learn to their own classrooms.  

This course will inspire you to create a magnificent space that your students will enjoy and you can be proud of.  

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: 

• Pick a classroom color scheme/theme and explain their research based reasons for their choice.

• Organize and label their classroom environment.

• Have their first week of school plans done.

• Have a classroom behavior management plan in place. 

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AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL: A BOOK STUDY

Instructor:  Doug Read                                    45 CTLE hrs./ 3 inservice credits                                                                  Grades K-12

Dates:  July 11 - August 29, 2025         Time: Asynchronous                                                             Fee: $150

This dynamic course is designed for K-12 educators looking to enrich their curriculum by harnessing the vast educational potential of America's National Parks. Participants will discover how to effortlessly weave the inspiring stories, diverse ecosystems, significant historical events, and scientific wonders of these national treasures into their existing teaching plans.

Moving beyond simple field trips, this class offers a wealth of readily applicable strategies, innovative teaching methodologies, and a treasure trove of ready-to-use resources. Educators will gain practical tips for integrating National Parks content across various subjects, 

Whether you're a seasoned educator looking for fresh ideas or new to integrating external resources, this course provides the tools and confidence to inspire student learning and foster a deep connection to America's irreplaceable natural and cultural heritage

At the conclusion of this course, participants will:

• develop a deep understanding and appreciation for National Parks 

• explore the history, ecological significance, and cultural impact of National Parks, fostering a lifelong appreciation for conservation, outdoor education, and the natural wonders these parks protect.

• integrate National Park themes across core subjects by developing interdisciplinary lesson plans that incorporate math, science, language arts, art, and history, using National Parks as a foundation for real-world learning and student engagement.

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LOST AT SCHOOL:WHY OUR KIDS WITH BEHAVIORAL CHALLENGES ARE FALLING THROUGH THE CRACKS AND HOW WE CAN HELP THEM-Book Study

 Instructor:  Melissa Levy                   45 CTLE hrs./ 3 inservice credits                                                                       Grades K-12

Dates:  July 7 - Aug 27, 2025  Time:  Asynchronous                                             Fee: $150

Required Reading:  Lost at School: Why Our Kids Are Falling Through the Cracks & How We Can Help Them by Ross Green  (Available in paperback on Amazon)

This 45-hour asynchronous course centers on the book “Lost at School” by Dr. Ross Greene. This powerful book challenges traditional discipline methods and introduces a more compassionate and effective approach. Through selected readings, reflections, discussion boards, and creative activities, you’ll explore how to better understand and support students with behavioral challenges. Designed for teachers, support staff, and anyone working with children, this course will help you build stronger connections and create a school environment where all students feel seen, safe, and supported. 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to: 

• Explain the key principles of Ross Greene’s Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model and how it differs from traditional discipline approaches. 

• Recognize and reframe their understanding of students with behavioral challenges. 

• Identify common adult responses to student behavior and evaluate their effectiveness. 

• Apply the CPS framework to real-life student scenarios in a school setting. 

• Reflect on real-life scenarios and reimagine your approach to discipline.

• Develop empathy and supportive teaching strategies.

• Create a plan for integrating supportive practices. 

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THE ANXIOUS GENERATION: HOW THE GREAT REWIRING OF CHILDHOOD IS CAUSING AN EPIDEMIC OF MENTAL ILLNESS- Book Study

Instructor: Chelsea Shirreffs                      45 CTLE hrs./ 3 inservice credits                                                Grades K-12

Dates: July 7, 2025 -  August 17, 2025           Time: Asynchronous                                                             Fee: $150

Mandatory Synchronous Meetings:  7/7 and 8/11 from 7pm-8:30pm                                                                                         

Required Reading: #1 New York Times Bestseller - The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

 **Please note that you will need to purchase the book before the start of the course. It is also available as an audiobook.**

This book study course will examine The Anxious Generation by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. This course will provide opportunities for reflection on the youth mental health crisis in our schools and communities, and will analyze the suggestions made and tools offered by the author in order to elicit meaningful change. The Anxious Generation explores how the rise of smartphones and social media has contributed to a sharp increase in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among young people. He emphasizes the importance of play-based, independent experiences for healthy psychological growth. The book presents data showing that mental health trends worsened dramatically after 2010, coinciding with widespread smartphone use. Haidt ultimately calls for societal change, including delayed smartphone access and more offline childhood experiences to reverse the youth mental health crisis.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to

• Understand the causes of rising anxiety in younger generations

• Analyze the impact of social media and technology on mental health

• Explore solutions and strategies for mitigating anxiety in our schools and communities

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FOUNDATIONS OF MENTORING

Instructor:  Jeanette Wolters-Lennon                  4 CTLE Hrs.                                   Grades K-12

Dates: July 8 - August 5, 2025

No Fee for Consortium Members from Lindenhurst, N. Babylon & Wyandanch  ($25 for all other educators)

ONE Mandatory Synchronous Google Meet - August 5, 2025

Remaining 3 hrs - Asynchronous learning and assignments

You must be a tenured teacher in order to participate in this training. Lindenhurst teachers will become part of the district mentor pool if all 4 hours are completed.  All other districts’ teachers must get approval from their respective administrators.  

New teachers often struggle with a predictable dichotomy. On one hand, they have completed their initial course work, and have been hired to teach. On the other hand, they are new to the profession, and don't have the experience they might need to handle multiple, complex issues that arise with their students. They wish to appear competent since they are "real” teachers and they are expected to know what to do. They want their colleagues and supervisors to respect their position and knowledge, and don't want to appear unsure. Enter the proficient mentor, who is able to develop a trusting relationship with the new teacher and help them navigate the many pitfalls of first-year teaching. This training will be presented in two parts. The first 3 hours is an online, asynchronous basic training recommended for anyone who wishes to mentor colleagues. The second part consists of a one hour mandatory synchronous meeting, described in detail below, which will help mentors internalize the skills and strategies of effective mentoring.

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CLEAR TOUCH TRAINING WORKSHOP

Instructors:  Jennifer Kelly      Marissa Knoth                  3 CTLE Hrs.                                   Grades K-12

Dates: August 28, 2005                                                         Time: 1:30pm-4:30pm                                               FREE

Location: IN PERSON  Lindehurst High School Library 300 Charles St Lindenhurst

Join us for a beginner-friendly ClearTouch workshop designed for teachers who are new to the panels or looking for a helpful refresher. This hands-on session will cover essential features including using Chorus to plan and deliver interactive lessons, working in zones to maximize classroom engagement, and seamlessly Chromecasting from other devices. We’ll also explore other cool tools built into the panel that can enhance instruction and streamline your teaching day. Participants will receive guided instruction and have plenty of time to explore and practice what they’ve learned.