Western Suffolk Boces

Neurodivergent Learners: What Educators Need to Know to Help Them Thrive VIRTUAL 3-hour Workshop facilitated by Joan Fretz - 8:30-11:30am
2026-11-09 08:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual Conference
Neurodiversity is a word used to explain the unique ways people’s brains work. Being neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently from the average or “neurotypical” person. This may be differences in social preferences, ways of learning, ways of communicating and/or ways of perceiving the environment. Because of this, a neurodivergent person has different struggles and unique strengths.” (Cleveland Clinic, June 6, 2022.) Neurodivergent school age children are often diagnosed with ADHA, autism, dyslexia and other conditions. They might talk about a narrow range of topics, have difficulty expressing their feelings or understanding how others feel, seem uninterested in starting a conversation, and have difficulty noticing social cues. They often possess unique strengths, exceptional memory, creative problem-solving, and in-depth expertise in their specialized interests. They frequently demonstrate innovative thinking, pattern recognition, high energy, and a strong sense of justice or honesty. When educators learn more about Neurodiversity, they can help all of their students develop their strengths and live happy and healthy lives. 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/1j7D_nuXgh2PMNIm_KrNUSgiX5xOce9PH/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5406190

h Goals, Data and Progress Monitoring: Practical Strategies and Tools that Work 3-Hour *IN PERSON* Workshop Facilitated by Consulting that Makes a Difference-8:30-2:30pm
2026-11-13 08:30 - 11:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
This workshop focuses on demystifying and streamlining the interconnected processes of IEP goal writing, data collection, and progress monitoring. Creating meaningful IEP goals, collecting relevant data, and effectively monitoring student progress are among the most critical-and often most overwhelming-responsibilities of special education professionals. These tasks are foundational to providing individualized, legally sound, and instructionally effective services for students with disabilities. This supportive workshop helps educators transform what can feel like burdensome paperwork into purposeful practice that drives student success. Whether you’re a new special educator, a general education teacher involved in the IEP process, or a seasoned professional seeking greater clarity and efficiency, this session will equip you with tools, strategies, and confidence to tackle your responsibilities with greater ease and effectiveness. 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/1NeKM6L5LTSKitDRy88laPTqFVwWS06t7/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5409254

Specially Designed Instruction *IN PERSON* facilitated by Michelle Levy - 8:30-11:30am
2026-11-16 08:30 - 11:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) is the core of special education, defined under IDEA as adapting content, methodology, or delivery to address a student’s unique, disability-related needs. It ensures access to the general curriculum and progress toward IEP goals, focusing on specialized, evidence-based strategies tailored to individual learning requirements. Participants will be able to 1) develop introductory knowledge of specially designed instruction (SDI); 2) Identify ethical & legal reasons for the use of SDI; 3) Be able to define SDI & its purpose 4) Understand the relationships between SDI & other instructional strategies 5) Be able to describe SDI & its core elements 6) Differentiate between accommodations & modifications 7) Practice selecting appropriate SDI based upon student needs & characteristics Eligible for 3 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1/2 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cY5V9VkRFyqa7AMlv7YYPdxOxNVQ8EAs/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5397588

Writing with Students with Disabilities VIRTUAL Three-hour session facilitated by Dana Brown - 8:30-11:30am
2026-11-17 08:30 - 11:30 | Virtual Conference
-Provide explicit instruction, consistent demonstrations and descriptions, and intentionally scaffold the steps or processes needed to understand writing concepts -Reduce scaffolds as the student models skills independently and fluently -Design, provide, and assess the effectiveness of specially-designed instruction to provide students with disabilities with access to participate and progress in the general education curriculum -Facilitate capacity building and effective implementation of evidence-based learning practices that meet the needs of students with disabilities -Ensure students with disabilities are being given the accommodations and supports needed to ensure success in writing, including assistive technology 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/1z55YqHCrcMWY-S8JmiDYSvIrlt959oPM/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5404356

The Art of Co-Teaching (Level 1) Building the Blueprint Together with Purpose and Clarity 3-Hour *IN PERSON* Workshop Facilitated by Consulting that Makes a Difference-8:30-11:30am
2026-11-17 08:30 - 11:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
This engaging, interactive, and practical workshop is designed specifically for educators who are new to co-teaching or are preparing to begin their journey as co-teaching partners. Whether you are a general education teacher, a special education teacher, or a support specialist entering a co-taught classroom for the first time, this workshop provides the essential foundation to ensure a strong, collaborative, and effective partnership. Co-teaching has become a widely used instructional model in schools that strive to provide inclusive learning environments where all students, including those with diverse learning needs, can thrive. However, effective co-teaching requires far more than placing two educators in the same room. It demands thoughtful planning, consistent communication, and a clear understanding of roles, responsibilities, and instructional strategies. This Level 1 training is designed to equip co-teachers with the tools, techniques, and shared language they need to establish a successful working relationship from the start. 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/1jB7SHNR2DJ3u8kFc2wx5eaPzxH9VUQ0n/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5409061

