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

 

In the world we find ourselves in today, mindfulness and meditative practices are almost a necessity for our students. This course is designed to help teachers by encouraging them to develop a healthy mindset in their students.  Educators will learn strategies for encouraging active mindset and mediation practices in class.  Strategies will be shared to help your students become calmer in the sometimes crazy and stressful day to day of school.  Participants will learn effective and strategic ways to relax students and help them become more mindful.  This course is a must for teachers of grades K-12 of all levels.

There are many definitions as well as misconceptions about yoga. The truth is that yoga can benefit people of all ages and abilities. It can stimulate energy, focus, concentration or relaxation. We as educators, can use yoga in many different ways to reach our students. This class will provide you with an understanding of what yoga is and how you can incorporate it into your school day. Whatever your discipline is, this class is for you. The only thing that has to be flexible is your mind! 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

As educators, it is important to stay current and remain interesting and motivated. This will keep our students from becoming restless and disengaged. Let’s find new and interesting ways to do what we do best! This class will explore various and creative ways to address lesson plans, organization and communication. It will offer refreshing ways to reach our students and meet their goals. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Education today offers our students a world of knowledge and experience. Paired with the many benefits of modern education and standards, come expectations and stress. Standardized tests in particular are known to cause stress and anxiety in many students. Consequently, they may not perform to their true potential. This course will offer an understanding of the angst that some students face and several calming techniques for educators to use with these students. Strategies discussed are easily implemented and can be carried out not only by teachers, but by parents and students themselves. With an open mind and the ability to RELAX, we can help our students reach their full potential. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Morale refers to the spirit of enthusiasm of a person or group of people at a particular time. Research shows that morale has a contingent affect on productivity in the workplace. As educators, there are things we can do and steps we can take to RESTORE morale in ourselves and in our environment. Boosting morale and positivity will enable us to be happier, more productive teachers. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Course Description: Research has consistently shown the significant benefits of having an established and clear routine in various aspects of life, including home, school, and work. Beyond enhancing efficiency, a structured routine fosters a sense of ease and comfort. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, “familiar activities can provide comfort for both adults and children during challenging and uncertain times. Just like adults, children feel more confident and secure when their daily activities are predictable and familiar.” As educators, it’s crucial to bear this in mind when shaping our classrooms and implementing systems that promote student success. This is particularly important for students with higher needs who thrive on consistency and clear expectations. English Language Learners (ELLs) often come from homes that may lack structure and possibly experience chaotic living situations. Coupled with the challenges of grasping content, language, or daily tasks, these students, in particular, benefit significantly from routines and established expectations. When they know exactly what to expect at the beginning of each class, they can enter the classroom with increased confidence, setting a positive tone for the entire lesson. Objective:  This course aims to explore the advantages of establishing clear routines and structures for students, with a specific focus on English Language Learners (ELLs). Participants will gain access to resources and practical ideas to effectively integrate routines and systems into their classrooms.

Diving deeper than Wh questioning techniques, this course will provide teachers of all grade levels strategies to increase student engagement by incorporating various questioning strategies into their daily lessons. How to differentiate questions to engage all learners, including ELLs, G &T and Students with Disabilities will be examined.

Readers of all ages love to share their findings, whether it may be fiction or non-fiction prose. Developing the life-long habit of reading for pleasure is something that we as educators must promote. Too often, the love of reading is lost after the primary grades. This course will highlight the ways in which we can develop and sustain literacy in our classrooms. Participants will learn the shared reading approach. They will comprehend the skills necessary to achieve reading on all levels . Content area literary will be focused on, as well as various websites and annotated bibliography suggestions for teachers. Reading within the content areas will be addressed as well as a multitude of graphic organizers. A must for K-12 educators. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Students with special needs dominate all classrooms today. Teachers must learn to successfully connect with all types of learners, ranging from those with emotional needs to those with gifted needs. With a wide variety of resources, teachers can effectively master the success of all. Within this course, participants will soar to new heights within their classrooms. They will: · learn the difference between the various learners in their classroom · comprehend the various learning styles that these respective individuals need · hone in on the vocabulary of special needs’ assessment · challenge their students and themselves to a myriad of fiction and non-fiction topics in terms of special needs · comprehend various analytical skills and higher-order thinking skills that students need for success Overall, teachers will walk away with the tools they need for success. *A must for all educators! ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Student engagement is tantamount in 21st century classrooms. Regardless of subject matter, students need to have techniques that enable them to become self-motivated learners. Providing students with the ability to partake in philosophical discussions and seminars will foster an enhanced understanding of the academic content. In this course, participants will comprehend the unique lessons of the Socratic Seminar and Philosophical Rounds techniques. They will be able to integrate these processes within the confines of their classrooms and enhance the learning environment. A must for all K-12 educators!!!! ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

