New for 2024-25

Presenters: Jonathon Regan & Sherri Rinckhoff

Tentatively Scheduled for December 12, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12 504 Committee Members, CST, Guidance, etc.

Calling all 504 coordinators and team members! Introducing a dynamic and collaborative workshop aimed at fostering collaboration and sharing of best practices in 504 program management. This roundtable discussion provides a platform for participants to exchange valuable insights, resources, and strategies for the effective implementation of 504 plans. Participants should bring forms, materials, and success stories to engage in peer-to-peer learning and explore innovative approaches to support students with disabilities. 

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

Presenter: Marc Cicchino

Tentatively Scheduled for October 16, 2024, November 11, 2024, OR November 18, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

This is an insightful workshop on harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize teaching and learning! The session will provide guidance to educators as they explore how AI can serve as a valuable tool to streamline tasks, improve efficiency, and unlock new learning opportunities for students. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, participants will discover innovative AI-driven solutions for personalized learning, adaptive assessment, and data-driven decision-making. Educators will also learn how to integrate AI into their teaching practice to enhance productivity, differentiate instruction, and empower students to become active participants in their learning journey.

Presenter: Peter Scanlan

Tentatively Scheduled for January 21, 2025

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

This studio art workshop will focus on basic techniques of cartooning and drawing from the imagination by drawing freely and without pre-conception to see where it goes. Attendees will also work on some watercolor and ink painting techniques to bring these drawings to life.

Presenter: Kelly Stevens

Tentatively Scheduled for September 27, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

Promethean boards are popping up in more and more schools these days. During this half-day session, attendees will learn Promethean board basics, including key features and ways to incorporate those features into lessons. The group will also explore innovative teaching strategies and instructional techniques that leverage the capabilities of Promethean boards throughout the curriculum.

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

Presenters: Pam Bagot & Jennifer Eisberg

Tentatively Scheduled for February 10, 2025

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

This hands-on session will have all new book techniques that can be used for writing, journaling, note-taking, etc. in ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, STEAM, and most subjects. The day will include discussion on the many ways books can be used across all subject areas, as well as painting and book engineering techniques. The hands-on portion of the day will focus on learning book art techniques and creating a variety of books. Participants will create complete sample books to bring back to their classrooms. All necessary materials will be provided, however, participants should feel free to bring any materials they choose to enhance their designs.

Presenter: Helen Park

Tentatively Scheduled for February 24, 2025

Recommended for Educators of Grades 3-6

This workshop will explore the nuts and bolts of book clubs and literature circles. These structures can make reading more engaging, improve close reading skills, and create a strong classroom community. Participants will learn practical tips and have an opportunity to research and create structures that can be used to launch literary communities in their classrooms. Participants will also visit a classroom and see a community of readers in action. 

Presenters: Michael Ives & Megan Langan

Tentatively Scheduled for January 17, 2025

Recommended for Educators of Grades 6-12

For participants already familiar with the concept of “Thinking Classroom” who’ve perhaps begun the process of de-fronting their classrooms and using Vertical Non-Permanent Surfaces (VNPS) , now what?

Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics Part 2 will dive more deeply into the research behind the methods used in Peter Liljedahl’s book and how teachers can create and use appropriate rubrics and dynamic questioning to monitor student learning and assess understanding in real time. Register to share ideas and participate in a live classroom visit to break down effective strategies to promote mathematical discourse in a grade 6 - 12 setting.

Presenter: Bernadette Ricco

Tentatively Scheduled for December 18, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades 1-5

The top quarter (High-End) students of any given classroom, regardless of whether they are formally identified for Gifted Programming, present challenges for teachers. Endeavoring to enhance their learning while also addressing the mainstream curricula and spectrum of learning needs, requires unique tools.

This workshop will provide how-to techniques for identifying and challenging these students and time-efficient ways to monitor their progress. Participants will be given time to reflect and to create "plan now, implement tomorrow" curricula modifications based on tools that will be provided and discussed.

Presenter: Cara Bayer

Tentatively Scheduled for October 21, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

The agenda for this learning experience will be created by participants’ interests and curiosities collected prior to the session. This workshop offers child study team members an opportunity to collaborate in a roundtable discussion. The day will focus on sharing best practices among participants.

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

Presenter: Amy Brown & Silvia Jost

Tentatively Scheduled for November 26, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades K-8

This is an interactive roundtable session dedicated to exploring classroom management strategies tailored to the unique needs of specialized settings. It’s perfect for teachers of art, music, world languages, or any other specialty. The session will provide a collaborative platform to discuss common challenges and share proven techniques for fostering a positive and productive learning environment. 

