The Long Island Institute...Where the Best and Brightest of LI's Educators Come to Further Their Education



Spring, Summer and Fall 2021 Course Offerings

In alphabetical order on-line courses first then graduate. Brooklyn College graduate courses have a course number as well as a title.

Please note that all graduate courses may also be taken for in-service credit.

In-Service Offerings $90.00 per credit or $270.00 per 3 credit course/Brooklyn College Graduate Offerings $1,200.00.

New Student? Take $20.00 off the tuition of your first in-service course. There are no discounts on Brooklyn College courses.

Email, use Paypal on our homepage (accepts all cc's), text registration, register on-site, mail us your registration or call 516-524-8981 or fax 631-473-8500.







ON-LINE COURSES: In alpha order... Spring, Summer and Fall 2021 Sessions Listed

 Please scroll to the bottom for In-person Courses

 

Please note: All courses (except a few with notations) are available for open enrollment at any time during the session. If using open enrollment courses must be completed in the current semester. 

 Spring 2017 runs 1/4 - 6/26/17

 Summer 2017 runs 6/27 - 9/17/17

 Fall 2017 runs 9/18 - 1/2/18

Spring 2018 runs 1/3 - 6/24/18

Summer 2018  runs 6/25 - 9/9/18

Fall 2018 runs 9/10 - 1/1/19

Spring 2019 runs 1/2 - 6/23/19

Summer 2019 runs 6/24 - 9/8/19

Fall 2019 runs 9/9/19 - 1/4/20

Spring 2020 runs 1/6/20 - 6/21/20

Summer 2020 runs 6/22/20 - 9/6/20

Fall 2020 runs 9/7/20 - 1/3/21

Spring 1/4/21 - 6/27/21

Summer 6/28/21- 9/5/21

Fall 9/6/21 - 1/2/22

 


Scroll to the bottom for In-person classes at our Mt Sinai or East Meadow Sites...registration permitting so register early!!

All listed ON-LINE courses are available for the following sessions:

SESSIONS

FALL 2020

Session I    9/7 - 10/7/20

Session II    9/9 - 10/9/20

Session III A    9/14 - 10/14/20

Session III  B  9/17 - 10/17/20

Session III C    9/21 - 10/21/20

Session IV    9/23 - 10/23/20

Session V    9/28 - 10/28/20

Session VI    10/5- 11/5/20

Session VII    10/7 - 11/7/20

Session VIII    10/9 - 11/9/20

Session IX    10/12 - 11/12/20

Session X    10/19 - 11/19/20

Session XI    10/21 - 11/21/20

Session XII    10/26 - 11/26/20

Session XIII   10/28 - 11/28/20

Session XIX  11/2 - 12/2/20

Session XX   11/4 - 12/4/20

Session XXI  11/9 - 12/9//20

Session XXII  11/11 - 12/11/20

Session XXIII    11/16 - 12/16/20   

Session XXIV    11/18 - 12/18/20

Session XXV    11/23 - 12/23/20

Session XXVA    11/25 - 12/25/20

Session XXVB    11/30 - 12/30/20

Session XXVI    12/2 - 1/2/21

Session XXVI    12/7 - 1/3/21

Session XXVII    12/9 - 1/9/21 ** Fall class but last day ends in Spring session

Session XXVIII    12/11 - 1/11/21 ** Fall class but last day ends in Spring session

Session XXVIV    12/16 - 1/16/21 *** Fall class but last day ends in Spring session

Session XXVV    12/21 - 1/20/21 *** Fall class but last day ends in Spring session

SPECIAL ONE WEEK ACCELERATED SESSIONS:

Session A    9/7 - 9/11/20

Session B    10/5- 10/9/20

Session C    11/2 - 11/6/20

Session D    11/16 - 11/20/20

Session E    12/7 - 12/11/20

Session F    12/21 - 12/25/20

Session G    12/28 - 1/3/21

SPECIAL TWO WEEK ACCELERATED SESSIONS:

Session 1    9/14 - 9/28/20

Session 2    9/28 - 10/2/20

Session 3    10/12 - 10/26/20

Session 4    10/19 - 11/2/20

Session 5   11/9 - 11/23/20

Session 6    11/30 - 12/14/20

Session 7  12/14 - 12/28/20

Session 8    12/21 - 1/3/21

SPRING 2021

Session I    1/4 - 2/4/21      

Session II   1/6 - 2/6/21

Session III    1/11 - 2/11/21

Session IV    1/14 - 2/16/21

Session V    1/18 - 2/21/21

Session VI    1/20 - 2/20/21

Session VIA    1/25 - 2/25/21

Session VII     1/28 - 2/28/21

Session VIIA    2/1 - 3/1/2021

Session VIII  2/4 - 3/4/21

Session VIIIA    2/8 - 3/8/21

Session IX 2/10 - 3/10/21

Session IXA   2/15 - 3/15/21

Session IXA    2/17 - 3/17/21

Session X    2/22 - 3/22/21

Session XA    2/24 - 3/24/21

Session XI  3/1- 4/1/21

Session XIA    3/3 - 4/3/21

Session XII    3/8 - 4/8/21

Session XIIA    3/11 - 4/11/21

Session XIII   3/15 - 4/15/21

Session XIIIA    3/18 - 4/18/21

Session XIV   3/22 - 4/22/21

Session XIVA    3/24 - 4/24/21

Session XV 3/29 - 4/29/21

Session XVA    4/1 - 5/1/21

Session XVI    4/5 - 5/5/21

Session XVII     4/7 - 5/7/21

Session XVIIA    4/12 - 5/12/21

Session XVIII     4/14 - 5/14/21

Session XVIIIA    4/19 - 5/19/21

Session XIX  4/21 - 5/21/21

Session XIXA    4/26 - 5/26/21

Session XX     4/28 - 5/28/21

Sesssion XXI    5/3 - 6/3/21

Session XXIA    5/5 - 6/5/21

Session XXII    5/10 - 6/10/21

Session XXIIA    5/13 - 6/13/21

Session XXIII   5/17- 6/17/21

Session XXIV    5/20  - 6/20/21

Session XXIVA    5/24 - 6/24/21

Session XXV   5/26 - 6/26/21

Session XXVA    5/31 - 6/30/21 *

Session     XXVI    6/3 - 7/3/21 *

Session XXVII    6/7 - 7/5/201*

Session XXVIII    6/14 - 7/14/21*

Session XXIX    6/16 - 7/16/21 *

Dession XXX    6/21 - 7/21/21 *

* note ends during Summer but Spring Session

SPECIAL TWO WEEK ACCELERATED SESSIONS:

Session 1    1/18 - 2/1/21

Session 2    2/8 - 2/22/21

Session 3    3/8 - 3/22/21

Session 4    3/17 - 3/31/21

Session 5    4/7 - 4/21/21

Session 6    5/3 - 5/17/21

Session 7    6/9 - 6/23/21 

SPECIAL ONE WEEK ACCELERATED SESSIONS:

Session A    1/11 - 1/15/21

Session B    2/15 - 2/19/21

Session C    3/1 - 3/5/21

Session D    3/22 - 3/26/21

Session E    4/5 - 4/9/21 

Session F    4/12 - 4/16/21

Session G   5/3 - 5/7/21

Session H    5/24 - 5/28/21

Session I    5/31 - 6/4/21

Session J     6/7 - 6/11/21

Session K  6/14 - 6/18/21

Session L    6/21 - 6/25/21

more session dates may be posted

SUMMER 2021

Session A    6/28 - 7/28/2021

Session B    6/30 - 7/30/21

Session C    7/2 - 8/2/21

Session D    7/5 - 8/5/21

Session E    7/7 - 8/7/21

Session F    7/9 - 8/9/21

Session G    7/12 - 8/12/21

Session H   7/15 - 8/15/21

Session I    7/17 - 8/17/21

Session J    7/19 - 8/19/21

Session K    7/21 - 8/21/21

Session L    7/23 - 8/23/21

Session M    7/26 - 8/26/21

Session N    7/29 - 8/29/21

Session O    7/31 - 8/31/21

Session P    8/2 - 9/2/21

Session Q    8/4 - 9/4/21

Session R    8/7 - 9/7/21    * Summer class but last day ends in Fall session

Session S    8/9 - 9/9/21    ** Summer class but last day ends in Fall session

Session T    8/12 - 9/12/21    * Summer class but last day ends in Fall session

Session U    8/14 - 9/14/21    * Summer class but last day ends in Fall session

SessionV    8/16 - 9/16/21 * Summer class but last day ends in Fall session

Session W    8/19 - 9/19/21 * Summer class but last day ends in Fall Session

Session X    8/23 - 9/23/21 * Summer but last day ends in Fall Session

Session Y    8/26 - 9/26/22    * Summer but last day ends in Fall Session

Session Z    8/30 -9/30/21    * Summer but last day ends in Fall Session

SPECIAL ONE WEEK ACCELERATED SESSIONS: 

Session I    6/28 - 7/2/21

Session II    7/5 - 7/10/21

Session III    7/7 - 7/14/21

Session IV  7/12 - 7/16/21

   Session V   7/14 - 7/21/21

Session VI  7/19 - 7/23/21

Session VII  7/21 - 7/28/21

Session VII    7/26 - 7/30/21

Session IX   7/28 - 8/4/21

Session X    8/2 - 8/6/21

Session XI    8/4 - 8/11/21

Session XII   8/9 - 8/13/21

Session XIII     8/11 - 8/18/21

Session XIV  8/16 - 8/20/21

Session XV   8/19 - 8/26/21

Session XVI   8/23 - 8/27/21

Session XVII    8/26 - 9/2/21

Session XVIII    8/30 - 9/3/21

Session XIX    9/1 - 9/8/21    * Summer but last day ends in Fall Session

SPECIAL TWO WEEK ACCELERATED SESSIONS:

Session 1    6/28 - 7/12/21

Session 2    7/5 - 7/19/21

Session 3    7/12 - 7/26/21

Session 4    7/26 - 8/9/21

Session 5    8/2 - 8/16/21

Session 6    8/16 - 8/30/21

Session 7    8/23 - 9/6/21    * Summer but last day ends in Fall Session

FALL 2021

Dates Coming Soon

ON-LINE COURSES

SPRING, SUMMER AND FALL 2021 

ON-LINE

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS - DATES/SESSIONS ABOVE

ON-LINE COURSES ARE AVAILABLE FOR ALL SESSIONS LISTED ABOVE UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

ONE CREDIT/CTLE 15 HOUR COURSES

Effective Classroom Management
(1 credit/15 hours)   in-service credit only 

Course Description:

This course will explore techniques for effective classroom management. Educators will discuss a variety of strategies for building a well managed classroom atmosphere. A 1-credit course for educators of all subjects and grade levels K-12.

Differentiated Learning: Teaching to All Ability Levels
(1 credit/15 hours)   in-service credit only 

Course Description:

This course discuss with educators the what, how and why to differentiate instruction. Educators will explore division of teaching time and strategies for varying ability levels in the classroom. A 1-credit course for educators of all subjects and grade levels K-12.

Mindfulness in your Classroom
(1 credit/15 hours)   in-service credit only 

Course Description:

This course will implement strategies for a mindful classroom. Teachers will discuss encouraging students to be mindful while being aware of how mindfulness helps us cope in the classroom. A 1-credit course for educators of all subjects and grade levels K-12.

THREE CREDIT/CTLE 45 HOUR COURSES

0-60 Google Chrome Extensions for Struggling Learners

*NEW COURSE SPRING 2020!!!

(3credits/45hours) In-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor Jennifer Rommel                             jrommelpd@gmail.com


Course Description:
As a special education teacher, teaching using technology can be challenging. Google Chrome has developed extensions and tools that can be added onto student Chromebooks to provide supplemental supports to our students whether in class or at home.   Great for all educators K-12.

0-60 in Google Classroom: Integrating Technology into Every Classroom

Note:  formerly known as Google Classroom: Integrating Technology into Every Classroom

(3credits/45hours) In-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor Jennifer Rommel                             jrommelpd@gmail.com

 
Description:  Technology is increasingly becoming necessary to include in all lessons. Utilizing Google Classroom creates an easy and effective mean of communication with students. This can be instantaneous during a lesson with electronic devices or from home. Join the 21st Century and get into Google Classroom!  Great for all educators K-12.

