Reading Comprehension Strategies for Secondary Content Area Teachers *IN PERSON* presented by Jacqueline Darvin - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-05-19 08:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
This workshop will focus specifically on reading comprehension strategies in middle and high school classrooms. All assessments in NY State are now assessments of reading comprehension, while the vast majority of general education students are reading at least one year below grade level. Secondary teachers will be shown strategies that they can use to monitor and increase their students’ reading comprehension and will practice applying them to their own content. Participants are asked to please bring a laptop and some current lesson plans/curriculum to the session.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/1sB3a7o3AUMp9PYcKu8z3Twh4oHaKGZzB/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5152118

The Science of Learning in Action: What's Real, What Works, and Why (K-8) *IN PERSON* presented by Mike Ochs - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-05-20 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
This workshop helps educators focus on what the science of learning actually supports and what is practical for classrooms. Participants explore the Big Three-retrieval practice, spaced practice, and interleaving-alongside the Fab Five learning strategies: generation, elaboration, calibration, reflection, and mnemonics. Emphasis is placed on teaching these strategies explicitly so students learn to use them independently over time, not just experience them during lessons. The session clarifies the difference between cognitive science and neuroscience, helping educators recognize what research findings are actionable for instruction. Teachers leave with concrete routines, a clear lens for evaluating new initiatives, and the confidence to apply these strategies immediately across subjects and grade levels. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1-1/2 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16_O-Rs5TOfKC6YRXZhs9jVBKG2LeKE3C/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5321802

Supporting NYSED's Portrait of a Graduate Through Classroom Practice (3-8) *IN PERSON* presented by Mike Ochs - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-05-27 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
This workshop supports educators in translating NYSED’s Portrait of a Graduate into concrete, research-based classroom practice. Participants examine instructional strategies aligned with NYSED’s emphasis on academic preparedness (including cognitive science-informed learning strategies), effective communication, thoughtful reasoning, civic awareness, and reflection-without relying on abstract competencies or surface-level activities. The session explores practical approaches that build discernment (including awareness of common logical fallacies), support articulate and confident speaking through rhetorical moves, deepen students’ understanding of civic life and citizenship, and help students reflect on their learning and set purposeful, motivating goals. All strategies are grounded in cognitive science and classroom evidence and are designed to integrate naturally into daily instruction across grades and subjects. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1-1/2 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L7oogaNZ5XWz7gyrJ6zaqrQe2Jm8uVbh/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5321877

Grammar as the Foundation of Expression: Grades 3-8 *IN PERSON* presented by Mike Ochs - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-06-02 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Grammar as the Foundation of Expression explores how strong grammar knowledge supports clear, confident expression in student writing. Grounded in classroom practice and the science of learning, this session reflects the instructional approach of Word Love Grammar, including recent unit work that emphasizes clarity, transfer, and purposeful use of language. Participants explore practical routines that help students build grammar knowledge that lasts-and learn to apply it with intention-through clear instruction, repeated practice, and meaningful application. The focus is on helping students gain control over language so they can shape meaning thoughtfully and effectively. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1-1/2 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cYZbWlDDEOflJRqeQ7P1rGQCGn4g_V5l/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5322044

THE SCIENCE OF READING FOR MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS VIRTUAL TOOLKIT BRIEF #6: WHAT EVERY INSTRUCTIONAL LEADER NEEDS TO KNOW: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ADVANCING MULTILITERACY - 11:30-2:30pm
2026-06-02 11:30 - 14:30 | Virtual Conference
In this workshop, we will spend the first half of the session unpacking the full article of the brief to understand the data and research presented while absorbing the school 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 half of the session.
Participants will work throughout this half day long workshop to link practical curricular resources, engage in example teaching and learning activities, and focus on planning and preparation to implement this brief with the following outcomes:
Learn how to implement the NYSED Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education framework with a focus on a welcoming and affirming environment
Incorporate ongoing reflective practices to examine how ELLs are able to communicate and learn with specific teaching methods/materials
Support a context for additive language and concepts Practice use and create opportunities for inclusive language growth
FOR FULL DESCRIPTION, PLEASE VIEW FLYER:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kYG87SHyrcF55acbFLXyRR91lVJpPrbG/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5285103

