Course Description: Creating a successful learning environment is interconnected to a myriad of ideas and a stirring vision. Having support and high- quality resources creates a landscape for learning that students desire and require. An instructional pedagogical playbook provides a tool for coaches and teachers alike, one that utilizes research-based strategies and matches learning goals. In the end, a deeper understanding of curriculum will emerge that increases student motivational levels and transforms learning in any classroom setting. Innovative lessons will be addressed, as well as powerful tools that help students pursue intellectual passions. A must for all K-12 educators!!!!! (3 credits/45 hours) – In-Service Credit

Participating in philosophical discussions and Socratic type of learning is essential for 21st century learners. Enhancing one’s students to be motivated and think critically of the world around them is tantamount to the Common Core standards of learning in all subject matters. The study of the philosophy behind picture books and their authors captivates students and infuses morality and integrity into their worlds. In this course, teachers will be exposed to a plethora of children’s books from all disciplines. They will learn to critically analyze, judge, delineate, and closely comprehend the genre in order to devise pertinent lessons for their students. Teachers will walk away with a plethora of interdisciplinary lessons that collectively forge bonds between their learners. A must for K-12 educators. Participants will be able to: • Select from a wide range of children’s books in order to delve into philosophical ideas and current ELA research • Draw inferences from renowned picture book authors in order to instruct their students on pertinent philosophical issues • Enhance their classrooms via current research on literature in the classroom via ELA techniques/Social Studies techniques, and Science/Math strategies • Participants will be able to implement philosophical trends in their classrooms via picture books • Participants will be able to create lessons that integrate all aspects of literacy via children’s books • Participants will design a medley of critical thinking lessons that target their audiences via Common Core instruction Participants will complete activities, lessons, and design assessments that they will bring back to their students. They will be able to understand the inner workings of picture books and how they transcend classrooms and motivate students. They will complete a cooperative group assignment, weaving all aspects of the course together fully. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only

  Course Description:   As an educator, do you ever feel that you just don’t have enough time in the day to get all your things done? Do you feel like you just don’t want to take your paperwork and grading home? Well, this course is designed to help educators with proper time management strategies.  Tips from planning lessons, to contacting parents, to grading will be discussed. Together we will examine how to prioritize your tasks, use your time more effectively, and stop procrastinating! You’ll also learn how to teach your students the skills to do it as well.  Teachers will discuss the importance of time management skills and planning, and how this is a skill we will use for life.  This course is a must for all educators levels K-12.

February 2024

Dates: February 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.

Instructor: Kim Kittredge kkittredgeliips@gmail.com

No matter what subject you teach or what topic you may bring up in class, having your students communicate with each other is key to a successful educational environment.   The “Turn and Talk” is a way for students to share how they feel about a lesson, a quote, a story, a historical event, etc., by simply turning toward a neighbor and sharing ideas.  This course will focus on how to use Turn and Talk ideas as a way for students to center their learning and focus on higher order thinking.  Educators will practice the Turn and Talk so it can be modeled for their students as well as collaborate to create appropriate Turn and Talk topics.  This course is designed for educators of all subject areas grades K-12.

*New CourseWinter/Spring 2024 January 2024: 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18.Mt Sinai Congregational Church 

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.

The new standards of common core can seem confusing and overwhelming to some when figuring out how to include them in daily lessons. This course will explore how the new common core math standards can be integrated into regular lesson plans in a fun and creative way. We will explore the standards of mathematical practice as the CCSS are a new way of teaching. At the end of this course, teachers will feel comfortable implementing the new standards and creating lessons that move students down the pathway of success and college and career readiness. Recommended for all Educators K – 12. ON-LINE (3credits/45hours) In-service credit only

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.

While AI has been in the education technology space for a while, adoption has been slow. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual learning forced the industry to shift. Al helps streamline the student education process by offering access to suitable courses, bettering communication with tutors, and giving them more time to focus on other life aspects. Al enhances the personalization of student learning programs and courses, promotes tutoring by helping students improve their weak spots and sharpen their skills, ensures quick responses between teachers and students, and enhances universal 24/7 learning access. Educators can use AI for task automation, including administrative work, evaluating learning patterns, grading papers, responding to general queries, and more. Here are eight ways Al is used in education.

Creating a solid classroom community where students are eager to take risks is essential for all grade levels. This course gives teachers concrete ways to incorporate small and meaningful changes into their daily routines. Energizers, brain breaks, group activities, greetings, and community shares, will all be

Course Description: This course discovers the specific things that great teachers do.  What makes them effective?  What are their strategies?  What are their skills, and how do they promote academic excellence?  In this course we will explore the beliefs, behaviors, attitudes, and interactions that form the fabric in the best classrooms and schools.  This course is a must for all educators grades K-12. ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only Instructor: Kim Kittredge kkittredgeliips@gmail.com  

Course Description:

This course is designed to simplify the process of writing a terrific lesson plan.  Educators will work together to create and execute the perfect lesson plan for your students.  Teachers will share ideas and lessons they have previously used and discuss what makes an effective lesson. From the Do Now, to the Procedures, to the use of the standards and expectations, teachers will be armed with the tools to move forward with ease.  Lesson plan writing does not have to be difficult; it could be perfect.