0-60 in Google Docs: The Benefits are Endless

(3credits/45hours) In-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor Jennifer Rommel                             jrommelpd@gmail.com 

Couse Description:
Utilizing Google Docs is a quick and easy way to foster collaboration, have work submitted electronically, access your work from anywhere without a flash drive. This course will show all of the advanced uses of Google Docs that can make lesson planning and peer communication much easier for teachers and students.

Note:  this Instructor has several other Google courses listed in alpha order below:  Google Classroom, Google Forms and 5 Easy Steps to Using Google Slides

0-60 in Google Forms: Using these forms to Increase Communication with Co-workers, Parents and Students

Note: formerly known as Google Forms: Using these forms to Increase Communication with Co-workers, Parents and Students

(3credits/45hours) In-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor Jennifer Rommel                             jrommelpd@gmail.com

Description:  Utilizing Google Forms/Docs is a quick and easy way to communicate with co-workers about common students. These forms can be used as assessments in your classroom or at home. Take this course to learn the many uses for this technology that can add to your classroom.  Great for all educators K-12.

0-60 in Google Slides: Utilizing Google Slides in 5 Easy Steps

Note:  formerly known as 5 Easy Steps to utilizing Google Slides

(3credits/45hours) In-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor Jennifer Rommel                             jrommelpd@gmail.com

Description:
Google Slides is a valuable tool used in many classrooms today. It can be used for the teachers to maintain their notes in one place or for students to work on group presentations together simultaneously. You will learn how to create a presentation, convert an older one from Power Point to slides, and monitor students work.

0-60 in Google Tools: Across the Content

Note:  formerly known as 14 Google Tools Across the Content

(3credits/45hours) In-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor Jennifer Rommel                             jrommelpd@gmail.com

Couse Description:
Google Tools are extremely beneficial to our students learning experience as we can hit the multitude of learning styles for all students. This course focuses on the most useful tools that can be used in history, science, math, English, clubs and science fairs. Now, you can do just about everything for your classroom in the cloud, using a bunch of Google tools for teachers.

2 Pillars of Planning: Objective and Closure

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Description: Where do we start? How do we end? The beginning and the end of any lesson must be carefully considered when constructing lesson plans. What is the purpose of a measurable objective? Why must a closure clearly connect to the objective? These are key questions that must be regularly addressed, and doing so can be frustrating. Teachers enrolled in this course will focus on understanding and crafting purposeful objectives and operative closures, both as a means of facilitating effective lesson planning. This course is applicable to all subjects/grade levels.

5 Easy Apps for Education

Instructor:  Elia Figari O'Leary       email:   Eliaolearyliips@gmail.com

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Course Description:  Technology is rapidly becoming integrated into our classrooms. Would you like to start incorporating technology, but are not sure where to start?  This course explores 5 different APPS that teachers can integrate into the classroom to enhance their instruction.  These APPS include: Quizlet, Edpuzzle, Chatterpix, Kahoot, and Seesaw.  Teachers can utilize these APPS to create effective and engaging lessons.  Suitable all educators K-12.

Participants completing this course will:
● Receive a step by step guide of how each app functions
● Learn how to develop lessons utilizing these apps in creative ways
● Learn how to engage students in an interactive way while meeting the
needs of all learners

5 Key Strategies for Acceptance and Tolerance in the Classroom

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

*New Class for SUMMER 2020

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only 

Course Description:
As educators, it is vital to check some of our personal viewpoints and opinions at the door. We must not only remain objective in our curriculum execution and assessments, but also in the way we deal with students of various backgrounds, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and genders. We must recognize that we are role models, that our students look up to us, and that the examples we set can have significant impact on the future. Tolerance and Acceptance are virtues that must be practiced, taught, and expected. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore these concepts in an effort to make their classrooms safe, welcoming environments for all students.
Applicable to teachers of all subjects and grade levels.

5 Key Strategies for Acing the Observation

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

*New Class for SUMMER 2020

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only 

Course Description:
We’ve all felt the stress of teaching in front of an administrator; the nervousness that encapsulates us while we try to do our very best and show what kind of teacher we are. Preparation is the key to any successful performance, and delivering a lesson while being observed is no exception. The more work you put in, the better the outcome will be. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore proven lesson-planning strategies, questioning tactics, and behavior management approaches that not only focus on the occasional observation, but elevate our teaching for every other day of the year.
Applicable to teachers of all subjects and grade levels.

5 Key Strategies for A Sanitized Classroom

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

*New Class for SUMMER 2020

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

Course Description:
In today’s educational climate, health and wellness are the utmost priorities. Teachers and students alike face the challenge of preventing the spread of germs while still maintaining a focus on education. And so, we must not only understand the importance of heeding cautionary information, but also how to practice these measures in a realistic, long-term manner. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore various safety protocols and will learn valuable tools to ensure a safe educational environment.

5 Key Strategies for Constructive Cooperative Learning

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

 
Course Description:
We’ve all tried group work. Sometimes students work well together, and sometimes they don’t. How many students per group? Do we let the students make their own groups? Do we keep them in groups for the entire period? The truth of the matter is that cooperative learning takes careful preparation, some trial and error, and a degree of patience. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore proven pedagogical strategies for effectively constructing and conducting cooperative learning lessons.

Applicable to teachers of any subject/grade level.

5 Key Strategies for Commanding the Room
*NEW COURSE FOR SPRING 2021

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Course Description:
Being a master of your content area is half the challenge of being an effective teacher. What is the other half? The delivery. The ability to execute your lesson plans, to keep your audience of students engaged and connected. For some, this comes naturally; the entertainer, so to speak, emerges when the bell rings and we put on the show. For others, however, commanding the room is not so easy. Sometimes, it’s about confidence. Sometimes it’s about finding ways to make the material relatable. And sometimes it’s a matter of employing a few proven tactics to ensure your classroom environment is orderly, respectful, and productive. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore tried and true tactics and tools that will facilitate consistently effective leadership.  

Note: Applicable to all subjects/grade levels.

 
5 Key Strategies for Communicating with the Absent Student

*NEW COURSE SUMMER 2020

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Course Description:
“Did I miss anything?” We’ve all heard that question from a student who returns after an absence (or many absences). And we’ve all felt the frustration from not knowing what to say, of wishing our students and their parents remained informed when out of school. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore proven communicative tools as well as “distance learning” strategies in order to provide absent students with the resources they need and the education they deserve.
Applicable to teachers of all subjects and grade levels.

5 Key Strategies for Cooperative Colleague Collaboration

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

*New Class - Summer 2019

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Course Description: Yes, when the bell rings and the door closes, we teach alone. But this job is about more than what happens between those bells. How we get along with our department members can have a drastic effect on our teaching. A positive, friendly work environment paves the way for collaboration, teamwork, and improved results. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore proven methods that facilitate positive, productive, professional interactions and relationships.
Note: This course is applicable to teachers of all grade levels/subjects.

5 Key Strategies for Dealing with Cheating

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

*New Class SPRING 2019

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit onl

Course Description:
Academic Dishonesty. It happens. From the tiny sheet of paper that hides cleverly under a leg, to the blatantly wondering eyes that scan nearby papers, to the seemingly limitless range of possibilities that cell phones bring, cheating has become an art form for some students in this modern era. Yes, if they spent a tenth of that time actually studying there would be no need to cheat, but we all know how far that adage goes. As teachers, we must stay current and adept to evolutionary cheating tactics, we must remain consistent in our punishments, and we must always make it clear that academic honesty is of paramount importance. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore realistic pedagogical methodologies that focus on maintaining and upholding academic honesty and dealing with academic dishonesty if/when it does happen.

5 Key Strategies for Dealing with Disruptive Students

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Application: All subjects/grade levels

Course Description:

When their books are out, their smiles are wide, and their minds are open, all is well in the world of the classroom. Unfortunately, however, this is not always the case. Even in a class of "good" students, there may exist that one, two, or small handful of pupils who try your patience and leave you exhausted and drained. These students can disrupt even the most well-planned lesson and can infect the experience for those who are interested and engaged. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore proven pedagogical strategies for effectively dealing with disruptive, disengaged, and/or disrespectful students.

5 Key Strategies for Effective Grading Policies

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

*New Class SUMMER 2020

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Application: All subjects/grade levels

Course Description:
Points or percentages? Weights? Dropping the lowest mark? Offering a curve? There are many variables when it comes to implementing grades and grading policies, all of which must be considered as we strive to create a fair, dependable, understandable system for our students and their parents, as well as for administration. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore tried and true grading practices that focus on creating such a system while steering clear of pitfalls and common mistakes.
Applicable to teachers of all subjects and grade levels.

5 Key Strategies for Handling Cell Phones in the Classroom

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

 
Course Description:
Cell Phones in the classroom: Worth the fight or a losing battle? Every kid has one, and every school has a different policy as to how to handle them. But what about when the decision is left to the teacher? How is a teacher in this day and age supposed to battle the addictive screen that rests on his/her student’s desks from bell to bell? Teachers enrolled in this course will explore tangible tools and effective pedagogical strategies to handling cell phones in the modern classroom.

Applicable to middle/high school teachers of any subject/level.

5 Key Strategies for Maintaining an Organized Classroom

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

*New Class for Fall, 2018

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

 
Course Description:
By nature, some of us are inherently more organized than others. But even those of us who don’t regularly practice effective organizational habits can appreciate walking into a room of someone who does. You can picture it – everything seems neat and tidy, the spacing of furniture and décor evokes a welcoming feel, a sense of cleanliness permeates the air, and the occupants can enjoy the tranquility and order. The same rules that apply to our homes should apply to our classrooms. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore tangible tools and effective strategies to organizing classrooms that will facilitate learning.

Applicable to teachers of any subject/grade level.

5 Key Strategies for Meaningful Parent-Teacher Conferences

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

*New Class for SPRING 2019

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only 

Course Description:
Even the most seasoned teachers can experience a degree of anxiety when it comes to communicating with parents, especially if not-so-good news has to be delivered. While we can all agree that consistent, informative teacher-parent communication is essential for student success, there are plenty of teachers who feel uncomfortable about the process. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore proven and effective methods to ensure communicative, productive parent-teacher conferences.

5 Key Strategies for Motivating the Unmotivated

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

*New Class

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Application: All subjects/grade levels

Course Description:

It can be argued that motivation must come from within. While that may hold a degree of truth, it can never be an excuse for a teacher to not try his/her best to inspire even the most unmotivated students. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore various methods for stimulating and motivating students of all ages, levels, and abilities.

5 Key Strategies for Not Sweating the Small Stuff

*New Class for SPRING 2020

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Application: All subjects/grade levels

Course Description:
In any given week, our schedules can become overwhelming. Pop-up meetings, papers that need grading, parent phone calls to return, lessons that need planning, extra help, broken copy machines, technology that breaks down, etc. We can't control what lands on our plates during the work day, but we can choose how he prioritize and handle the various challenges we face. Keeping a level head, being pragmatic, and managing our time are vital skills that become second nature. However, we could all use a helping hand and a useful tip every now and again. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore realistic pedagogical methodologies and proven strategies that focus on effective prioritizing and the practical managing of the various issues, concerns, responsibilities, and problems regularly faced in order to ensure that teaching remains at its highest possible quality.

5 Key Strategies for Remaining Relevant

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

*New Class SPRING 2020

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Application: All subjects/grade levels

Course Description:
Despite our best efforts, we, as educators, cannot help the fact that while our students stay the same age (assuming we teach the same grade level), we continue to age. Aside from graying hair and possibly shortening fuses, we find ourselves growing detached and less able to relate to our students. The music they listen to, the shows they watch, the pop culture they are immersed in seem foreign to us. And the truth is, staying connected to our students is a key component to effective teaching and learning. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore innovative tactics and tangible tools that will help in staying current, in staying connected, in staying relevant.
Note: Applicable to all subjects/grade levels.

5 Key Strategies for Staying Connected

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

*New Class SPRING 2020

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Application: All subjects/grade levels

Course Description:
While none of us could have predicted the circumstances of the Coronavirus, we, as educators are forced into the unchartered waters of distance learning. With that, comes the challenges of staying connected to our students, not only to continue their education, but to let them know they’re not alone. Our students depend on us. And no matter the situation, we can’t let them down.
Teachers enrolled in this course will explore tactics and strategies for providing optimum educational opportunities and, more importantly, facilitated methods of staying connected with students for as long as distance learning is reality.

