Fall 2026 Session
Fall 2026 Session 9/6/26 – 1/3/27
Click Here for Full List ONLINE COURSES for all session dates listed below
IN PERSON COURSES are listed below the session dates.
In Person Locations:
Mount Sinai: Mt Sinai Congregational Church, 233 North Country Road, Mt Sinai, NY 11766
East Meadow: Cypress Management. 2645 Cypress Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554. Classroom is air conditioned.
Session 1: 9/6/26 – 10/3/26
Session 2: 9/20/26 – 10/17/26
Session 3: 10/4/26 – 10/31/26
Session 4: 10/18/26 – 11/14/26
Session 5: 11/1/26 – 11/28/26
Session 6: 11/15/26 – 12/12/26
Session 7: 11/29/26 – 12/26/26
Session 8: 12/13/26 – 1/9/27
Fall 2026 In-Person Courses
 | **New Course** Fall 2026, September- 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29. Instructor: Kim Kittredge, kkittredgeliips@gmail.com Class Description: This course provides educators with a clear, practical exploration of the major learning theories that shape effective classroom instruction. Teachers will explore how students’ mindsets, motivation, and ways of thinking influence how they learn- and why understanding these ideas helps us teach more effectively. Educators will walk through the major learning theories in clear, relatable terms and connect them to everyday classroom moments, lesson planning, and student interactions. Through discussion and real-world examples, educators will discover simple practical strategies that support stronger engagement, deeper understanding, and more meaningful learning. By the end, participants will feel confident using learning theory to inform their choices and create classroom environments where all students can succeed. This course is a must for all educators grades K–12. | |
| | **New Course** Fall 2026, September- 14, 15, 16, 17,18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28 Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia - gaylelumia@yahoo.com This new course equips educators with the skills to design, implement, and assess open-ended questions that promote critical thinking, inquiry, and student voice across subject areas. Teachers will learn how to shift from closed questioning to inquiry-driven instruction that deepens understanding and engagement. Participants will be able to:
In the end, teachers will utilize Bloom’s Taxonomy, Think-Pair-Share as well as a myriad of strategies they already know in order to build and have their students’ flourish. *A Must for K-12 Educators* | |
 | **New Course** Fall 2026, October 5,6,7,8,10,13,14,15,16,19 Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia - gaylelumia@yahoo.com This course enables educators to distinguish between performance-based and problem-based assessment, understand when and how to use each, and design meaningful tasks that promote critical thinking, application, and real-world learning. Teachers will leave with ready-to-use assessments tailored to their subject areas. Participants will be able to:
*A Must for K-12 Educators* | |
 | **New Course Fall 2026: October: 5,6,7,13,14,15,20,21,22,23 Instructor: Kim Kittredge Kkittredgeliips@gmail.com This course explores the advantages of reducing homework to enhance in-class learning effectiveness. Participants will examine research findings, discuss practical strategies for implementation, and learn how minimizing homework can lead to improved student engagement, better mental health, and a more balanced educational experience. This course provides insights into the impact of reduced homework on learning outcomes by delving into:
Homework has been a topic of discussion over the years with educators, parents and students, let’s see what the benefit of reducing it can really do! This course is a must for educators of all grades K-12. | |
 | **New Course** October 20, 21, 22. 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, Nov 1st Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com Enabling students to remember the lessons that sparked wonder in their lives is crucial! This course will instruct educators on the ways in which real-world applications spark ‘wow’ moments for their students. Through a wealth of project-based activities, experiments, real-world applications, educators will learn to apply real magic to transform their classrooms into wonderful learning environments. *A Must for K-12 Educators” | |
 | *New Course Fall 2026: November 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18. Instructor: Kim Kittredge email: Kkittredgeliips@gmail.com Course Description: Staying organized is crucial for both students and teachers to manage their responsibilities effectively. Implementing structured systems for planning, time management, and resource organization can significantly enhance productivity and reduce stress. In this course we will discuss key strategies for staying organized such as planning, digital organization, routines, minimizing distractions and note-taking. This course is a must for all levels grades K-12. | |
 | **New Course** November 9,10,12,13,16,17,18,19,20, 23rd Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com Effective teaching is not about having a perfect lesson plan- it is about having a savvy toolbox of strategies that can be used intentionally, flexibly, and repeatedly. This course will equip teachers with high impact strategies that help their students become more confident and independent learners. Within the course, teachers will explore research-based classroom practices that increase their students’ engagement, strengthen their retention, and encourage their students to take ownership in their learning. Strategies include- strengthening memory, converting students into experts, strategic struggles, and developing learning agency. *A Must for K-12 Educators* | |
 | **New Course December 2026: 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16. Instructor: Kim Kittredge Kkittredgeliips@gmail.com Course Description: Celebrating cultural diversity through multicultural education can transform your classroom into globally conscious and inclusive spaces within your school. Integrating your students diverse perspectives boosts student engagement, builds empathy, and ensures that every learner in your classroom feels valued. It also helps them to celebrate and share their unique backgrounds and the beauty of traditions. Participants in this course will discuss how multicultural education goes far beyond isolated heritage months, and discusses how to incorporate these values into their teachings. Educators will discuss strategies for embedding inclusivity into the daily curriculum, classroom environment and community culture to help all students feel part of your learning. This course is a must for all educators grades K-12. | |
 | **New Course** December 7,8,9,10,11,14,15,16,17,18th Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com Do you desire to cultivate students who are willing to persist, problem-solve, take productive risks, and keep moving forward when learning becomes challenging? If your answer is yes, then search no further for a class. This course involves developing the mindset, strategies, confidence, and habits that allow students to navigate frustration, setbacks, uncertainty, and challenging tasks. Through interactive activities, classroom routines, questioning techniques, and ideas for productive struggle, educators will enable their students to understand the strategies of tenaciousness and the ability to persevere and guide their long-term learning. *A Must for K-12 Educators* | |
 | **New Course Fall 2026 December Break: 2026- December 28th-January 1st Instructor: Kim Kittredge kkittredgeliips@gmail.com Art therapy is a creative and impactful practice that enriches the lives of students, families, and communities through its creativity. By active art-making and applied theories art theory can be used in schools as a successful tool for assessment, creative expression, healing and personal growth. In this course educators will discuss methods for using art therapy as form of expression; going beyond words or language. Educators will discuss the healing aspects and psychological theories of art and how to help students integrate personal growth through this creative process. Art therapy can be used with individuals of all ages and abilities, including children who are experiencing behavioral challenges or those with Autism Spectrum Disorder. They also assist student with mindfulness, self-esteem, self awareness and basic calming techniques in the classroom. This course is a must for educators grades K-12. | |
 | **New Course** December Break Class – December 28th-January 1st Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com “Last night, while I lay thinking here, In this engaging, reflective class, teachers will explore the ways in which motivation can be taught to students of all ages. Through close reading and collaborative activities, participants will utilize Silverstein’s poem as a springboard for creativity and encourage students to embrace all possibilities of learning. Participants will learn to create a classroom environment that is teeming with strategies for students to wonder, imagine, and approach challenges. A wealth of disciplines will be covered, as well as academic ideas for risk-taking, self-expression, student voice, and classroom community. *A Must for all K-12 Educators* |
