Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com In-Service Course – 3 Credits – 45 Hours Course Description: The burden of responsibility for student success should ideally rest squarely on the shoulders of the student. Providing the means for our learners to solve open-ended real-world problems is crucial. This course will explore the ways in which our learners can become self-directed – solving and developing answers to critical problems in society. Participants will explore lessons of PBL, divergent thinking, riddle solving, comprehensive studies development, and be able to purposively solve world issues. *A must for all K-12 educators*

April is National Poetry month, but this genre is beneficial to study and teach all year long! According to Fountas and Pinnell, “When you immerse your students in rich, lively poetry, you introduce them to intense, concise, skillfully crafted language.” Poetry instruction helps to build fluency skills as well as creates an opportunity for students to think critically, make inferences, and draw conclusions. With regards to high stakes testing, poetry is a genre found on NYS ELA exams each year across the grade levels. Poetry is also incorporated within the Next Generation Standards and therefore it is necessary for educators to teach this genre. The first part of this course will explore the genre of poetry and the benefits for using poetry within the classroom. Participants will research the vast array of poetry forms available to use with his/her students. The course will provide resources to assist educators with poem selection and expose participants to a variety of poetry websites. The second part of this course will focus around poetry with regards to the Next Generation Standards. Participants will research the expectations of the Next Generation Standards appropriate to his/her grade level. In addition, participants will view and evaluate multimedia resources as well as actual poetry lessons appropriate to his/her grade level. Also, participants will explore poetry exemplars from the NYS Department of Education. As a culminating activity, participants will create dynamic poetry lessons aligned with the Next Generation Standards for immediate use in his/her classroom. Appropriate for all educators K-12! ONLINE  (3 Credits / 45 hours ) in-service only

(3 credits/45 hours) In service credit only Instructor: Joanie Deignan     jdeignanliips@gmail.com Summary: A positive learning environment can impact a child to succeed at many levels. Students learn better when they view the learning environment as positive and supportive. A positive environment is one in which students feel like they belong, can trust others, and feel encouraged to tackle challenges, take risks, and ask questions. This course discusses different ways to be positive and your personal experiences demonstrating positivity to students or colleagues. This course is geared towards K-12 educators and special area teachers as well.

Course #E5992 (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only Course Description:  Research indicates that educators face some of the highest levels of career burnout… and that was before COVID-19!  If increasing paperwork, not having enough time in the day, dealing with challenging student behaviors and other obstacles have you stressed out, then you will surely benefit from this course.  Successfully navigating obstacles and handling stress will allow you to better serve your students for many more years. This is a self-paced 3-credit (45 hours) course with a new format that we think you will enjoy.  Think of the format as a video-podcast that allows you to watch or listen to the course on your phone, computer, car stereo, or/and TV.  Therefore, you can access the course whenever and wherever is convenient for you!  The course will simply consist of:

1. Watching or listening to a video that contains all the course’s content
2. Submitting 10 written assignments
3. Reading one required book

The content promises to be engaging, beneficial to your life, and easy to access.  It will focus on:

• Identifying and managing stress related triggers in the workplace
• Turning work’s obstacles into advantages
• Building the proper mindset needed to navigate school related stressors
• Incorporating mindful practices as stress reduction tools
• Developing individualized self-care plans designed to reduce future work related stress

You are encouraged to sign up for this course if taking care of yourself during stressful times, and taking manageable professional development courses, are important to you.  There is no better time to reduce your stress at work and promote career longevity than now!

The fastest growing segment of the school age population in the United States is students with limited English proficiency. English Language Learners (ELL) take part in a variety of instructional programs to best meet their needs. Examples of programs include dual language, transitional, and sheltered instructional approaches. This course will provide an extensive review of all ELL program models to further enhance instruction across K-12 classrooms. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Course Description: This course will discuss how self-esteem can plague so many of our students, and how we, as educators, can help.  We can not only identify the problem, but also address it.  Educators will discuss the causes of low self-esteem especially after the pandemic and address the specific risk factors.  Teachers will share techniques to build the self-esteem of the students that need it the most.  This course is a must for all educators K-12.

  Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com In-Service Course – 3 Credits – 45 Hours Course Description: Developing a wide range of critical and reflective thinking skills is tantamount to student success. As information becomes available readily and modern society is changing more rapidly, students need to constantly rethink and change their problem-solving activities. This course will provide participants with a wealth of reflective thinking skills that guide students’ thought processes and hones in on their distinct learning abilities. Activities include : reflective journal writing, small group activities, explorations, web activities, and concrete learning skills. *A must for K-12 Educators*

The use of Robotics and Makerspaces in schools has led to an increase in STEM learning opportunities for students. This course will examine robotics, including opportunities provided by FIRST Inspires. Participants will also learn about the Maker Movement and the development of Makerspaces. Strategies to apply best STEM teaching practices within classroom lessons and activities will be reviewed in detail. This course is suitable for all educators, K-12. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-service credit only

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only Instructor: Dr. Christopher Korolczuk Email: DrK.liips@gmail.com Course Description: This professional development course is designed to help educators enhance their public speaking skills, a critical competency for effective teaching and leadership. Participants will explore various techniques and strategies to improve their confidence, delivery, and engagement when speaking to different audiences, including students, parents, and colleagues. The asynchronous format allows educators to learn at their own pace, making it a convenient option for their busy schedules. Topics covered include overcoming public speaking anxiety, voice modulation, body language, storytelling, engaging different audiences, and using technology effectively. By the end of this course, educators will be better equipped to communicate clearly, inspire their listeners, and lead with confidence. NEW! This self-paced course uses an online learning platform called Canvas. All videos, reading materials, and assignments can be found in one online location. Also, you can simply type your assignments into the website and hit the “submit.” button. This new feature makes the course easier to navigate and more user-friendly than other courses.  

Creating a balanced literacy program in one’s classroom is tantamount to student success. In this course, participants will be introduced to a medley of literary forms and techniques that will ensure student success. Topics include: author study, literature circles, poetry analysis, RAFT writing, non-fiction and fiction sources, newspaper and magazines, vocabulary study, arguments, etc… Assignments include: raising the proficiency bar, determining and clarifying meaning in texts, distinguishing between text types. In the end your classroom will be infused with literate individuals!!!! Participants will be introduced to a medley of literary techniques. They will be able to comprehend, organize, and orchestrate a balanced literacy program within the confines of their classroom. They will also be able to walk away with a wide array of material for their literate classrooms. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Reading is a complex act for humans. It is a visual process that begins with ones ability to use ones vision to interpret graphic symbols. Reading requires great visual acuity. The essence of reading comprehension is to be able to cognitively process the words by drawing meaning from your own experiences and knowledge. Comprehension strategies best serve students when they are employed across the curricula and in the context of their actual learning. The goal of literacy in science is to develop in students a curiosity about the world around them. The study of science should help students make better sense of the world in which they live. In order for this to occur, students must learn how to question their knowledge, methodology, skills, values, and attitude toward the world around them. In this course, teachers will learn to fully engage students with the scientific world and make them active participants in their learning. Too often, the science textbook is used in a passive manner of learning. Participants will learn to make science more engaging through before reading, during reading, and post reading activities that develop vocabulary, build prior knowledge, activate and scaffold science. A plethora of graphic organizers will be given. A must for K-12 teachers of reading and science! ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Is it difficult to motivate your students to write? Are they hesitant to participate in class discussions? This course will help alleviate stress in your classroom! Each lesson is designed to encourage your students to participate in discussion, while providing activities to help improve writing skills. Use the suggested picture books or your own to complete this course. Suggestions for K-12! ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

