The Art of Co-Teaching (Level 2) Deepening the Co-Teaching Partnership and Practice 3-Hour *IN PERSON* Workshop Facilitated by Consulting that Makes a Difference-8:30-11:30am
2026-12-01 08:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
This is a dynamic, hands-on workshop specifically designed for co-teaching teams who have worked together for at least two years and are ready to advance their skills, deepen their collaboration, and refine their instructional practices. This workshop builds on the foundational knowledge and experience gained in Level 1, offering co-teachers a chance to reflect, recalibrate, and reignite their partnership through focused exploration, meaningful dialogue, and intentional planning. As co-teaching becomes more established in classrooms, educators often find themselves seeking more advanced tools and structures to meet the evolving needs of their students, refine their use of the six co-teaching models, and strengthen their interpersonal dynamics. Level 2 is designed to meet these needs, offering experienced co-teachers the space to move beyond basic implementation and toward true instructional synergy. Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/120NMauneyLLaA79Xz95AkCUzwJDyX2tu/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5409109

Beyond the Plateau: Science-Based Fluency Strategies for the Classroom *IN PERSON* facilitated by Lauren Kolbeck Szulc - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-12-01 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Audience: Classroom teachers grades 1-6, reading teachers, literacy coaches, ELL teachers and administrators Are your students “stuck in the middle of the bridge”-able to decode but lacking the automaticity needed to truly comprehend and enjoy what they read? This full-day, interactive workshop equips educators with a comprehensive Science of Reading-aligned toolbox designed specifically for the needs of developing readers. We’ll redefine fluency as the integration of accuracy, appropriate rate, and prosody-the essential gateway to deep comprehension. Participants will: -Implement the “Read Like Us” protocol -Apply scaffolding techniques in small group instruction to provide all students access to complex, grade-level text. -Design and curate text sets that promote wide reading and develop academic vocabulary. -Use ORF and WCPM data to make informed instructional decisions, targeting appropriate fluency benchmarks rather than speed alone. The afternoon session focuses on maximizing the impact of small group instruction. Participants will practice delivering immediate, targeted feedback and using strategies such as listening passage previews to support students with challenging texts. By shifting from finding the “perfect level” to designing the right scaffold, educators can ensure every student reaches the doorway to comprehension. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BEC1LchIJyeIyXJ7je9eiy6VDD_pqLWo/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5392830

AI in the Classroom: Practical Use for Teaching and Learning (6-12) *IN PERSON* facilitated by Mike Ochs - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-12-02 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
A practical introduction to using AI tools to support teaching, planning, and student learning in secondary classrooms. Teachers explore clear, responsible ways to use AI to generate materials, model thinking, and support writing and analysis-while maintaining strong instructional judgment and student ownership. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14fWhHDHQomo2ss8QkBJXBwSOJchExNKT/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5407905

Student Resilience in Schools: Dr. Michael Ungar's 9 Factors that Schools can Effectively Influence VIRTUAL 3-hour Workshop facilitated by Joan Fretz - 8:30-11:30am
2026-12-03 08:30 - 11:30 | Virtual Conference
In educational settings, there has been an unfair emphasis on a student’s individual responsibility to change, and a lack of attention to the many social and institutional factors that make a student’s resilience possible. Come explore the 9 factors schools can successfully influence, based on the world-wide research of Dr. Michael Ungar, Director and Founder of the Resiliency Research Centre in Canada. Learn how resiliency research helps to shift our focus from psychopathology, disorder and trauma to the promotive and protective factors that positively influence academic and developmental outcomes. Extensive free resources will be provided. Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hbSC3znm7kuzbn2R9HhgSgKlSNX6UnoX/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5406140

Alternatives to Suspension *IN PERSON* facilitated by Michelle Levy - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-12-08 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
This course is intended to help administrators and staff understand that exclusionary practices have significant short and long-tern negative effects on students’ academic, social-emotional, and mental health wellness. There are alternative approaches to discipline that lead to improved student outcomes. Effective alternatives to suspension focuses on restorative practices, behavioral interventions, and social-emotional learning, keeping students in school while addressing the root causes of behavior. Participants will: 1) Understand the purpose (why, when and how) of using alternatives to suspension 2) Gain knowledge of the recent research on school suspensions 3) Learn how a systemic change to the approach to discipline and problem behavior can affect school climate and learning 4) Learn practical, replicable ideas to use as effective and proactive alternatives to suspension. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xmp9yMqIpQd-dluMZdyvc72RuDQ-seB1/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5397684