5 Key Strategies for a Successful Back-to-School Night

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Course Description:
First impressions are, as they say, everything. And you don’t get a second chance at making a good one. For many teachers – even those with decades of experience – the mere thought of parents entering their classroom for an evening of explanatory dialogue is enough to make them sick to the stomach. Open School Night is a parent’s way of meeting the teachers who interact with and affect their children on a daily basis, and a teacher’s way of establishing guidelines, expectations, means of communication, and areas of focus. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore tangible tools and effective strategies to creating a positive first impression and a successful Back-to-School evening.

Applicable to teachers of any subject/grade level.

5 Key Strategies for a Solid September

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

*New Class for Summer 2019

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Course Description: After a summer of (hopeful) recuperation, we enter a new school year with renewed enthusiasm and energy. With that, however, can come nervousness and apprehension. What kind of students will I have? What new challenges will I face? How can I ensure I start the new year on the right foot? September is a crucial month because it's our opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the year. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore tried and true pedagogical methods for making the first month productive and purposeful.
Note: This course is applicable to teachers of all grade levels/subjects.

5 Key Strategies for Student-Centered Learning

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

*New Class for Spring 2021

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Course Description:
While there will always be a need for the occasional teacher-driven, lecture-style lesson, the student-centered structure is a must for any modern teacher. The students are the ones who have to learn and master the material and, therefore, the students are the ones who should be doing the work. Instead of sitting passively in their classrooms watching a lesson unfold before them, students should have the opportunity to be active learners, to take a hands-on approach, to have control over their own learning. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore realistic pedagogical methodologies and proven strategies that focus on crafting purposeful student-centered lessons.

Note: Applicable to all subjects/grade levels.

5 Key Strategies for Teaching a Hybrid Classroom

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

*New Class for Summer 2019

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Course Description:
Adapt and Overcome. It’s the mantra of the Marines, and the life of teachers. In this new day and age, educators must be flexible, willing to change and modify their instruction to meet the needs of their students. The hybrid teaching model presents new challenges we must rise to meet. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore various methods and practices aimed at making the most of a hybrid schedule and providing the best possible instruction for students.

Applicable to teachers of all subjects/grade levels.

5 Key Strategies for Writing Letters of Recommendation

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

*New Class for Spring 2020

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Course Description:
As seniors enter school in September, their hopes of a breezy year are quickly squashed by the overwhelming college application process. Among the many boxes that await checking is the need for teacher letters of recommendation. This can lead to teachers being bombarded with student requests and taunted with lingering deadlines. What do I write? What does a college want to see? Is it ever okay to say “no” to a student? Teachers enrolled in this course will explore the world of college recommendation letters and examine tangible tools and effective strategies to writing efficient, purposeful letters on behalf of deserving students.

Applicable to high school teachers of any subject/level.

5 Ways to Integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into your Work in Schools

*New Class for SUMMER 2020

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only 

Instructor: Malka Ismach, Ph.D.         Email: Mismachliips@gmail.com

Course Description:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a research based intervention that has been proven to improve the mental health of individuals. Mental health is increasingly becoming a crucial component of school systems, as children who are suffering emotionally are not available to learn. Additionally, teachers who are overly stressed, anxious and unhappy will not be effective educators. It is therefore extremely important for educators, therapists, administrators, and all school employees to become better advocates of mental health and to learn some basic techniques. In this course, we will learn about some of those techniques. These important concepts will prove not only relevant for your work with your students but also your general mindset and functioning as an educator. This course is relevant to all who work in schools and with children of all ages in all settings.
This course was developed for school administrators, regular and special education teachers (grades K-12 and ages 5 to 21), special area teachers, school psychologists, school counselors, guidance counselors, social workers, speech and language therapists and occupational and physical therapists.
Course Objectives

Participants will learn about and research various concepts in Acceptance and Commitment therapy and how they can be applied to the school setting.

5 Ways to Integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into Your Work in Schools
*NEW COURSE FALL 2019

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Instructor: Malka Ismach, Ph.D.                 Email: Mismachliips@gmail.com

Course Description:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a research based intervention that has been proven to improve the mental health of children, adolescents and adults. Mental health is increasingly becoming a crucial component of school systems, as children who are suffering emotionally are not available to learn. Additionally, teachers who are overly stressed, anxious and unhappy will not be effective educators. It is therefore extremely important for educators, therapists, administrators, and all school employees to become better advocates of mental health and to learn some basic techniques. In this course, we will learn about some of those techniques. These important concepts will prove not only relevant for your work with your students but also your general mindset and functioning as an educator. This course is relevant to all who work in schools and with children of all ages in all settings.
This course was developed for school administrators, regular and special education teachers (grades K-12 and ages 5 to 21),special area teachers, school psychologists, school counselors, guidance counselors, social workers, speech and language therapists and pathologists and occupational and physical therapists.
Course Objectives

Participants will learn about and research various concepts in cognitive behavioral therapy and how they can be applied to the school setting.

6 Tiers of Questioning: Incorporating Bloom’s Taxonomy

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

*New Class

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Application: All subjects/grade levels

Course Description:  It isn’t until we dive into the world of teaching when we realize the true importance of effective questioning. It seems like a simple concept: Pose a question, wait for a hand to go up, call on the student, and hope the answer fulfils your expectations. There is, however, a science behind the art of questioning. Teachers must consider question types, variations in difficulty, appropriate wait time, and what to do with received responses (or lack thereof). Teachers enrolled in this course will explore the possibilities, variations, and applications of Bloom’s Taxonomy as well as the varied tactics of operative questioning.  Suitable all K-12!

7 Elements of Effective Lesson Planning

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

*New Class - Summer 2017

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Description: As any educator would agree, effective planning and preparation leads to effective lessons. We all learned about lesson construction way back when in our college years, but times have changed and district/administrative goals and expectations can and will vary. What does not and has not changed is the key concept that planning is one of a teacher’s paramount responsibilities. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore seven essential elements that comprise purposeful lesson planning. This course is applicable to all subjects/grade levels.

10 Things to Know about Depression in Children and Adolescents

*New Class for Fall, 2018

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Instructor: Malka Ismach, Ph.D.             Mismachliips@gmail.com

Course Description:
Depression is a common mood disorder that many of us are all too familiar with. Some have experienced it themselves, others have watched family members or close friends suffer from it, and others have suspected that students who they work with are demonstrating depressive symptoms. In this course, you will learn about depression, where it comes from, what it looks like, how to identify it, ways to help and so much more. This course will enlighten and educate you and hopefully make you a more sensitive educator. The information learned in this course will help anyone who interacts with children and adolescents. The course is relevant to all who work in schools and with children of all ages in all settings.

This course was developed for school administrators, regular and special education teachers (grades K-12 and ages 5 to 21),special area teachers, school psychologists, school counselors, guidance counselors, social workers, speech and language therapists and pathologists and occupational and physical therapists.

10 Ways to Increase Your Happiness and the Happiness of Your Students
Instructor: Malka Ismach, Ph.D.                         Email: Mismachliips@gmail.com

*New Course Fall 2019

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Course Description:
In recent years, there is more and more research being uncovered about Happiness. There are ways that we, as educators can become happier people, regardless of life circumstances. There are also strategies that school professionals can use in their classrooms to increase the happiness of their students. In this course,we will learn about some of those techniques - both for ourselves and our students. These important concepts will prove not only relevant for your work with your students but also your general mindset and functioning as an educator. This course is relevant to all who work in schools and with children of all ages in all settings.

This course was developed for school administrators, regular and special education teachers (grades K-12 and ages 5 to 21), special area teachers, school, school counselors, guidance counselors, social workers, speech and language therapists and pathologists and occupational and physical therapists.

10 Ways Teachers Can Instill a Growth Mindset in Students

(3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only                *NEW COURSE FALL 2019

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode     thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description:  Growth mindset is an uncharted territory in many educational settings, but understanding it and effectively building it in students should be a priority. It’s clear why this pedagogy focuses on helping students understand the values of effort, persistence and trying new learning methods to cultivate their talents and abilities. Within this course, you will learn how to instill a growth mindset in your students.This course that will give educators a solid foundation in this theory and practice. It includes tools and resources that teachers can use within their classrooms to develop a growth mindset culture. We will discuss what a growth mindset in depth, learn how to praise Intelligence, use diverse teaching strategies within our lessons, teach the underlining values of fixed mindset challenges, help students see the purposes of abstract skills and concepts of improving their mindset, supporting students in changing their fixed mindset language. This course is for all K-12 teachers and all related professionals.

900 Shows a Year – Snapshots of Teaching

Gayle Meinkes-Lumia                    gaylelumia@yahoo.com

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Course Descrption:  From the very moment that we enter the classroom, we create an image of ourselves. First impressions are everything in September. Our body language, behavior, and diction can be the be all, end all of our reputation. Educators really are actors in disguise, putting on five shows a day; 900 shows a year. What is a weary pedagogue to do?
Within this course, teachers will:
• Examine the various roles that they play in the classroom
• Learn how to develop material for every day class discussion and performance
• Learn about power, politics, and methodology in the classroom
• Reflect upon their teaching styles and learning execution
• Challenge themselves in their daily repertoires
• Create lessons that challenge their learners
Overall, the participants’ classroom will definitely be enhanced through this course.

A+ Research Projects in 3D: Foldable and Constructed Research Projects for K-12 Students

Instructor:  Fernanda Aldous          email:   fernandaaldous@gmail.com

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Course Description:  Student centered work depends on a high level of student engagement. To achieve this, the final project students create with their researched information should be dynamic, fun, and applied to ensure highest levels of thinking skills. In this course, we will explore how to design and model research projects that will get students excited to delve into their learning. This is applicable for ALL grade levels and each participant will have a culminating project that will serve as a sample for your next student project.

ABC’s of Anxiety Management in any Educational Setting
*New Course FALL 2019!!!!!

(3 Credits / 45 hours)                         in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode                     thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description: 
Anxiety and stress are major factors in the lives of students. The purpose of this course is to enhance student performance by minimizing the negative effects of stress in the classroom. Participants learn a working definition of stress and anxiety, study research findings on the cause of stress, learn reasons explaining its impact upon teaching and learning, investigate answers to this educational epidemic, and conduct a thorough assessment of stress relievers in their classrooms. This knowledge facilitates application of tools and techniques to identify, prevent, and manage stressors to improve academic success. Participants will also identify specific students experiencing debilitating stress and take actions to address these problems and help the student restore personal equilibrium and enhance their performance. This course is appropriate for all K-12 teachers and school professionals.

ABC’s - What Every Educator Should Know About an IEP & a 504 Plan

(3 Credits / 45 hours)                         in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode                     thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description:  This course is designed to explore & dissect the Individualized Education Plan, the 504 Plan, their laws, and the process of special education. An IEP is a written document that individualizes the disabled students’ program to ensure that a child who has a disability is receiving individualized instruction or related services. This course will discuss at length the differences between an IEP and a 504 Plan, how to develop an IEP/504 Plan, the 13 categories of special education, the differences between modifications and accommodations, federally mandated measurable goals, the IEP process, special education timelines, descriptions and definitions of related service providers, & much more.

ABC’s of Balancing Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning

(3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

*NEW COURSE ... FALL 2020

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode     thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description:
With the absence of sharing a physical space with our students in the classroom, faculty have explored various ways to replicate or reimagine the learning environment, including holding synchronous sessions during the time class is scheduled to meet and creating activities that students complete within a flexible time frame. How do you balance asynchronous or synchronous activities to support student learning? This course will help you balance both. We will discuss the differences between asynchronous and synchronous learning, ways to help make remote learning more effective, foster more meaningful assignments, discuss your personal challenges, and provide tips for hybrid learning. This class is created for any educator or service provider. K-12.