An increasing amount of students are diagnosed with speech and language disorders. These disorders can affect a student’s ability to learn and socialize within the school setting. In this course you will learn the terms articulation disorder, fluency, apraxia, voice disorder, and selective mutism and how these disorders present in the classroom. You will learn strategies to use when working with speech impaired students. In addition, you will have an understanding of the impact these disorders have on the social and emotional well-being of our students. This class is part 1 of 2 classes. Both classes can be taken independently of each other. Recommended for ALL Educators! ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service only

  Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com (3 Credits/45 Hours) – In-Service Credit Course Description: Engaging students in successful learning is an art. Keeping them directed and focused is contingent on many factors – all of which will be emphasized and articulated in this course. A myriad of content driven essential skills will be covered – including activities as predicting outcomes, empathy cards, affinity diagrams, common likes, as well as a plethora of creative and compelling take homes, all of which the developing individual needs in order to flourish. Students in all disciplines can benefit from the guided focus and essential content within the confines of the class.  **A must for K-12 educators in all disciplines!!!

(3 credits/45 hours) In service credit only Instructor: Grace Rossetti     gracerossettiliips@gmail.com Course Description:  Struggling with how to start and end each day with your students? In this course, participants will learn the importance of Responsive Classroom techniques, specifically morning meeting and closing circle strategies. Participants will walk away with a plethora of greetings, morning meeting messages, games and shares to be implemented into their routine right away. The four components of morning meeting will be discussed in detail, as well as incorporating closing circle This engaging way to start and end the day will lead to student success both socially, emotionally and academically. This course is a must for all Educators K-12.

The number of English language learners (ELLs) in schools in the United States has increased dramatically. According to the National Center for Bilingual Education (NCBE), the number of English language learners has increased by 105%. This online course will teach you how to use the into/through/beyond approach for working with ELLs and special needs students. This is a proven effective model for working with ELLs. Participants in this course will be given English language development strategies such as scaffolding, schema building, and reformatting text. Formal and informal assessment methods will also be outlined. Additionally, the strategies mentioned are also effective strategies to use with ALL students, not just ESL students. This course is suitable for all educators, K-12, typical and special needs students. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service only

 

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.

All too often, secondary students who participate in sports place athletics ahead of academics. Even parents sometimes over-emphasize the importance of making the varsity team, earning a starting position, or receiving an athletic scholarship. Where does school fit in? Students (and parents) need to recognize that academia is of the utmost importance. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore communicative and pedagogical strategies teachers and coaches can use to positively enforce the idea that “student” comes before “athlete” and to encourage the young men and women we teach and coach to work as hard in the classroom as they do on the field. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service only

Many students could use help with their study skills to help them become better students and test takers. This course provides techniques, ideas, and resources for helping students to develop their study skills. Teachers will be able to develop their students’ study skills and help take the fear out of test-taking through the use of visual aids, innovative strategies, and helpful worksheets. This course is beneficial to educators 1-12, specials teachers, and speech and language teachers ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service only

Çourse Description: This course will examine strategies for academic and social success to help your ELL and ESL students feel “at home” in your classroom. With much of this population being integrated into in your classroom, you need to know to support them.  We will discuss techniques for proper instruction, types of learning activities geared toward the ELLs and how to get how to get parents involvement.  Types of testing, communication strategies and language learning will be studied.  We will use a variety of resources and activities. Educators will come away with a thorough understanding of the cultural, emotional, behavioral, social, and linguistic barriers these children face each day, and put these instructional practices to work to help ALL your students achieve success. This course is for educators grades K-12.

Course Description: This course will focus on how to support the struggling learners we all have in our classrooms.  Educators will share strategies that work in all areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking to bring those learners up to par with the rest of the class. Strategies will be explored on how to lift up those students who struggle.  Students will feel supported satisfied with their improvements.  Teachers will walk away with a plethora of great lessons and techniques.  This course is a must for all teachers of all disciplines grades K-12.  

Kim Kittredge   Kkittredgeliips@gmail.com

Are you a new(ish) or new(er) teacher looking for the tips and tricks to help you teach like a pro?  Well, then this course can help you get started.  This course is designed to provide newer educators with skills and strategies that are practical and useful and will help you do well in your role as a new or new(ish) educator.  You will be given suggestions for effective lesson planning, how to provide differentiated instruction and how to increase student motivation and engagement.  Teachers will be introduced to effective management techniques, growth mindset lessons and how to have effective parent/teacher relationships. Teachers will end this course with a multitude of strategies that create a positive learning environment that enhances student learning overall. This course is a must for educators of all grades and levels K-12.

