NAVIGATING YOUR POSITION  MID-YEAR TO END OF YEAR

Instructor: Selina Durio 30 CTLE Hours; 2 in-service credits     Grades K-12 educators with 1-6 yrs experience    Dates (Start/End): January 29-March 26,2025 No fee for OWL consortium members All others, $50

Synchronous meeting dates: 1/29, 2/12, 2/26, 3/12, 3/26                     Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm

This course will be conducted in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. 

Personal Google accounts will be required to access the course.

Participants meet virtually via ZOOM to discuss and share lessons and strategies. 

This course provides a safe space for educators to examine and evaluate their performance. We will use the “Ten Rules for the Ride of Your Life” from The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon to

point participants toward a direction within their teaching practice. The Energy Bus “introduces us to the power of positive energy to help individuals and teams (classroom) to overcome negativity and bring out the best in themselves and others (students)” 

We will utilize discussion, case studies, written responses, and a mentorship approach to typical (and atypical) situations in which instructors find themselves. An array of strategies will be provided to help educators embed coping skills and other positive behaviors into their

everyday practice. Private one-to-one mentorship and discussion will be made available upon request.

It is recommended, but not required, that you purchase the book: The Energy Bus, by Jon Gordon.

Participants will explore the following topics.

• Everyday school-setting questions

• Current educational climate and issues

• Interpersonal colleague issues

• How perspective/perception influence our behavior

• Additional topics will be added based on participant needs

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CANCELED  STEAM and LITERATURE

Instructor: Shaina Fischer    15 hours, 1 inservice credits                        Grades K-5

Dates:  January 27 - February 27, 2025                                                                   Fee: $50

In this course, participants will be learning how to incorporate STEAM from mentor texts and read-alouds in the classroom. This will help to promote STEAM through literature. Learn how to take what we use already and add a STEAM Component. Participants meet virtually via online communities to discuss and share lessons and strategies. Personal Google accounts will be required to access the course.

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

• create STEAM activities from literature.

• encourage hands-on team building through stories.

• Create a written reflection piece based on an activity they completed with students.

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VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS

Instructor:  Debbie Fitzpatrick              45 CTLE hrs; 3 Ins. Credits Grades K-12

Dates:  January 30 - March 14, 2025                                                                                 Fee: $150

Time: Asynchronous

Discover how to enhance student engagement and learning through virtual field trips!  This course will guide educators through the process of introducing, planning and integrating virtual field trips into their curriculum.  Participants will explore subject specific resources, learn strategies for interactive learning, and unlock the potential of technology to create meaningful, immersive experiences for students.  By the end of this course, educators will be equipped with the tools to bring the world into their classrooms without ever leaving their schools. 

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

• Define virtual field trips and explain their benefits.

• Develop a step by step plan to integrate virtual field trips into lesson plans and align them with the standards.

• Identify and utilize subject specific resources for implementing virtual field trips in various disciplines. 

• Apply strategies to create interactive and meaningful learning experiences during virtual field trips. 

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CANCELED  REDEFINING YOUR CLASSROOM WITH SAMR (Encore)

Instructor: Jennifer Kelly      45 CTLE hours: 3 in-service credits                                               Grades K-12 all areas

Dates: February 6 - March 20, 2025                                                                           Fee:  $150

Time: Asynchronous                                             

This course will focus on understanding the SAMR model.  Through exploration of different technology tools, teachers will learn how to elevate their use of technology in the classroom and develop lessons and projects for each domain.  Participants will explore creative options for projects for students to showcase what they have learned which embrace the option of student choice.

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

• enhance/transform their content and teaching. 

• transform student assessments resulting in higher levels of achievement.

• master new forms of technology to utilize in the classroom

• develop a collection of lessons and assessments that incorporate technology in new and engaging ways.

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THINKING & STUDY SKILLS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

Instructor: Midge Mirabile             45 CTLE Hours; 3 Inservice credits                   Grades: K-12

Dates:  January 27 - March 23, 2025                                                                                                        Fee: $150

Time: Asynchronous                                                                             

Learning how to study will set students up for success! In this course, you will explore “thinking about thinking” which is the common phrase used to describe metacognition, and so much more. Discover how the Science of Learning, executive functioning, and growth mindsets come into play when teaching students study skills. Learn how to support students who don’t have the tools they need to succeed outside of school, and understand what students with disabilities need to be successful when studying. You will leave this course with a head full of ideas about thinking, strategizing, and ensuring your students reach their full potential.