ABC’s of Bullying within the Classroom

(3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode     thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description:
A safe and supportive school climate can help prevent bullying. Safety starts in the classroom. Students should also feel and be safe everywhere—in the cafeteria, in the library, in the restrooms, on the bus, and on the playground. Everyone at school can work together to create a climate where bullying is not acceptable. By the close of this course, teachers will have a keen understanding on what bullying is. They’ll be able to recognize the different types of bullying, adopt certain techniques so bullying is absent in their classroom. They will analyze a case study on bullying. They will examine different personalities and risk factors of the bully and the victim, identify warning signs that bullying is happening with your students, prevent cyberbullying, and also understanding DASA. This course is geared for all K-12 educators and special area teachers.

ABC's of Classroom Management and Organization

(3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode     thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description

ABC's of Classroom Management and Organization is designed to assist all teachers regardless of how many years you've been teaching. This class will help all teachers in becoming successful in implementing a managememt plan that helps all children succeed in your classroom. Classroom management is a term used by teachers and educators to describe the process of ensuring that classroom lessons run smoothly despite potentially challenging events that can occur during a lesson. Many teachers find that classroom management is possibly the most difficult aspect of teaching. This class will include topics such as classroom rules, classroom rewards, bullying, classroom management strategies, seating arrangement styles, consequences, learning objectives, promoting autonomy, and more!

ABCs of Depression: An Epidemic Occurring Within our Students Today

*New Course FALL 2020!!!!

(3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE Instructor: Laurie Thode     ThodeLIIPS@gmail.com

Course Description:
Depression is becoming a leading concern within our schools today. What exactly is it and how does it impact the mind and body of our students? With an enhanced understanding of this disorder, we will better be able to support and educate our students. In this course we will study the physical and emotional impact of depression, the role schools can play to support students, communicating with parents and families, strategies to help depressed students within the classroom, and common symptoms we might notice while they are in our care. This class is created for any educator or service provider. K-12. 45 hours.

ABC's of Effective Mainstreaming and Inclusion

(3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode     thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description

An increasing number of special education students are receiving instruction in the general education classroom, k-12th grades. This course offers definitions, information on diagnoses, observable traits and instructional/behavioral strategies to support each learner. You’ll be
better prepared to handle the most frustrating aspects of teaching a child with a learning difference, more prepared to maximize each student’s strengths, better equipped to meet the multitude of challenges ahead and manage change in education. Suitable all eductors K - 12.

ABC’s of Genetics and Environmental Impacts on Cognitive Learning and Behavior in Students, K-12

(3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode     thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description:  The natural genetic make-up of the body interacts with environment from the moment of conception. While extreme genetic or environmental conditions can predominate behavior in some cases, these two factors usually work together to produce individual intelligence. During this class, you will learn topics which include the understanding between genetic and environmental influences of cognition, environmental causes, nutrition and cognitive functioning, birth order and how it relates to intelligence, other important factors that influence intelligence, sociocultural influences on learning and behavior, and addressing behaviors within our classroom.  

ABC’s of How to Focus on Student Well-Being amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

(3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

*NEW COURSE ... SPRING 2020

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode     thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description:  Creating a framework of safety is critical in students’ lives during a pandemic. Abrupt change can trigger stress and fear in students that can leave scars for decades to come. A student in stress is unable to learn effectively. As schools across the country remain closed, students with trauma, difficult home situations, and anxiety need support now more than ever. Help students feel safe through the three C’s, communication, consistence, and control.

ABCs of Implementing Blended Learning into the Classroom

(3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

*NEW COURSE ... FALL 2020

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode     ThodeLIIPS@gmail.com

Course Description:
The demands and challenges of the 21st century require innovations on the part of teachers, administrators, schools, and communities to fully prepare students for college, career, and beyond. Educators who take on the whole child approach, which aims to ensure that each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged, set the standard for comprehensive, sustainable school improvement and provide students with the opportunity for long-term success. In this course we will discuss the basics of blended learning, strategies for student engagement, various blended learning models, blended assessment, and classroom management strategies for settings. Participants will have the opportunity to review characteristics of Blended Learning while comparing and contrasting their current professional practices. This class is created for any educator or service provider. K-12.

ABC's of Learning Disabilities and Beyond - Resources for Educators

(3 Credits / 45 hours)         In-service Credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode                             thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description:
You will develop an understanding of how it feels to have a learning disability. By understanding how a learning disabled student feels, you will be able to teach them differently. You will learn strategies and will be expected to understand the psychology of a learning disability, its definition and causes. You will develop an appreciation for the approaches in educational and employment settings which support individuals with learning disorders, the impact that individuals with learning disorders have on their friends and family; and widen your empathy and respect for individuals with learning disorders regarding their strengths and weaknesses. Suitable all educators K-12.

NOTE:  This instructor also offers an additional course on this subject Learning Disabilities/Strategies to Help Guide the Learning Disabled Student to Success.  This course was designed to provide additonal information and direction beyond the ABC's course.

ABC's of Managing Stress for Student Success
*NEW COURSE SPRING 2021

(3 Credits / 45 hours)         In-service Credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode                             thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description:  Most students feel stressed at times in class, but some might be more vulnerable to stress than others. When stress builds up to severe levels for a child, they may be at risk to develop toxic stress—which can have lasting effects on their social-emotional, behavioral, and physical health. If you can recognize signs of stress in your students, you can provide them with support to help them manage it before it overwhelms them. It will cover an array of topics such as recognizing symptoms of stress, possible reasons for school related stress, stress management techniques, meditation, truancy/suspensions, trauma, and also distinguishing between good vs. bad stress. This class is created for any educator or service provider. Suggested for all Educators K-12.

ABC’s of Mindful Practices to Bring into Your School and Classroom-- Creating Resilience Among Staff and Students

*New Course FALL 2018!!!

(3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode     thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description:

This online course will allow professionals working with children the opportunity to create resilient environments that meets the social, emotional, ethical, and academic needs of students. You will be provided with necessary tools that will enable them to foster compassion, a workable set of values, the skills of cooperation, appropriate decision-making, goal setting, and high academic expectations in their school setting. You will explore some research-based skills and competencies that have a positive impact on the organizational structure of school and the delivery of instruction. Student performance build bridges by acknowledging past accomplishments, validating what is presently working well, and designing future goals to bring the existing classrooms. Mindfulness is about learning to train your attention to the present moment without dwelling on what has happened in the past or worrying about the future. Mindfulness provides many physical and psychological benefits which will be discussed throughout this course.

ABC's of Positive Behavior Intervention, K-12

(3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode     thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description:

In this course teachers will learn how to create a POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION PLAN for specific students as well as the classroom as a whole, ensuring success for their students.
There are many ways to define or explain the concept of POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION. Some of the most common ways include:
The application of behavior analysis and systems change perspectives within the context of person-centered values to the intensely social problems created by behaviors such as self-injury, aggression, property destruction, pica, defiance, and disruption A dynamic, problem-solving process involving goal identification, information gathering, hypothesis development, support plan design, implementation, and monitoring An approach that blends values about the rights of people with disabilities with a practical science about how learning and behavior change occur
A comprehensive Positive Behavior Support Plan includes a range of intervention strategies that are designed to prevent the problem behavior while teaching socially appropriate alternative behaviors. The goal is an enhanced quality of life for individuals involved and their support providers in a variety of settings.
In this course teachers will learn how to create a POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION PLAN for specific students as well as the classroom as a whole, ensuring success for their students.

ABC'S of Stem vs Steam
(3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

*NEW COURSE FALL 2020

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode     thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description:
It’s hard to remember a time when STEM fields –(science, technology, engineering, and math / art) – weren’t the top priority in education. But as STEM pedagogy and practices have evolved, STEAM is gathering momentum . There’s a clear need for students to utilize skills that are derived from artistic experiences – The inclusion of arts learning into STEM education has distinct benefits. STEAM encourages the development of creative problem-solving skills, inventive thinking, imaginative design capabilities, and obtaining a more well-rounded skillset to tackle challenges. These skills can correlate to greater success in careers such as engineering and finance. This course includes an introduction to STEM and STEAM framework, theory, program, classroom establishment supporting adaptable documents on how to create personalized STEM and STEAM lesson plans. You’ll learn the STEAM process and also technological programs that have proven to be valuable within this area. You’ll participate in creating fun and useful classroom activity ideas. This class is created for any educator or service provider. K-12. 45 hours.

ABC's of Surviving Education in this Day and Age

(3credits/45hours) In-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode     thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description: The educational field has changed tremendously over the years. In order to keep up with the complex challenges we face in education you may need to tweak your style to become more versed in the field of education. We will cover a broad range of topics such as time management, classroom management, APPR, data collecting, record keeping, observations, administrative personnel, volunteering time, professional presentation and language, professional development, creating "lifelong learners", adaptive learning, digital literacy, and project based learning. This class will help you "rise to the top" and prove to other teachers, students, parents, and administrators that you have what it takes to make the cut! A must for all educators K - 12!

ABCs of Teaching During a Pandemic: Distance Learning Platforms and More

(3credits/45hours) In-service credit only

*NEW COURSE ... SPRING 2020

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode     thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description:  The shift to distance learning has many administrators, teachers, related service providers, parents, and students scrambling. Where do schools start and which tools sync best with the ones already established by district? How can teachers change their established platform to become even more effective? This class will teach you the top virtual learning platforms and tools for distance learning. This course will allow you to work with existing lessons, create lesson plans, create new online learning resources, and also host new multimedia interactive classrooms. This class is created for any educator or service provider. K-12

ABC's of Understanding and Working with the Resistant Student

(3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode     thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description:  Concern is growing for students that are being regarded as “at risk,” “disadvantaged,” and “resistant.” This course offering brings current research to teach about the dynamics that fuel resistance within your classroom. How can you make learning achievable to all students? The course gives a full dialogue discussing resistance, strategies for preventing resistance, how to connect with a challenging student, how to solve discipline problems, managing different personality types, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), and different ways to communicate the struggle with the students caretaker. The course creates opportunities for teachers to learn new ways to work with this misunderstood energy.

ABC'S of Using Technology to Tailor Your Remote Lessons
(3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

* NEW COURSE FALL 2020

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode     thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description:  Over the next three years, a majority of K-12 educators expect online learning and digital curriculum to become ever more-important. New remote learning formats require new thinking to create compelling, engaging, and inclusive content. To ensure strong student engagement during digital classrooms, educators are turning to various technological tools for remote learning. There’s so much information available online that the challenge becomes sorting through it to find accurate, objective materials. This course will train teachers to become confident and comfortable in incorporating various tools within their online classroom. They will become proficient using Edpuzzle, Padlet, Kami, Flipgrid, Peardeck, Nearpod, and much more! We will also focus on various assessment tools as well. This course is suited for any educator or service provider K-12.

ABC's of Working Effectively with the Challenging Parent

(3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode     thodeliips@gmail.com

Course Description

Dealing with difficult parents is one of the biggest problems faced by today’s educators and administrators. This course is designed to provide professionals with an in-depth exploration of strategies and techniques for developing more positive and productive relationships with the most challenging parents, and in doing so, raising students’ self-esteem and increasing their academic success. Methods include building parental support and credibility, problem solving, communication scripts,understanding
the different types of parenting, keeping a success journal, stress management, ways to communicate
through technology, and developing positive relationships from the start. This class is suitable for anyone
in the educational field.

ABOUT 6 Time Saving  Protocols for Lesson Procedures

ON-LINE       

(3 Credits - 45 Hours)   In-service Credit only 

Instructor:  Karlyn Wood                   Email: woodke@optonline.net  

DESCRIPTION: The procedure section of any lesson plan outlines the steps to be followed while teaching it. This section is the core of any lesson, and it can take considerable time to prepare. Several protocols—pre-designed sequences of steps—can be followed to help conserve preparation time for teaching many common types of lessons. A protocol familiar to most teachers is guided reading in which specific steps are followed for teaching reading. Following a protocol can often promote greater success than experimenting with other procedures. Protocols, other than guided reading, may not be as familiar, but they may also increase the rate of success other lesson types. This course provides information and practical experiences with protocols for the design of procedures in six commonly taught lessons. The course is appropriate for teachers at all levels. OBJECTIVES:-To provide an overview of critical elements to include in any lesson procedure -To develop understanding and application of six useful protocols for lesson procedures

ABOUT Including Interdisciplinary Connections in Lessons and Units

*New Course Spring, 2018!!!!!

