Communication
 | 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.
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.
(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.
(3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only | |
 | Course #L970
Course Description: Application: All subjects/grade levels
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.
(3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only | |
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Instructor: Lee Markowitz email: MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com
ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only Course Description: We are all humans and, therefore, conflicts will arise, even in the workplace. And there is a right way to handle these types of (sometimes unavoidable) situations. We must remember that not only are we professionals and expected to act as such, but more importantly, we have a constant audience of students who look up to us as their role models. While conflict handling and resolution are life lessons seldom taught in the classroom, there is much our students can learn from watching how we conduct ourselves outside of our classrooms. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore healthy, productive ways of preventing professional conflicts, deescalating unfortunate situations, and handling problems efficiently and effectively. Applicable to all subjects/grade levels. | |
| 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.
(3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only | |
 | Course Description: Application: All subjects/grade levels
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.
(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.
ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only | |
 | Fall 2025: December - 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17.
Instructor: Kim Kittredge, kkittredgeliips@gmail.com
Finding the right ways to communicate with our students has always been a key skill for educators. Teachers who also teach in a multicultural environment have an even difficult challenge. Educators must find effective tips and strategies that will work for their students of all backgrounds, cultures, and diverse needs. This course provides educators the skills they need to communicate with their multicultural students. Tips will also be shared for communicating with parents, translation skills, culturally responsive teaching, non-verbal communication, language support and active listening and feedback are just some of the skills shared in this course. This course is a must for all educators grades K-12. | |
 | PDLI9070
(45 HOURS/3 GRADUATE CREDITS)
ON-LINE
Course Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com
Course Description
From the very moment that we enter the classroom, we create a definitive image of ourselves. First impressions are everything and encapsulate who we are and what students will glean from the course. Our body language, behavior, and diction are indicative of our teaching styles and our expectations of our learners. Educators are actors, putting on five shows a day, 900 shows a year, all which produce transformative learning from students. Delving deeply into the students’ psyche and learning styles is tantamount for both educators and students today and provides everyone with the opportunity to enhance their learning and make personal connections between their own experiences and those of the curriculum. Successfully incorporating a wealth of social emotional resources as well as delving into the science of learning is crucial and invaluable. In the end, all aspects of learning will be covered.
In this course, participants will learn everything there is to know about creating a successful environment that motivates students. They will explore various resources such as articles, interviews, readings, differentiated learning sites, lesson plans, and links to literary sites. They will research a variety of sources and decide which ones are engaging and fit into their curriculum. In addition, teachers will gain student centered ideas, lessons that differentiate, challenging ways to motivate students, current research on pedagogy, various interdisciplinary websites and Socratic seminars and philosophical rounds that take literacy and learning to a new level! Applicable all Educators and staff K-12. | |
 | ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-service credit only
Instructor: Tara McCarney TaraMcCarneyLIIPS@gmail.com
Course Description: The relationship between educators and parents is crucial in a student’s academic success. It is imperative that educators form a healthy positive form of communication between a child’s home and school environment. This not only ensures their academic success but also allows both the educator and parent to evaluate the child’s social-emotional well-being as well. With all of the changes over the years in what the typical American family structure looks like, it is important to obtain a strong level of parental involvement and support. Educators in this course will examine styles of methods for communicating with families. This class will help educators examine the different types of communication platforms educators can use to engage parents to achieve their support in the education process. Suitable for all Educator or Service Provider, K - 12 | |
 | 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.
ON-LINE (3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only
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 | Take this course to build your language skills and strengthen your connection with Spanish-speaking students and families!
This course is designed to help educators gain the essential Spanish language skills needed to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking students and their families. In a short time, you’ll learn key phrases and practical vocabulary commonly used in school settings—empowering you to navigate conversations with confidence. Whether you’re giving classroom instructions, managing student behavior, or meeting with parents, this class equips you with “survival” Spanish that will enhance communication, foster positive relationships, and create a more inclusive learning environment. No prior Spanish experience is required! | |
 | *New Course Spring 2025 Instructor: Kim Kittredge kkittredgeliips@gmail.com 3 Credits In Service Course (45 Hours) Course Description:This course is designed to discuss empathy and how we can build it together. Empathy will be defined and explored. Teachers will be given a multitude of tools to build empathy in the classroom and in the culture within the school. Educators will work towards sympathizing and building stronger relationships through empathy and empathetic strategies. Strategies such as “imagine self” and “imagine others” will be discussed. Educators will work on skills to deeply understand their students’ personal and social situations, and feel care and concern for them. Positive and negative emotions will be explored as well as proper communication, understanding and how to demonstrate empathy in the classroom and in your school. This course is a must for educators K-12. | |
| Course #E6720
This is an easy to navigate and self paced video course. You can watch or listen to it in your car, at home, on your TV, or on your phone at your own leisure. Embedded in this video are several short assignments that participants complete. Self pacing, an engaging format, and a meaningful topic are what make this course special.
