Culture
 | An educator’s words have the tremendous power to influence students’ beliefs. When discussions about politics, race, sexual orientation, religion, class, or any other controversial issue come up in the classroom, it is critical for teachers to tread the fine line between merely sharing their personal views and teaching facts. Educators must remain objective in their teachings to ensure a safe learning environment for students. This course offers thoughtful views to help protect the teacher and the school district. We will discuss neutrality, how to engage in appropriate conversations, social media/politics, freedom of speech and what exactly that means for a teacher, and steps to safely discuss politics within the classroom. This class is suitable for all k-12 educators and service providers.
ON-LINE (3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only
| |
 | Current Events can be integrated into all subject-areas and within all grade levels. This course will take an in-depth look into how current events can be a part of English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Special Areas. Specifically, course participants will learn about instructional resources such as NewseumEd and a Journalist’s Resource, along with the importance of news literacy. Participants will discover ways to integrate Current Events into their curriculums on a daily basis, while continuing to meet the educational standards set forth. This course is suitable for all educators, K-12.
ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only | |
 | Having students become knowledgeable citizens of the world through cultural experiences enables them to become reflective thinkers and critical learners. Viewing one’s culture as tantamount to the learning experience is critical for both students and teachers alike. Kaleidoscope is the process of putting into place a multicultural way of thinking and teaching that can be implemented by all teachers. Teachers will be provided with a theoretical framework, bridging theory and practices via exercises, discussion, scenarios, teaching materials, and language acquisition. In the end, a recipe for engagement will occur.
*A must for K-12 Educators!!!!!
ONLINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only | |
 |
Assimilating into the United States from a different culture can be a challenging task. Educators need to know about language, education, foods, customs, and discipline of the students entering our school system in order to promote success. Combine this knowledge with that of the Next Generational Standards and you have the recipe for success. This course will incorporate a plethora of information to inculcate both students and teachers into the multicultural process. Lessons on culture, respect, vocabulary, reciprocal reading, diversity will be covered, as well as various strategies to enhance respect and learning for all. A must for all educators K-12. Upon completing the course, teachers will have the tools necessary to expand their repertoire of ideas in the classroom.
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 | |
 | Many local districts are dealing with poverty and multi cultural differences in the classroom. It is important to learn and understand these differences and find a way to relate to your students in ways that are meaningful to them. One major challenge is how to design a learning experience with your curriculum that that is reflective of the multicultural, economical and learning differences in each classroom. Teachers will explore and create lessons that are driven to meet the multitude of needs in each classroom. Suitable all Educators K – 12.
ON-LINE (3credits/45hours) In-service credit only | |
 |
Course Description: Global competence is the skills, values, and behaviors that prepare young people to thrive in a more diverse, interconnected world. Embracing a mind-set that translates personal global competence into professional classroom practice is crucial for teachers today. This course will enable participants to engage learners globally via transformative lessons that are relevant to every aspect of the world today – politics, science, culture, cross-cultural communication. Teachers will become familiar with the characteristics of globally competent students, be able to transcend that knowledge into their classrooms via language instruction, best practices of the world, and sensitivity to a wide gamut of issues on a global scale. A must for K-12 educators!!!!
(3 credits/45 hours) – In-Service Credit | |
| As educators and lifelong learners, we must always remain dynamic in our approach to education. We must remain abreast of changing ideas and modernized techniques while always remaining constant and consistent in our dedication to making all students feel safe, welcomed, and included. Cultural Diversity, habitually associated with Social Studies, is a concept that applies to all course subjects and levels, as it focuses on and celebrates the range of races, ethnicities, religions, and affiliations that come together in our classrooms and in the world outside of academia.
Teachers enrolled in this course will explore proven strategies and pedagogical methods aimed at inclusivity, at celebrating differences while focusing on education, at making students of all backgrounds feel safe, welcomed, and included.
Applicable to teachers of all subjects/grade levels.