 

Course Description: Do you ever want a guide to starting the year off right with parents?  This course will focus on how to build relationships with your students parents from the very beginning of the school year.  Educators will discuss how to properly communication with parents and form a meaningful bond. This course will examine ways to touch base and stay in constant communication with your students’ parents.  Educators will share what parent-teacher communication skills work and what skills have often failed.  Teachers will discuss how these successful relationships leads to success and productivity in your classroom.  This course is a must for all educators levels K-12.

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com Course Description: The more active the body is in learning, the more meaningful connections the brain can make to the content. This course will incorporate multi-sensory methodologies and principles of neurodevelopment into education. Participants will learn how to seamlessly introduce strategic movement into the learning process in order to enhance focus, retention, and comprehension. This course will empower educators with knowledge and resources that can transform student learning and enable future success. *A must for K-12 educators*

This course provides an understanding of literacy issues specific to English Language Learners. Participants will learn strategies and tech­niques for teaching reading and writing to ELL students. Key concepts include the relationship between first language liter­acy and further literacy development, along with an extensive review of stan­dards-based reading and writing instruction. Additionally, this course will focus on phonics, struc­tural analysis, sight words, process writing, and the incorporation of technol­ogy. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Students need to be able to understand themselves and their learning needs and in turn advocate for themselves in the classroom. Teaching students these skills of independence will impact the rest of their educational careers. Great for all Educators K-12. ON-LINE (3credits/45hours) In-service credit only

Teaching Technology to Teachers: As teachers in the 21st Century, we need to learn 21st Century skills. There are many electronic resources available to teach us these skills. These skills are essential for students learn in order to become successful technology based citizens. Teachers who have a better grasp on how to implement these skills will be better able to boost their students’ creativity, information fluency, and digital citizenship. A must for all instructors, K – 12! ON-LINE (3 Credits/45 Hours) In-service credit only

Course Description:

How do we teach respect? Respect from our students is one of the greatest issues educators face day to day when trying to educate our students. Has respect been lost, or do children just need to be reminded of it from time to time? This course will look into this phenomenon. As educators we need to work on this generation of students and their idea of respect and the culture behind it. In this course we will discuss how crucial respect is to achieving success in the classroom and in life. In this course, educators will explore the impact of cultural values, work ethic, family life and various other factors that influence students inside and outside of our schools. This course will incorporate the many factors that go into teaching students respect. This course is a must for all educators grades K-12. 

Course Description: This course is designed to provide the ESL, general education, and all subject area teachers with the skills necessary to teach students al all levels of language acquisition ho to make connections, ask questins, vsualize, infer, determine importace synthesize, monitor meaning and comprehension, and continue learning independently through guided texts and authors. A must for all educators grade K – 12.

(3 credits/45 hours) In-servicd course only awarrenliips@gmail.com Course Description In this course, participants will learn how to best address the variety of student needs that they have in the classroom. Teachers will learn how to implement technology as an avenue that unlocks students’ potential across multiple disciplines and grade levels. Teachers will use technology to differentiate instruction, motivate student interest, address challenges and roadblocks, and support students in meeting their full potential. While engaged with 21st-century skills, participants will gain the tools necessary to better connect students to the curriculum through fun and engaging technology tools. *All participants must have an active Google account to access course materials.

Course Description: This course is for those educators who want to balance it all; your teaching and the behavior your students.  We will discuss how to balance teaching such as our policies and penalties for misconduct.  Are we strict?  How do we deal with those students that don’t follow our rules?  Then, how do we balance our teaching?  All educators want to create a classroom that supports positive and comfortable education.  We will discuss strategies for helping our students feel productive and safe in our classrooms every day.  Educators will examine various practices for creating a balanced and positive climate for all students of any age or grade level. This course is for educators levels K-12 of all subjects.

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.

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.

