Students of all ages look at sports as a main hobby and source of entertainment outside of school. This course focuses on learning in relation to youth, amateur, and professional athletics. Participants will create projects, lessons, and activities that will tie sporting events to English-Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Participants will develop curriculum-based assignments for their classroom, with a special emphasis on sports leagues, teams, and athletes. Students will make connections between what is happening in and outside of the classroom. This course is suitable for all educators, K-12. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-service only

As a parent, teacher or caregiver, the subject of sexual development and sexuality in children, adolescents and teens will eventually become a reality to deal with. As human beings we are all sexual beings with physical and emotional needs. These feelings begin from the day we are born. Sexuality includes self-image and self worth, interpersonal relationships, emotional and physical needs. Regardless of ability or disability, sexuality is a natural part of being human. As a parent, teacher or caregiver, it is our responsibility to teach those in our care the responsibilities and consequences of various behaviors related to sexuality. Teaching takes on many variables that determine how and what we teach. We must take into account; family and religious beliefs, cultural factors, developmental abilities and disabilities, and society norms. In this course we will explore sexual development and it’s effects on emotions and physical behavior in the student population beginning from birth to young adult. The course will address human development and sexuality with a focus on students with developmental disabilities. Finally, when caring for or working with children and/or students, you must be aware of the child’s readiness to be able to learn about such subjects. In addition, any teaching must be done in conjunction with parental knowledge and consent. One must also use discretion to determine what is appropriate for that child based on their age and maturity level. This course is intended to offer information, it is not intended to be used as a lesson plan or behavioral intervention plan. Parents and teachers should consult with their helping professionals, and other family supports when addressing sexuality with their children and/or students. ON-LINE (3 Credits – 45 Hours) In-service Credit only

Janna Florio

jflorioliips@gmail.com

Online Course – 3 credits / 45 hours – In-Service Credit Only

Applicable to High School Teachers & Department Coordinators/Chairs

Description: Being a student in high school is tough; being a teacher of high school students is tough; however, surviving high school as a newcomer to the country could feel almost impossible. Combined with the harrowing experiences they suffer during their immigration journeys, adolescent ELLs are also faced with the stresses that plague the majority of all other high-schoolers. From high-stakes testing to mental health concerns, students within this age bracket hold a lot of weight on their shoulders. Past trauma, feelings of isolation, displacement from family, and the challenges of learning a new culture and language only exacerbate these issues for immigrant and migrant students. In this course, you will learn about the struggles these students face, the challenges they must overcome, and what schools might be able to do to support them.

School violence can be prevented. Research shows that prevention efforts – by teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and even students – can reduce violence and improve the overall school environment. No one factor in isolation causes school violence, so stopping school violence involves using multiple prevention strategies that address the many individual, relationship, community, and societal factors that influence the likelihood of violence. Prevention efforts should ultimately reduce risk factors and promote protective factors at these multiple levels of influence. COURSE OBJECTIVES At the conclusion of the class students will be able to: ● Create school wide prevention and intervention strategies. ● Develop emergency response planning. ● Develop school policies and understanding legal considerations. ● Create a positive school climate and culture. ● Implement ongoing staff development. ● Ensuring quality facilities and technology. ● Foster school/law enforcement partnerships. ● Institute links with mental health/social services. ● Foster family and community involvement. ON-LINE (3 Credits – 45 Hours) In-service Credit only

Research continues to confirm that we can teach students with learning disabilities to “learn how to learn.” We can put them into a position to understand and value their own education. Because everyone learns differently, helping children reach their maximum potential should be the goal in every classroom. A variety of tips and tools have been developed throughout this course to help both teachers and parents provide the most supportive and successful learning environment. This course will provide a wealth of information and a comprehensive overview of evidence-based remediation and accommodation teaching strategies. This course will include: the visible signs of learning disorders; effective teaching and accommodation strategies; most recent technology, diagnostic criteria; and self-esteem. This course applies to all Educators K-12. NOTE: This is a separate and independent course from ABC’s of Learning Disabilities and Beyond – Resources for Educators . This course was designed to provide additonal information and direction beyond the ABC’s course. ON-LINE (3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only  

