New for 2023-24

Presenter: Erica Sposa

Tentatively Scheduled for October 13, 2023

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

Student-centered learning increases student interest and ownership of learning, and ultimately improves student achievement. This workshop will review best practices for student-centered learning. Strategies will include, but are not limited to: Socratic Seminars, project-based learning, and station-rotation. 

Presenter: Michael Ives & Megan Langan

Tentatively Scheduled for January 30, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades 6-12

Using the principles of Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl, this workshop will explore strategies for creating dynamic learning environments in mathematics classrooms. By changing the way educators ask questions and encourage students to solve tasks collaboratively on Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces (VNPS), environments with rich mathematical conversations in a student-centered setting can be created. In this workshop, participants will explore techniques to foster students’ abilities to articulate their own conjectures and seriously consider their peers’ perspectives as a way to construct mathematical understandings. Participants will go on a classroom visit to break down effective strategies to promote mathematical discourse in a grades 6 -12 setting.

Presenter: Meghan Pleus

Tentatively Scheduled for December 18, 2023

Recommended for Educators of Grades K-2

How can teachers increase positivity, strengthen classroom culture, and build more excitement for their classrooms? Participants in this session will learn cheers and chants that will boost the confidence of students, strengthen classroom management, and foster stronger relationships with students. They will discuss and develop appropriate classroom rewards to create stronger “buy-in” from students.

Presenter: Jeffrey Lai

Tentatively Scheduled for September 28, 2023

Recommended for Educators of Pre-K-12

This engaging, interactive workshop is designed for teachers of all grade levels and subject areas who are curious about ChatGPT. The workshop emphasizes hands-on learning and collaboration to help educators:

• Reduce workloads for lesson planning, assessment writing, and more.

• Gain a deep understanding of ChatGPT's logic and learn how to successfully pilot the AI tool in a teaching practice.

• Participate in immersive activities that not only showcase the value of ChatGPT, but also highlight the importance of using technology thoughtfully and responsibly in the classroom, taking into account both its benefits and potential drawbacks.

• Develop strategies to balance the advantages of AI technology with the significance of the human element in education, ensuring a mindful approach to integrating new tools into your teaching.

*The original blurb for this workshop was developed with assistance from ChatGPT. This link will show how it was done. 

Presenter: Catherine Kong

Tentatively Scheduled for March 18, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

According to research, ChatGPT is likely the fastest-growing app in internet history. In the session, participants will learn about ChatGPT, and how it can be used to their advantage by creating activities, comprehension questions, and even lesson plans for the classroom. Specific examples will be given, and participants will have time to explore the app and all its capabilities.

Presenters: Kristen Delventhal & Deborah Bajakian

Tentatively Scheduled for January 8, 2024

Recommended for School-Based Counselors of Grades Pre-K-12

This workshop is designed for school professionals who provide school-based counseling support, an opportunity to collaborate in a roundtable discussion identifying how counselors can show up as their best selves in the counseling role. It is natural for emotions to get stirred up when navigating difficult student cases. This workshop will validate that emotional experience while providing tools to identify personal triggers that may arise in the counseling relationship, manage "human" responses, as well as best practices in how to practice self-care in this unique role. 

*Note: This is a 1/2-day session, 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Presenter: Pamela Bagot

Tentatively Scheduled for March 8, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

This hands-on workshop will expose educators to a variety of water media painting techniques using watercolor and acrylic paint, for use in Enrichment, Art, STEAM, STEM and classes that use paint as a vehicle for student expression. The techniques are suitable for all grade levels, from simple to advanced, including Gelli Arts printing plates. Participants should bring a painting project sample/lesson or a lesson that could be modified for paint for sharing and planning. 

Presenters: Angela Banta & Julia Leibowitz

Tentatively Scheduled for November 27, 2023

Recommended for Educators of Grades 6-12

What does it mean to give teaching materials a “GLOW UP” transformation? Participants will learn how to revitalize their teaching units and increase student engagement using Google Slides. Through examples and modeling, participants will experience how materials can be transformed into colorful, interactive slideshows that peak student interest and foster greater understanding of content. Participants will view “before and after'' samples of units the presenters have transformed, and learn how to use the many features of Google Slides, as well as other websites such as Bitmoji, Slidesgo, and Slide Carnival. Following a demonstration and discussion, participants will be given time to revamp their own teaching materials using the strategies taught, with assistance from the presenters. The goal is for all participants to leave with new, engaging slideshows that will captivate their students’ attention.