How many times do you find yourself uttering the same phrase – ‘show, do not tell!’ when it comes to your students’ writing? How many of our students still engage in a basic, antiquated (5 paragraph essay) format, using no creativity or style? How many times have we come across the ‘non-reader’ in our classes? After taking this course, your students’ writing and reading problems are sure to be eliminated. You will learn the tricks of the trade in terms of writing, including the “magic-three sentence”; the “smiley face” writing technique; the “interview poem”; the “figurative language writing style” and many others to pique student interest. Books and samples will also be discussed that motivate student learning. A variety of genres and assignments will be presented for you so that you may walk away with a wealth of knowledge. All subjects and grade levels welcome. ON-LINE (3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

  Course Description – Motivating students who have checked out to learning can be extremely stressful. Teachers need a blueprint for introducing more rigor into their classrooms while creating fun-filled activities that are critical thinking and inquiry based. Participants in this course will learn how to effectively address the distinct needs of their students that go beyond their comfort zones and push them toward success. A slew of activities will be completed including differentiated instruction, reading and writing in the content areas, interdisciplinary tactics, cross-cultural techniques, and current websites geared towards success. Both fiction and non-fiction sources will be addressed, as well as science and math strategies for learning. (3 credits/45 hours) – In-service Credit

Course Description – Creating a rich RTI Classroom, embedded with Tier One, Two, and Three Strategies can transform students’ lives. Being able to connect our students and have them walk in the path of success is essential for all students. In this class, teachers will be able to create lessons that engage the learner via Responding to Intervention techniques, including differentiation, student empowerment, student modification. A Must for K-12 Educators!!!

(3 credits /45 hours) – In service Credit

Course Description: This course will focus on how we as teachers can perfect our roles as coordinators of the Social Emotional Learning journey.  In our classrooms, SEL and SEL learning is one of the most important sets of skills we can share.  These unique emotional learning helps, bring all learners together.  Students will feel emotionally satisfied through the learning journey, and teachers will feel they have perfected the skill.  All will walk way with a deeper understanding. Educators will take away a plethora of great strategies and techniques.  This course is a must for all teachers of all disciplines grades K-12.

  Gayle Meinkes-Lumia (gaylelumia@yahoo.com) Establishing classroom routines is a must for all teachers. Developing a schedule and a repertoire for students at the onset of the school year, as well as creating safe learning spaces that promote social-emotional learning is tantamount for any grade level and socioeconomic status. In this course, teachers will learn the basics of the art of teaching and the ways in which close connections are established. They will analyze the propensity for learning in each of their students and create individualized and differentiated instruction for all. A wealth of graphic organizers, articles, poetry, technology, classroom anchor charts and visuals will be utilized, all of which connect student learning and establish the foundation for the school year ahead. A must for all K-12 educators!!!!!

With the advent of social networking and social media platforms, billions of people are now connected and communicating all over the world. As educators, we are teaching students of the digital age, who utilize social media for all aspects of life. This course will examine the use of social media in schools and the impact social media has had on youth. Participants will debate the benefits as well as the risks associated with social media usage. Cyberbullying will be examined in this class, including prevention and response strategies for educators. In addition, this class will provide information on cyber safety education to help students become “CyberSmart.” During this class, participants will have the opportunity to research social media platforms such as twitter, facebook, Linkedin, and pinterest in order to enhance instruction and learning, improve parent-teacher communication, for professional development, and much more! ONLINE COURSE (3credits/45hours) In-service credit only  

Transitioning to an on-line platform is not an easy feat. Students need the capacity to hone in on time constraints, pace themselves properly, address issues in learning, communicate with their teachers, and so much more. This course will enable teachers to cope with methodologies of instruction and challenge their students to greater levels of learning and intensity. Creative lessons will be introduced as well as intriguing flipped lessons, web quests, articles, and fiction that enhances all classrooms. Ideas will be shared and employed perfectly. All grade levels and subjects welcome. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Language is the human capacity for acquiring and using complex systems of communication. Between 6 and 8 million people in the United States have language impairments. Language impairment in a student directly affects his academic performance and ability to socialize with peers. In this course, receptive language impairment, expressive language impairment, auditory processing disorder, and aphasia will be defined and discussed. Classroom strategies will be reviewed. In addition, the emotional effects of language impairment on school-age children will be analyzed. This class is the second class in the series. Part 1 is not a prerequisite for part 2. Both classes can be taken independently of each other. Recommended for ALL Educators! ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service only