USING DECODABLE BOOKS FOR SMALL GROUP INSTRUCTION VIRTUAL Workshop facilitated by Dana Brown - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-12-08 08:30 - 14:30 | Virtual Conference
Our ultimate goal is to create confident, independent readers. To do this we will connect what we know about using leveled text with a phonics-lens. We will use our decodable readers to connect phonics and vocabulary within a small group instructional model, and see how these instructional materials can help us to do deeper comprehension work. Key takeaways: Procedure for using decodable readers in Paired Reading for school and home practice. Use sentence structure activities to develop oral language skills for the purpose of being able to read challenging texts. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12fcVKirqHMi0a5izKpInsjiqlmIekWzj/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5404408

Dive Into Differentiation: Foundations for Reaching Every Learner 3-Hour *IN PERSON* Workshop Facilitated by Consulting that Makes a Difference - 8:30-11:30am
2026-12-09 08:30 - 11:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Whether educators are new to differentiation or are seeking to refine their skills, this interactive workshop will leave attendees with strategies that they can readily incorporate into their classrooms the very next day! Participants will learn tools to meet the needs, capacities, and skills of diverse learners in the classroom. Attendees will learn what differentiated instruction is and is not, explore strategies to differentiate the four quadrants of differentiation, and plan lessons that incorporate the strategies and information presented. The workshop will emphasize the importance of ongoing reflection and adaptation to meet the needs of all students, from those who require extra support to those who are ready for enrichment. Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vNdTtyrdrfb4432MNuSoEY_z-JjOVQqB/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5409229

Integrating Literacy Across Your Entire School Day *IN PERSON* facilitated by Lauren Kolbeck Szulc and Deborah Linscott-Feinstein - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-12-09 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Audience: Classroom teachers grades K-6, reading teachers, literacy coaches, ELL teachers and administrators What if literacy instruction didn’t compete with Science, Social Studies, and Math-but made learning in every subject stronger? This engaging, practical workshop is designed for K-6 educators who want to help students read, think, and write with purpose across the school day. Literacy doesn’t stop at the ELA block-it’s the foundation that allows students to access complex texts, build knowledge, and communicate their thinking in every content area. Participants will leave with classroom-ready strategies that support the shift from learning to read to reading to learn. Together, we’ll explore research-aligned practices that help students deepen comprehension, expand vocabulary, and make meaning from rich informational texts-without adding more to your plate. What You’ll Learn and Experience: Strengthening Language Comprehension Across Subjects Building Knowledge with Purposeful Text Sets Making Close Reading Meaningful Teaching Writing as a Thinking Tool This workshop blends research, real classroom examples, and hands-on practice-so you leave ready to implement immediately. If you’re looking to strengthen comprehension and writing without sacrificing content, this session is for you. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jehuNpVUbnEshnaDK1yfu_0FYBvRMjuu/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5392869

Playful Assessments: How Do We Capture the Gift of Learning? VIRTUAL Workshop facilitated by Dana Brown - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-12-09 08:30 - 14:30 | Virtual Conference
In this workshop, we will come together to explore the landscape of play-based teaching and how it can lead to the concept of playful assessments. Participants will investigate, plan and collaborate around moments to capture in a young learner’s journey, pedagogical documentation, honoring young student voices in documentation, sharing a child’s story productively, self-documentation, conferencing, and sharing and celebrating learning. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZIzXa0Rz-k9wDHYfIlwF_KTUDe6qguQ5/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5404420

Deciphering Dysgraphia: Practical Strategies for Support 3-Hour VIRTUAL Workshop Facilitated by Consulting that Makes a Difference - 8:30-11:30am
2026-12-10 08:30 - 11:30 | Virtual Conference
This strategy-filled workshop is designed to help educators understand and effectively support students with dysgraphia, a learning disability that affects writing skills. Attendees will gain insight into the neurological and cognitive factors that contribute to dysgraphia and explore common signs and symptoms. The workshop will provide practical, research-based strategies to support students in overcoming writing challenges, including alternative ways to express ideas, assistive technology tools, and differentiated instruction techniques. Educators will learn how to adapt their teaching methods to meet the needs of students with dysgraphia, from creating a supportive classroom environment to offering personalized accommodations. By the end of the workshop, teachers will have a toolkit of resources and strategies to help students with dysgraphia succeed academically and feel more confident in their writing abilities. This workshop is essential for any educator looking to foster inclusivity and support diverse learners in the classroom. Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19cBCabeMiXM85K3vb5GTlTIMJMXEVwzn/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5409256

