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:
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 Constructive ObjectivesWhen observing teachers, many administrators look for clear and purposeful objectives. However, creating learning goals and lesson aims isn’t always easy. Students enrolled in this course will explore useful types of measurable objectives and methods used to create them. Suitable for all teachers K – 12! ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only $250.00$270.00 |
 5 Key Strategies for Mastering the Changing Face of Education*NEW COURSE LATE SPRING 2021Course Description: As educators, we must remain dynamic and flexible as we navigate the unchartered waters of modern education. Our students have changed and so has life around them. Following a pandemic, online/remote and hybrid learning have become new norms. Students, regardless of age/grade/level, are faced with new challenges, both academically and socially. And while we cannot always predict these changes, we must be able to adapt our teaching methods in order to provide our students with the best education possible. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore proven pedagogical strategies focusing on the modernization of education and the flexibility and adaptability teachers must employ. Applicable to teachers of all subjects/grade levels. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only $250.00$270.00 |
 5 Key Strategies for Post-COVID Teaching*NEW COURSE LATE SPRING 2021Course Description: The Covid-19 Pandemic changed the world of education. Yes, it brought unprecedented challenges, but it also revealed the importance of quality classroom instruction and illuminated the limitless efforts of teachers. We had to adapt, we had to learn new teaching methods, we had to reconstruct our classrooms while, at the same time, care for our loved ones and fear for our safety and that of our students. Fully remote learning, hybrid instruction, Google’s stamp on academia, heightened sensitivity to germs and coughs and sneezes and unwashed hands were some of the challenges we faced. Through all of this and more, we prevailed because it’s our job. We are educators, we are role models, and we are leaders. And so, as the demands and expectations of education have changed, so have our teaching methods. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore various post-pandemic educational changes and proven strategies and techniques aimed at providing a safe, productive, enriching classroom experience for the students we teach. Applicable to teachers of all subjects/grade levels. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only $250.00$270.00 |
 EXCEL in the Classroom: Maintaining Accurate RecordsAside from teaching, there are many responsibilities that are inherently part of what we do each day. Often, these tasks and obligations can be overwhelming and time-consuming. It has been proven that organization is one way to reduce stress, which is the primary focus of this course. Teachers enrolled will explore various simple ways of using Microsoft Excel for record-keeping. Even if you’re not a proficient computer whiz, Excel makes it easy to customize and maintain spreadsheets. The assignments are designed to help you simplify, minimize, maintain, and track data. Additionally, Annual Professional Performance Reviews (APPRs) now include an evaluative section on maintaining accurate records. Teachers enrolled in this course will learn new ways of improving this particular rating. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only $250.00$270.00 |
 Giving the Benefit of the Doubt: Every Student Has a StoryHow often do we have unruly children in our classrooms who defy the rules, resist authority, and cause a general disruption? While it is easy to dismiss these students, perhaps there is a way to get through to them. That process begins by understanding them. Who/What are they going home to? What is going on in their lives outside of their academic responsibilities? Teachers enrolled in this course will explore practical methods of breaking down walls and communicating with those tough students as a means of facilitating a more comfortable, productive classroom. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only $250.00$270.00 |
 Immediate Engagement: The Purposeful “Do Now”Forty (or so) minutes go by quite quickly. By the time we get our students seated, take attendance, check homework, explain the objective, and start the lesson, our allotment of time has dwindled considerably. Also considering how often our students are taken out of our classes because of field trips, visits to the nurse, or other various reasons, the clock often seems to be on fast forward. Essentially, we want to get the most out of our class periods. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore the possibilities, variations, and applications of the infamous “Do Now” as a means of engaging students immediately and getting the most out our (and their) time. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only $250.00$270.00 |
 Student-Athletes: Making the Classroom CountAll 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 $250.00$270.00 |
 5 Key Strategies for Maintaining Classroom MoraleNEW COURSE FALL 2021 Instructor: Lee Markowitz email: MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only As we proceed through a new age of teaching, teachers find themselves facing new challenges and expectations…We must have heightened sensitivity to students’ social and emotional well-being, acknowledgement of gender neutrality and fluidity, recognition of anxiety and depression, as well as remaining mindful of Covid-19 and the impact it has had on so many. Yes, we must teach the academics and yes, school must go on; however, we must always prioritize our students’ safety and comfort. Above all else, students need to feel comfortable in our classrooms. They need to feel safe, they need to feel accepted and welcome. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore proven tactics and strategies aimed at maintaining a positive, encouraging classroom morale so that our students have a fair chance at performing their best and getting the most out of their educational experience. Applicable to teachers of all subjects/grade levels. $250.00$270.00 |
 5 Key Strategies for Integrating Films into LessonsNEW COURSE Fall 2021 Instructor: Lee Markowitz email: MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only There will always be students who assume that a film being shown equates to a free period, devoid of learning. And while there are some teachers who might feel the same, the fact remains that there is so much the film industry has to offer the world of education. With more and more streaming services available and improved classroom technology, incorporating films and/or film clips has never been easier. Moreover, some students are visual learners and can, therefore, benefit from seeing a visual representation of something being discussed in class. Teachers enrolled in this course will review the necessary checks to ensure that films are appropriately and effectively selected. Together, we will explore the best ways to incorporate these films into lessons that are engaging and purposeful. Applicable to teachers of all subjects/grade levels. $250.00$270.00 |
 5 Key Strategies for Getting Involved in Your Educational Community*NEW COURSE FOR SPRING 2022 Instructor: Lee Markowitz email: MarkowitzLIIPS@gmail.com ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours)In-Service Credit only Despite what many people might think, a teacher’s work day doesn’t end with the bell at 2:00 or 3:00. Many teachers give their free time to their students by chaperoning events, hosting clubs, coaching sports, volunteering at various school functions, writing recommendation letters, or giving extra help. Our early mornings, our evening, and sometimes are weekends are devoted to our students because a teacher’s day does not begin and end with the bell. We do this because we recognize that our students are part of a community, a place centered around a school system that is devoted to the growth, development, and enrichment of the children who will become its future. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore various means of community involvement and gain an understanding as to why this is a vital component of teaching. Applicable to all subjects/grade levels. $250.00$270.00 |