3 credits/45 hours
Instructor: Dr Chris Korolczuk
Course description:
Do you work with colleagues, administrators or families that are challenging to collaborate with? Does it ever seem like there are breakdowns in communication? Working collaboratively with adults and having strong communication is essential when working in education. Successful communication and collaboration is also vital for career longevity and well-being. In this course we explore the basic dynamics of communication, interpersonal conflict, and having difficult conversations that most people are not comfortable with, yet are necessary to have. | |
 | 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.
ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only
Instructor: Kim Kittredge kkittredgeliips@gmail.com
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 | Course Description:
Conferencing with your students is a way to empower them to improve their skills by setting goals and then achieving them. Conferencing is also a great way to really get to individually know each one of your students. Educators will work on how plan conferencing times with your students in the classroom. Teachers will explore strategies for effective discussion skills, how to work towards educational goals set by each student, and how to plan your students’ success. Conferencing guidelines, techniques and questions will be shared. This course is a must for all educators grades K-12.
ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only
Instructor: Kim Kittredge kkittredgeliips@gmail.com
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| *New Course Instructor: Kim Kittredge kkittredgeliips@gmail.com 3 Credits In Service Course (45 Hours) Dates: Summer 2025 - August 4th-8th Course Description: The learning process takes a village. It’s not just important to have the teachers, guidance and administrators on your side, but you must have a supportive family behind you. This course will work with educators and their families to build important relationships. Educators will work on strategies that connect all students to learning and to the learning process. Teachers will be able to share the importance of learning, mindset, communication and more. Educators will work on daily routines to build support with their students. Practices will also be shared that can be brought home and worked on with your family. By the end of this course, educators and families will realize how important it is to make and keep these positive connections for the sake of the students, the family relationships and the learning process. This course is a must for all educators grades K-12. | |
 | *New Course Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com Summer 2025 Dates – July 7th-11th Course Credits: – 3 credits/45 Hours Course Description: Culturally responsive classroom education is at the forefront of teaching in the 21st Century. Students need to learn how to take educational risks and assume the responsibilities of independent work and collaboration. They need to be able to identify inequities and advocate for diversity within the classroom environment. In this course, participants will be able to learn how to create a classroom environment that represents and values all cultural backgrounds within the confines of their classroom. They will learn how to inculcate various perspectives throughout their respective disciplines and address ways in which empathy, conversations, backgrounds, and perspectives play a part in learning. The class will address the ways that students take ownership in their learning and view mistakes as ways to be constructive. *A Must for K-12 Educators* | |
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Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – (gaylelumia@yahoo.com)
Having the responsibility of being a role-model in one’s classroom is not for the faint of heart. Students today arrive with confused notions and beliefs that are anything but neutralized. Acknowledging differences in viewpoints and establishing a classroom procedure and repertoire helps students make sense of democratic values and focus on civic responsibility and critical thinking skills. In this course, teachers will learn to address and navigate students’ relationship with the world. They will develop lessons that engage their learners and direct them with critical thinking skills and help them to make sense of the world we live in. A social justice perspective will be covered as well as societal misinformation, animosity, and racism.
A Must for all K-12 educators!!!! | |
 | Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com
In-Service Course – 3 Credits – 45 Hours
Course Description: Classroom dialogue provides a unique opportunity for students to verbalize their understanding, bring their thoughts to the surface and examine mindsets. By engaging in dialogue, students can identify knowledge gaps, challenge assumptions, and solidify their comprehension, all with the assistance of their peers. Participants in this course will learn how to engage their students in effective dialogue through an open exchange of perspectives, all of which deepen students' understanding of topics and encourage reflection. Reflective journals, democratic dialogue, and Socratic seminars will all be included in the course!