Dyslexia and Dyslexic Tendencies: Become Empowered with Brain-Based Small Group Strategies *IN PERSON* facilitated by Deborah Linscott-Feinstein - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-12-10 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Audience: K-6 General and Special Educators, English/ENL Teachers, Reading Specialists, ELA Coaches, and District Administrators Are you ready to be the best advocate for the 20% of students in your classroom who struggle with dyslexia? Join us for a transformative professional development day designed to build your confidence and your students’ success. This workshop will help you to understand the emotional and neurological reality of the dyslexic brain. You will master sequential, systematic, and explicit instruction that doesn’t just manage symptoms but fosters positive brain growth. Simple Phonemic, Letter-Sound, Fluency and Syllable-Type Assessments will stop the guesswork in your small groups. We will equip you with simple assessments that allow you to group students immediately and align your instruction to their exact developmental stage. Your data-driven micro-groups and small groups will help you track students’ mastery of skills. What You Will Master: -Articulatory Memory: Use “Vowel Valley” techniques, mirrors, and gestures for sounds to help students distinguish mouth positions and firm up sound-symbol relationships. -*Building Neural Pathways: Foster activities that make building connections easier. -The Morphology Advantage: Integrate morphology (prefixes, bases/roots, and suffixes) into your daily lessons to help students decode and spell complex words. -Bridging the Gap between Decoding and Meaning: Master “High-Leverage Thinking Moves,” (Burkins and Yates) such as activating prior knowledge, noticing structures, and summarizing core ideas. These will be paired with systematic comprehension techniques, including visualization, text notations for self-monitoring, mapping texts with graphic tools, and summarizing. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19DF8XBBUfz6m_2uNnFXqq_nZj6pl80le/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5393325

The Art of Co-Teaching (Level 3) Elevating Instruction Through Reflection & Differentiation 3-Hour *IN PERSON* Workshop Facilitated by Consulting that Makes a Difference-8:30-11:30am
2026-12-15 08:30 - 11:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
This is an advanced, practitioner-centered workshop designed for experienced co-teaching teams who have been working together for more than two years. This level supports seasoned teaching partners in reflecting on their journey, refining their practices, and pushing the boundaries of what co-teaching can achieve. It is ideal for educators who have previously completed Level 1 and Level 2, or who bring extensive co-teaching experience and are ready to evolve their partnership and instructional impact. As co-teachers become more seasoned in working together, new challenges emerge-student needs become more complex, team dynamics evolve, and instructional goals grow more ambitious. This workshop is about recognizing those changes, honoring the co-teaching journey, and moving forward with intentionality and innovation. Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bRgg82GyavoByXATbG3BbV0QTuWYUhtn/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5409156

Strengthening Writing and Thinking in Science & Social Studies (Grades 4-8) *IN PERSON* facilitated by Lauren Kolbeck Szulc and Deborah Linscott-Feinstein - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-12-15 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Audience: Classroom teachers grades 4-6, social studies teachers grades 6-8, science teachers grades 6-8, literacy coaches, ELL teachers and administrators What if helping students write about your content actually deepened their understanding of it? This introductory, practical workshop is designed for Science and Social Studies teachers who want to help students clearly express their thinking through writing. Grounded in the science of reading and aligned to the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, this session focuses on how explicit writing instruction can strengthen comprehension, support critical thinking, and make content learning stick. Rather than adding more to your plate, you’ll learn how small, intentional instructional moves can help students successfully write about what they are learning-at both the sentence and paragraph level. What You’ll Learn and Experience: An Introduction to the Science of Reading-With a Focus on Writing Aligning Writing to the NYS Portrait of a Graduate Using Explicit Instruction to Teach Content Writing From Sentences to Strong Paragraphs Practical, Ready-to-Use Strategies Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kF7063L_2IlptRR67Di_aULbpkNFq6_V/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5392910

