FALL/WINTER 2024-25 REGISTRATION

22 Professional Learning Opportunities - All Free of Charge

To register for a course, please click on the highlighted course name.

Please use a personal email address to avoid blocked emails.

The instructor will email you prior to the class start date. 

Once your instructor confirms you have completed the requirements for each course, a CTLE certificate of completion will be emailed to you. The email will be sent from kariannitrc@gmail.com. Please add this address to your contact list to prevent our emails from going to spam.  

For those wishing to earn in-service credit, prior approval from your district is required.

1. NYS Special Education Certification Extension for Grades: 5-6, 7-8 and 10-12 (45 CTLE hours)  closed

Instructor: Meredith Murolo

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 9/30/24 - 11/25/24

Extend your Students with Disabilities (SWD) Certification to Grades 5-6, 7-8 and/or 10-12 and increase your versatility as a Special Education Teacher. In June of 2018, NYS approved certification pathways for special education teachers interested in extending their existing certification to grades 5-6, 7-8 and 10-12. The requirements for these extensions include experience in one or both of the grade levels nearest the extension, a current NYS Students with Disabilities (SWD) Generalist certification, and a 45-hour NYSED approved course in the extension grade band. There will be three sections of work: Knowledge of Students, Instructional Strategies and Professional Practice. Content is aligned to the NYS Teaching and Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Standards. Promoting flexibility, this entire course will be conducted online via Google Classroom.

2. Coding and Robotics in the Elementary Classroom (15 CTLE hours)  closed

Instructor: Barbra Knabb

Hybrid: four synchronous hours dates & times determined by class, plus 11 hours asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates:  10/2/24 - 11/6/24

In this 15-hour hybrid professional learning course, teachers will explore how to introduce simple coding and robotics instruction in their elementary classrooms to increase student engagement and further students’ social-emotional learning and interdisciplinary computational thinking skills. Teachers will create lesson plans to address the NYS K-12 Computer Science and Digital Fluency standards, self-reflect on their instructional implementation, and collaborate with colleagues in peer review.

As part of the course, teachers will receive a long-term loan of Edison robots for this class and their classroom. There is no cost to the district or teacher for the course or loan of robots.

3. Break the Ice: Activities to Foster Classroom Unity (15 CTLE hours)  closed

Instructor: Tracey Trentowski

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 10/7/24 - 11/4/24

Whether it is the first day of school or you’re simply just finding the dynamic in your class is slipping, why not take a pause and break the ice! This course is tailored to educators seeking to enhance student engagement through ice breaker activities. Designed to foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment, you will be provided practical strategies and creative ideas for any age level to either kickstart or maintain meaningful connections, build rapport, and cultivate a sense of community among students. From team-building exercises to reflective prompts and interactive games, educators will discover innovative approaches to help students feel welcomed, valued, and open to learning. When students feel comfortable with their peers, it has tremendous power in terms of what you can accomplish in the classroom. Help your students foster connections and gain trust and comfort with their peers.

4. Making Connections for Better Classroom Management (15 CTLE hours)  closed

Instructor: Kevin Trentowski

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 10/16/24 - 11/13/24

Participants will gain practical insights and actionable strategies to enhance their classroom management skills and create a positive and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. Join us on this transformative journey towards making meaningful connections for better classroom management, all within the flexibility of online learning.

5. For the New to the Seasoned Teacher: Strategies to Thrive in the Classroom (15 CTLE hours)  closed

Instructor: Meredith Murolo

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 10/21/24 - 11/18/24

Learning the tricks of the trade for classroom teachers is no easy task. It takes patience, practice and a lot of support! In this course, participants will learn strategies for lesson planning, classroom management, differentiation, meeting the needs of all types of learners and more. Teachers will explore pedagogy, lesson planning, and self-reflection to build knowledge, resilience, and confidence in the classroom. Topics will include strategies for: decreasing new teacher stress, classroom management, cultivating community, lesson planning, time management and differentiating instruction.

6. Unleashing the Potential of Google Classroom (15 CTLE hours)  closed

Instructor: Mia LaFata

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 10/23/24 - 11/20/24

This course will guide participants in enhancing their classroom management and instructional strategies while utilizing Google Classroom in conjunction with other Google Workspace for Education tools (Google Docs, Google Forms, etc.). This course will help educators seamlessly integrate digital tools to streamline teaching processes, foster collaboration, and enrich students' learning experiences. Participants will learn to efficiently organize, submit, and grade student assignments, while creating a centralized hub for storing educational materials and resources.