*A must for K-12 educators!* | |
 | Instructor: Christina Palmenteri
In service only. 3 credits/45 hours
Course Description:
A comprehensive online course designed to equip educators and coaches with the tools to create positive, inclusive, and skill-building sports environments for young athletes. Participants will explore key strategies in developing age-appropriate training, fostering teamwork, enhancing communication, and addressing the unique needs of youth players. This course provides practical insights and strategies to promote physical, social, and emotional growth in young athletes while meeting educational standards for continued professional development.
* Suitable for all Educators K-12 | |
 | 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!!!!
ON-LINE (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.
ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only
Instructor: Kim Kittredge kkittredgeliips@gmail.com
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| 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 Next Generation Standards and effectively help your students meet them. Great for all educators K-12!
ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only
Instructor: Kim Kittredge kkittredgeliips@gmail.com
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 | Giving Students More Authority – Facilitating Meaningful Classroom Discussions in the K-12 Classroom PDLI 9130 (45 HOURS/3 GRADUATE CREDITS) Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.comCourse Description: Providing students with high quality discussions that promote learning and engagement is tantamount to teaching. High quality discussions include content-specific ideas that spark students to express different points of view, reflect on their own opinions, varying perspectives, and engage in democratic dialogues. Education that develops deep reasoning, critical thinking, and conceptual and practical tools for inculcating knowledge is tantamount for students today. Teaching in this modality empowers our learners and enables them to recognize that proactive engagement is the key to their success. In this course, participants will be instructed on the pedagogical principles that promote student learning and democratic engagement. They will learn the ways in which students themselves facilitate learning and streamline their own thinking. Teachers will be instructed on ways in which to act as mediators and not sages, including the ins and outs of effective questioning. Rich discussion tactics will be integrated as fishbowl techniques, Socratic Seminars, Jigsaws, formative assessments, graphic organizers, gallery walks – all of which engage the learner and provide for optimum efficacy. Goals and Objectives: Upon completion of the course, participants will be better prepared to: • Understand the impact of effective classroom discussions
• Comprehend the respective ways in which teachers can transform their classrooms via classroom dialogues
• Generate meaningful strategies that challenge students
• Develop deep learning outcomes for their classrooms
• Integrate a myriad of learning activities that challenge their learners
• Engage their learners with 21st century tools of instruction | |
 | Giving Students Voice: Teaching them to Debate, Discuss and Argue with Authority and Power *New Course Spring 2025 In our society today student need to be taught how to use their voice more than ever. This course will provide educators with ways to add more discussion and debating in the classroom. Teachers will also work on creating better opportunities for students to converse and discuss. Students will also be exposed to written arguments, as well as evaluating the debate skills of others. Students will eventually learn how to teach debate, discussion, and argumentative skills. Educators will emerge from this course with a plethora of skills on all aspects of voice, debate and discussion in their classrooms. Once students feel the power of their voice, they will realize the authority it gives them. This course is a must for educators K-12. Instructor: Kim Kittredge kkittredgeliips@gmail.com 3 Credits In Service Course (45 Hours) | |
 | 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.
ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only | |
| Course Description:
With all the virtual learning going on, how do we as educators help students learn independently? This course will focus on how to facilitate lessons instead of teaching them as we have always done in the past. With the world changing, we must too. Students must independently create their own learning experiences, and become more active learners. It is our responsibility to teach them the skills to guide them through it. Educators will learn how to encourage students to think creatively and take an independent and active role in their own learning. Teachers will discuss how to first identify what it is to be an active learner, and then how to go beyond that. Teachers will learn how to work with students to stretch their minds to the limits, help students manage time constraints, take effective notes and annotate, and be creative and organize their roles as learners on a daily basis. This is a must for all educators of all disciplines K-12.
ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only
Instructor: Kim Kittredge kkittredgeliips@gmail.com
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 | Students will learn various methods to increase and improve communication with families and students by multiple means of technology. These methods will increase communication and decrease the stressors related to the lack of time and resources to always make phone calls. Improving communication is not only necessary but required as a part of teachers’ annual performance reviews which culminate each year. The applications and websites we will explore and implement will increase communication as well as improve student productivity with a strong student-parent-teacher connection. Recommended for all Educators K – 12.
ON-LINE (3credits/45hours) In-service credit only |