Presenter: Aimee Edwards & Kim Faustini

Tentatively Scheduled for December 2, 2024 OR March 5, 2025

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

Join us for an engaging workshop focused on enhancing the climate within your classroom! In this session, educators will explore practical strategies for strengthening connections, managing behaviors, and fostering a sense of collectiveness within their classrooms. Participants will learn how to navigate the balance between whole-class strategies and individualized support, to effectively meet the diverse needs of their students. Through collaborative discussions and hands-on activities, educators will discover how to leverage available resources to enhance their classroom climate. Leave feeling empowered with a toolkit of strategies to create a cool, calm, and collected classroom environment where every student can thrive.

Presenter: Amy Brown

Tentatively Scheduled for January 9, 2025

Recommended for Educators of Grades K-4

Impactful learning is a MOVING experience!  Participants will learn the basics of brain science to understand why movement is critical in the teaching and learning process. From brain primers to movement-infused instruction to thoughtfully executed brain breaks, participants will explore a variety of techniques to help students learn on their feet with memorable and impactful learning experiences.

Presenter: Jennifer Annese & Amy Brown

Tentatively Scheduled for February 6, 2025

Recommended for Educators of Grades K-8

The workshop will allow teachers to share assessment resources, create a school-based curriculum of concepts, and create protocols for receiving services.

Presenters: Lisa Barragato & Kathleen O'Flynn

Tentatively Scheduled for October 16, 2024 AND March 26, 2025

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

According to Brené Brown, “A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential.” In this session, participants will learn the principles discussed in Brené Brown’s bestseller "Dare To Lead." This two-part course is designed for teacher leaders who facilitate change in their discipline, classroom, and school community. Discussions will range from vulnerability in the workplace, braving trust, living with values, finding courage, and many more! Although it is not necessary, interested participants are encouraged to read the book prior to the workshop.

*Note: This group will meet for two 1/2-day sessions, 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Presenter: Jennifer Santa

Tentatively Scheduled for October 23, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-9

Unlock the power of data to drive student achievement! In this workshop, participants will discover the importance of collecting and analyzing data to inform instructional decisions. Participants will dive into data such as NJSLS scores, benchmark assessments, and classroom assessments and learn how to apply the data to effectively support struggling students who have I&RS action plans. Educators will collaborate on how to best meet students’ diverse needs through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios. 

Presenter: Allison Beesley

Tentatively Scheduled for February 25, 2025

Recommended for Educators of Grades 6-12

G-Suite has revolutionized the way educators monitor and interact with student work, but permissions, organization, and sharing can all create obstacles to effective collaboration. In this workshop, the many features of Doctopus, an add-on tool that creates student workspaces and shares files while leaving the teacher in full control, will be explored. Attendees will learn how the innovative tool organizes digital spaces, connecting them with student spaces in groundbreaking ways. It also assists with differentiating work, monitoring groups, and providing real-time feedback to teachers so that they can efficiently support students, all while discouraging unethical use of AI tools.

Presenter: Chris Nerkizian

Tentatively Scheduled for February 5, 2025

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-4

Grades Pre-K - 4 STEM teachers will gather to dissect standards, share and develop hands-on STEM activities that meet curriculum goals and promote critical thinking skills among students, strategize ways to stretch budgets, and more! This is an excellent opportunity for educators from different schools to collaborate and exchange innovative ideas in a professional learning environment.

Presenter: Nicole Chamberlain

Tentatively Scheduled for December 10, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades 1-4

This professional learning experience will enhance the mathematical instruction of grade 1-4 educators. Through interactive sessions and classroom observations, participants will explore the integration of the concrete-pictorial-abstract progression, number talks, and the Seven Mathematical Practices into their teaching practices. The morning session will focus on understanding these concepts, planning concrete-pictorial-abstract lessons, and exploring effective strategies for number talks and mathematical practices integration. In the afternoon, participants will observe a math class, reflecting on observed strategies and discussing implications for their own classrooms. By engaging in this workshop, educators will gain practical tools and insights to elevate math instruction, fostering a culture of mathematical excellence among their students.