7. Math Fluency 123s for Elementary Students K-5 (15 CTLE hours)  closed

Instructor: Jenna Korte

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 10/28/24 - 11/25/24

Mastery of mathematical concepts is crucial and necessitates consistent review for retention in the memory. Intentional integration of proficiency within our everyday classroom procedures guarantees advancement and achievement for students. This curriculum will explore the rationale behind students' imperative to cultivate fluency in mathematical concepts, along with diverse methodologies for infusing mathematical facts into daily activities, including stations, interactive games, collaborative exercises, and additional strategies. Educators will delve into the techniques for effective memorization and identify opportune moments to integrate this vital skill.

8. Navigating the Landscape of Special Education Law (15 CTLE hours)  closed

Instructor: Tracy Von Eschen

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 10/30/24 - 11/27/24

Teachers will gain an understanding of the key laws and regulations governing special education, including the NYS Part 200 Regulations, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and relevant case law. They will learn about the legal requirements for identifying and evaluating students for special education services, developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), providing a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE), disciplining students with disabilities, and protecting students' and parents' procedural rights. Participants will also explore real-world scenarios and best practices for remaining compliant with special education laws to ensure the rights of students with disabilities are upheld.

9. Motivating Students to Write for a Purpose in the Elementary Classroom (15 CTLE hours)  closed

Instructor: Meghan Correira

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 11/4/24 - 12/2/24

This course will appeal to elementary teachers who wish to revitalize writing instruction, enhance student engagement, and empower their students as writers. Participants will have the opportunity to explore practical strategies, best practices, and collaborate with peers to develop customized action plans for implementing purposeful writing instruction in their elementary classrooms.

10. Annual & Triennial Reviews: What Special Education Teachers Need to Know (15 CTLE hours)  closed

Instructor: Caitlin Morrell

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 11/6/24 - 12/4/24

Calling all new special education teachers! CSEs are a crucial part of our job; sometimes it's easy to get overwhelmed by the process: preparing paperwork, collecting data, writing the IEP, and presenting the data at annual reviews and re-evals. In this course we will break down the CSE process and explore how to best prepare annual reviews and triennial re-evaluations.

11. Creating Trauma-Informed Classrooms: Supporting Students’ Healing and Resilience (15 CTLE hours)  closed

Instructor: Jessica Ciardullo

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 11/13/24 - 12/11/24

Creating Trauma-Informed Classrooms is an essential course designed to empower educators with the knowledge and skills to cultivate a supportive and compassionate learning environment. This course focuses on understanding trauma, recognizing its impact on students, and implementing trauma-informed practices that promote healing, resilience, and success in the classroom. This comprehensive course provides educators with a deep dive into trauma-informed education, exploring the effects of trauma on learning and behavior. Participants will gain practical strategies to create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment that supports the well-being and academic success of all students.

12. Computer Literacy for Educators (15 CTLE hours) closed

Instructor: Hal Kench

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 11/18/24 - 12/16/24

This session is designed to introduce educators to the vast, useful, FREE resources available on the internet and various web quests. We’ll be exploring credible educational websites such as PBS Learning Media, Teachers Domain, NOVA, Frontline, Design Squad, and American Experience.

13. How to Create a Positive Environment for Students with Social Anxiety (15 CTLE hours)  closed

Instructor: Mark Hanes

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 11/20/24 - 12/18/24

Students with social anxiety have an intense fear of being negatively evaluated, judged, and rejected in social situations. This social anxiety leads to other problems, and with some students, the result is school avoidance. In this class, we will focus on effective intervention strategies and learn how to help students to identify negative thinking styles that are harmful to different dimensions of their wellness.

14. Using Poetry to Develop Language and SEL Skills (15 CTLE hours)  closed

Instructor: Doug Shaw

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 11/25/24 - 12/23/24

When students immerse themselves in rich poetry, they experience language elevated to its highest, most concise and skillfully crafted purpose. Poetry instruction builds literacy skills and demands that students think critically, make inferences and draw conclusions. This course will consider a variety of poetic forms as well as some of our best loved verse as tools for rich language instruction. No experience with poetry needed. Come take "the road less traveled."

15. Bridging the Gap: Elevating the Educational Outcomes for Boys (15 CTLE hours)  closed

Instructor: William Scampoli

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 11/27/24 - 12/27/24

Research suggests that the academic achievement disparity between male and female students has grown over recent years. This course will examine different elements that influence this divide and offer recommendations for classroom strategies to reduce it.