3 Credits – In service Course (45 Hours) Instructor: Kim Kittredge     kkittredgeliips@gmail.com Course Description: As educators we want all our students to be curious, questionable and seek adventure through learning.  This course will lead educators to take a different teaching route with their students. Critical thinking and thought-provoking techniques will be shared. Hands-on, and experiential learning, critical thing techniques and more will be explored.  Since this type of “learning through exploration” is the wave of the future, educators, coaches, directors, and administrators will all benefit from the techniques shared in this course.  Teachers will learn to utilize driving questions for students that will help them enhance their learning tremendously. The course will also center around deep discussion, PBL techniques, inquiry-based analysis and many more innovative concepts. This course is a must for all subjects and grade levels K-12. 

Course Description: In order for our students to develop better, more sophisticated literacy skills to succeed, they need to work hard to meet the demands around them. Literacy is more than just learning how to read, it is writing skills, speaking skills, solving problem, and beyond. In this course, educators in will develop and share tools and activities to strengthen their students’ literacy skills and help them succeed utilizing the new Next Generation Standards. This is a must for all teachers of all disciplines and subject areas K-12.

A Literature circle, sometimes referred to as a book club, is a type of reading instruction that is commonly found within a balanced literacy program. The main goal of literature circles is to enable children to develop a thorough understanding of a text. Reading comprehension is deepened through the completion of individualized tasks, combined with small group discussions. This form of reading instruction involves student choice, which fosters a student-centered love of literature. Through the use of literature circles, students are given the opportunity to purposefully respond to a text, make connections from their background knowledge, engage in critical responses to make meaning from the text, and much, much more! Course participants will research the philosophy behind literature circles, as well as the methods, roles, and procedures of literature circles. Through this research, participants will learn how to implement this form of reading instruction within his/her own classroom. This course will provide information on the ways in which to differentiate literature circles, in order to the meet the needs of both advanced and struggling readers. In addition, this course will provide resources for teachers to further explore literature circles including: bibliographies of suggested literature, role worksheets, lessons plans, and much more! Suitable all educators, K – 12. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

As educators, we are required to be teachers of literacy. We are all required to be teachers of literacy. We must learn to embrace this change, not deject it. This course will provide you with the means of loving every minute of literacy. You will be introduced to many literacy websites, learn the newest literacy out there to teach, uncover a wealth of creative writing assignments, incorporate interdisciplinary modalities, and have students love literature once more. Games and exciting anticipatory sets will be demonstrated as well. Your students will thank you! This course is a suitable for all educators K-12. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com In-Service Course – 3 Credits – 45 Hours Course Description: A happy classroom is teeming with positive relationships and a sense of belonging. All students are treated equally, all input is taken into account, and students feel safe and respected. Creating this positive classroom culture provides students with the ability to flourish and connect to the material at large. This course will provide educators with the tools necessary to develop an enthusiastic mindset and to subsequently create lessons to match. Topics to be covered include positive reinforcement, effective classroom environment strategies, literature readings from the Dalai Lama and “The Good Life”, as well as philosophical readings on scientific keys to happiness. *A must for K-12 educators*

  Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com (3 Credits/45 Hours) – In-Service Credit Course Description: Individuals who do the most talking, thinking, reflecting, or moving do the most learning. When learners feel good about what, how, and with whom they learn, they’re more likely to want to do it again. Building upon childhood experiences and engaging our students in relevant, meaningful instruction in all disciplines is crucial. Participants in the course will understand the tools for success that their students need in order to make sense of their learning. They will learn to organize their content, pre-teach, structure their lessons perfectly, develop active participants rather than passive recipients of learning. Classrooms will be completely restructured to meet the needs of their aspiring learners! **A must for K-12 educators!!!

  3 Credits – In-service course (45 Hours) Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com Course Description: Engaging our students in all facets of culture is essential to their academic/social growth and mindset. Exploring the traditions of various religions, races, languages, and fully engaging students in inquiry-based curriculum enhances their learning experience. Participants in this course will delve into the passions of diverse learning, exploring the various ways in which students form bonds with other students, accept and validate differences in society, and have a deep tolerance for the world around them. They will utilize various strategies that explore backgrounds, communities, and environments, all of which provide for and maximize the avenues for learning. A wealth of articles, lessons, and assessments will be included. **A must for K-12 educators in all disciplines!!!

Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia –gaylelumia@yahoo.com Many students can become overwhelmed and shut down before trying to work through a challenge. Difficulties can arise for students who have issues applying the skills necessary to be successful – academically, behaviorally and social-emotionally. When students are unable to engage in strategic learning, they risk believing that assignments and social situations are too challenging to attempt or to overcome. Students’ performance and self-concept are managed through mindful mindsets. Having students understand the benefits of managing their stress and identifying the ways in which they improve their academic, behavioral and social-emotional skills is crucial. In this class, teachers will learn how to gain the positive attention from their students when they are feeling defeated. They will analyze how perception relates to learning, learn to manage the different perceptions of students, discover strategies to explicitly teach mindfulness, and uncover the avenues that unlock students’ frustrations. A must for K-12 teachers!!  

*New Course* Instructor: Kim Kittredge Kkittredgeliips@gmail.com 3 credits/45 hrs in service Dates: February (2025) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. With mindset coming to the forefront over the past few years, we as teachers need to understand mindfulness more than ever before. This course will explore mindfulness, social emotional learning and all the aspects of mastering mindset in your classroom. Educators will discuss such strategies as fixed vs growth mindset, communication strategies, and mindset tools for a calmer classroom. Once your students feel Mindset in the classroom they will feel balanced, de-stressed and ready to learn. This course is a must for educators grades K-12.

 It is the goal of every educator to best meet the needs of all students. In specific instances, it can be more difficult to achieve success with an at-risk student. This course will look closely at ways to help all learners grow and achieve. Course participants will learn about ways to work effectively with students who may need extra support or who are in need of alternative strategies to succeed in an academic setting. This course is suitable for all educators, K-12. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Under the new Common Core rigors, student assessment can be a tenuous task. Providing students with accurate feedback and substantial strategies for learning is tantamount to growth. Addressing students’ learning and performance as well as clarifying expectations is synonymous with excellence. In this course, teachers will learn to utilize tools of the trade in order to elevate students’ self-esteem, improve their writing, assess their individual and group assignments. Various modalities of learning and assessments will be covered for all disciplines. Proper practices will be addressed in order to raise the bar of student growth. In the end, teachers and students alike will develop successful instructional strategies that move beyond the basic rubric. A must for all educators!!!! ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) In-Service Credit only

Who doesn’t love music? Music is poetry. Poetry is rhythm. Listening to music on all levels can completely highlight and elevate students scores and lives. From our elementary years, music has always been at the heart of many children. Incorporating songs into the classroom can spark students interests. In this course, we will research content area songs, modern music, children’s songs, classic rock songs and comprehend how they tie into the school setting. Participants will have the ability to offer their own song to research. Music can relate to your mood and relieve stress. Songs as Airplanes; Titanium; One More Night, and Diamonds will be discussed as well as Tupac Shakur lyrics and various rap in the classroom. A must for K-12 educators. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

(Online, In-Service, 3 credits) Instructor: Danielle Sukoff daniellesukoff@gmail.com Course Description This course explores Real-time insights into student understanding through interactive lessons, interactive videos, gamification, and activities — all in a single platform. Participants completing this course will:

•    Receive materials, readings and research relevant to nearpod
•    Learn how to develop nearpods
•  Learn how to utilize the Nearpod library
• Gather practical tips to try in your classroom right away

Course Description: Since we know education moves in cycles, we see Common Core moving out, and Next Generation moving in. As always our roles as teachers need to ebb and flow as well.  This course will describe just what we need to achieve a greater understanding of the Next Generation Standards.  We will discuss how to move forward in our curriculum with our students in our classrooms today.  This course will provide you with the knowledge to be more of a facilitator in your classroom as you coach your students and as they become more active in their own learning. Educators will explore how to promote and encourage self-directed learning in your classroom, while also creating a learning environment that encourages collaboration. Teachers will discuss how to help your students manage their own learning, and inspire their thinking skills. These skills will help them thrive in their daily lives both inside and outside of the classroom. This course is a must for all teachers of all disciplines K-12.