Lee Markowitz
Lee Markowitz has been an English teacher and Track & Field coach at Mount Sinai High School for over fifteen years. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Secondary Education from St. Joseph’s College and his Master’s Degree in Education, with a concentration and Advanced Certificate in Educational Technology from SUNY Stony Brook.
He is a NYS Certified English Teacher.
Having taught standard and inclusion classes, Regents level and Advanced Placement English, Mr. Markowitz prides himself on remaining dynamic in the classroom, always willing to experiment with new techniques and strategies and always eager to learn from and collaborate with his colleagues. For the past several years, he has delved into the world of professional development, relishing the opportunity to share tried and true pedagogical approaches with other dedicated educators. He enjoys creating and conducting courses that offer useful, applicable tools for today’s teachers.
In his personal life, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons at their home in Suffolk County, NY. His personal hobbies include cooking, reading, watching movies, and trying his hand at home improvements.
Feel free to explore his course offerings and contact him with any questions.
Check out my course offerings:
Courses |
|---|
 5 Key Strategies for Effective Grading Policies*New Class SUMMER 2020 Application: All subjects/grade levels Points or percentages? Weights? Dropping the lowest mark? Offering a curve? There are many variables when it comes to implementing grades and grading policies, all of which must be considered as we strive to create a fair, dependable, understandable system for our students and their parents, as well as for administration. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore tried and true grading practices that focus on creating such a system while steering clear of pitfalls and common mistakes. Applicable to teachers of all subjects and grade levels. (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only $250.00$270.00 |
 5 Key Strategies for Handling Cell Phones in the ClassroomCell Phones in the classroom: Worth the fight or a losing battle? Every kid has one, and every school has a different policy as to how to handle them. But what about when the decision is left to the teacher? How is a teacher in this day and age supposed to battle the addictive screen that rests on his/her student’s desks from bell to bell? Teachers enrolled in this course will explore tangible tools and effective pedagogical strategies to handling cell phones in the modern classroom. Applicable to middle/high school teachers of any subject/level. (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only $250.00$270.00 |
 5 Key Strategies for Maintaining an Organized ClassroomBy nature, some of us are inherently more organized than others. But even those of us who don’t regularly practice effective organizational habits can appreciate walking into a room of someone who does. You can picture it – everything seems neat and tidy, the spacing of furniture and décor evokes a welcoming feel, a sense of cleanliness permeates the air, and the occupants can enjoy the tranquility and order. The same rules that apply to our homes should apply to our classrooms. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore tangible tools and effective strategies to organizing classrooms that will facilitate learning. Applicable to teachers of any subject/grade level. (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only $250.00$270.00 |
 5 Key Strategies for Meaningful Parent-Teacher ConferencesEven the most seasoned teachers can experience a degree of anxiety when it comes to communicating with parents, especially if not-so-good news has to be delivered. While we can all agree that consistent, informative teacher-parent communication is essential for student success, there are plenty of teachers who feel uncomfortable about the process. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore proven and effective methods to ensure communicative, productive parent-teacher conferences. (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only $250.00$270.00 |
 5 Key Strategies for Motivating the UnmotivatedApplication: All subjects/grade levels It can be argued that motivation must come from within. While that may hold a degree of truth, it can never be an excuse for a teacher to not try his/her best to inspire even the most unmotivated students. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore various methods for stimulating and motivating students of all ages, levels, and abilities. (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only $250.00$270.00 |
 5 Key Strategies for Not Sweating the Small StuffApplication: All subjects/grade levels In any given week, our schedules can become overwhelming. Pop-up meetings, papers that need grading, parent phone calls to return, lessons that need planning, extra help, broken copy machines, technology that breaks down, etc. We can’t control what lands on our plates during the work day, but we can choose how he prioritize and handle the various challenges we face. Keeping a level head, being pragmatic, and managing our time are vital skills that become second nature. However, we could all use a helping hand and a useful tip every now and again. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore realistic pedagogical methodologies and proven strategies that focus on effective prioritizing and the practical managing of the various issues, concerns, responsibilities, and problems regularly faced in order to ensure that teaching remains at its highest possible quality. (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only $250.00$270.00 |
 5 Key Strategies for Remaining RelevantApplication: All subjects/grade levels Despite our best efforts, we, as educators, cannot help the fact that while our students stay the same age (assuming we teach the same grade level), we continue to age. Aside from graying hair and possibly shortening fuses, we find ourselves growing detached and less able to relate to our students. The music they listen to, the shows they watch, the pop culture they are immersed in seem foreign to us. And the truth is, staying connected to our students is a key component to effective teaching and learning. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore innovative tactics and tangible tools that will help in staying current, in staying connected, in staying relevant. Note: Applicable to all subjects/grade levels. (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only $250.00$270.00 |
 5 Key Strategies for Staying ConnectedApplication: All subjects/grade levels While none of us could have predicted the circumstances of the Coronavirus, we, as educators are forced into the unchartered waters of distance learning. With that, comes the challenges of staying connected to our students, not only to continue their education, but to let them know they’re not alone. Our students depend on us. And no matter the situation, we can’t let them down. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore tactics and strategies for providing optimum educational opportunities and, more importantly, facilitated methods of staying connected with students for as long as distance learning is reality. (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only $250.00$270.00 |
 5 Key Strategies for a Successful Back-to-School NightFirst impressions are, as they say, everything. And you don’t get a second chance at making a good one. For many teachers – even those with decades of experience – the mere thought of parents entering their classroom for an evening of explanatory dialogue is enough to make them sick to the stomach. Open School Night is a parent’s way of meeting the teachers who interact with and affect their children on a daily basis, and a teacher’s way of establishing guidelines, expectations, means of communication, and areas of focus. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore tangible tools and effective strategies to creating a positive first impression and a successful Back-to-School evening. Applicable to teachers of any subject/grade level. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only $250.00$270.00 |
 5 Key Strategies for a Solid SeptemberAfter a summer of (hopeful) recuperation, we enter a new school year with renewed enthusiasm and energy. With that, however, can come nervousness and apprehension. What kind of students will I have? What new challenges will I face? How can I ensure I start the new year on the right foot? September is a crucial month because it’s our opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the year. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore tried and true pedagogical methods for making the first month productive and purposeful. Note: This course is applicable to teachers of all grade levels/subjects. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only $250.00$270.00 |