16. English Language Learners 101 (15 CTLE hours)   closed

Instructor: Veronica Frullo

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 12/2/24 - 12/30/24

The course is meant to provide insight into English Language Learners, including the continually evolving terminology as it relates to ELLs, the identification process, testing and the five levels of English language proficiency. A deeper understanding of ELLs and their proficiency levels will enable teachers to develop more accessible lessons.

17. The Great Debate: Mastering Argument Writing without Tears (15 CTLE hours)  closed

Instructor: Tracey Trentowski

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 12/4/24 - 1/1/25

This comprehensive course is designed to equip educators in any discipline with strategies and resources to effectively teach argumentative writing without panic for both the teacher and the student! Regardless of your level of experience when it comes to teaching argument, educators will have the opportunity to deepen their own understanding of effective instruction when it comes to debatable issues. Classroom methods for argument writing will include specific techniques to assist students with claim development, evidence gathering/analysis, credibility checks, and incorporating counterargument. Drawing from real-world examples, you will learn how to best support students at various proficiency and interest levels. Student models, graphic organizers, peer editing worksheets and more will be made available and can be modified to fit the needs of your own classroom. Participants will discover a wealth of instructional strategies and assessment tools to help empower students in gaining confidence when it comes to argument writing.

18. Nurturing the Educator's Soul: A Journey into Teacher Self-Care (15 CTLE hours)  closed

Jessica Ciardullo

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 12/9/24 - 1/6/25

Welcome to "Nurturing the Educator's Soul," an empowering class designed exclusively for educators who are dedicated to their students but often forget to prioritize their own well-being. In the demanding world of education, it's crucial for teachers to cultivate a strong foundation of self-care to navigate the challenges with resilience and joy. This transformative course is a sanctuary for educators, providing a guided exploration into the realms of self-care, mindfulness, and well-being. Join us on a journey where you will discover practical strategies, insightful reflections, and a supportive community to help you thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

19. The Lost Words (15 CTLE hours)  closed

Edward Schmieder

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates:  12/16/24 - 1/13/25

“Once upon a time, words began to vanish from the language of children. They disappeared so quietly that at first almost no one noticed – fading away like water on stone.” These are opening lines of an oversized illustrated poetry book, provoked by the Oxford Junior Dictionary, which dropped words not being used enough by kids to merit their inclusion according to their editors. This launched two books, a cd of music, and an educational wave of discussion groups and lesson plans throughout Great Britain. It never registered in America. In this course, teachers from grades 3 – 12 will find meaningful classwork, and a place where the arts and ELA work in amazing harmony. Your teaching life and the lives of your students will bloom. Let’s bring back the word “dandelion!”

20. Exploring the World of Autism (15 CTLE hours)  closed

Instructor: Kim Davis

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 12/18/24  - 1/15/25

This course will cover topics such as promoting a welcoming environment, creating an inclusive classroom, research based practical teaching strategies, positive behavior supports and collaboration as well as addressing communication and sensory needs for our students with autism.

21. Music and Movement in the Elementary Classroom (15 CTLE hours)   closed

Instructor: Meghan Correira

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 1/6/25 - 2/3/25

Let’s explore movement in the classroom. Teachers will obtain new strategies to incorporate music and movement into instruction and routine. Research proves that providing students opportunities to move during the school day increases focus and attention as well as helping students learn more effectively. Participants will learn these unique strategies to incorporate physical activity into instruction and daily procedures so his/her students benefit from music and movement in the elementary classroom.

22. Supporting Struggling Readers Through Multi-Sensory Techniques (15 CTLE hours)   closed

Instructor: Jenna Korte

Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Dates: 1/8/25 -2/5/25

A multisensory approach is one that integrates sensory activities. The students see, hear, and touch. In essence, a multisensory approach incorporates the learning styles for visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile learners. Multisensory teaching tries to use all the senses, as students engage with materials in a variety of ways. By the end of the course, participants will be able to identify strategies and fun activities to use to help support your struggling readers. This course is applicable to all educators: teachers, guidance counselors, social workers, psychologists, administrators, and any related service providers of all subjects, grades K-12.

If you have any special circumstances, please let the instructor know; he/she will  make every effort to accommodate you.

Welcome to the Intercounty Teacher Resource Center!