Bullying

Course #L1011 A safe and supportive school climate can help prevent bullying. Safety starts in the classroom. Students should also feel and be safe everywhere—in the cafeteria, in the library, in the restrooms, on the bus, and on the playground. Everyone at school can work together to create a climate where bullying is not acceptable. By the close of this course, teachers will have a keen understanding on what bullying is. They’ll be able to recognize the different types of bullying, adopt certain techniques so bullying is absent in their classroom. They will analyze a case study on bullying. They will examine different personalities and risk factors of the bully and the victim, identify warning signs that bullying is happening with your students, prevent cyberbullying, and also understanding DASA. This course is geared for all K-12 educators and special area teachers. ON-LINE (3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only

Course Description: According to the most recent research on teacher effectiveness, instruction flourishes in a classroom environment that promotes a collaborative community.  This course will provide an overview on the philosophy behind creating a classroom culture that fosters positive behavior.  Participants will learn strategies for establishing classroom settings, routines, and expectations that encourage student voice, creativity, leadership, and effective teamwork.  Educators will research strategies for constructive supervision, increasing student capacity and opportunity as well as methods for reducing negative behaviors.  During this class, participants will explore technological resources to monitor and motivate student behavior.  Educators will also learn how to write and use both a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) based upon data collection.  As a result of this class, participants will learn best practices to improve student behavior and create an ideal learning environment for success! A must for all Educators K-12! 

  Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – (gaylelumia@yahoo.com) Tackling controversial topics and embracing cultural differences can be challenging for teachers and students alike. This course will provide teachers with ways in which to apply cultural understanding to their pedagogy as well as empower students with courageous discussions about tough topics as poverty, racism, LGBTQ+ issues, violence, bullying, etc. A myriad of ideas and activities will be utilized including evidence-based writing assignments, civic learning activities, project-based learning, as well as essential communication tactics. All disciplines are welcome! A must for all K-12 Teachers!!!!

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