ON-LINE       

(3 Credits - 45 Hours)   In-service Credit only

Instructor:  Karlyn Wood                   Email: woodke@optonline.net

DESCRIPTION:  The interdisciplinary approach has been known for some time, but it has not been widely practiced in public schools. Today,new interest in what it is and how it can be implemented in the classroom has evolved. A scan of the New York State Learning Standards and Core Curriculum, and Social Studies Framework documents reveals a clear focus on the integration of academic disciplines and inclusion of interdisciplinary connections when teaching both lessons and units. This course provides a review of the characteristics of the interdisciplinary approach and its applications in lessons and units. Explanations and examples focus on how interdisciplinary information can be included to some degree in most teaching situations. The course is appropriate for teachers at all levels.

OBJECTIVES: To develop increased understanding of the interdisciplinary approach, including its:

-History, characteristics, and rationale

-Emphasis on using a variety of resources

 -Ability to provide practice of the basic skills

-Relationship to state curriculum resources and learning standards

-Requirements of teachers

-Applications in instructional units and daily lessons

ABOUT Ensuring Alignment Elements in Lessons and Units

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Instructor:     Dr Karlyn Wood               email:    woodke@optonline.net

 ON-LINE

Course Description:  Using presentations and examples, this course illustrates how to ensure consistency in design of a lesson plan by     establishing clear relationships among its elements.  Regardless of format, a key to successful planning is ensuring the alignment of the planning elements when designing instruction.  Today, clarity in planning and teaching are especially critical where terms, such as those in the Danielson Rubric (2013) - alignment, coherent, clarify, relationships, effectiveness and others - are seriously considered when rating teaching proficiency.

Note:  Explanations and lesson planning examples in the course conform to those in the backward design process.  Some elements may differ from those formats used by some teachers. However, the key concepts of the course are easily transferred to other lesson processes and formats.

ABOUT Plannng Project-Based (PBL) and Interdisciplinary Studies

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically.”Martin Luther King, Jr.

Instructor:     Dr Karlyn Wood               email:    woodke@optonline.net

ON-LINE       

(3 Credits - 45 Hours)   In-service Credit only

DESCRIPTION: The involvement of students in the learning process is currently being stressed more than ever before. Students exposed to Project Based Learning (PBL)and interdisciplinary studies, become active participants in researching important topics,themes, and real problems. Units are first planned for studies with students that involve all academic disciplines needed to launch a PBL or interdisciplinary study. This course provides information and practice in planning the units needed to launch such studies that also continually involve students in the research and reporting process. The course is appropriate for teachers at all levels.

ABOUT Strategies for Writing Test Questions

“To know how to suggest is the great art of teaching.” Henri Frédéric Amiel

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Instructor:     Dr Karlyn Wood               email:    woodke@optonline.net

 ON-LINE

*New Course Fall 2018

DESCRIPTION:  The important skills in teaching always include designing assessments and writing informal tests to assess students’ progress. While standardized tests can evaluate students on mastery of state standards and content for any level, they do not include all that is taught to any class. Serving that purpose, teacher-made tests provide assessments that give both students and teachers immediate feedback about progress in meeting objectives of instruction on a specific topic. This course is designed to clarify assessment terms and strategies and to explain how to write valid, reliable teacher-made tests that can best reflect students’ achievement toward meeting goals and objectives of concepts and content. Included, is a review of various factors that can affect the validity and reliability of test results. Instruction and practice are provided with writing both supply-typeand objective-type testitems according to established guidelines. Thiscourse is appropriate for teachers at all levels; those who have not previously studied guidelines for writing test items and test construction may find it especially useful.

AAC in the School Setting- What Is It and How Do We Use It?

Instructor:  Alessandra Barragato            email:  abarragatoliips@gmail.com

NEW COURSE SPRING 2019

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service only

ON-LINE

Augmentative and Alternative Communication, or AAC, is a term that's used to describe various methods of communication that can help people who are unable to use verbal speech to communicate. AAC methods vary and must be personalized to meet each individual's needs. AAC gives our students with communication difficulties a voice, allowing them to be active participants within all environments. In this course, common AAC devices and applications will be discussed, including TOUCHChat, Proloquo2Go, NOVAChat and LAMP Words for Life. Participants will develop an understanding of Core and Fringe vocabulary. In addition, Partner Augmented Input (PAI) will outlined. At the conclusion of this course, participants will have an understanding by which to utilize their students' AAC devices into daily classroom and therapeutic practices.

A Classroom Of Visible Thinkers

*New Course 2019 - first time offered ON-LINE

Course Description:
No matter what you do in life the ability to be a good reader and writer is paramount. This course will focus on how as educators we can create a reading and writing program that will work for all students. This program can lead all students on the road to success as literate individuals who can write for any purpose. Participants will begin with techniques to get your students involved in the writing process. Teachers will learn how to keep your students engaged and involved with a plethora or writing and reading activities. Educators will be introduced to a variety of literary techniques that will ensure your student’s reading and writing abilities. These writing techniques will leave you surrounded with a classroom full of excited and successful readers and writers. Teachers will share experiences on how to develop reading as well as writing assignments for their students that are lasting and meaningful, and how to help them succeed in a Common Core driven world. This course is a must for all teachers of all disciplines K-12.

Instructor: Kim Kittredge                    Email: kcsunshine1969@yahoo.com

Beginners Guide to Coaching Secondary Athletics

ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours)     In-service only

*New Course Spring 2019

Instructor:     Eric Stolfa                    STOLFALIIPS@GMAIL.COM

Course Description:
This course is designed to aid and assist beginner coaches embarking on their coaching career. We will discuss a plethora of essentials that all coaches must acquaint themselves with, including team rules, organization, calendar creation, rules of the sport and establishing individual and team goals. We will work on defining success, how to establish clear lines of communication and one of the most repetitive yet important tools of the trade: practice planning. Sample templates of various assignments will be given to assist everybody in creating their own version. This course is a must for new coaches who are looking to establish basic guidelines that will help them form the foundations of their coaching careers.

Be Mindful: Giving Back to Yourself

ON-LINE

(3 credits/45 hours)         in-service credit only

Lorraine McBride               lorisag@aol.com

                
COURSE DESCRIPTION: At times, our daily lives can be so overwhelming. Be Mindful: Giving Back to Yourself is designed to help teachers and students become more mindful in order to help relieve stress. It is important to build a positive classroom community and to increase mindfulness. In this course, teachers will learn how to use various techniques to help de-stress themselves and students.

Best Practices in Content Area Literacy: Ensuring Success for All                        

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Course Description: Literacy is at the forefront of education today. All teachers are expected to be Òteachers of reading,Ó no matter what their subject area may be. Teachers need a repertoire of lessons and ideas to motivate learners and elevate student abilities. This course provides a plethora of lessons, graphic organizers, best practice techniques, strategic thinking skills, collaborative, small group activities, and models that enhance student learning. Via the activities, participants will delve deeper into the literacy process and apply the models to their respective discipline. The subject areas of reading, writing, science, math, social studies, and health will be covered. Specific strategies and projects will be covered as well as a multitude of best practice techniques. In the end, you will walk away with a literary bag of tricks! Suitable all educators K-12!

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia

Beyond Academics - Bringing Concepts from Positive Psychology into our Schools

ON-LINE

(3 credits/45 hours)         in-service credit only

Instructor: Malka Ismach, Ph.D.            Email:    mismachliips@gmail.com

Course Description:
Educators today are under a tremendous amount of pressure to cover ground, meet deadlines and achieve goals. While academics are a crucial part of our role as educators, there is so much more that students need to learn in order to succeed. There are life skills that are equally as, if not more important than the academic material that students are required to know. Many of these skills have been researched by those in the field of positive psychology. In this course, we will learn about some of those life skills, the research behind them and how we can integrate the teaching of these skills into our classrooms, treatment sessions, and dialogues. We will be learning about the growth mindset, how to be more optimistic, the importance of gratitude, what it means to be a leader and other important concepts. This course is relevant to all who work in schools and with children of all ages in all settings.

Beyond Bloom – Building Critical Thinking Skills through Deductive Reasoning

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Course Description: The Common Core requires educators to infuse a plethora of higher order skills , as well as deductive reasoning techniques into the classroom. Effective questioning, critical thinking skills, and increased vocabulary development are all factors in student success. This course will enable educators to comprehend the cognitive domains of Bloom’s taxonomy and subsequently move further and develop mastery level thematic strategies that guide students on their journey to success. Cross curricular teaching, interdisciplinary applications, analytic, philosophical, and productive reasoning techniques will be addressed. Teachers will gain a multitude of strategies to extend student thinking. Poetic forms, non-fiction sources, as well as mastery level power words will be utilized. Participants will be able to gain and comprehend a wealth of definitions that pertain to Bloom’s taxonomy and beyond as well as develop problem solving strategies, all of which contribute to student mastery. Applicable for K-12 teachers

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia             Gaylelumia@yahoo.com

Bringing Characters to Life: Creative Projects for the Modern English Classroom

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Instructor:     Lee Markowitz                email:    MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

ON-LINE

Description:      It's difficult - if not sometimes impossible - to motivate students to open their minds to literature. If the students found a way to relate to characters on a realistic level, they would be more willing to read and engage in class discussions. They could feel more ownership of the literature. Middle and high school English teachers enrolled in this course will explore creative ways to bring some of the most famous literary characters into the 21st century classroom.

Building Classroom Community

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor: Danielle Sukoff            Daniellesukoff@gmail.com

Course Description:
This course explores the creation of a classroom community that meets the needs of all students, including learners with disabilities and learners with diverse backgrounds.   Suitable all educators K-12.
A primary objective of this course is to help teachers understand how the Building a Classroom Community approach boosts children’s social and academic skills while reducing behavior problems.

Particpants completing this course will:
• Receive materials, readings and research relevant to building a classroom community
• Learn how to develop strategies that will enable all students to participate in group activities and explore team building activities
• Morning Meeting Approach
• Investigate the Responsive Classroom approach to discipline
• Gather practical tips to try in your classroom right away

Celebrating the Unique Talents of All Learners - Differentiate to Associate

(3 credits /45 hours)

ON-LINE

Instructor:    Gayle Meinkes-Lumia                     Email:            gaylelumia@yahoo.com

Course Descritpion:  No two learners are the same; therefore, the way in which we approach our classes has to be different. As fledgling and experienced teachers, we know the reality that every class is comprised of diverse learners with varied needs. This course will provide you with multiple suggestions for accommodating those needs. When one thinks of diversity, learning styles, multiple intelligences, brain research, and gender-based differences come into play. This couse will tap into all of these modes and provide you with innovative strategies for your students. You will learn to foster intrinsic motivation, develop activities that evoke complex thinking, and learn how to raise the bar for student achievement. Flexible grouping will be discussed as well as tiered lessons that provide appropriate challenges to all students. (A must for all K-12 educators)

Challenging the Gifted Student

Instructor:  Lee Markowitz           email:   MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Application: All subjects/grade levels

Course Description:

The squeaky wheel gets the oil, right? The student who struggles, who asks a thousand questions in a week, who attends extra help, who needs your extra attention, usually gets it. It's in our nature, as educators, to do whatever we can to help those students who need it most. And sometimes we take for granted the strong student, assuming he/she is moving along swimmingly and needs little, if any, attention or motivation. One of the many challenges a teacher faces is trying to reach every student and ensure each receives equal focus. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore various methods for not only reaching the gifted, intrinsically motivated student, but pushing that student to be even better.

Character Education

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Instructor:     Lee Markowitz                email:    MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

ON-LINE

Course Description:
Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic. Yes, these are often the focal points of our lessons. With that having been said, we must consider that there is more to what we do. Our students – regardless of age or grade level – enter our classrooms in September and leave in June. During that span, there is noticeable maturation, emotional growth, and cognitive development. Our role is vital, and Character Education is crucial. Yes, our students are measured by tests and numbers, but helping them grow to be well-adjusted, respectable members of society is essential. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore realistic pedagogical methodologies that focus on helping our students develop pride, integrity, and character.