Course Description: This course will examine effective and strategic teaching methods to work utilizing the Next Generation Standards.  Educators will learn strategic methods towards being the Master Teacher you’ve always wanted to be.  Teachers will examine best practices for instruction to hone your skills on highly effective teaching.  You will see how to transform yourself from being a good teacher to being a great one using educational strategies and standards that work.  Educators will study methods on how to create high performing classrooms and building better instruction skills.  This course is a must for teachers of grades K-12.

*New Course

Instructor:  Kim Kittredge  kkittredgeliips@gmail.com

3 Credits In Service Course (45 Hours)

Dates: Summer 2025 – August 25^th-29^th

Course Description:

This course will deal with the tried-and-true form of teaching learning.  As educators we should teach our students to work smarter, not harder! This course will provide teachers with simple strategies that will make students’ time in your classroom worth it!  Students will learn and study more effectively and make learning stick.  Educators will discuss in this course research on how the brain works and thus retains information.  Teachers will discuss the day-to-day reality of teaching and learning strategies to a dynamic classroom of students of all levels. Educators will discuss the basics of how the brain takes in and stores information, as well as best practices for retrieval of daily information.  Easy-to-implement strategies will be shared to help guide any educator through lessons that can improve outcomes for all students. This course is a must for all educators grades K-12.

 

Course Description:

As educators we see first hand the effects of stress on our students.  We feel the effect it has on us.  This course will explore the consequences and effects of stress.  Stress is a common issue that does affect and will affect all of our students at some time.  Educators will learn how to identify individuals under stress or in stressful situations.  Participants will discuss what are the factors that cause stress most, and the different ways of coping with stress.  Teachers will discuss how to greatly improve your student’s mental and physical well being on a day-to-day basis. Teachers will learn strategies for helping students self-regulate, to manage moving from one class to another (transitional strategies), and reducing outside daily noise.  The importance mindsets will also be discussed.  This course is a must for all educators levels K-12.

The focus of this course will be to provide educators with an overview of the Student Learning Objective process or SLO. According to the NYS Department of Education, a Student Learning Objective is an academic goal for a teacher’s students that is set a the start of a course. SLOs are aligned to Common Core Standards and are used to measure student growth, as well as teacher effectiveness. In this course participants will research the purpose and benefits of the SLO process as well as the required components of SLOs. Participants will learn which educators are responsible for for writing SLOs and how these learning objectives factor into the teacher evaluation system (APPR). In addition, educators will have the opportunity to view and evaluate state provided model SLOs written by NYS educators, across all grade levels/content/specialty areas. Resources will be provided for educators to engage in a “how to” SLO writing process. As a culminating activity participants will write his/her own grade level/content area SLOs. This course will utilize a variety of resources such as videos, webinars, and articles from various websites including: htt:://engageny.org/. Appropriate for all educators K-12, especially specialty area teachers. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Course Description: This course will focus on how help your students become better problem solvers by using Project-Based Learning. Educators in this course with discuss techniques for success with PBL that will help your students thrive and become more successful individuals. Educators will focus on techniques such as: Collaboration, Student Choice, Role Playing and Real-World Scenarios to name a few. Participants will explore such techniques and learn to empower your students to achieve and become better problem solvers.  This course is a must for all instructors of all levels K-12.

Course Description: This course will focus on how to teach your students to write successfully no matter what subject you teach.  Educators will work on techniques and strategies to get your students to write well in all areas of study.  With writing being such an important skill, students should learn how to achieve and succeed with great writing.  This course is a must for all educators levels K-12.