ON-LINE (3 Credits / 45 hours) in-service credit only | |
 | More and more students today are identifying as LGBTQIA+. This requires more understanding and awareness by educators on gender identity and sexual orientation in order to make sure our students feel safe and accepted at school. It is important to understand the history of LGBTQIA+ and all of the terms that are included in order to help support our students. There are many challenges that LGBTQIA+ youth face today and it is important to provide them with resources and supports in order to make them feel safe and accepted. In addition to our students, parents need help as well. It is important to learn how to help both our students and parents navigate through these new experiences in order to support their children. This course is for all K-12 educators and related service providers. | |
 |
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!!!! | |
 |
This course will examine how educators discover and develop positive classroom connections with their students. Participants will learn effective and strategic teaching methods to transform your classroom into an emotionally connected atmosphere of positivity and learning. Having a connected classroom is key to uncovering and discovering how positivity builds a perfect foundation in any classroom. Educators will study strategies for positivity classrooms as well as daily connection skills. This course is a must for teachers of grades K-12 of all levels.
ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only
Instructor: Kim Kittredge kkittredgeliips@gmail.com
| |
 | Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia - gaylelumia@yahoo.com
Students who enter the Long Island Public School system from foreign countries need to learn to assimilate into a very different culture. What do we as educations need to know about language, education, foods, customs, and discipline of the students entering our school system in order to promote success? A must for all educators K-12. (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only | |
 | (3 credits/45 hours) – In-service credits Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com Course Description: This course will provide an investigative stance on the topic of school violence and the ways in which educators, counselors, nurses, psychologists, and administrators can guide students to prevention. Educators will uncover the ways in which students can contribute to a healthy school environment free of bullying, student conflict, and dissention. Participants will evaluate their own classroom safety procedures, their abilities to intervene when necessary, and learn how they can play an active role in mitigating violence before it occurs. ** A must for K-12 educators** | |
 | Course Description: This course is designed for educators to examine diversity, multiculturalism, and language obstacles that we find today in our schools. As many students enter our education systems from foreign countries, many teachers have to be armed with the skills to help them work successfully to meet our education standards. This course will help teachers learn effective ways to work with, and often learn from, these assimilating students of diverse cultural backgrounds. Participants will focus on effective strategies to deal with our ever-changing school communities. Educators will discuss language collaboration, how to plan your curriculum and focus your lessons, and how to successfully promote your lower functioning students due to language or cultural barriers. Many techniques will be shared on how to educate your multicultural, diverse, classroom, and move these students to the next level. This course is a must for all educators levels K-12.
(3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only
Instructor: Kim Kittredge kkittredgeliips@gmail.com
| |
 | Instructor:
Nicole Martinez
nmartinezliips@gmail.com
3 credits/45 hours In service credit only
Course Description:
English Language Learners (ELLs) are a diverse group of students who are faced with learning a new language and content at grade level while simultaneously immersing themselves into a new cultural and school setting. This challenge becomes even harder when the ELL student has interrupted or inconsistent formal education, also known as, SIFE. SIFE ELLs come with a unique set of needs and aspirations. As teachers we must get to know our students, understand the issues they may face, and provide the support they need on their level. Participants of this course will gain an understanding of who SIFEs are, what makes their needs unique, support at school-wide and classroom levels, as well as actionable practices. Suitable all educators and staff K-12. | |
|
Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com
3 Credits (45 Hours) In-Service Credit Only
Course Description: On a daily basis, teachers must deal with issues surrounding poverty and pedagogy. Many of our students confront a wide array of issues and arrive at school unprepared for the day ahead. A wealth of misconceptions arises as well, some of which tend to stifle our learners and disallow for success. In this course, teachers will learn how to recognize the root of these misconceptions, produce experiential and critical thinking activities for their learners, as well as develop lessons on equity and justice, all of which promote changes in attitude and empathy for all learners. A must for all K-12 educators in all disciplines!!!! | |
|