Childhood Obesity: A Growing Epidemic Among Our Youth             ON WILLIAM FLOYD APPROVED COURSES LISTING

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Course Description: According to recent statistics published by the Center for Disease Control, (CDC), approximately thirty-two percent of children and adolescence are classified as overweight or obese. This course will explore the various factors that contribute to the obesity crisis among children in this country including: behavioral, environmental, social, economical, and cultural factors. Students will also examine the roles the media and American culture play in determining food and lifestyle choices. This course will also provide insight on the scientific causes and consequences of obesity in regards to both health and economic consequences. Students will research government programs which battle obesity, such as the "Lets Move" campaign launched by First Lady Michelle Obama. In addition, students will learn strategies that schools and teachers can implement in order to prevent childhood obesity. A must for all educators K-12!

Instructor: Rose Marino-Foster             (Instructor's email: rosemarino5@gmail.com)

Classroom Climates

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Instructor:     Lee Markowitz                email:    MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

ON-LINE

Description:
Some teachers are quite strict, allowing for no room for misconduct. Others are more relaxed and permit behaviors other teachers might consider disruptive. Perhaps finding an effective balance is the key. Students enrolled in this course will examine various classroom settings and ultimately create a classroom climate that is conducive to learning.

Collaboration and Cooperation in the K-12 Classroom

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia gaylelumia@yahoo.com

Course Description: It is the tireless task of the educator today to find the means to advance all learners in his/her class! Great teachers know exactly the steps to take to produce outstanding and consistently effective learners. Teaching students in a dynamic, ingenious way that motivates and excites them about learning is the ticket to success. Having students learn collaborative and cooperative techniques is essential for their growth. Enabling students to have intense instruction that challenges them and enables them to critically think is the way to create meaningful learning opportunities for them. This course will effectively demonstrate the means of reaching all individuals in one’s class via informative techniques for all types of learners. It will provide intensive strategic instruction that guides them through the reading process, comprehension process, key words, and textual structures. All disciplines will be covered and synthesis will take place.

A Must for all K-12 Educators!!!

Common Core - Victory is Yours

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Course Description: Feeling nervous about the new standards? Worried that you will not be able to tackle the Common Core rigors? Fear no more! In this course, you will be able to decipher the common core code and utilize writing techniques to implement the common core standards. You will be exposed to a plethora of writing and reading techniques that will recharge your students while being completely standards orientated. Multiple writing genres will be introduced as well as essential tools to help your students tackle the tests. Assignments and assessments will be provided that mirror the common core. This course is a MUST for all educators K-12!

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia                gaylelumia@yahoo.com

Communication FUNdamentals for all Classrooms

*FIRST TIME ON-LINE FALL 2020

Instructor: Kim Kittredge            Kcsunshine1969@yahoo.com

ON-LINE    (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Course Description:  This course will focus on the FUNdamentals of communication in the classroom. How we communicate with our students impacts all aspects of our lives and theirs. Educators will learn how to create a fun classroom environment where students can develop and strengthen their communication skills. Teachers will share verbal and nonverbal communication tips as well as share feedback. This course is a must for all educators K-12.

Communicative Strategies for Students with Autism and Social Disorders

Instructor:  Alessandra Barragato            email:  abarragatoliips@gmail.com

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service only

ON-LINE

Course Description:
Autism affects 1 in 68 children in the United States. As educators, we are confronted with the challenges of educating students with Autism and social disorders, while managing behaviors within the classroom. This course will explore communicative strategies useful for focusing, learning material, managing behaviors and socializing with peers. Alternative and augmentative means of communication will be discussed. At the conclusion of this class, participants will gain useful tools to maximize communication for all students within the classroom and therapy environments.  A must for all Educators!

Comprehension Strategies for the Bilingual Learner

ON-LINE

(3 credits/45 hours)         in-service credit only

Instructor: Marcela Falcone                 bilingualeducatorli@gmail.com

Course Description: The comprehension of literature and development of reading skills is at the foundation of the education process. This course will address ways that educators can help English Language Learners (ELL) improve on understanding text. It will examine the relationship between oral English proficiency and literacy, while providing participants with oral reading strategies to use with the ELL students. The information provided in this course will support instruction in all K-12 classrooms.

Comprehension Strategies that Motivate and Structure Students

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Course Description: Imagine a classroom that is teaming with engaged learners - students making connections, pulling out textual evidence, fully interested in the "meat" of the lesson. In this classroom, the standards are met insidiously, not overtly; thus making learning more engagin and complete. In this course, you will be provided with the tools that students need to comprehend the entire gamut of informational, persuasive, procedural, and narrative documents that make up our disciplines. Your students will become much better readers and thinkers in your subject field using engaging activities. You will be provided with fantastic short articles, explicit step-by-step lessons that will be aimed at enriching your students learning. Reading, annotating, decoding, collaborating, and utilizing the jigsaw technique will be covered. Perfect for all disciplines and grade levels!

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia                    gaylelumia@yahoo.com

Cooperative Learning – It’s not Just Group Work

Course Description: Developing a sense of engagement in students is tantamount to learning. Students today need a wide gamut of activities that engage them and foster creativity and connectedness. Developing and possessing common core graphic organizers assists students dramatically. In this course, teachers will learn the ins and outs of cooperative learning, thus promoting socialization, collaboration, and cooperation. Methodologies for extensive learning will be provided.
*A Must for K-12 Educators!!!!!!

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia –         gaylelumia@yahoo.com

Constructive Objectives

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Instructor:     Lee Markowitz                email:    MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

ON-LINE

Description:
When observing teachers, many administrators look for clear and purposeful objectives. However, creating learning goals and lesson aims isn't always easy.  Students enrolled in this course will explore useful types of measurable objectives and methods used to create them.  Suitable for all teachers K - 12!

Co-teaching Classroom  Models and Teacher Strategies

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor:    Keri Haviland                 havilandliips@gmail.com

Course Description​: The number of students with some sort of learning disability is on the rise in the United States. As educators, we are confronted with the challenges of educating students with numerous learning delays and or disabilities. Classroom teachers are required to find ways in which to meet the needs of all learners. This course will explore six co­teaching strategies that will enhance student learning. We will also investigate various learning strategies that meet the needs of students with various learning needs.

The Creative Classroom

*New Class Spring 2020

Instructor: Kim Kittredge            Kcsunshine1969@yahoo.com

(3 credits/45 hours)         in service credit only

Course Description:  A creative classroom will help to develop a creative student. This course will explore how educators can work towards turning their classroom into a room where students want to learn. Students will thrive and learn with fun, exciting and higher thinking skills and lessons. Educators will share creative techniques while working towards fostering student success. This course is a must for all educators grades K-12.

Creating Meaningful Student Experiences
*NEW COURSE SUMMER 2020

Instructor: Kim Kittredge            Kcsunshine1969@yahoo.com

(3 credits/45 hours)         in service credit only

Course Description:  This course is designed to arm educators of all subject areas and levels to bring meaning to your classroom. Meaningful hands-on lessons will be discussed. Interactive conversation topics, brain games, puzzles and comics will also be shared. These types of activities will get the discussions started and your student’s minds working overtime. So, create meaning for your students every day by creating experiences for them.

Current Educational Trends and the Impact on Instruction

ON-LINE     (3 credits/45 hours)         In-serice credit only

Instructor: David Falcone                     dfalcone@verizon.net

Course Description: The state of education continues to change based on new policies, programs, issues, and events. In the past decade, educational terms such as “accountability”, “standards”, “assessments”, “technology integration”, and “professional development” have been used on a much more frequent basis by educators, community members, and even politicians. This course will explore educational policies at the national and state levels, school budget cuts, and other trends that impact education in America. Through this course, teachers will discover ways in which they can change instructional plans and strategies to best meet the needs of their students in these ever-changing times. This course is suitable for all educators, K-12.

Developing Fun, Interactive, & Effective SMARTBoard Lessons


(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

*Requirement: access to SMARTBoard/and or SMART Notebook Software

Course Description: Teaching and learning has combined with the technology of the 21st century through the use of the SMARTBoard in many classrooms across the country. This interactive electronic whiteboard works with your computer to create a highly motivating teaching tool with endless possibilities. SMART software enables teachers to create dynamic, content rich lessons that foster the various learning modalities of our students, especially visual and kinesthetic.

The first portion of this course will provide an overview or review of the usage of a SMARTBoard via informational PDF files for download as well as tutorial video clips. The main focus of the course will be to allow teachers the opportunity to research the internet to explore the countless resources available to educators with regards to SMARTBoard use. Participants will learn new and exciting ways to enhance their instruction through the use of this technology. In addition, educators will be exposed to pre-made, ready-to-go material for immediate adaptation and use in their classroom. Furthermore, participants will be given the opportunity to create their own lessons for the SMARTBoard using the resources provided. Whether you are a novice or an expert on the use of the SMARTBoard, this course will expose you to a vast variety of resources to fit all grade levels and content areas.

Instructor: Rose Marino (Instructor's email: rosemarino5@gmail.com)

Developing Milestones in Reading and Writing Instruction

ON-LINE

Course Description: Developing course trajectories for students is tantamount to their learning. Reinforcing phonemic awareness, phonics in language, reading environments for success, text comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, writing and reading integration – all develop skills for students to fully advance their learning. In this course, teachers will fully engage in comprehensive strategies that advance the learner in their classroom. Techniques as analysis, connections, author’s viewpoint, primary and secondary sources will be investigated, thoroughly creating advanced learning for all.
• A must for K-12 educators!!!!!!!
Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia             gaylelumia@yahoo.com

Differentiation in Action

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Course Description: To group or not to group, that is the question. According to Carol Ann Tomilson, a leading authority on differentiating instruction, students need new and innovative means in order to comprehend and process information and make sense of what they learn. In academically responsible classrooms, all students should be appropriately challenged and become more successful at accessing, processing, and expressing information.

In this course, participants will learn everything there is to know about differentiating their classrooms. They will learn the secrets to recognizing and building on the individual talents of each student, while preparing all students for the rigors of new standards and assessments. In addition, teachers will gain student centered ideas, lessons that differentiate, challenging ways to motivate students, current research on differentiation, constructivist practices, ideas for putting the research into action, examples and strategies that assist in differentiation, assessment ideas for differentiation, ideas for tiered lessons, web sites for differentiated instruction, and so much more!

Perfect for teachers of all subject areas! – K-12

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia                    gaylelumia@yahoo.com

Differentiated Instruction and Assessment in the Everyday Classroom

(3credits/45hours) In-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor Jennifer Rommel             jrommelpd@gmail.com

Course Description

Every classroom is full of students who learn differently and thrive on different forms of assessment. Some struggle with exams while excel at projects that allow for creativity. Teachers will learn that differentiated learning is not as difficult to implement as was once thought. They will explore the multitude of ways; proactive, qualitative, student driven and group instruction driven, that this can be implemented into all classes. Effective use of assessment is the foundation of the differentiated classroom. Teachers will learn how to gain information from their students and gear their assessments in ways to promote the retention of materials for students and their learning goals.

Digital Storytelling

Instructor:  Michelle Reimers            email:   myelenco@aol.com

(3 credits/45 hours)     in-service only

ON-LINE

Course Description:  Storytelling in the digital era, writing is not just about composing traditional essays by typing into a word-processing program. Today writers compose by using a variety of platforms to produce different forms. We compose slide shows, videos, audio documentaries, brochures, Tweets, blogs, and much more. If we want to be effective composers in our, global world, we have to learn how to compose using these different platforms, and we have to understand what such forms allow, disallow, and require. We need both technical skill and critical understanding.

This course will introduce you to DIGITAL STORYTELLING. Digital storytelling is a creative way to integrate writing, technology, and content curriculum. Digital storytelling is an excellent way to engage students because it allows them to use their growing technology skills to tell a story. You will learn how to design digital storytelling projects for all content areas (k-12) allowing you to incorporate writing throughout the curriculum. Assessments of digital stories will also be reviewed.

Discussing Politics in the Classroom: What Can and Can’t Teachers Say?
*NEW COURSE SPRING 2021

(3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode     thodeliips@gmail.com


Course Description:
An educator's words have the tremendous power to influence students’ beliefs. When discussions about politics, race, sexual orientation, religion, class, or any other controversial issue come up in the classroom, it is critical for teachers to tread the fine line between merely sharing their personal views and teaching facts. Educators must remain objective in their teachings to ensure a safe learning environment for students. This course offers thoughtful views to help protect the teacher and the school district. We will discuss neutrality, how to engage in appropriate conversations, social media/politics, freedom of speech and what exactly that means for a teacher, and steps to safely discuss politics within the classroom. This class is suitable for all k-12 educators and service providers.