This course is designed to assist you in gaining insight into children with the ADHD diagnosis. As a parent of a child with ADHD and a special education teacher for over 30 years, I have unique insight on ADHD. The course will offer strategies, comprehension of the diagnosis, best treatments, relationship issues and how to deal with school placements and teacher/family suggestions. Appropriate for all educators K-12. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service only

Energy, energy, energy! Teachers will learn to completely spruce up their classrooms with ideas for helping children achieve their maximum potential. discover the wonder of learning, the power of the imagination, and the wealth in finding oneself. Teachers will immerse themselves in creative activities that develop the culture of their classrooms. They will comprehend the level of passion and dedication that is inherent in our field and in turn, learn to develop lessons that correlate to student needs. Strategies for reluctant learners will be focused on as well as creating lessons that are relevant to their students’ cultures. A variety of ideas for multiple subject matters willl be taught, including award winning books, mathematical strategies, and historical games. Teachers will emerge will lessons that show how to value quality over quantity and teach effectively rather than rotely. All grade levels and subjects welcome. ON-LINE (3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

Students have forgotten the purpose of studying and the strategies to learn. This course will explore the various ways we can help students study with a mix of modern technology and the “old” ways of studying. Great for all Educators K-12. ON-LINE (3credits/45hours) In-service credit only

3 credits/45 hours In service only

Bryan Horrmann     Bhorrmannliips@gmail.com

Course Description Teaching personal and social responsibility is about using physical education as a means to teach life skills and discipline to our students. It is the intention that this code becomes integrated and internalized by the students and gives them structure for their lives, values, inner-discipline and that these skills are not only seen in the gym but are transferred to other aspects of their lives.   Goal(s) of the Course: The objective of the TPSR model was to guide athletes learn and practice behaviors and attitudes that will help them taking responsibility for their personal well-being and contributing to the well-being of others.  Students will be able to demonstrate self-advocacy, responsibility to create a safe and positive environment.   Learning Outcomes:

Course Description: Do you think about or are concerned with respect or lack of it in your school or classroom?  For many different reasons, our classrooms, hallways, and cafeterias are not as happy and respectful as they used to be.  This course is designed for teachers who are looking to rediscover strategies and initiatives for addressing behaviors in their classrooms and schools.  This course begins by delving into different types of respect where teachers will learn how to proactively approach a variety of behaviors.  Educators will learn how to address bullying, so that students’ social and emotional needs are addressed.  Teachers will research ways of regulating and resolving a variety of intense and heavy emotions in their students and classrooms.  This course will specifically address research-based approaches to tolerance and respect, bullying prevention, including the establishment of classroom rules and expectations, teaching communication skills and tolerance recognition strategies.  By the end of this course educators will help students understand the importance of respect and tolerance overall.  This course is a must for all educators levels K-12.   Instructor:  Kim Kittredge kkittredgeliips@gmail.com 3 credits – In service Course (45 Hours)

Course Description: This course is designed to equip educators with proper tools to help your students develop great study habits.  You will be able to arm your students with organizational skills, ideas that work, tools for them to memorize text and concepts, and lots more.  This course will explore how to help your classes with note-taking techniques and/or merely developing good study habits in general.  Your students will learn to utilize these study habits and will benefit from them daily.  Participants will share their own techniques as well as developing new ones.  This course is a must for educators K-12.

Many local districts are dealing with poverty and multi cultural differences in the classroom. It is important to learn and understand these differences and find a way to relate to your students in ways that are meaningful to them. One major challenge is how to design a learning experience with your curriculum that that is reflective of the multicultural, economical and learning differences in each classroom. Teachers will explore and create lessons that are driven to meet the multitude of needs in each classroom. Suitable all Educators K – 12. ON-LINE (3credits/45hours) In-service credit only

By Janna Florio jflorioliips@gmail.com 3 credits / 45 hours – In-Service Credit Description: In New York State, in addition to their coursework, students must pass five Regents Examinations to fulfill graduation requirements. These standardized tests are meant to measure a students’ successful acquisition of skills and knowledge in specific subject areas, and include assessments in mathematics, science, history, and English Language Arts. Though accommodations are provided to students with unique needs and circumstances, including those with IEPs and English Language Learners, the students in the latter group may find these supports do little to bridge the gap when it comes to one exam in particular: the ELA. Educators feel equal frustrations when charged with the task of preparing ELLs for this test. This course is designed to provide instructors with strategies, tools, and resources that may assist them in supporting ENL students in their ELA classrooms, and, more specifically, help them guide these ELLs to be successful on the ELA Regents Exam. Applicable to High School ELA Teachers/ENL Teachers & Department Coordinators/Chairs