Small Groups, Big Growth: Science‑Aligned Instruction for K-2 Readers *IN PERSON* facilitated by Lauren Kolbeck Szulc and Deborah Linscott-Feinstein - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-11-17 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Audience: K-2 Classroom teachers, reading teachers, literacy coaches, ELL teachers and administrators Early readers deserve instruction that is clear, intentional, and rooted in what we know works. This high‑impact session brings the Science of Reading to life for K-2 classrooms, spotlighting the small‑group practices that build strong, confident beginning readers. You’ll explore explicit, assessment‑driven routines that strengthen phonemic awareness, phonics knowledge, and early application in connected text-right where young learners need it most. We’ll dig into practical ways to integrate decodable texts with your phonemic awareness and phonics programs so instruction feels seamless, supportive, and aligned with research. You’ll also receive a set of gradual‑release small‑group lesson plans designed specifically for early readers. You’ll walk away with: -Research‑aligned small‑group structures tailored to K-2 -Routines that build foundational skills with clarity and purpose -Strategies for using decodables to reinforce transfer into reading -Ready‑to‑use tools that make small‑group time powerful and productive You’ll leave energized, equipped, and ready to elevate your K-2 small‑group instruction with the Science of Reading at the center. 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/1WtmT0-8yKrFl9X7kpQ_h_iUi6uGUbWFv/view?usp=sharing
Registration; https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5392794

Vocabulary in the Content Areas (6-12) *IN PERSON* facilitated by Mike Ochs - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-11-17 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Content-area learning depends on vocabulary and knowledge. This workshop focuses on practical routines for teaching academic and domain-specific vocabulary in science, social studies, and beyond. Teachers learn how to select, teach, and revisit words so they support comprehension and writing across subjects. 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/1RQAaG2RTL7mfBoG_jAjcbrS_iSRty8tR/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5407907

Taking the Challenge out of Conversations: How to Communicate so You'll Both Feel Heard VIRTUAL 3-hour Workshop facilitated by Joan Fretz - 8:30-11:30am
2026-11-18 08:30 - 11:30 | Virtual Conference
Challenging times call for school adults to communicate issues and needs without judgment or blame. This workshop introduces a simple 4-step process for improving our ability to: 1) say what we are observing without evaluation, 2) listen for and acknowledge the feelings and needs of others, 3) state our needs, and 4) make requests instead of demands. Developed by Marshall Rosenberg (Non-Violent Communication) and further developed by Oren J. Sofer (A Mindful Approach to Non-Violent Communication) this process serves as an effective way for school adults to communicate without judgment and have their own needs met as well. Creating schools where people want to teach and learn begins with how we communicate. 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/1dsvcjBNO-dB09hlKZ6ZcGg_JRqyi3fRk/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5406313

THE SCIENCE OF READING FOR MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS TOOLKIT BRIEF #2 Teaching Reading in Multilingual Classrooms: Moving Beyond A Deficit Perspective VIRTUAL Workshop facilitated by Dana Brown - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-11-18 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: -How to build upon early exposure to language, songs and stories in the home -Understand the concept of dynamic assessments and how to use family input to better understand a student’s true capabilities -Build family partnerships by gathering insights about language use, literacy practices and daily life to affirm student identities and experiences -Use home languages to promote equity engagement and academic achievement for all 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/1BJ_AfrqDJkt6euV4v5UDTyblzuAA9NVu/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5404382

The 7 Attitudes of Mindfulness VIRTUAL 1-1/2 hour Workshop facilitated by The Zen Den's Michelle Anglisano and Kristen McDermott-4:30-6pm
2026-11-18 16:30 - 18:00 | Virtual Conference
A meditation inspired by Jon Kabat Zinn. This can be adapted to a 7 week program. Join us for a guided meditation workshop designed to explore the essence of mindfulness through reflection and practice. Together, we’ll answer questions such as: -What is mindfulness? -How can I bring it into my daily life? -Why is being mindful important Through meditation and thoughtful discussion, participants will explore the 7 attitudes of mindfulness-practical principles that help cultivate awareness, compassion, and presence. You’ll leave with tools to incorporate mindfulness into everyday moments, creating a calmer, more balanced, and intentional way of living. 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/1GQBjEJ1rgCtZKyibQ_jqd-N5Vb5VBJdJ/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5406534