The Philosophy and Practice Behind Reciprocal Mentorship While Project-Based Learning in the K-12 Classroom and Beyond *IN PERSON* facilitated by Dr. Melissa Jacobs - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-12-15 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
As we increasingly rely on computers for everyday interactions, the power of human connection requires greater skill development. Reciprocal mentoring programs are designed to both sustain and engage individuals in a successful evidence based method for greater productivity in K-12 and beyond. Building networks within the classroom between student learners to work towards building community, creating collaborative relationships while critically thinking about the work around them helps to build more resilient students. Ultimately, taking that model and establishing those networks between stakeholders to break down silos will be introduced through a project-based approach. Objectives: -Address the reciprocal design in mentoring and your role as change agents -Compare the differences between reciprocal and other types of mentorship -Understand the practical design features that can be incorporated into practice -Understand the impact reciprocal mentorship design has in challenging the mainstream mentoring design and its weaknesses -Assess how reciprocity supports equity and inclusion in its design Work to implement the strategies learned Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vbI7GYAy21_Adu1pTAxngNLAkDFO-P5x/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5410882

Trauma Informed Practices *IN PERSON* facilitated by Michelle Levy - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-12-16 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Trauma-informed practices are designed to recognize and respond to the impact of trauma on students’ learning and behavior. This approach emphasizes creating a safe and supportive environment that fosters trust, empowerment, and resilience. Trauma-informed practices are educational approaches that prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment to support students affected by adverse experiences while shifting from punitive discipline to empathetic understanding. Participants will learn strategies like predictable routines, supportive instructional practices, restorative justice, and flexible, nurturing environments to reduce triggers, foster resilience, and address trauma’s impact on learning. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sai6jeiaG2O6BF3abyvwxK0kUIJw4-au/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5398021

BELIEVE - Positivity Changes Lives VIRTUAL 1-1/2 hour Workshop facilitated by The Zen Den's Michelle Anglisano and Kristen McDermott - 4:30-6pm
2026-12-16 16:30 - 18:00 | Virtual Conference
A workshop based off of the TV show Ted Lasso Life can challenge our ability to stay positive, whether through professional pressures or personal demands. Inspired by the uplifting philosophy of Ted Lasso, who champions optimism and focusing on what we can control, this workshop explores how a positive mindset can transform your daily life. Through a variety of meditation practices and breathwork techniques, participants will connect deeply with the motivational messages of Ted Lasso, cultivating a calmer, more focused mind. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with practical tools to shift your outlook, enhance your interactions, and bring a renewed sense of positivity into every aspect of your day. Eligible for 1-1/2 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f0CB43WedZoXmI2l1IvOjqFU7q57WDWn/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5407826

Deeper Dive into Differentiation: Advancing Your Practice 3-Hour *IN PERSON* Workshop Facilitated by Consulting that Makes a Difference - 8:30-11:30am
2026-12-17 08:30 - 11:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
This workshop is tailored for experienced educators looking to refine and elevate their differentiation practices. Building on foundational strategies, this workshop dives deep into advanced techniques for addressing the diverse needs of learners in complex classrooms. Participants will explore how to integrate high-level differentiation strategies such as tiered instruction, flexible learning environments, and personalized learning paths. Focus will be placed on designing rigorous yet accessible tasks that challenge students at every level, from gifted to struggling learners, while maintaining high standards. Participants will also delve into data-driven decision-making, using formative and summative assessments to adapt instruction in real time. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities, educators will strengthen their ability to create dynamic, student-centered learning experiences that promote engagement and growth. By the end of this workshop, participants will have actionable strategies to foster an inclusive, high-performance classroom that meets the needs of every student. Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-ldghIyyDAkxu2hpCumXvN1AGrWpAeA7/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5409242

Standardized Test Prep Done Right: Leveraging Problem Solving & Conceptual Understanding VIRTUAL Workshop facilitated by Philip Dituri, Ph.D.-8:30-2:30pm
2026-12-17 08:30 - 14:30 | Virtual Conference
How well do your students know the test? How do you prepare them when you’re 10 months out? What is the best thing to do 1 month out? Learn about how to teach students to ace standardized tests! We will discuss -getting to know your test, -multiple-choice problem-solving strategies, -how to prepare your students in the final days, and, most importantly, -how to apply deep mathematical understanding of more basic math concepts to display mastery over more complicated ones. Train your students to use the math they’ve mastered in new ways the test designers didn’t anticipate and make them better problem solvers. Must have reliable and stable internet connection. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kNXNnSuX63WxaV3eMJlmUNy_vv53tfk1/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5394441