Presenter: Virginia Senande

Tentatively Scheduled for October 2, 2023

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

In order to create positive learning environments for their students, educators must also stay healthy and optimistic. This workshop will examine practices designed to encourage educator wellness and ultimately improve student learning. Participants will explore 12 brain-based principles to avoid burnout, increase optimism, and support physical well-being from Marcia Tate’s Healthy Teachers, Healthy Classrooms and create action plans for implementation.

Presenters: Chris Nerkizian & Jennifer Rilli

Tentatively Scheduled for January 26, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-5

For those looking for more active hands-on learning for math learners, this workshop will present a unique approach to teaching math for grades K-5. All will think outside the box, both with some tried and true methodologies, as well as some new wave technology techniques. With the use of digital tools and new-wave interventions, participants will raise the bar and differentiate in all kinds of different ways.

Presenter: Judy LoBianco

Tentatively Scheduled for January 24, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

Exercise grows brain cells. The research connecting physical activity before, during and after the school day, and the impact it has on behavior, attendance and academic testing, is widely documented. Join the 2018 Education Week Leader to Learn From, Judy LoBianco, and delve into the why of physical activity. Planning opportunities for students to move in the classroom can lead to more successful academic outcomes.

Presenters: Christina Nazarko & Wendy Mackey

Tentatively Scheduled for January 19, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

Research shows that positive school culture, including an environment that develops positive relationships among students and teachers, increases student achievement. This workshop is an educator-focused professional learning session for those who are interested in building culture, climate and inclusivity in the work setting. Establishing a positive school climate and culture is essential for educator job satisfaction and improving academic outcomes. The team will discover how to build a positive school community that focuses on relationships, discipline, and the representation of all students. There will also be time to explore how to transform the quality, character and personality of the school environment, starting in one’s own classroom.

Presenter: Meghan Pleus

Tentatively Scheduled for February 28, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

Systematic and explicit phonics instruction is the key to successful reading instruction, however, it can be very mundane. Participants will learn how to PUMP UP phonics instruction. They will analyze helpful resources to refresh phonics instruction and make lessons more engaging by learning about multisensory activities, multisensory tools, decodable texts, and games. 

Presenter: Deborah Shapiro

Tentatively Scheduled for March 27, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

The principles of positive psychology are about knowing that people have a  choice to see and do things differently, and that a wider perspective and greater sense of well-being lie beyond what they generally perceive and believe. In this workshop, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the principles of positive psychology as tools for living a life of radical responsibility. They will be guided to identify stressors, judgments, and resistance that keep them from looking beyond their current beliefs, and they will learn humbling, introspective practices in order to become more balanced, wise, compassionate, and effective educators.

Presenter: Kelly Stevens

Tentatively Scheduled for October 27, 2023

Recommended for Collaborative Teachers of Grades PreK-12

In today’s classroom, collaborative teaching has become a staple - research shows it leads to improved student outcomes. This workshop will review the research behind this model, as well as the different types of collaborative teaching. Discussions on ideas and strategies for relationship building to make the most out of teaching partnerships will also take place. Attendance in pairs is strongly encouraged for best results!

Presenter: Amy Brown

Tentatively Scheduled for November 2, 2023

Recommended for Educators of Grades K-2

Whether educators have been "sold a story" or not, the science of reading is not a program or a simple recipe for how to teach reading; it's not a product one can buy. It is the knowledge of how literacy develops. Participants will share tried and true instructional practices that work!

Presenters: Anna Kuzdraj and Kelly Stevens

Tentatively Scheduled for February 9, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

In today’s classrooms, teachers face a variety of challenges in supporting students’ well-being. This session, which is based on the book “Supporting Students’ Mental Health: Essentials for Teachers” by Michael Hass and Amy Ardell, will provide teachers with concrete strategies to support the well-being of students in their classrooms. Teachers will learn about the 4Rs framework, which will provide guidance in recognizing and responding to students’ needs. Additionally, concepts such as a relationship-centered classroom, promoting social connections, and cultural responsiveness will be discussed as strategies to build a positive and nurturing environment.