Presenters: Chris Nerkizian & Dana Petrie

Tentatively Scheduled for November 11, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

For participants looking for new ideas for their classroom or solutions to challenges unique to G&T, or those who may sometimes feel isolated as a G&T specialist, this workshop will provide a forum to share successes, find new ideas and solutions to challenges, and develop a lasting network of support. The day’s agenda will be created by participants’ interests and needs collected prior to the session. Workshop participants will engage in a roundtable exchange of resources and ideas and troubleshoot G&T challenges. 

Presenter: Katelyn Gallagher and Angela Stathis

Tentatively Scheduled for November 20, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

In this dynamic professional development workshop, attendees will delve into various facets of English Language Arts (ELA) instruction, from current research insights to practical strategies and resources for both teachers and students. Through structured conversations and collaborative exploration, participants will rejuvenate their passion for ELA and gain valuable tools and knowledge to enhance their teaching practices. The day will allow for exploration of common challenges faced by ELA teachers to brainstorm solutions. There will also be tips on ways to become more involved in professional organizations and communities.

Presenter: Kelly Stevens

Tentatively Scheduled for November 22, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

So, you have the tools to differentiate under your belt, now what? This session, based on the book “Leading and Managing the Differentiated Classroom” by Carol Tomlinson, will provide teachers with practical strategies for managing a differentiated setting. Today’s educators are increasingly tasked with meeting the needs of a wide range of learners, each with their own unique strengths, challenges, and learning styles. This workshop is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and manage a differentiated classroom effectively.

Presenter: Glen Coleman

Tentatively Scheduled for January 21, 2025

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

Learn how to integrate kinesthetic learning experiences into your classroom by experiencing it firsthand! Participants will delve into the science that explains why physical movement improves mental alertness, health, and learning - and increases energy for everyone in the classroom. Educators will leave with kinesthetic learning activities that can be applied to: awaken/prime the brain for deep learning, aid learning when physical movement is incorporated along with mental activity through games, and to deepen student learning after intense academic work.

Presenters: Julia Lefer & Jennifer Rilli

Tentatively Scheduled for December 9, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-5

Math and language arts are usually seen as two separate entities by teachers and students alike; however, the two subjects are truly connected. This workshop will provide participants with strategies to combine reading, writing, and math. Example strategies include using a perfect paragraph format to explain a mathematical answer, using story writing to help interpret and solve word problems, breaking down multi-step directions, and comprehending word problems. Participants will leave this workshop with specific strategies and project ideas to incorporate into their own classrooms.

Presenter: Nicole Chamberlain

Tentatively Scheduled for October 7, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades K-5

According to Jennifer Lempp, five steps is all it takes to teach math in a new way that fosters deep understanding and proficiency for all students. This learning experience will focus on the key concepts of Lempp’s book "Math Workshop: Five Steps to Implementing Guided Math, Learning Stations, Reflection, and More." Participants can expect to take away practical strategies to apply in their classrooms.

Presenter: Melanie Arnold and Laura Wiseman

Tentatively Scheduled for December 4, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades K-8

Discover practical strategies for supporting student success in this workshop focused on meeting diverse behavioral and social-emotional needs in K-8 classrooms. Educators and service providers will explore proactive approaches to address a variety of behavioral challenges and promote positive social-emotional development. Participants will learn how to create inclusive classroom environments, implement effective behavior management techniques, and provide targeted support to meet individual student needs. Leave with a deeper understanding of how to increase availability for learning and foster a supportive community where all students can thrive.

Presenter: Damon Affinito

Tentatively Scheduled for February 4, 2025

Recommended for Educators of Grades 5-12

The modern-day history class, with its constantly expanding curriculum, often overlooks important themes involving service, sacrifice, triumph, tragedy, and patriotism. This workshop will explore ways to bring these themes and the places associated with them into the classroom, primarily through the use of online resources, including virtual tours. Participants will “visit” Civil War battlefields, overseas American cemeteries, the National Mall memorials, Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Oklahoma City, Shanksville, and other sacred spaces. Time will be allotted for teachers to research and develop lessons around these themes and places.

Presenters: Francesca Rivellini & Kimberly Weber

Tentatively Scheduled for September 19, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades 1-12

This course guides participants as they discover the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in language arts instruction. Through hands-on exploration of leading AI platforms like Magic School AI, Brisk, ChatGPT, and more, educators will learn to provide personalized feedback, generate mentor texts, unpack complex standards, and create flexible lessons for students of all levels while saving time! Educators will leave this course empowered to revolutionize their language arts classrooms with innovative AI techniques, maximizing student engagement and achievement.