Reflect, Refine, Redesign: A Collaborative Workshop for Earth and Space Sciences Curriculum and Assessment (2-DAY workshop) *IN PERSON* facilitated by Brian Vorwald-8:30-2:30pm
2026-12-18 08:30 - 2027-01-13 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
One or two years into implementing your NYSSLS-based ESS curriculum is the perfect time to reflect, refine, and re-energize your instruction. This engaging two-day workshop is designed for Earth and Space Sciences teachers ready to strengthen student-centered, phenomenon-based, three-dimensional learning while improving student performance and engagement. Collaborate with fellow educators in a supportive, hands-on workspace focused on curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Together, we will examine what is working well, identify opportunities for growth, and explore practical strategies to make learning more meaningful for students. This two-day workshop provides a collaborative space for teachers to strengthen curriculum, instruction, and assessment within their NYSSLS-based Earth and Space Science program. Participants will bring units, lessons, and assessments from their own curriculum and use alignment screeners to evaluate how effectively these materials promote three-dimensional learning and meet NYSSLS expectations. Together, teachers will identify instructional and assessment gaps, explore strategies to increase student engagement through relevant local anchor phenomena, and examine how mini storylines can help connect concepts to a
uthentic student experiences. The workshop will also focus on designing assessments that better prepare students for ESS Regents question clusters while authentically measuring all three dimensions of learning. Participants will analyze sample assessments, explore ways to strengthen students’ scientific reasoning and written responses, and investigate how storyline-based assessments and novel scenarios can provide students with more consistent opportunities to apply their understanding throughout the year. Throughout the workshop, AI tools will be explored as resources for brainstorming and refining instructional materials, assessment ideas, student supports, and practice opportunities.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mdK15Zg4Q6GBpnTic2TExB1Pv5nAJAgC/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5411197

Unraveling Dyscalculia: Understanding and Supporting Students 3-Hour VIRTUAL Workshop Facilitated by Consulting that Makes a Difference-8:30-11:30am
2027-01-14 08:30 - 11:30 | Virtual Conference
Dyscalculia is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a student’s ability to understand numbers, learn math facts, perform calculations, and apply mathematical reasoning. While it is less commonly discussed than dyslexia or ADHD, dyscalculia affects a significant portion of the student population, and its impact can be profound when left unrecognized or unsupported. This workshop begins by defining dyscalculia and distinguishing it from general math difficulties. Participants will explore how dyscalculia presents across age groups, understand the cognitive processes involved in math learning, and identify the core deficits that characterize this learning difference. Through a blend of real-life examples, hands-on activities, and strategy demonstrations, educators will gain the tools and confidence needed to support students with dyscalculia in inclusive and specialized settings. Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T4IgPdCEHcurtS5Vu9SpX1yODNF5V9T9/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5409258

Blueprints for Tomorrow: Cultivating Global Community Architects Across the K-12 Continuum *IN PERSON* facilitated by Dr. Melissa Jacobs-8:30-2:30pm
2027-01-14 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
The landscape of modern education requires a visionary approach that transforms students from passive learners into active, empathetic global citizens. The Global Community Architects initiative is designed to bridge the gap between local K-12 classrooms and the broader world, serving as a direct vehicle to realize the core competencies outlined in the New York State Portrait of a Graduate. By integrating cross-cultural academic exchange, collaborative inquiry-based thinking, and the productive navigation of artificial intelligence, this initiative creates a seamless educational thread from elementary curiosity to high school civic action. Grounded in the principles of interdisciplinary project-based learning and driven by evidence-based peer mentorship among both students and educators, this framework ensures that every learner develops the cultural competence, critical thinking, and effective communication skills necessary to thrive in an interconnected global society. Alignment with the NYS Portrait of a Graduate -Critical Thinkers & Problem Solvers: Engaging students in authentic, inquiry-based research experiences and the ethical, productive use of AI to analyze and solve complex global issues. -Effective Communicators: Building open lines of creative communication through strategic partnerships with international schools, university programs, and local community members. -Culturally Competent Citizens: Fostering academic experiences without borders to develop deep empathy, global awareness, and a strong sense of local and global civic responsibility. -Empowered Educators & Lifelong Learners: Utilizing local teacher centers and doctoral-level peer mentorship models to facilitate innovative training, ensuring educators continuously develop the adaptable skill sets required to guide student-led global initiatives. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cHUUDUzg6Mb2fqYuIVIfDoReu6j4wr7K/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5410991