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!!! | |
| Janna Florio 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. | |
 | Course Description: What is Artificial Intelligence? Will it replace me? Will it take over the world? Since the Spring of 2023, the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been in the news everywhere. These are some of the most common questions we all have about AI. In this course we will introduce what artificial intelligence is, dispel myths and misconceptions about AI, and discuss how it can be used in education to support student growth and augment and enhance our work. This is a self-paced 3-credit course that allows participants to access the course whenever and wherever is convenient for them. The course consists of three main components: 1. Asynchronous Learning: Watch or listen to a video that contains the course’s content. Main topics include:
This engaging course is appropriate for general and special education teachers, school psychologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists/ teachers, physical therapists, social workers, guidance counselors and any other professionals who interact with children regularly. This course will fulfill CTLE requirements. Credits: (3 credits/ 45 hours) in-service credit only Instructor: Dr. Christopher Korolczuk Email: DrK.liips@gmail.com | |
 | Ways to save the environment are all around us. So, how do we share this with our students, our classroom, our school community? This course is designed to offer educators insight into creating the most environmentally friendly spaces. Educators will be offered strategies for their classrooms and lessons for their students to help them be more environmentally conscious. Teachers will be able to make healthier choices for their students, their classrooms, and school community which will help them and our planet. This course will analyze the effect of the daily choices we make, technological advances, gardening energy consumption, global warming and the effect of pollution and agriculture. Students will examine these choices and their effects on our worldwide ecosystem. Additionally, students will be asked to examine their own behaviors and actions and find a way to make better choices for themselves, their school community and their world. This course is a must for all educators of all grades K-12. | |
 | Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com
In-Service Course – 3 Credits – 45 Hours
Course Description: Activating social awareness in students is tantamount. Encouraging exploration of varying perspectives and creating an atmosphere of critical thinking paves the path for student success. This course will instruct participants on the ways in which engagement can enhance their already existing curriculum. The course will focus on student needs, meaningful discussions, exploration of viewpoints, dialectic journals, critical analysis, visionary components, etc..
*A must for K-12 educators* | |
 | Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com
In-service Course – 3 Credits / 45 Hours
Course Description: Creating a positive school environment begins with developing and implementing stellar character education, beginning with lessons on morality, responsibility, respect, peer to peer interactions. This course will enable teachers to glean the ways in which to infuse the ideas of moral understanding, psychological literature, and scientific methodology into their everyday encounters with students. Modeling and community outreach suggestions will intertwine with the course material to create a superb character education program for our students.
*A must for K-12 educators* | |
 | (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only
Instructor: Dr. Christopher Korolezuk
Email: DrK.liips@gmail.com
Course Description: This professional development course delves into the intricate subcultures within public schools and districts, exploring how these hidden dynamics shape educators' work environment, professional relationships, and overall job satisfaction.
Participants will engage in reflective and analytical activities to uncover the nuanced ways in which subcultures influence educational outcomes and personal well-being.
NEW! This self-paced course uses an online learning platform called Canvas. All videos, reading materials, and assignments can be found in one online location. Also, you can simply type your assignments into the website and hit the "submit." button. This new feature makes the course easier to navigate and more user-friendly than other courses. | |
 | *New Course* Fall 2024
Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com
In-Service Class – 3 Credits – 45 Hours
Course Description: Creating passionate and vocal learners, individuals who desire change and engage in civility is tantamount for students today. Instructing individuals on ways to take collective action for their causes, engage in community and national service, and learn about promoting the quality of life in a community equals success. This course will guide teachers on the ways to establish inquiry-based learning, exchanges of ideas, and ways in which all perspectives are heard. They will learn to make a difference in the civic lives of their communities via knowledge, skills, and values.
*A must for K-12 Educators!! | |
 | *New Course*
Instructor: Kim Kittredge Kkittredgeliips@gmail.com
3 credits/45 hrs in service
Dates: January (2025) 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23.