Connections to Practice

• This course provides the following classroom connections:

•  Strategies for building thinking and study skills

• Techniques for implementing study skills in your classroom

• Methods to use thinking and study skills, no matter their needs

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

In this course, participants will:

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

• Explore the foundations of the Science of Learning and its connection to study skills.

• Examine executive functioning skills and how they relate to student success and achievement.

• Apply metacognition strategies to improve students’ study skills.

• Determine the impact of growth mindsets on learning and study habits.

• Develop strategies to enhance study skills of typical students and those with disabilities.

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NEW DATE      BUILDING THINKING CLASSROOMS (ENCORE)

Instructor: Beth Read                    45 CTLE  hrs / 3 inservice credits                                             Grades K-12 All Areas

Dates: January 30- March 17 2025                                                                                 Fee: $150

Time: Asynchronous

Shift the classroom dynamic by encouraging students to actively engage in deep thinking, critical analysis, and collaborative problem-solving, rather than passively receiving information.  Join this book study to discover new teaching practices that will energize your classroom!

This course is designed to allow teachers and staff the opportunity to study in depth the teaching practices that inform instruction. The course supports all teachers in implementing and sustaining the teaching practices framework to strengthen standards based instruction and promote student growth through activities that strengthen modeling and reasoning skills. Educators will use research based practices to create the optimal conditions for learner centered, student-owned deep critical thinking and learning, and have the power to transform classrooms. 

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• Learn about 14 specific teaching practices described in the book to enhance learning.

• Plan and implement teaching practices discussed, reflect on their effectiveness on student engagement and learning, and get feedback from course members to improve instructional practices

• Create a classroom environment conducive to the Building Thinking Classrooms structure to enhance student discourse, reasoning, and problem solving

• Strategically select tasks that align with lesson goals and course outcomes

• Apply learning to their focused collaboration sessions to share successful strategies and activities

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CANCELED   BRIDGING THE GAP:  ELEVATING THE EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES FOR BOYS

Instructor: William Scampoli            45 CTLE  hrs / 3 inservice credits                                         Grades K-12 All Areas

Dates: February 3 to March 16, 2025                                                                                     Fee: $150

Time: Asynchronous

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.

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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MASTERING INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES: Engaging Learners for Success

Instructor: Kim Turri                 45 CTLE Hrs.; 3 inservice credits               Grades K-12  All Areas

Dates: January 27 to March 17, 2025.                                                                         Fee: $150

Time:  Asynchronous

In this course, we’ll dive into some amazing strategies to help create a positive, inclusive, and lively learning environment. You’ll explore research on the Science of Learning, movement-based activities, retrieval practice, and ways to build a strong classroom community. Through hands-on reflections, group discussions, and practical strategies, you’ll develop skills to boost student engagement, support social-emotional growth, and promote cognitive development. 

The course will be delivered over 6 weeks, with weekly sessions combining live instruction, peer collaboration, and independent study. By the end, you'll walk away with a toolkit full of resources to support every learner, fostering deeper learning, resilience, and growth in your classroom!

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

• Analyze how creating a safe, stimulating classroom environment promotes deeper learning and resilience.

• Evaluate instructional strategies that support social, emotional, and cognitive development.

• Apply community-building strategies to foster connections and create a positive learning environment.

• Implement movement-based strategies to enhance engagement and student outcomes.

• Integrate retrieval practice methods to improve knowledge retention and student engagement.

• Synthesize insights from movement and discourse resources to enhance instructional practices.

• Apply strategies to extend student thinking and promote higher-order learning.

• Use formative assessments and data to inform and adjust teaching practices for student growth.

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CANCELED   BUILDING NUMBER SENSE: Empowering Teachers to Inspire Mathematical Confidence

Instructor: Roseanne Hennig               45 CTLE hours/3 inservice credits Grades K-5

Dates: January 27, 2025 - March 14, 2025                                                                         Fee: $150

Time: Asynchronous

Transform your classroom by mastering the art of teaching number sense! This dynamic course equips educators with strategies to help students develop a deep, intuitive understanding of numbers. Explore practical approaches to teaching mental math, estimation, place value, fractions, and patterns while fostering a growth mindset in learners of all abilities.Through hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and real-world applications, you’ll gain insights into identifying and addressing common misconceptions, encouraging mathematical reasoning, and making numbers accessible and exciting for every student. Join me to deepen your expertise, inspire your students, and create a classroom where numbers truly make sense!

