Western Suffolk Boces

Making Sense of the Earth and Space Sciences Reference Tables: Curriculum Connections and Question Clusters for Regents Success *IN PERSON* Presented by Brian Vorwald-8:30-2:30pm
2026-04-28 08:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Calling all Long Island Earth and Spaces Science educators! Whether you’re navigating the North Shore or the South Fork, this workshop will help you harness the full potential of the Earth and Space Sciences Reference Tables (ESSRT) to deepen curriculum connections and boost student understanding. We’ll dive into practical strategies for integrating the ESSRT into instruction, ensuring your students aren’t just flipping pages to find answers. Some strategies students will apply include using evidence from multiple sources to construct explanations, engaging in arguments from evidence, and using models to explain scientific ideas as opposed to reading the tables to identify the correct answer. Participants will also collaborate to design question clusters aligned with NYS Regents-style three-dimensional assessments, sharpening their skills in building high-impact, multi-part questions that target key process skills (SEPs) and content (DCIs) for which students make connections using the CCCs. Be prepared to think like a scientist, plan like a pro, and leave with tools you can use in your classroom tomorrow. Bring your curiosity, your questions, and your Long Island savvy-because success on the ESS Regents exam starts with smart instruction and even smarter assessment. **B.Y.O.D. (Bring Your Own Device)** Participants should bring a fully charged laptop, iPad, or tablet to download resources and access websites throughout the workshop. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 Consortium seat. If district pays, approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
FOR FULL DESCRIPTION, PLEASE VIEW FLYER.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oc88UT4s3KXnQuHzpIYwCdKdcq_2ZFFa/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5298393

Bringing the Portrait of a Graduate and High Impact Practices to Life: Socratic Seminars (6-12) *IN PERSON* presented by Jessica Gruttola - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-04-29 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Audience: Instructional Coaches, Department Chairs, Teachers & Teacher Leaders Socratic seminars are named for their embodiment of Socrates’ belief in the power of asking questions, prize inquiry over information and discussion over debate. Socratic seminars acknowledge the highly social nature of learning and align with the work of John Dewey, Lev Vygotsky, Jean Piaget, and Paulo Friere. Within the context of the discussion, students listen closely to the comments of others, thinking critically for themselves, and articulate their own thoughts and their responses to the thoughts of others. They learn to work cooperatively and to question intelligently and civilly. These skills exemplify the NYSED Portrait of a graduate and the High Impact Practices. Training objectives: -Participants will explore the Socratic method and learn how to engage students in authentic conversations that sparks wonder and curiosity and increases understanding. -Participants will understand that meaningful and enduring learning begins and ends with close listening to the thoughts, ideas, and questions of students. -Participants will gain insight into building a community of learners where students feel safe and comfortable as risk-takers increasing student engagement and improving achievement. 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/1Th2gT2NbMYUR9KB_fnLLjS8mLPlRizKq/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5288585

Student Emotional Well-Being: Tools for Educators & Clinicians *IN PERSON* presented by Dr. Scott Silverman - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-04-30 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Now more than ever, schools are tasked with handling mental health issues among students. Adolescence is a time of rapid change-emotionally, socially, and neurologically. Teens often struggle to manage stress, motivation, relationships, and strong emotions, and the adults around them frequently become frustrated by the impact it has in classrooms and school settings. This workshop brings educators and clinicians together to build a shared understanding of teen behavior and strengthen the support systems students rely on most. By blending school-based perspectives with mental-health insight, participants will learn practical strategies that can help teens feel safer, more emotionally regulated, and more engaged in school life. During this one day workshop you will investigate:     • Core triggers of teen behavior and emotional responses     • Early signs of mental-health issues in school and counseling settings     • Brief, interventions that can help de-escalate and re-engage students     • Communication techniques and systems that can align teachers and clinicians connections. Participants will leave with clear, usable tools and a collaborative approach that empowers adults-and strengthens teen well-being across home, school, and therapeutic environments. If you work with students who experience mental health issues, join Dr. Silverman to gain a unique perspective through his lens as both an Administrator and Therapist in a High School for many years. Audience: Administrators, teachers, School Counselors, School Social Workers, School Psychologists, School Nurse, Case Managers, PBIS practitioners, other Mental Health Professionals 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/1Gv2HgQPdZAvCTU855QVsQnaHDwIPEVq4/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5298352

Mastering the MTSS Meeting: Make Every Minute Count *IN PERSON* presented by Nicole Moriarty - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-05-05 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Audience: School and district leaders, MTSS coordinators, team facilitators, and support staffPerfect For: Teams who want to turn their MTSS meetings into powerful engines for student support-or are just beginning to imagine what MTSS meetings could look likeLet’s face it-if your team dreads MTSS meetings, something’s off. Or maybe you’re still transitioning from RTI and wondering: What does a real MTSS meeting look like?Whether it’s unclear agendas, too many voices without focus, or a lack of follow-through, ineffective meetings can stall even the strongest efforts. The good news? You can change that.This one-day session is designed to help your team level up your MTSS meeting practice-from scheduling and planning to facilitation and follow-up. You’ll explore concrete strategies that make meetings focused, efficient, and impactful.What You’ll Learn:-How to design meetings with purpose and a clear throughline-How to match meeting types (problem-solving, progress monitoring, etc.) to specific team goals-Tips for managing tough conversations while keeping students at the center-What preparation actually looks like-including getting the right people, data, and tools in the room-Simple strategies to stay organized and follow through with clarityWhat You’ll Take With You:-A practical meeting planning process that saves time and boosts clarity-Ready-to-use templates for agendas, roles, documentation, and next steps-Strategies for building shared norms and responsibilities across your team-Renewed confidence in leading or contributing to effective MTSS meetingsEligible 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/1E-TOVa593tYvevfQCeZZJ_ng_q9DokOP/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5221242

