Teachers typically spend anywhere from 35 – 50 percent of their instructional time asking questions. But are these questions effective in raising student achievement? In this course, participants will learn how to improve their questioning techniques utilizing current educational research informative practices. Types of questions will be discussed, wait time, engagement of students, essential questions, etc. Participants will be able to walk away with a multitude of inquiry based learning that will enhance their classroom environment. A must for all K-12 teachers. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Enhancing one’s students to be motivated and think critically about the world around them is tantamount to the Common Core standards of learning in all subject areas. The study of the philosophy behind learning captivates students and infuses morality and integrity into their worlds. In this course, teachers will be exposed to a plethora of ideas that enable them to critically analyze, judge, delineate, and closely comprehend content area ideas and genre in order to create pertinent lessons for their students. Teachers will walk away with a multitude of interdisciplinary lessons for their classrooms. Materials include: picture books, non-fiction articles, creative techniques that enhance any classroom and empower everyone. • A must for K-12 educators!!!! ONLINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Enhancing one’s students to be motivated and to learn is at the forefront of education today. Increasing students’ emotional well-being is tantamount to good teaching. This course will focus on the whole child and the components that make up the learning dynamic. Participants will learn how to utilize their most powerful teaching tool – their vernacular – to bring out the best in their learners. Teachers will be instructed on empathy skills and will be trained in classroom techniques involving empathy as: building positive relationships, strengthening community, fostering classroom connections, preparing for leaders in the classroom environment. Overall, participants will be creating a classroom culture of acceptance and gratitude. A must for all educators in the K-12 classroom!!!!! ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

This course focuses on the use of digital methods to analyze and archive literary texts, emphasizing issues of diversity and inclusion. Covers three main areas: text encoding, textual analysis, and archive construction. Considers literary texts, including works by well-known authors such as Shakespeare, together with collections by marginalized writers, including slave narratives and writings by early modern women. Offers students an opportunity to explore what counts as literature and how computers, databases, and analytical tools give substance to concepts of aesthetic, cultural, and intellectual value as inflected by race and gender. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-service credit only