Mindfulness

This course explores the creation of a classroom community that meets the needs of all students, including learners with disabilities and learners with diverse backgrounds. Suitable all educators K-12. A primary objective of this course is to help teachers understand how the Building a Classroom Community approach boosts children’s social and academic skills while reducing behavior problems. Particpants completing this course will: • Receive materials, readings and research relevant to building a classroom community • Learn how to develop strategies that will enable all students to participate in group activities and explore team building activities • Morning Meeting Approach • Investigate the Responsive Classroom approach to discipline • Gather practical tips to try in your classroom right away ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Course Description We define social and emotional learning (SEL) as an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. SEL advances educational equity and excellence through authentic school-family-community partnerships to establish learning environments and experiences that feature trusting and collaborative relationships, rigorous and meaningful curriculum and instruction, and ongoing evaluation. SEL can help address various forms of inequity and empower young people and adults to co-create thriving schools and contribute to safe, healthy, and just communities. Course Objectives

• Develop self-awareness and self-management skills to achieve school and life success.
• Use social-awareness and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships.
• Demonstrate decision-making skills and responsible behaviors in personal, school, and community contexts.

Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic. Yes, these are often the focal points of our lessons. With that having been said, we must consider that there is more to what we do. Our students – regardless of age or grade level – enter our classrooms in September and leave in June. During that span, there is noticeable maturation, emotional growth, and cognitive development. Our role is vital, and Character Education is crucial. Yes, our students are measured by tests and numbers, but helping them grow to be well-adjusted, respectable members of society is essential. Teachers enrolled in this course will explore realistic pedagogical methodologies that focus on helping our students develop pride, integrity, and character. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

ON WILLIAM FLOYD APPROVED COURSES LISTING According to recent statistics published by the Center for Disease Control, (CDC), approximately thirty-two percent of children and adolescence are classified as overweight or obese. This course will explore the various factors that contribute to the obesity crisis among children in this country including: behavioral, environmental, social, economical, and cultural factors. Students will also examine the roles the media and American culture play in determining food and lifestyle choices. This course will also provide insight on the scientific causes and consequences of obesity in regards to both health and economic consequences. Students will research government programs which battle obesity, such as the “Lets Move” campaign launched by First Lady Michelle Obama. In addition, students will learn strategies that schools and teachers can implement in order to prevent childhood obesity. A must for all educators K-12! ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

Autism affects 1 in 68 children in the United States. As educators, we are confronted with the challenges of educating students with Autism and social disorders, while managing behaviors within the classroom. This course will explore communicative strategies useful for focusing, learning material, managing behaviors and socializing with peers. Alternative and augmentative means of communication will be discussed. At the conclusion of this class, participants will gain useful tools to maximize communication for all students within the classroom and therapy environments. A must for all Educators! ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service only

  Instructor – Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com 3 credits (45 hours) – In-service course Course Description: The compounding ramifications of stress in students’ lives can be overwhelming and insurmountable. Instructing students on the ways in which to manage and cope with difficulties is crucial to their well-being. This course will enlighten participants on the ways in which students can handle stress in their daily lives, including coping mechanisms, proactive thinking, positive relationship building, and the exploration of lifetime practices. A must for all K-12 educators!!!!!

Instructor: Christina Palmenteri In service only. 3 credits/45 hours Course Description: A comprehensive online course designed to equip educators and coaches with the tools to create positive, inclusive, and skill-building sports environments for young athletes. Participants will explore key strategies in developing age-appropriate training, fostering teamwork, enhancing communication, and addressing the unique needs of youth players. This course provides practical insights and strategies to promote physical, social, and emotional growth in young athletes while meeting educational standards for continued professional development. * Suitable for all Educators K-12