Social Studies Coordinator Network Meeting **IN PERSON** facilitated by Lorraine Lupinskie - 8:30-11:30am
2026-05-06 08:30 - 11:30
These meetings are designed for coordinators, directors and administrators who have the responsibility of math supervision in their buildings or school districts. The latest information from Albany will be discussed, local vendors will do brief presentations and information will be shared. A full breakfast will be provided. This is a great opportunity to network with fellow supervisors. Consortium Membership Available For ALL Districts -participation for up to 25 district teachers to attend social studies related workshops -1 customized professional development workshop held in district -Includes all Social Studies Coordinator Meetings Please contact rallen@wsboces.org for further information.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_G7mOZYlBWEMQ2OV5C9nPuKR1PvrLbH3/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5129333

Preventing the Meltdown Understanding Environmental Factors Affecting Student Behavior *IN PERSON* presented by Michelle Levy - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-05-07 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
A common mistake made by schools is to assume that problematic student behaviors exist primarily within in the child and underestimate the degree to which external environmental factors impact student academic and behavioral performance. The fields of education and human behavior have long recognized the complex nature of student behavior and its relationship to the child’s learning environment Understanding this relationship and the presence of these factors helps educators and clinicians become more effective in their analysis and development of strategies to respond to behaviors which negatively impact student success. By examining the environment, staff can use this knowledge to manipulate and alter the conditions which serve as triggers to the challenging behaviors thereby improving the learning environment for struggling learners and improving a positive classroom environment for all. Audience: Administrators, clinicians, support staff, teachers 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/19EBpJOtUTXMPCJOunyXpfml1TFN0gjun/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5133415

Understanding and Implementing the Science of Reading in Middle and High School Classrooms *IN PERSON* presented by Jacqueline Darvin - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-05-07 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
This workshop aims to demystify the Science of Reading at the secondary level and show how teachers can successfully incorporate elements of the SoR into their content area classrooms. It will focus on NYSED Brief 6, titled “Science of Reading: The Secondary Years” and three of the “Big 6” literacy competencies. Participants will learn about NYSED’s “high impact practices in action” and what they look like in successful secondary settings. 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/1lwKxLdM6TAH6EkGsvww11X_DqUeremp-/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5151986

The Science of Reading & Small Group Reading Instruction K-3 *IN PERSON* Presented by Lauren Kolbeck & Debbie Linscott-Feinstein-8:30-2:30pm
2026-05-13 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Now that we have immersed ourselves into the research, we are ready to explore the shifts in small group reading instruction necessary to align with research based practices. On this day, you will explore a variety of ways to bring explicit assessment-based instruction to small groups. We will create small group routines to help students practice both phonemic and phonics skills and apply them to connected texts. As decodable texts are being introduced into our classrooms, we will explore ways to synthesize them with our phonemic and phonics programs. A choice of gradual-release small-group lesson plans will be shared. You will leave this day with a variety of tools to fuel your small group lessons!Audience: K-3 classroom teachers, literacy coaches, reading specialists and administratorsEligible 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/1-k7-ALEQF2qLxexuxlJkP3X_rOqubUuu/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5248268

THE SCIENCE OF READING FOR MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS VIRTUAL 2-DAY TOOLKIT BRIEF #5: THE SCIENCE OF READING IN MULTILINGUAL K-12 CLASSROOMS - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-05-13 08:30 - 2026-05-14 14:30 | Virtual Conference
In this 2-day 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
FOR FULL DESCRIPTION, PLEASE VIEW FLYER:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lsSa7LDYY2oP7rkJiU8Kakaq5Ec3gkX0/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5285021

I Got This: Developing Supports and Interventions for Problematic Classroom Behavior **IN PERSON** presented by Michelle Levy - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-05-14 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Promoting healthy and safe learning environments where students can receive the instruction and other supports they need to learn and achieve at high levels is one of the primary responsibilities of each school. Research has suggested that teachers and other school personnel often have received inadequate training in the understanding and management of problematic student behavior. This circumstance has often made both teachers and clinicians alike feel helpless in the development of successful responses to these behaviors. It is therefore important for educators to take advantage of the use of researched based behavioral science approaches. Figuring out the reasons behind a behavior is critical for the development of an appropriate response or intervention. By understanding that behavior is a form of student communication that is purposeful, interactive, predictable, and learned through the visual representation of a behavior chain or pathway, teachers and clinicians can become better equipped with the skills necessary to manage behavior effectively and efficiently. In this session, participants will learn how to independently develop behavior interventions through a process that determines why a student engages in behaviors that impede learning and that are related to the classroom environment. Thinking about the circumstances and factors surrounding a behavior in a systematic manner will help teachers set up and manage their classrooms in a proactive and positive way. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 Consortium seat. If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
For full description please view Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/18n6xkOEp-m7NtO7oI3gHtBAJdSk1tAmY/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5133540

Data Analysis and Data-Driven Instruction for Secondary Classroom Teachers *IN PERSON* presented by Jacqueline Darvin - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-05-14 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
This workshop will provide an introduction on how teachers can use student assessment data to continuously improve their instruction. Participants will learn how to use both formative and summative data more effectively and how to create graphic representations of data (charts & graphs) to share with other teachers, school leaders, and parents. This workshop will provide teachers with tools on how to understand and analyze student data, how to share their data analyses with other stakeholders, and how to make instructional improvements based on data analysis. Please bring a laptop to access student data and other online resources needed during this workshop.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/1zVMDUaZkepztZMFF8NgzX3ZRslMxNao8/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5152046

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 | 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 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

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