This course explores the broad applications and utility of the iPad as a classroom teaching device and technology use within the classroom. Practical instruction provides strategies and skills for effective classroom integration. Learn how to successfully integrate the iPad and other programs into the K-12 classroom with this course. ON-LINE (3credits/45hours) In-service credit only

This class focuses on the identification of students in regular/special education education classrooms that may have ADD/ADHD, the difference between the two disorders, and how to structure the classroom environment to allow these students to reach their maximum potential. Identification of the most commonly used medical interventions and the impact they may have in the school setting, how to help build-up self-esteem and peer relationships, practical classroom interventions aimed at helping these students to access the curriculum, behavior modification strategies that promote success, and Creating a classroom environment that teaches to all learning styles. Suitable for all educators K-12. ON-LINE (3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only  

Course Description: All eyes are on you, it’s Field Day. Planning a field day can be extremely stressful and a huge undertaking for physical education teachers, especially if you are the only Physical Education teacher at your building. This course will give you the tools to create a field day that will be engaging, fun and an event that your students will remember for years to come. 

*New Course

Instructor:  Kim Kittredge  kkittredgeliips@gmail.com

3 Credits In Service Course (45 Hours)

Dates: Summer 2025 – July 28^th-Aug 1^st

Course Description:

A creative teacher is a teacher that students remember.  This type of teacher is a pleasure to be around, makes you laugh and makes you want to come to class every day.  This course will arm educators with the positive and fun strategies they will need to be the creative teacher they want to be.  Strategies such as games in the classroom, exciting cooperative learning activities, and how to build positive and strong relationships that inspire your students will be discussed.  By the end of this course educators will feel that they have enough strategies to inspire their students for free exploration and an open atmosphere in the classroom.  This course is a must for all educators grades K-12.

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

3 Credits – In service Course (45 Hours) Instructor:  Denise J. Ribarich OTR/L   dribarichliips@gmail.com This course is designed for professionals/educators/therapists working directly with elementary, middle/high schoolers and young adults.  In this online course you will learn the multiple benefits that can be achieved during the process of cultivating and beautifying a small garden space in and around your school or community. These include academic improvement as well as social, psychological, emotional, as well as improved verbal expression and essential  life skills. You will learn skills developed such as responsibility, self-confidence, decision making, teamwork, organization and working together towards an ultimate goal. Besides the educational improvement in math and science , many students have improved sensory processing capabilities which frees these students to more easily learn and integrate new skills that they were unable to do before. Working together with your students on designing a simple garden will provide enjoyment and satisfaction and will have long-lasting memories with development of meaningful vocational applications for the future.  This course is important for all educators  including School Psychologists, Guidance Counselors, Social Workers, Speech/Language teachers and Occupational and Physical Therapists.  The knowledge you will learn will have a direct impact on your students and will affect  all aspects of their lives as well as yours.

Preppy. Techie. Geek. Freak. Loser. Jock. These are just a few of the labels that students live with every day. And some labels are a lot nastier. Who hands out these labels? What role do labels play? Do they help or hurt? Do people sometimes like their labels, or do they always hate them? This course will examine the truth behind these labels and the impact that they have on student behavior and learning. Suitable all educators K-12. COURSE OBJECTIVES AND LEARNING STANDARDS 1. To learn where labels come from 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 understand the emotions that go along with labeling 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 look at how to reduce the emotional effect of labeling 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 create environments that foster feelings of appreciation and acceptance Standard 2: A Safe and Healthy Environment. Students will acquire the knowledge and ability necessary to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment. ON-LINE 3 Credits [45 hours] Inservice Credit Only

  Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – (gaylelumia@yahoo.com) Emotionally drained after the virus, many students and teachers remain in an impoverished state, one in which anxiety and stress overwhelms and a dark cloud of depression pours in. Repair and restoration are necessary for all. Uncertainty exists as well for individuals who live in poverty, in particular during these times as stress related issues loom – access to technology, meals, unemployment in their surroundings. Mental health is essential for students and restorative justice is the key. Within this course, teachers will learn the ins and outs of implementing a restorative justice program within their classroom. They will learn to empower their students via community building circles and democratic dialogues where respect is at the forefront. Participants will learn about the three tiers of justice, develop skills to incorporate the tenets within the fabric of their classrooms, and facilitate open dialogue. A must for K-12 educators!!!!!!

ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-service credit only Instructor: Tara McCarney Email: TaraMcCarneyLIIPS@gmail.com Course Description:  This course is designed to guide classroom teachers to becoming more organized in the classroom setting.  The focus will be on creating a classroom that is organized, safe, and welcoming while meeting your students’ needs. In this course, you will learn how to manage time-sensitive tasks, create a classroom schedule, and organize and prioritize classroom materials.  Suitable for all educators K-12.

 

Course Description:

This course is designed to show teachers how to use their most powerful tool they have; their words! The use of a teacher’s words brings out the best in children/students.  Educators will learn how to use words effectively and efficiently to deal with just about every situation they can image; whether it be challenging or not.  Participants will learn effective and strategic help children develop proper speech, effective self-control, build their sense of community, and gain academic skills and knowledge.  All this will be done through skillful teacher language and modeling.  Teaching proper communication methods through powerful language techniques will transform your classroom and your students. This course is a must for teachers of grades K-12 of all levels.

It is a gift to recognize the intelligence, heart, and soul of a young person, and be able to teach to that with precision and split-second sensitivity. It is a further talent to be able to move about the room without condescension or evasion and with commitment to the growth and development of each student in your care. Honing in on the needs that we, as educators and students have, are all valid concerns that consume many of us on a daily basis. During the course of this class, be prepared to research and share your frank, funny, poignant, and disturbing scenes from your classroom that have helped you move ahead and insure success for your students. Be ready to enable and empower your classes with cooperative learning ideas, alternative assessment documents, literature-based instruction, hands-on math and science lessons, etc… All done while empowering you as the fearless leader! (A must for K-12 educators) ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Scientific studies show how displaying kindness can help individuals become more successful in achieving their goals. As educators, we can help students discover these benefits and provide support in applying them each day. This course will explore the various benefits related to showing kindness, while also looking at strategies to reduce bullying situations in classrooms and schools. Participants will be provided with resources to integrate kindness activities into the academic curriculum within in all subject-areas. This course is suitable for all educators, K-12. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-service credit only

(3 credits/45 hours) In service only Instructor: Jessica Uebel juebelliips@gmail.com Course Description: What is the Science of Reading? This very on-trend hot topic in education has been filtering into schools across the country via the podcast, “Sold a Story” by Emily Hanford. It has teachers everywhere questioning methods, philosophies, programs, texts and publishers in all things related to learning how to read. This course will dive deep into the expose podcast and discover the history of why schools and teachers taught reading the way they did, and more importantly, where do we go from here? How do we take the science behind the way humans learn to read and apply it to the classroom appropriately? Teachers will share and reflect on their own methodologies, research programs, and design lessons and activities.This course is best suited for educators in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade.

Imagine taking a trip through time with your students (Gettysburg, 1863 :Lincoln; Farewell address, 1796: Washington; Topeka, Kansas, 1954 (Brown v. Board of Education). These time periods in history enable the classroom to spring alive with action. Interactive learning opportunities through history will foster critical thinking skills in almost any discipline: English, Social Studies, Math, Science, Business. Through DBQ analysis, picture book studies, primary and secondary source writing, historical documents inculcate a wealth of learning opportunities for students. They will spark their voices and transform them into active participants in society, thus increasing their literary awareness. A must for all K-12 educators!!!! ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only