Western Suffolk Boces

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 (America/New_York) | 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

Conflict Agility: Turning School Tensions into Collaboration and Capacity *IN PERSON* facilitated by Robert Feirsen, Ed.D. and Seth Weitzman, Ed.D. - 8:30-11:30am
2026-12-07 08:30 - 11:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Conflict in polarized school communities is a continuing challenge for today’s school leaders. Administrators routinely encounter intense, emotional conversations involving parents, educators, students, and community members-often around high stakes issues such as curriculum, student services, equity, and school climate. When perspectives are deeply dissonant, conflict can constrain problem solving, erode trust, and constrain efforts to meet student needs. Too often, leaders respond by avoiding contentious issues or relying on authority based approaches that escalate tension rather than resolve it. This interactive workshop will help school leaders develop the skills and mindset needed to lead through conflict rather than around it. Drawing on research from peace studies, education, organizational psychology, and design thinking, participants will explore the roots of conflict in schools and examine why polarization intensifies under pressure. The session will emphasize how conflict-when skillfully engaged-can become a catalyst for collaboration, trust building, and increased organizational capacity. Participants will engage in realistic case studies addressing common leadership flashpoints. They will apply a structured framework for navigating complex, emotionally charged disagreements while keeping student needs at the center of decision making. Participants will leave with practical strategies they can immediately apply in their schools, as well as tools to turnkey professional learning for their leadership teams-helping create cultures where constructive dialogue replaces avoidance and conflict becomes a driver of school improvement rather than division. 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/1QrwPy4wZJT2wh_KaQ5NFedk6dT_pRRHp/view?usp=sharing
Registration; https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5415829

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

Hands-On with Required NYSSLS Physics Labs: Build, Explore, and Prepare for Implementation of Investigations 2-Day workshop *IN PERSON* facilitated by Richard Slesinski-8:30-2:30pm
2026-12-08 08:30 - 2026-12-09 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
With the implementation of the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) approaching, physics educators must prepare to meet new expectations for student investigation and lab-based performance tasks. This two-part workshop series is designed to empower high school physics teachers to confidently teach the three new required NYSSLS physics labs by experiencing them firsthand-as their students would-and by building the physical lab setups needed for effective implementation in their classrooms. By the end of this workshop series, participants will: -Construct the necessary props and equipment for the three new required NYSSLS physics labs -Participate in each of the three new labs as students to deepen their understanding of the student experience. -Analyze the three labs through the lens of the NYSSLS three dimensions: -Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), -Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs), and -Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs). 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/1fcnB5L2XNHZ40XETmNgY8I2dkMGOuiBx/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5416735

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

Multiple Intelligences *IN PERSON* facilitated by Laura Guggino-Hastings - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-12-10 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
What if every student’s strengths were the starting point of instruction? This hands-on workshop explores how Multiple Intelligences can transform classroom practice by helping educators design instruction that reflects how students learn best. Participants examine their own teaching patterns, and learn how to recognize and build on student strengths. Through interactive activities, educators design differentiated tools such as choice boards, learning centers, and engaging lesson components that can be used immediately in the classroom. Strategies include movement, music, visual learning, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. Participants leave with ready-to-use materials and practical strategies to increase engagement, differentiation, and student success across all content areas. Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1 consortium seat. If district pays, district approved must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dEDHr-ocegG7w5vGd_4z8fVhGSWMzjFF/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5418262

Understanding the Adolescent Reader: What the Science of Reading Means for Secondary Classrooms facilitated by Nicole Moriarty, Ed.D.-8:30-11:30am
2026-12-11 08:30 - 11:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
This workshop helps educators understand how reading develops in the brain and what that means for instruction across middle and high school classrooms. Grounded in the Science of Reading, participants explore the essential components of skilled reading, including decoding, language comprehension, and knowledge building, and examine how these intersect across content areas. Through practical routines and collaborative learning, educators learn how to integrate reading, writing, and discussion into daily instruction, ensuring that all teachers see themselves as teachers of literacy. Participants consistently highlight the session’s relevance and clarity, noting a shift in how they understand adolescent readers and leaving with concrete, actionable routines-such as text sets, question generation, and structured discussion-that can be implemented immediately. 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/1uheqQ8coVemAdt39dA_1wN3-evnDBM5K/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5414688

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

NYSED Biology Investigations Refresher: Building Student Skills and Maximizing Student Agency *IN PERSON* Facilitated by Glen Cochrane - 8:30-2:30pm
2026-12-15 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
Are you and your students still navigating the nuances of the required investigations? This workshop focuses on using the investigations to foster student-centered learning, emphasizing the 3D aspects and the most challenging components for classroom management and student learning. It will serve as a refresher for the three mandated NYSED Biology Investigations. During the first and even the second year of implementation, classroom management, student agency (student-centered learning), and student skills proved challenging. We will address how to shift to student-centered implementation with minimal teacher support and develop prompts that encourage students to test solutions. The investigations assess performance expectations that cannot be evaluated at proficiency on the Regents exam. Students are expected to plan and conduct an investigation, use a model to explain a phenomenon, and compare gene frequencies with and without selection factors. Deficiencies in students’ prior learning and skill mastery that underpin high school expectations have added to the challenges to student success. Student activities to develop the skills needed before conducting the investigations will be provided. ***PARTICIPANTS MUST BRING PAPER COPIES OF EACH BIOLOGY INVESTIGATION’S DOCUMENTS. THESE CANNOT BE PROVIDED. **B.Y.O.D. (Bring Your Own Device) – Participants should bring a fully charged laptop, iPad, or tablet to download resources and access websites during the 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/1Q9WoIF3ceTsbUvYKrTJa8LT5ksbBqDJE/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5414102

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

The Seal of Civic Readiness: From Vision to Implementation *IN PERSON* facilitated by Nicole Moriarty, Ed.D - 8:30-11:30am
2027-01-05 08:30 - 11:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
This interactive workshop supports educators and leaders in designing and implementing meaningful systems for the Seal of Civic Readiness. Participants explore how to move beyond compliance and checklists to create authentic civic learning experiences that build student responsibility, agency, and real-world application. Through collaborative discussion and real district examples, participants clarify roles, timelines, assessment practices, and structures for tracking student progress over time. Participants consistently report high engagement and value the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues, learn from real examples, and leave with clear, actionable next steps for implementation. 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/1xllL5r_l0j1PMWUhaAOC7L7JBjyi4BPd/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5414481

Bridging Science & Research through Comprehensive Literacy Instruction Gr K-6 *IN PERSON* facilitated by The Living Literacy Network-8:30-2:30pm
2027-01-06 08:30 - 14:30 | JEA Alternative School, 31 Lee Ave, Wheatley Heights, NY, 11798-1837, United States
In this session, teachers and administrators will learn how to build bridges between balanced literacy and structured literacy to include research-supported practices and science of reading research to enhance all areas of their literacy instruction. Teachers and administrators will understand the contributions and value of both frameworks in order to make instructional decisions to help meet the needs of all students. As teachers deepen their understanding of research and science-based practices, they will equip themselves with the knowledge and know-how to revise their teaching and curriculum in ways that honors the craft that they’ve honed and incorporate the latest considerations for best practices in building reading competencies. 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/1AIl98Xu6soreIouT34kdjQBUCYqygLIj/view?usp=sharing
Registration: https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=13208&I=5413620

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