Enhancing one’s students to be motivated and to learn is at the forefront of education today. Increasing students’ emotional well-being is tantamount to good teaching. This course will focus on the whole child and the components that make up the learning dynamic. Participants will learn how to utilize their most powerful teaching tool – their vernacular – to bring out the best in their learners. Teachers will be instructed on empathy skills and will be trained in classroom techniques involving empathy as: building positive relationships, strengthening community, fostering classroom connections, preparing for leaders in the classroom environment. Overall, participants will be creating a classroom culture of acceptance and gratitude. A must for all educators in the K-12 classroom!!!!! ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

*New Course* Instructor: Kim Kittredge Kkittredgeliips@gmail.com 3 credits/45 hrs in service Dates: February Break (2025) - Feb. 17th-21st As educators we are confronted with all different issues with our students. School anxiety is an issue that can affect any child at any age. We may be confronted with school anxiety when our students ask to frequently leave the room to go to the nurse or to go to the bathroom. But in more severe cases, our students may not come to school at all. These students unfortunately just can’t even make it into the building due to their severe school anxiety. In this course educators will receive an overview of what school anxiety is and how to recognize it. Teachers will be armed with theories on how this anxiety manifests itself in general, and will be given strategies on how to deal with their students. Strategies will also be shared for dealing with Absenteeism and how to help catch up your students who may be falling behind due to their anxiety. This course is a must for educators grades K-12.

  Instructor: Gayle Meinkes-Lumia – gaylelumia@yahoo.com (3 Credits/45 Hours) – In-Service Credit Course Description: It is much more difficult for our brains to unlearn something than to learn something new. Having the capacity to train our brains to make deep connections to learning is the purpose of this course. Participants will understand the factors that shape myelination in children and comprehend how it provides the foundation for brain connectivity and support of emergent cognitive and behavioral functioning. Studying the reasoning behind this neurodevelopment will enable teachers to create comprehensive lessons that support and engage learners from all walks of life. *A must for all K-12 educators and disciplines!!

3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only Instructor: Dr. Christopher Korolczuk Email: DrK.lips@gmail.com Course Description: This course offers a comprehensive view on tackling the mental health crisis in public schools, highlighting the importance of balancing emotional safety with resilience, addressing digital distractions, and navigating the complexities of social media and self-perception. It underscores the effects of COVID-19 on students, emphasizing the need for reconnection and support post-isolation. Further, it delves into the rise of medication for mental health issues among children, advocating for mindfulness and alternative strategies. The analysis of increasing anxiety and depression, the rethinking of ADHD approaches, and the role of parental boundaries in child development are crucial for understanding the multifaceted nature of students' mental health challenges. Lastly, the discussion on engaging yet rigorous education offers insights into maintaining students' interest without compromising academic standards. For school personnel, learning about these topics is vital post-COVID-19, as it equips them with the tools to support students' mental well-being and adapt to the changing educational landscape, ensuring a holistic approach to student development and learning. 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.

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:

• Media Literacy and Critical Thinking
• Historical and Cultural Context
• Emotional Resilience and Empathy
• Civic Engagement and Advocacy

1. Assignments: Participants are responsible for submitting 10 written assignments that connect the course content, professional experiences, and personal views.
2. Required Reading and Videos: Various professional articles and videos are embedded in the course.

* Participants will need to create a free "student" account with CANVAS to begin the course. The link to sign up for the course in CANVAS will be emailed to course participants once they are signed up and paid through LIIPS. 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.

Course Description: With all the virtual learning going on, how do we as educators help students learn independently?  This course will focus on how to facilitate lessons instead of teaching them as we have always done in the past.  With the world changing, we must too.  Students must independently create their own learning experiences, and become more active learners. It is our responsibility to teach them the skills to guide them through it.  Educators will learn how to encourage students to think creatively and take an independent and active role in their own learning.   Teachers will discuss how to first identify what it is to be an active learner, and then how to go beyond that.  Teachers will learn how to work with students to stretch their minds to the limits, help students manage time constraints, take effective notes and annotate, and be creative and organize their roles as learners on a daily basis.  This is a must for all educators of all disciplines K-12.

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