Short Clips, Big Thinking in Social Studies *IN PERSON* presented by Wendy Braxton - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-06-04 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Leveraging visual media and active learning strategies to promote productive struggle. This professional development session supports secondary social studies teachers in using commercials and short film clips as high-impact entry points to hook students and spark curiosity. Participants will explore how visual media can be leveraged to build background knowledge, surface multiple perspectives, and motivate students to engage deeply with complex historical and contemporary issues. Teachers will learn how to intentionally structure these strategies to foster productive struggle and sustained critical thinking. Emphasis will be placed on aligning instruction to the New York State Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE) Framework by centering student voice, identity, and inquiry. Participants will leave with ready-to-use strategies and examples that can be immediately implemented in secondary social studies classrooms. 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/1E7di5JrCPLY7Cr0nCijrIrWL_k2warKV/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5319485

Writing Beyond the Writing Block (3-8) *IN PERSON* presented by Mike Ochs - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-06-04 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Writing development does not need to be confined to a single block of time. This workshop explores how short, purposeful writing opportunities embedded across subjects-drawing on approaches aligned with research on ‘writing revolution” sentence-level writing and self-regulated strategy development (SRSD)-can deepen understanding and strengthen literacy. Teachers examine how structured writing in math, science, and social studies helps students clarify thinking while building habits that transfer back into longer writing tasks. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1-1/2 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z939QRJoGtguuSoaNv8cZDIh0-yZCvpz/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5322093

Unlock the Power of AI in Your Google Classroom *IN PERSON* presented by Christine Joneleit - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-06-09 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
In this hands-on workshop, you will learn to leverage Google’s newest AI tools to save planning time, engage students, and personalize learning. By the end of the session, you will be able to: -Create dynamic, standards-aligned lessons quickly using Gemini, designed to capture student interest. -Generate engaging visuals, including infographics and comics, to support diverse learners. -Customize Gems and build a NotebookLM to help students deepen understanding, stay engaged, and retain knowledge. -Transform Google Slides into attention-grabbing videos (Google Vids) to enhance classroom instruction. -Access resources and prepare for Gemini certification, with guidance and materials to become a Gemini Certified Educator or support students in becoming Gemini Certified. You will leave the workshop with ready-to-use strategies, enhanced lesson plans, and practical tools to integrate AI into your classroom immediately. Bring a lesson plan and Google Slides to apply what you learn in real time, along with any other teaching ideas you’d like to explore.
Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Ineligible to use consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15y2hS6B6TB3StTZDHMaAX3wf1BI7VrZ3/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5358632

BELONGING & BEYOND: THE ONE QUESTION THAT IGNITES CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE CLASSROOMS *IN PERSON* presented by Kari Horn Lehman - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-06-10 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
What if the key to strong behavior, engagement, and equitable learning is simpler, and more human, than we think? In this energizing full-day session, educators experience firsthand how belonging unlocks motivation and positive behavior, and then learn how to extend those same practices into culturally responsive instruction that elevates every learner. The morning builds a foundation of belonging through hands-on activities and practical routines grounded in academic mindset research. The afternoon turns warmth into actionable CRSE practice: identity-affirming routines, inclusive participation structures, and instructional moves that connect directly to NYS Portrait of a Graduate competencies, including communication, cultural competence, and learner independence. Educators leave with The Belonging-to-Equity Playbook, a practical toolkit that supports immediate implementation and long-term culture building. What Educators Gain: -Evidence-informed routines that strengthen behavior and engagement through connection -CRSE-aligned strategies that make representation and access practical and sustainable -Tools that directly reinforce Portrait of a Graduate (PoG) competencies -Inclusive participation structures that support all learners -A ready-to-use Belonging-to-Equity Playbook for classroom, team, or building-wide implementation Target Audience: K-12 classroom teachers, specialists, building leaders, and related service professionals seeking highly practical strategies that connect belonging, behavior, engagement, and culturally responsive practice. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1-1/2 Consortium seats. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1acSPSCNvvR0t80JVNttqLj3Ocjqdp5OT/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5300408