Effective CSE/CPSE Chairperson Leadership: Navigating Legal and Regulatory Compliance *IN PERSON* Facilitated by Consulting that Makes a Difference-8:30-2:30pm
2026-11-19 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
In today’s evolving educational landscape, the role of the Committee on Special Education (CSE) and Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) Chairperson is more vital-and more complex-than ever before. Chairpersons are responsible for ensuring that students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE), while also maintaining compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and other applicable federal and state guidelines. This workshop is a comprehensive, in-depth workshop designed to equip current and aspiring chairpersons with the tools, strategies, and legal knowledge necessary to lead effectively. Through interactive discussions, practical case studies, and collaborative learning, participants will gain the confidence and expertise to make informed, student-centered decisions while upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance. Whether you are newly appointed, experienced but looking to sharpen your skills, or are part of a leadership team seeking consistent districtwide practices, this workshop will support your professional growth. 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/1hOKCRSofxCChN4A5mxI0ghEvpPgPgyRV/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5409260

T. E.A.M: Teaching Educators Adaptive Methodologies: A Hybrid Approach to Instructional K-12 Design *IN PERSON* facilitated by Dr. Melissa Jacobs - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-11-19 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
A world where every individual teacher sees themselves as a Community Architect. A world where teachers find ways to work together to create a village of learning. Building a village is a necessary part of being an educator in a world often siloed and polarized. Instead of creating greater spaces for adaptation we often find ourselves blocked by various impediments that work against mentorship and innovation. This course is designed to break through those obstacles in a clear way, help find support and infrastructure through your own collaboration capsule and build community within the spaces where you sometimes find yourself more isolated. This is one of the adaptive methodologies the course is designed to heighten. In this course educators will create one of the first adaptive methodologies that work to break down silos. Collaboration capsules in the K-12 space are designed to support innovation and experimentation which can cross pollinate between grade levels and subject areas. This is a designed space specifically where reciprocal relationships can live, and lessons can offer greater support for experimentation between colleagues, within different buildings in districts and to other schools. 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/1FmjnCcNjz_CbsQI1ODj33f6uekA-5IFd/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5410805

Tuck Test Prep into Your Best Literacy Practices Across the School Year *IN PERSON* facilitated by Deborah Linscott-Feinstein - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-11-20 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 you looking to seamlessly integrate test preparation into your daily curriculum without sacrificing authentic literacy instruction? Join us for a hands-on workshop designed to help Grades 3-8 educators maximize the performance of their students in reading and on the NYS ELA exams. This seminar will provide you with for organizing and implementing ELA test preparation seamlessly into your narrative, argument, and informational reading and writing units. We will move beyond rote practice across the year, instead treating the state test as a “transfer genre” so you can reteach transferable strategies already embedded within your reading and writing programs. Join us for a hands-on day tailoring vocabulary study, close reading, multi-media activities and writing strategies designed to meet the NYS ELA expectations later in the school year. Tap the profuse resources yielded from brain-friendly strategies such as: -embedding academic language and analytical question stems across the year that help maximize the performance of your students on the NYS ELA. -incorporating multisensory activities to help your strugglers synthesize nonfiction text features with informational text passages that resemble test passages but match your existing units. -teaching from academic word lists taken from the NYS ELA. -using instructional charts that work well across a variety of units to bolster the academic language of the ELA. -scaffolding metacognitive strategies for tackling short texts. -teaching paragraph and essay structures that foster good writing while accessing the writing structures of the NYS ELA.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pYv8iMs0nhmo_TNdZ3lllC3oDs0Zto0E/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5393407

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 | 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

Phonics Power and Orthographic Mapping: Teaching Principles of Phonics and Word Study in Ways That Stick Gr K-3 *IN PERSON* facilitated by The Living Literacy Network - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-12-03 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
In this session, teachers will learn the importance of explicit and systematic phonics instruction in ways that lead to orthographic mapping – the process of forming letter-sound connections in order to commit spellings, pronunciations, and meanings of words to memory. Beyond phonics instruction, teachers will also unlock the power of teaching the six syllable types along with common syllable divisions that lead to automaticity for fluid and flexible word solving. 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/1szV4dslTwaSxIbE2anXnjhObxTW6sbpE/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5413728

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