Specially Designed Instruction: Putting the "Special” Back in Special Education 3-Hour *IN PERSON* Workshop Facilitated by Consulting that Makes a Difference-8:30-11:30am
2027-01-20 08:30 - 11:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
This engaging workshop explores the meaning of specially designed instruction and teaches participants how to provide the unique types of instructional services needed by students with disabilities. We will share effective strategies for implementing accommodations and altering, modifying, and/or adapting instructional methods materials, techniques, and learning environments for supporting students with diverse learning abilities and needs. Participants will learn a three-tiered approach for making modifications that help students accomplish IEP goals and objectives while supporting the achievement of the general curriculum standards. Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dp703UwSB5ctJBq4GMZ4YKuFPcNP_JGe/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5409250

Fluency That Builds Comprehension (K-5) *IN PERSON* facilitated by Mike Ochs - 8:30-2:30pm
2027-01-20 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Fluency is often overlooked or treated as secondary, yet it plays a central role in comprehension. This workshop focuses on daily, repeatable structures-modeling, repeated reading, and guided practice-that help students read with accuracy, rate, and expression while strengthening understanding. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z8PmIVWPip_-iMqwnJYnNHvXgEWrWpYO/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5407906

Read Like a Detective: Science‑of‑Reading Moves for Deep Comprehension *IN PERSON* facilitated by Lauren Kolbeck Szulc and Deborah Linscott-Feinstein - 8:30-2:30pm
2027-01-21 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Audience: Classroom teachers grades 2-8, reading teachers, literacy coaches, ELL teachers and administrators This high‑energy workshop immerses grade 2-8 literacy and content‑area educators in Science‑of‑Reading‑aligned practices that make close reading a powerful engine for comprehension. Through an interactive model lesson, participants will see how detective‑style reading, purposeful annotation, strategic rereads, and attention to sentence structure help students make sense of complex texts. The session highlights how understanding syntax-how sentences are built-supports meaning-making, knowledge building, and vocabulary growth. Educators leave with practical routines that make close reading engaging, doable, and instructionally rich across subjects. Using one complex text as the anchor, the session models how to guide students through evidence gathering, sentence‑level analysis, and increasingly sophisticated interpretation. -Active, detective‑style reading with a pen to slow down, notice details, and externalize thinking -Rereading with new lenses (gist, structure, craft, meaning) to deepen understanding -Sentence‑level comprehension to unpack syntax, clarify meaning, and support complex‑text access -Science‑of‑Reading‑aligned use of complex texts to build knowledge, vocabulary, and language comprehension Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1k8_i_pGVVYdF3Le6tga3KddOy0dP1JCy/view?usp=sharing
Registration; https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5392992

Demystifying the NYS ELA: Brain-Friendly Multiple-Choice Strategies for Grades 3-8 *IN PERSON* facilitated Deborah Linscott-Feinstein - 8:30-2:30pm
2027-01-26 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Audience: administrators, literacy coaches, reading teachers, grades 3-8 ENL, general and special education Teachers Are your students struggling with the complex multiple-choice questions on the NYS ELA exams? Success on these assessments require a tremendous amount of executive function, organization, and close reading. Join our comprehensive seminar designed to equip Grades 3-8 educators with brain-friendly, strategic test-prep practices that treat the state test as an authentic “transfer genre” that moves beyond rote practice. We will dive deep into the composition of NYS test questions and explore how to organize your instruction to build student stamina and confidence without causing frustration. You will leave with hands-on tools to demystify tricky question stems and empower your students to navigate reading passages effectively. Actionable Takeaways: -Practice Close Reading in the Main Genres: After demonstrations, participants discuss close-reads on newly released passages at their own grade levels. -Multiple-Choice Protocols: Teach students to read the question, underline key words, “say it back” in their own words, answer it from their head first, and read all choices before picking the best one. Tap into genres already taught to map expected parts of passages. -Navigate Tricky Answer Choices: Help students spot the deceptive half-true/half-false answers prevalent on the NYS ELA. Learn strategies to determine which students benefit most from fully marking up their texts, and which benefit more from just accumulating text by asking simple metacognitive questions. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EwL6OkvlXLl14SFV0s_QZC9Bz4FOlQnY/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5393496