The Dynamics of Conflict 

ON-LINE     (3 credits/45 hours)         In-serice credit only

 Instructor: Richard A. Faber            fabes888@gmail.com

Course Description:  In a world where conflict is usually equated with violence, and therefore, fear is a common reaction, it is essential to underscore the opportunities presented by conflict. When violence emerges as a predominant aspect of conflict, these opportunities are lost. Conflicts emerge constantly from our perceptions of the commonplace events of everyday life, and demonstrate what each individual considers to be important and relevant to them. Thus, the elements for the peaceful settlement of a conflict are to be found in the conflict itself.
In this course, teachers will learn how to more effectively express and mange the value differences, tensions, and misunderstandings associated with conflict. At the same time, they will be able to teach their students how to acknowledge one another, and build understanding based on the real needs of those involved in the dispute.
Teachers will be guided on how to effectively establish a conflict resolution and peer- mediation program in their classroom as well as in their schools. All of the necessary skill training, practice, and resources will be provided.

Course Objectives

1. To help students define conflict and its connotations; identifies common societal messages about conflict; reviews the major kinds of conflicts we encounter.
Standard 2: A Safe and Healthy Environment
Students will acquire the knowledge and ability necessary to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment

2. To explore three basic approached to conflict, the effectiveness of each, and how they interact with each other.
Standard 2: A Safe and Healthy Environment
Students will acquire the knowledge and ability necessary to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment

3. To build skills to understand and manage anger and other strong emotions more effectively, exploring the important role emotions play in conflict.
Standard 2: A Safe and Healthy Environment
Students will acquire the knowledge and ability necessary to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment

4. To describe the communication process and the factors that influences it, and focus on the role of cultural differences in the communication process.
Standard 2: A Safe and Healthy Environment
Students will acquire the knowledge and ability necessary to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment

5. To help students put together effective listening and speaking skills for better interpersonal understanding; providing practice in a collaborative problem solving process.
Standard 2: A Safe and Healthy Environment
Students will acquire the knowledge and ability necessary to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment

Educational Grants and Curriculum-Based Projects in the Classroom

ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-service credit only

Instructor: David Falcone dfalcone@verizon.net   

Course Description: The use of curriculum-based projects in a classroom can motivate students to reach their highest potential. This course will explore student and class projects for all grade levels. The projects address character education, community service, and charitable causes. Through this course, K-12 educators will develop a better understanding of ways to incorporate curriculum-based projects into their classrooms. In addition, participants will learn about various educational grants available to teachers for funding projects. This course is suitable for all educators, K-12.

Educational Partnerships in the 21st Century

ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours)   In-service credit only

Instructor: David Falcone             dfalcone@verizon.net

Course Description: It is crucial for teachers to develop educational partnerships with colleagues to lead a successful 21st Century classroom. This course will take an in-depth look at collaboration strategies, interdisciplinary teaching, team teaching, parallel design, and curriculum integration. In addition, the course will look at ways in which educators can make connections with members of the school community and specific organizations (Examples: PTA, SEPTA, Civic Association, Historical Society, Etc.). Finally, the concept of having parents as educational partners will be examined through research and data of what works best on each grade level. This course is suitable for all educators, K-12.

Effective Classroom Management
*New Course Spring, 2020

ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours)     In-service only

Instructor:     Eric Stolfa                    STOLFALIIPS@GMAIL.COM

Course Description:
The most difficult part of teaching is effectively managing the classroom. A classroom of 30 students, regardless of age, all with different personalities and learning abilities, can be a lot to handle, even for veteran teachers. In this course we will identify and analyze different management techniques for teachers to implement into their classrooms. We will explore strategies such as visual and auditory cues, establishing classroom expectations, time management, instruction techniques, relationship building and parent involvement. Teachers will share strategies and classroom activities that work. We will analyze and assess not only our own strategies but common classroom scenarios as well. Educators will walk away with new techniques to assist them going forward. This course is a must for educators of all subjects and grades, K-12.

The Effect That Stress has on Student Learning

ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours)                 In-service credit only

Instructor:   Richard A. Faber            fabes888@gmail.com

Course Description:
This course will describe the sources and con-sequences of stress. Stress is a common problem that will affect almost all of your students at some point in their lives. This course will help you to learn when to identify when a person is under stress, what causes stress, and different ways of coping with stress.  Instructional strategies will be taught that can help students self-regulate such as reducing extraneous noise, managing transitions, and understanding mindsets, to name a few

Effective Questioning Techniques

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Course Description Teachers typically spend anywhere from 35 - 50 percent of their instructional time asking questions. But are these questions effective in raising student achievement? In this course, participants will learn how to improve their questioning techniques utilizing current educational research informative practices. Types of questions will be discussed, wait time, engagement of students, essential questions, etc. Participants will be able to walk away with a multitude of inquiry based learning that will enhance their classroom environment. A must for all K-12 teachers.

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia                gaylelumia@yahoo.com

Effective Vocabulary Instruction

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Course Description: With the adoption of the new Common Core Standards, a greater emphasis is being placed on nonfiction and vocabulary instruction. This course will explore the philosophy behind vocabulary instruction as well effective practices. Participants will research dozens of strategies for building vocabulary aligned to meet various learning styles. In addition, this course will explore vocabulary resources including multimedia, interactive websites, educational vocabulary learning games and much more! Participants will have the opportunity to research and evaluate effective vocabulary lessons as well as create dynamic lessons for immediate classroom use. A must for all educators K-12!

Instructor: Rose Marino                 (Instructor's email: rosemarino5@gmail.com)

Effectively Utilizing Dialectical Journals in All Subjects

ON-LINE

Course Description: Every teacher has become a teacher of literacy. Impacting students’ abilities via journal usage creates learners with exceptional style and fortitude. Journal writing in all subject matters enriches the student and creates a sense of accomplishment and aptitude. In this course, teachers will utilize dialectical journals, reader’s journals, reader’s responses, written conversations. They will integrate aspects of their lives that promote advanced analysis, communication skills, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive writing techniques.
*A must for K-12 Educators!!!!

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia         gaylelumia@yahoo.com

Empowering Instruction, Empowering Students

ONLINE

Course Description: Enhancing one’s students to be motivated and think critically about the world around them is tantamount to the Common Core standards of learning in all subject areas. The study of the philosophy behind learning captivates students and infuses morality and integrity into their worlds. In this course, teachers will be exposed to a plethora of ideas that enable them to critically analyze, judge, delineate, and closely comprehend content area ideas and genre in order to create pertinent lessons for their students. Teachers will walk away with a multitude of interdisciplinary lessons for their classrooms. Materials include: picture books, non-fiction articles, creative techniques that enhance any classroom and empower everyone.
• A must for K-12 educators!!!!

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia            gaylelumia@yahoo.com

Engaging Learners in Your Classroom

*New Class Spring 2020

ON-LINE

Instructor: Kim Kittredge            Kcsunshine1969@yahoo.com

(3 credits/45 hours)         in service credit only

Course Description:
This course will work with educators to engage your students in learning. When students tune out, teachers need to be armed with the tools to keep their classes engaged and ready to learn. This course will share techniques and a plethora of strategies to keep your students ready to focus. A must for all educators of all levels grades K-12.

ENGAGING THE DISENGAGED LEARNER

Course Description

Schools experience a wide variety of crises that have the potential to harm the mental and physical health, learning environment, and safety of students and educators. A school crisis is any traumatic event that seriously disrupts coping and problem-solving abilities of students and school staff. It is typically sudden, unexpected, dramatic and forceful and may even threaten survival. A crisis can cause a drastic and tragic change to the environment. This change is generally overwhelming and uncontrollable as well as unwanted and frightening. It may create a sense of helplessness, hopelessness, and vulnerability combined with a loss of safety.   

This course will provide resources, tools, recommendations, and evidence-based practices for incorporating best practices in school mental health into school crisis plans. Different types of crisis will be discussed and strategies will be developed for teachers of all grade levels and subject areas.

Engaging Parents for Student Success

*New Class Fall 2019, First time ON-LINE Fall 2020

Instructor: Kim Kittredge            Kcsunshine1969@yahoo.com

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Course Description: This course will focus on how to engage parents and students as your partners in learning. Educators will work to learn the skills that will empower your students to achieve and become successful. This course is a must for all instructors of all levels K-12.

Engagement and Motivation in the Classroom: Common Core Style

Course Description:
This course is designed to assist educators in getting their students to become engaged and motivated. We will discuss how to get your classroom interested and involved in the learning process. Students who may have become bored or tired of the same day by day learning styles can become engaged again with the right strategies. A variety of practical and simple strategies will be shared. A multitude of materials will be discussed and distributed on how to motivate and engage your students again. Educators will learn to implement creative techniques to get your students to motivate themselves both physically and mentally and get involved once again. Educational articles and research in this area will also be studied. This is a must for all teachers of all disciplines K-12.

Instructor: Kim Kittredge            Email: kcsunshine1969@yahoo.com

Enhancing Teacher-Student Rapport to Improve Student Achievement

ON-LINE     (3 credits/45 hours)         In-serice credit only

*New Course

Instructor: Rachel Hludzinski                    email:        rHludzinskiLIIPS@gmail.com

 
Course Description:
Children have an overwhelming need to be and to feel accepted not only by their peers but also, by their teachers. When students feel they are seen, understood, and respected, they typically are more motivated to work harder and take more academic risks in order to achieve. While you may already be aware of this fact, you may often ask yourself how you can build better relationships with each of your students – especially with growing class sizes! This course investigates the different ways in which you can both implicitly and explicitly communicate the care you have for your students through planning meaningful assignments for various personality types, creating support systems, changing up classroom procedures, and providing thoughtful feedback on assignments. These resources and assignments are meant to encourage you to reflect on your current units and classroom procedures to discover new perspectives and help you improve upon what you already practice (and do well!) each day.  Suggested for all educators K-12!

Course Objectives:
1. Participants will research how improved teacher-student rapport improves
student achievement
2. Participants will consider current classroom procedures and teaching units
in order to find ways to improve upon teacher-student communication
3. Participants will learn how to improve rapport with challenging students
4. Participants will learn how to communicate care for students both implicitly
and explicitly
5. Participants will learn how to improve written and verbal feedback to
enhance teacher-student rapport
6. Participants will gain resources to help improve teacher-student rapport

Executive Functioning Skills Deficits and How to Help our Students Overcome their Weaknesses in this Area

(3credits/45hours) In-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor Jennifer Rommel             jrommelpd@gmail.com

 
Course Description
As we all know, some of the brightest minds can have an executive functioning disability. We will explore the various ways that this appears in students and how to help them learn how to compensate and work through their difficulties in order to be college and career ready. Teachers will explore the components of Executive Functions as well as the impairments that are associated with it. Teachers will learn how to assess, improve, and treat this disorder through a multitude of strategies and goals. Suitable for all Educators K - 12.

Engaging Intimately in One’s Classroom – Exploring Everyday Avenues of Instruction

ON-LINE

Instructor – Gayle Meinkes-Lumia    gaylelumia@yahoo.com

(3 credits/45 hours) In-service credit only

Course Description:  This course will provide teachers with an array of activities that connect students intimately with the material at hand. Any subject can be transformed into an intimate connection between learners.  Teachers will explore literacy, history, science, mathematics, and culture via deep connections in the classroom setting.  A must for K-12 educators!!!!

Empowering Instruction through Empathy

Instructor:  Gayle Meinkes-Lumia            gaylelumia@yahoo.com

Instructor – Gayle Meinkes-Lumia    gaylelumia@yahoo.com

 
ON-LINE    (3 credits/45 hours) In-service credit only

 
Course Description:  This course focuses on the use of digital methods to analyze and archive literary texts, emphasizing issues of diversity and inclusion. Covers three main areas: text encoding, textual analysis, and archive construction. Considers literary texts, including works by well-known authors such as Shakespeare, together with collections by marginalized writers, including slave narratives and writings by early modern women. Offers students an opportunity to explore what counts as literature and how computers, databases, and analytical tools give substance to concepts of aesthetic, cultural, and intellectual value as inflected by race and gender.