We know as educators that we are here teach many ideals. Our knowledge of our subject area and proper classroom behavior are just to name a few. Character Education is one of these ideals that is a vital part of any student’s learning. Educators in this course will discuss theories on how to teach your students to be the best that they can be. Educators will discuss methods to helping your students become more respectful and responsible individuals. Character education will provide students with models for maintaining integrity and becoming well-adjusted people. Using some of these character theories learned in this course, you will feel proud to know that your students will be going out into the world a more well-rounded and responsible member of society. This course is a must for educators grades K-12. | |
| Credits: (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only
Instructor: Dr. Christopher Korolczuk Email: DrK.liips@gmail.com
Course Description:
Do you find it challenging to help students navigate the complex, volatile, and emotionally charged events of our world? Are you unsure how to guide them in understanding the truth, processing their emotions, and responding thoughtfully to global issues?
This professional development course is designed to equip educators with the tools and strategies needed to support students in analyzing current events critically and empathetically. Participants will explore topics such as media literacy, historical context, emotional resilience, cultural perspectives, and civic engagement. The asynchronous format allows teachers to learn at their own pace, making it a practical option for their busy schedules. Topics include identifying credible sources, managing classroom discussions, addressing bias, fostering hope, and promoting advocacy.
By the end of this course, educators will be prepared to create safe, thoughtful, and engaging learning environments where students can explore challenging topics with confidence and empathy, developing skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
NEW! This self-paced course uses an online learning platform called Canvas. All videos, reading materials, and assignments can be found in one online location. Also, you can simply type your assignments into the website and hit the "submit." button. This new feature makes the course easier to navigate and more user-friendly than other courses.
The course consists of three main components:
1. Asynchronous Learning: Navigate through the course's content at your own pace on the online platform. The main topics for this engaging course include:
| |
| *New Course Instructor: Kim Kittredge kkittredgeliips@gmail.com 3 Credits In Service Course (45 Hours) Dates: Spring 2025 – June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18. Course Description:This course is designed to discuss empathy and how we can build it together. Empathy will be defined and explored. Teachers will be given a multitude of tools to build empathy in the classroom and in the culture within the school. Educators will work towards sympathizing and building stronger relationships through empathy and empathetic strategies. Strategies such as “imagine self” and “imagine others” will be discussed. Educators will work on skills to deeply understand their students’ personal and social situations, and feel care and concern for them. Positive and negative emotions will be explored as well as proper communication, understanding and how to demonstrate empathy in the classroom and in your school. This course is a must for educators K-12. | |
| *New Course
Instructor: Kim Kittredge kkittredgeliips@gmail.com 3 Credits In Service Course (45 Hours) Dates: Spring Break 2025 – April 14-18. Course Description:The power of positive thinking can help us as teachers and can help our students get through the day. This positivity is a strategy that will help us all our lives. This course is designed to dig deep into the impact that positive thoughts can have on our lives. Both students and teachers will explore how to harness the potential of a positive and optimistic mindset. Educators will explore how to help your students obtain a positive psychological viewpoint and refrain from negative thoughts. Strategies will be shared on resilience, gratitude, transformation and compassion. Educators will end up with a plethora of tools on overall positive thinking and living and how to emotionally transform your classroom. This course is a must for educators K-12. | |
| *New Course
Instructor: Kim Kittredge kkittredgeliips@gmail.com 3 Credits In Service Course (45 Hours) Dates: Spring 2025 – April 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 21, 22, 23, 24. Course Description:How do student feel when they are labeled or stereotyped? What is the impact it has on the youth of today? This course will explore the different labels and stereotypes students are given and live with daily. Educators will examine the role that labels play on students. We will discuss whether or not labeling hurts or helps a student get by. Educators will examine the effect labeling or stereotyping plays on all children with all needs and all backgrounds. This course is a must for educators K-12. | |
 | *New Course Instructor: Kim Kittredge kkittredgeliips@gmail.com 3 Credits In Service Course (45 Hours) Dates: Summer 2025 – June 30th-July 4th Cousre Description:Being a mentor and mentoring are both important roles for an educator. This course will delve into what it is like to be mentor to another teacher. We will go through the strategies and skills that should be shared from a seasoned teacher to a newer teacher. We will also discuss how when you a mentor a student in class he help them to become the best version of themselves. Mentors in all roles are here to guide and provide. Educators will leave this course with a better sense of how to work with teachers and students to be the perfect mentor for today. This course is a must for educators K-12. |