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

  Being able to challenge our students and enhance their learning is dire. Identifying the ways in which students critically think can greatly increase their comprehension. Modifying and addressing various scenarios of learning is tantamount to our students’ success. In this course, participants will be introduced to a wealth of ideas and current trends that maximize the learning for their classroom. They will learn to identify and create activities that enhance students’ comprehension and subsequently engage in strategies that fully indoctrinate the learner into any classroom atmosphere. A must for K-12 educators!!!!! ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Instructor:  Lisa Bernstein

Email: LBernsteinLIIPS@gmail.com

3 Credits/45 Hours

Course Description:  More than 211,000 children and teenagers have lost their primary caregivers due to Covid-19.  These children are grieving and need support, especially in school.  This requires more understanding and awareness by educators on the topic of grief and bereavement in order to support our students and their families.  This course will teach educators how grief impacts our students, both academically and emotionally, and to help make school a safe and supportive place for these students.  Educators will learn strategies and resources to help our students.  This course is for all K-12 educators and related service providers.

More and more students today are identifying as LGBTQIA+. This requires more understanding and awareness by educators on gender identity and sexual orientation in order to make sure our students feel safe and accepted at school. It is important to understand the history of LGBTQIA+ and all of the terms that are included in order to help support our students. There are many challenges that LGBTQIA+ youth face today and it is important to provide them with resources and supports in order to make them feel safe and accepted. In addition to our students, parents need help as well. It is important to learn how to help both our students and parents navigate through these new experiences in order to support their children. This course is for all K-12 educators and related service providers.

(3 Credits/45 Hours) In Service Credits only Instructor: Allison Elfreth Email: AElfrethliips@gmail.com Course Description: UDL, or universal design for learning, is a framework for teaching geared toward accommodating the needs and abilities of all learners. Using UDL, the learning goals are the same for all students while the teacher provides different ways for these goals to be achieved.  UDL is not the same as differentiated instruction, as UDL proactively aims to provide options that makes the lesson accessible to all learners, differentiated instruction is a reactive process in which adjustments are made based on the individual’s needs.  UDL is meant to remove the barriers to learning and encourage students to self-differentiate by choosing the best path for themselves.  We will explore

(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only Instructor: Allison Elfreth Email: AElfrethliips@gmail.com Course Description:  Phenomena has been the new buzz word in education ever since Finland made Phenomena-Based Learning compulsory starting in 2016.  At its core, phenomena-based learning is intended to be a cross-disciplinary form of teaching that enables students to understand the connections between multiple disciplines and how those disciplinary knowledges can be used together to solve problems.  Practically, unless a school culture devotes itself to providing time in the day for students to participate in a multidisciplinary PhenoBL module as done in Finland, phenomena-based learning can and must be done in a given subject area.  Phenomena are simply observable events, and they need not be phenomenal.  The phenomena should have a real-world context which is how we can begin to engage all students.  Similar to project-based learning and problem-based learning, students are expected to work together to ask questions and find solutions to those questions.  We will explore the following

• What is phenomena-based learning?
• What are the qualities of good phenomena?
• A library of phenomena examples
• Using graphs and data in a real-world context as an anchoring phenomena
• How phenomena are related to the Next-Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
• How to use storylines to guide our lessons using anchoring phenomena
• Phenomena based learning and the 5E Model

Instructor: Paige MacLeod Email: PMacLeodLIIPS@gmail.com Description: In the middle of a well-organized and prepared lesson, have you ever realized your students do not have the background knowledge to complete the task or understand the concept? You suddenly find yourself doing a quick Google Image or YouTube search, drawing diagrams on the SmartBoard or scrounging up some sort of visual to help provide that background knowledge, and essentially, fill that gap. We try to anticipate these setbacks and incorporate the background knowledge or skills, but it is impossible to predict them all until you are in the moment. As educators, we are well aware of the basic fact that there are challenges and “gaps” that our ELL students face. These challenges are present despite where the student is in their academic career, or when they entered the American educational system. There is an overwhelming number of inequities, so it is important that we try to pinpoint the most common, detrimental, and even the ones that may be less obvious. Objective: Course participants will have an understanding of the array of systematic and societal challenges of being an ELL and how these challenges contribute to widening the academic gap for them.

Course Description: A new school year comes with new challenges on how to welcome our students back to our rooms and promote positivity.   As educators we need to find ways for our students to feel calm and less stressed, while also helping them to become productive individuals in our classrooms.  This course is designed to assist educators with “welcome back” procedures as well as promoting a well-balanced classroom.  Teachers will learn how to promote effective strategies for positivity and comfort while examining how to maintain a working classroom climate.   A variety of practical and effective techniques for relaxation, behavior and over-all positivity will be shared.    This is a must for all teachers of all disciplines K-12.

Course Description: This course discovers the specific things that great teachers do.  What makes them effective?  What are their strategies?  What are their skills, and how do they promote academic excellence?  In this course we will explore the beliefs, behaviors, attitudes, and interactions that form the fabric in the best classrooms and schools.  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