Presenters: Brianna Kehoe, Brianna McSweeney & Shireen Moidu

Tentatively Scheduled for October 15, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades 5-8

This interactive workshop is designed for teachers of science who are curious about anchoring Phenomena. The workshop emphasizes hands-on learning and collaboration to help educators support students as they investigate and make sense of phenomena in the classroom. We will explore all aspects of effective NGSS-aligned instruction with an emphasis on engaging students in sense-making through modeling.

Presenter: Jessica Vilardi

Tentatively Scheduled for February 26, 2025

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-5

Explore the exciting realm of teaching mathematics through project-based learning activities. PBL offers a dynamic and engaging approach to math education, where students delve into real-world problems and challenges. Hands-on projects allow students to apply mathematical concepts and gain a deeper understanding of how math is relevant to their lives. Project-based learning also facilitates the spiraling of concepts to keep strategies fresh and allow extra practice in areas needed. Participants will discover how to design and implement projects that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

Presenters: Christina Nazarko & Wendy Mackey

Tentatively Scheduled for January 10, 2025

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

Prerequisite: Promoting Culture and Climate in the School Setting

Attended Promoting Culture and Climate in the School Setting and craving more? This workshop will further explore how to build a positive school community that focuses on relationships, discipline, and the representation of all students. There will also be time to share and collaborate with like-minded peers on your experiences with transforming the quality, character, and personality of your own school environment. 

Presenter: Kevin Walter

Tentatively Scheduled for December 18, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades 6-12

This professional learning experience for social studies teachers will focus on the surprising, often hidden, role slavery played in New Jersey from the 1600s to the mid-1800s, with a special emphasis placed on the history of slavery in Bergen County.

Presenter: Joseph Polvere

Tentatively Scheduled for September 25, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

It can be challenging to teach current events in the classroom while avoiding controversy, but this workshop will show participants how to do just that. Various current events from the domestic and international spheres will be addressed, allowing for an exchange of ideas between the presenter and participants; attendees will take away strategies to use in their classroom.

Presenter: Maggie Churchill

Tentatively Scheduled for November 15, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

This workshop will model the integration of content and English language development standards for content-area teachers using the 2020 WIDA Standards Framework. Participants will learn how to align language and content standards with a focus on developing language expectations, functions, and features, for multilingual learners.

Presenter: Kia Vetrero

Tentatively Scheduled for March 3, 2025

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-8

Craving time to share best practices with other elementary music teachers? This learning experience will be consiste of two parts. First, participants will be introduced to different applications and technologies that can be used successfully in elementary music instruction. Educators will learn how to use technology in the classroom and build a pedagogical balance to avoid student and teacher technology fatigue. There will be time to explore these apps before the lunch break. General music teachers wear many hats, so the afternoon portion will allow time for a roundtable discussion to share what those hats sometimes entail, to share lesson plans, and to pool resources! 

Presenter: Laura Sullivan

Tentatively Scheduled for October 2, 2024

Recommended for Educators of Grades 3-12 ELA, Math and Science

This workshop explores ways to integrate released state-test items into your teaching repertoire. Delve into the provided resources to gain valuable insights into assessment expectations, question formats, and content as well as to build a collection of questions that you can use in your classroom. Utilizing released items can help when teaching students valuable test-taking strategies and reinforcing your content. Together we will explore ways to use these questions to supplement your current teaching. Participants will receive many different resources and the well-needed TIME to review them and align them with your current units so that you can start using them with your students tomorrow.

Presenters: Cara Bayer & Marc Cicchino

Tentatively Scheduled for January 13, 2025

Recommended for Educators of Grades Pre-K-12

The session will provide educators the space in which to explore the intersection of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and artificial intelligence (AI). Participants will learn about the principles of UDL, unpack UDL guidelines, and discover the cutting-edge applications of AI that enhance and support UDL in practical, time-saving ways - this includes using AI to promote accessibility, engagement, and personalized learning experiences. The day’s takeaways will  include a practical and technology-infused approach to creating inclusive and highly effective learning environments for all students.

Presenter: Nancy Mliczek

Tentatively Scheduled for March 17, 2025

Recommended for Educators of Grades 6-12

Discover the keys to unlocking the full potential of informational texts in content area classrooms. This dynamic professional learning experience is designed to equip content area teachers with a robust toolkit of strategies that enhance students' comprehension, critical thinking, and engagement with informational texts. This workshop will be aligned with the new NJSLS English Language Arts standards.