No Required Text- Many recommendations.                          Office hours: Sunday mornings

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

• Develop a strong understanding of  what number sense is 

• Analyze young learners’ number sense development in terms of learning trajectories

• Understand the four different types of relationships that children can and should develop with numbers from 1-10

• Develop an understanding of how the foundational ideas of numbers from 1- 20 can be extended to larger numbers, fractions, decimals and operations, basic facts, and computation.

• Create learning activities to develop number sense

• Develop visual routines that use student thinking to orchestrate work

• Create counting routines to understand place value and the number system

• Gather a multitude of tools for students to use in order to solidify their number sense

• Develop techniques for assessing all components of number sense

• Be ready and excited to engage families in understanding and supporting number sense

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CANCELED    MUSIC TO YOUR EARS! Increase Student Engagement by Incorporating Music into the Classroom

Instructor: Melissa Levy                 15  CTLEhrs.; 1 inservice credit Grades K-12

Dates: February 3, 2025 - March 16, 2025                                                         Fee: $50

Time: Asynchronous

This course is for educators who are ready to transform their teaching with the power of music. Discover how music enhances learning, fosters social-emotional growth, and boosts cognitive development. Together, we’ll explore your personal connection to music, uncover its cognitive benefits, and develop practical strategies to integrate it seamlessly into your teaching. You'll leave with curated playlists and tools to inspire and engage your students across all grades and subjects.

Participants will:

• Discover how music enhances learning, fosters social-emotional growth, and boosts cognitive development.

• Explore personal connections to music and understand its impact on education.

• Uncover the cognitive benefits of music and its role in the classroom.

• Develop practical strategies to seamlessly integrate music into teaching across subjects.

• Create and curate playlists tailored to inspire and engage students.

• Gain tools and techniques to use music as a dynamic resource for student engagement and learning.

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NEW DATE    BEST PRACTICES FOR SUPPORTING ELLs

Instructor: Denise Baldini               15 CTLE Hours; 1 inservice credit                                   FEE- $50  

K-8 Classroom, ENL, Bilingual Teachers, Interventionists, and Support Staff.    

Dates:  January 27, 2025 – March 3, 2025         

Synchronous Learning Dates via Google Meet (3 hours): Tuesday January 28, 2025 

Time: 6:00-9:00 P.M.  

Asynchronous Learning via Google Classroom  (12 hours)

Course Description: Whether you have a class full of English Language Learners or just a few, this 15-hour course will provide methods and techniques that can help you make the English language and your subject matter easier to understand for ELLs and all students in your classroom.  This course will introduce the key components of the SIOP model (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol) which is just a technical name for the best, research-based practices for designing, implementing and reflecting on lessons to support English Language Learners. This class will inspire you to think about what you’re already doing to support your students, and what else you can do to set them up for success.  

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

• Understand important components of the SIOP model 

• Apply new strategies for teaching and learning

• Experience strategies through an immersive hands on activity

• Take away ready to use strategies for making learning accessible for English Language Learners

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CANCELED    HOW TO HELP STUDENTS NAVIGATE CONFLICT RESPECTFULLY  

Instructor: Debbie Salitsky, LCSW        February 3, 2025 -March 10, 2025             FEE: $50

15 CLTE Hours, 1 In-Service Credit                                                                           Grades K-12

Dates: January 13, 2025 - February 24, 2025

Time:  1.5 Hour Synchronous Date February 3, 2025 7:00-8:30 Mandatory

            13.5 Hour Asynchronous Assignments to be completed by February 24, 2025

Conflict and disagreements are a part of life. As adults, we are aware of how conflict may lead to unwanted stress, discomfort, isolation, and in some cases estrangement. As educators, we bear some responsibility for helping kids learn how to navigate conflict so that it does not turn into above mentioned outcomes. This one credit course will provide educators with strategies on how to introduce the topic of conflict, role-model respectful ways to disagree, and practice communication to reach resolution.

Participants will:

• Develop greater awareness of how conflict can negatively impact academic and social-emotional learning.

• Acquire strategies to assist students K-12 with learning how to handle conflict more confidently and respectfully by examining safe/inclusive learning environments, connecting resolution concepts, language skills, and recognition of diverse learning styles.

• Reflect upon what is currently working in the classroom/professional office while establishing new approaches to navigate conflict respectfully.

• Learn step by step protocol to communicate effectively when conflict arises.