Facilitating Classroom Discussions in the Common Core World
*New Class Spring 2020

ON-LINE

Instructor: Kim Kittredge                Kcsunshine1969@yahoo.com

3 credits (45 hours)                 In-service credit

Course Description:  Participants in the course will learn how to implement all facets of effective verbal and nonverbal communication techniques to help your students create an environment of trust and responsibility. Educators will learn how to encourage, redirect, engage, and challenge students in successful discussions that will enhance student learning. Educators will be able to apply these strategies to all grade levels and content areas. Participants will gain a clear understanding of where to begin with discussions in your classroom, and see where it will lead you. This course is designed to enable educators K-12 to understand the relationship that discussion plays in our Common Core Learning Standards and effectively help your students meet them.  Great for all educators K-12!

Flipping Your Classroom                                      

Instructor:  Michelle Reimers            email:   myelenco@aol.com

 (3 credits/45 hours) in-service only

ON-LINE

Course Description:  In this course, teachers will learn how to implement the flipped learning model in their classrooms. Teachers will learn how to create a learner-centered classroom by moving instruction to the home. Teachers are provided with tips and strategies on how to find and create engaging instructional videos and develop interactive, collaborative, and hands-on classroom activities. This course provides information on how to flip each of the four main content areas, plan/organize technology into lessons, and assessment strategies. Suitable for ALL educators K-12

Following the Recipe for Writing

(3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Course Description: Ranging from preschool to high school, writing is always a challenge for students. This course will provide you with the ingredients necessary to instruct students on how to attack the writing before it attacks them. Addressed will be the different forms of writing to provide students with, the new and innovative techniques by writing gurus, writing formulas, writing templates, journal topics, ELA writing guides,etc.. Students will simply beg for the pen and paper! A must for all K-12 educators!!!

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia                gaylelumia@yahoo.com

 Fostering Social and Emotional Learning: How to Make Good Humans

Instructor:  Elia Figari O'Leary       email:   Eliaolearyliips@gmail.com

ON-LINE  (3 credits/45 hours)

In-Service Credit only

Course Description
Our classrooms are overloaded with curriculum on a regular basis, and sometimes it can be difficult to focus on developing the students as a whole.  Many children are missing the vital social skills and coping mechanisms that are essential for success in their academic future and their life.  This course will help you incorporate Growth Mindset and Social/Emotional Learning into their classroom in a feasible way.  Recommended for ALL instructors.

Participants completing this course will:

• Learn the philosophies behind Social and Emotional Learning

• Create a plan of how to integrate Social and Emotional Learning in the classroom

• Learn how to engage students in an interactive way while developing social and emotional regulation skills

Foundations of Bilingual and Multicultural Education

ON-LINE

(3 credits/45 hours)     in-service credit only

Instructor: Marcela Falcone     bilingualeducatorli@gmail.com

 
Course Description: This course will provide a foundation for understanding the history and development of Bilingual Education. The overall social and philosophical foundations of Bilingual Education will be reviewed in detail. Additionally, legislative changes throughout history for students of limited English proficiency will be examined by participants. By understanding the development of Bilingual Education over time, educators will be better prepared to meet the needs of English Language Learners (ELL).

Getting the most out of On-Line Instruction - Inspiring our Learners One Step at a Time!
(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

New Class Spring 2020!!!!!!!

ON-LINE

Course Description: Initiating an on-line instructional platform can be difficult for teachers and students alike. Assisting our students with achieving their maximum potential, discovering the wonder of learning, and immersing themselves in creative activities will be at the forefront of the course.  Strategies for reluctant learners will be focused on as well as lesson creations that are relevant to students' cultures.  A variety of ideas for multiple subject matters will be taught, including award winning books, mathematical strategies, and historical games. Teachers will emerge with lessons that show how to value quality over quantity and teach effectively.. All grade levels and subjects welcome.

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia                             gaylelumia@yahoo.com

Giving the Benefit of the Doubt: Every Student Has a Story

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Instructor:     Lee Markowitz                    email:    MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com

ON-LINE

Description:  How often do we have unruly children in our classrooms who defy the rules, resist authority, and cause a general disruption? While it is easy to dismiss these students, perhaps there is a way to get through to them. That process begins by understanding them. Who/What are they going home to? What is going on in their lives outside of their academic responsibilities? Teachers enrolled in this course will explore practical methods of breaking down walls and communicating with those tough students as a means of facilitating a more comfortable, productive classroom.

Google Slides Virtual Classroom & Adding Videos to Your Presentation

*New Class Spring 2021

ON-LINE

Instructor:     Michele Kerr       

3 credits (45 hours)                 In-service credit

Course Description:  This remote training will show teachers how to create
a Virtual Classroom. Virtual Classrooms make assignments and activities more interactive for students. Through Google Slides, the Virtual Classroom will show links to assignments, documents, and websites. In addition, the presenter will show teachers how to add videos from YouTube, another URL or of themselves teaching. This is especially helpful for Special Area teachers who need to show a specific skill to their students.  Google Slide Presentations can easily be added to Google Stream or Classwork tabs in Google Classroom.  Suitable for all educators K-12 and Support Staff.

Grandiose Graphic Organizers - Enriching Students Repertoires

Course Description - Embedding a multitude of learning experiences for students is critical. The ability to enhance their learning and growth is developed strategically via the usage of graphic organizers that stimulate learning and instruction. Students will be captivated by rich material that strategically inculcates all aspects of subject matter. A plethora of common core graphic organizers will be included and students’ worlds will be enriched.
*A must for K-12 educators!!!!!
Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia      gaylelumia@yahoo.com

Instructor: Kim Kittredge            Kcsunshine1969@yahoo.com

ON-LINE

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Course Description:  This course will discuss what mindfulness is and what it is not. Teachers will focus on how to help your students address stress and anxiety and achieve a calm stress-free classroom. Educators will share the benefits of de-stressing and how well it works in school communities and classrooms. This course is a must for all instructors of all levels K-12.

Highly Effective Teaching
*NEW COURSE Summer 2020

ON-LINE

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Kim Kittredge                Kcsunshine1969@yahoo.com

Course Description:  Educators will learn through this course effective teaching methods, Common Core Standards teaching, and much more. Teachers will examine best practices for instruction to hone your skills on highly effective teaching. Participants will see how to transform your students into becoming more college and career ready individuals. Teachers will study methods on how to create high performing classrooms that hone in on skills that matter. In this course you will “learn from doing” in the same manner to be expected of your own students. This course shows educators how to create innovative but easy to implement, project-based learning units that work. This course is a must for teachers of grades K-12.

Homework That Works: Meeting the Needs of Schools, Students, and Families


(3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Instructor: Laurie Thode             thodeliips@gmail.com


Course Descroption:
Homework plays a major role in the learning process. Often enough, if homework is not complete, classroom objectives cannot be met. What is the role of homework in the learning process? How do economic diversity and parenting style affect homework? What does the research on homework reveal? Let’s explore these questions and get specific strategies for customizing homework tasks, enhancing student ownership, and providing feedback about homework. Effects of social class differences and school-family relationships. Suitable for all educators K - 12.

How to Differentiate your Classroom:  Theories and Practices for all Educators
*New Course Spring 2020

(3 Credits/45 Hours) In-Service Credit Only

ON-LINE

Kim Kittredge: Instructor         Kcsunshine1969@yahoo.com3

Course Description:  This course will explore how our daily instruction as an educator must constantly be changed and molded to fit our students’ needs. Since many of our students learn differently, it is our job as effective teachers to guide them through the learning process. Educators will discuss what a differentiated classroom really is, and how to differentiate for any grade level or subject. We will collaborate and work on a multitude of learning techniques and assessments for all learning styles. Many of these techniques can be brought back to the classroom and used with students who learn in all different ways. Teachers will find that differentiation is not that difficult task you thought it might be. It is more of a necessity for the good of all. This is a must for all educators of all disciplines K-12.

How to Get Creative in the Virtual Classroom:  Making Distance Learning Fun

*NEW COURSE SPRING 2020 - FIRST TIME ON-LINE

ON-LINE
Instructor:  Kim Kittredge                    Kcsunshine1969@yahoo.com

Course Description:  Since COVID-19, teachers and students have been learning how to work together but from a distance. Teachers and students have turned the living room into the classroom. It has become the “new normal” in our society. This course will help educators work towards getting creative in their virtual classrooms.
We will explore educational websites, online platforms and techniques to have your students learning fun, exciting lessons from home. We will discuss video techniques and testing websites. Educators will share what has worked so far to develop student success. Now that we are all learning in our virtual classrooms, let’s make them exciting, enjoyable, and creative.

How do the Multi-Ethnic Backgrounds of Students Impact Their Learning in Schools?

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Course Description: Students who enter the Long Island Public School system from foreign countries need to learn to assimilate into a very different culture. What do we as educations need to know about language, education, foods, customs, and discipline of the students entering our school system in order to promote success? A must for all educators K-12.

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia                    gaylelumia@yahoo.com

How Proficient Readers Think: Utilizing Fiction and Non-fiction Sources to Master Cognitive Thinking

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

ON-LINE

Course Description: How do skillful readers think when they are reading subject-matter text? How do they formulate connections and interactions with texts? As teachers, we have these strategies in our own brains; they were never explicitly taught to us. Instead, during our mostly fortunate lives as children, students, and teachers to be, we gradually cobbled together this repertoire of cognitive thinking through our reading, story-telling, family literacy, school, and books. Unfortunately, many of our students do not come from these literate backgrounds. We need to demonstrate the strategies to them, explicit instruct them, and become more aware of what is occurring in their minds. This course will guide you through the seven core reading strategies that will assist students in developing their own internal cognitive repertoire. You will be provided with articles and activities that will assist your students in progressing further and succeeding in life. A must for all K-12 educators.

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia                 gaylelumia@yahoo.com

How to Get Creative in the Virtual Classroom:  Making Distance Learning Fun
*NEW COURSE SPRING 2020/FIRST TIME ON-LINE FALL, 2020

ON-LINE    (3 Credits/45 Hours) In-Service Credit Hours

Instructor:  Kim Kittredge                    Kcsunshine1969@yahoo.com

Course Description:  Since COVID-19, teachers and students have been learning how to work together but from a distance. Teachers and students have turned the living room into the classroom. It has become the “new normal” in our society. This course will help educators work towards getting creative in their virtual classrooms.
We will explore educational websites, online platforms and techniques to have your students learning fun, exciting lessons from home. We will discuss video techniques and testing websites. Educators will share what has worked so far to develop student success. Now that we are all learning in our virtual classrooms, let’s make them exciting, enjoyable, and creative.

How to Help Middle School Students to Develop Crucial Skills for Learning
*NEW COURSE SPRING 2021

ON-LINE    (3 Credits/45 Hours) In-Service Credit Hours

Instructor:        Steve Whelan            SWhalenLIIPS@gmail.com

Course Description: The middle school during “normal” times is already a challenge to both the teacher as well as the students. Throw in the events caused by the pandemic and all schools went through varying degrees of problems. With the current situation with the different types of change taking place, between Hybrid, remote, and full Distance Learning, it is understandable that there are going to be rough waters for many students.
Course Objectives:
1. Participants will learn to understand the issues the middle schoolers go through.
2. Participants will learn to work to reach their students.
3. Participants will help to develop crucial skills needed to progress and grow.
4. Participants will understand the issues brought on by the pandemic.
5. Participants will understand the creative ways they can teach their students.

This course is pointed at the Middle Schools but can be adapted to apply in any situations or grade levels but is primarily the grades 6-8 group. It is because of the age level and all the other specific changes that are taking place with the students socially, emotionally, and physically.

How to Stay Refreshed in an ELA Driven World

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only NEW COURSE!!!!

ON-LINE

Course Description: All teachers have become ELA instructors. What are we to do? We need a way to stay calm and incorporate refreshing ideas into our classroom. Participants will learn how to maintain a semblance of creativity in a test driven world, while still raising our scores. All disciplines are welcome. K-12 course.

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia                     gaylelumia@yahoo.com

How to Reconnect the Disconnected Learner