THE SCIENCE OF READING FOR MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS TOOLKIT BRIEF #3 Literacy Development of Emergent Multilingual Learners in the Early Childhood Classroom VIRTUAL Workshop facilitated by Dana Brown - 8:30-2:30pm
2027-01-28 08:30 - 14:30 | Virtual Conference
In this workshop, we will spend the first part of the day unpacking the full article of the brief to understand the data and research presented while absorbing the classroom examples, reviewing the conclusion and recommendations, as well as the references and resources so we can work together to reflect and apply the revised instructional practices during the second part of the day. Participants will work throughout this day long workshop to link practical classroom resources, engage in example teaching and learning activities, and focus on planning and preparation to implement this brief with the following outcomes: -Understand research and theory in second language acquisition and biliteracy -Identify pre-literacy practices that are developmentally appropriate -Gather materials that reflect home languages and cultures of students, such as bilingual and native language books -Utilize the EML (Emergent Multilingual Learner) Protocol Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iHE0Nt7o_pNlovbJlzl8c0R3udSq_SYz/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5404443

Small Group Instruction for Students on the Dyslexia Spectrum *IN PERSON* facilitated by Deborah Linscott-Feinstein - 8:30-2:30pm
2027-02-02 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Audience: Grades K-6 general education teachers; reading teachers; special educators; ELA coaches; ELA, ENL and Special Education directors; building and district administrators. Join us for a day to build your knowledge and confidence when teaching dyslexic children. According to the International Dyslexia Association, perhaps as many as 20-25% of students have some of the symptoms of dyslexia, including slow or inaccurate reading, poor spelling, poor writing, weak comprehension, or mixing up similar words. Let’s focus on small group instruction for mild, moderate and severe dyslexics. Targets include: -understanding the brain of the dyslexic -sequential, systematic, explicit phonemic and phonics instruction -comprehension strategies that succeed -writing strategies to accommodate dyslexics -morphology as part of learning to read and spell -the use of articulatory memory and gestures for sounds and vocabulary -specific strategies for overlearning across texts within knowledge-building units This day will yield abundant practical small-group strategies for immediate implementation in your class, school or district. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dfosX07slI9qPJ5qkm7LZ8CUl4vQHByV/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5393824

Debate and Discussion That Drive Comprehension (3-8) *IN PERSON* facilitated by Mike Ochs - 8:30-2:30pm
2027-02-10 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Structured talk can deepen understanding when it is clear, purposeful, and grounded in text. This workshop focuses on building debate and discussion routines that support reading comprehension. Teachers learn how to guide students in using evidence, responding to ideas, and clarifying thinking through structured exchanges that lead to stronger understanding and more precise responses in speaking and writing. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f5un-1zdPRbgpJPt_jHZ4Wpqa-0l0x1i/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5407911

Awe-NSPIRE-ing Math: 5 Strategies to Transform Your Teaching VIRTUAL Three 1-hour sessions facilitated by Jayson Kiang - 4-5pm
2027-02-24 16:00 - 2027-03-10 17:00 | Virtual Conference
Discover how to unlock the true educational potential of the TI-Nspire CX II CAS in your Algebra and Geometry classrooms. This focused session will walk you through five high-impact, easy-to-implement calculator skills designed to deepen student understanding and boost daily engagement. You will walk away with actionable, step-by-step strategies that you can immediately use to empower your students’ mathematical problem-solving. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VNXlx12U7bjWxZml-Gqf5hFopoMe7qaQ/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5399360

THE SCIENCE OF READING FOR MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS TOOLKIT BRIEF #5 The Science of Reading in Multilingual K-12 Classrooms VIRTUAL 2-Day Workshop facilitated by Dana Brown - 8:30-2:30pm
2027-03-02 08:30 - 2027-03-03 14:30 | Virtual Conference
In this workshop, we will spend the first day unpacking the full article of the brief to understand the data and research presented while absorbing the classroom examples, reviewing the conclusion and recommendations, as well as the references and resources so we can work together to reflect and apply the revised instructional practices during the second day. Participants will work throughout this two day long workshop to link practical classroom resources, engage in example teaching and learning activities, and focus on planning and preparation to implement this brief with the following outcomes: -Identify the Big Six (phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, oral language) -Understand different pedagogical approaches such as learning to read versus reading to learn -Learn how to create a comprehensive literacy instructional program that goes beyond the Big Six to encompass linguistic and cultural assets for multilingual learners (I.e. english language development, metalinguistic awareness, cross-linguistic connections, oracy and social justice and culturally relevant pedagogy) -Use screener data appropriately -Gather instructional strategies for the Big Six that incorporate ELL and ML considerations Eligible for 12 hours CTLE credit. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13iVWPlk22CbZvpwXWPZVaQHq30bjsGl6/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5404470
