
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
WORKSHOPS
We are a PreK-12th grade full service professional development organization providing differentiated professional learning in a variety of formats.
Whether it is facilitating a workshop, providing job-embedded coaching, or engaging in one-on -one mentoring we are here to support you in your profession. The content is grounded on research based best practices, our expertise and experience and most importantly your professional learning goals for your educators.
Our topics span across content areas and grade levels including literacy, mathematics, science, SEL Problem Based Learning, design thinking, science, STEAM, school reform and leadership.
The audience we serve include para-professionals, teachers , coaches, content specialists, supervisors, and school and district leaders.
We work closely with you to ensure we are providing the support, tools and resources to all of your school and district educators.
Take a closer look at several of the workshops our team has developed and press the inquire link if one or more of them interest you. Don't see one you are looking for, let us know.
I would be delighted to meet you and learn more about you and your professional learning goals.
WORKSHOPS
Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
MTSS: Instruction, Intervention, and Implementation Part 3
Part 3 "Sustaining Your MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) Process with Grace and Grit” The power and promise of this process is dependent on strong collaboration and shared leadership focused on the MTSS process. This webinar will assist school leaders and others in their efforts to sustain a strong system of supports for students. Participants will consider identifying Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions as well as building a viable schedule including regular intervention times. Through selecting key data team personnel, schools will be able to increase educator capacity that will improve teaching and learning.
GRADES:
K-12
Literacy
Hook Your Students Using Innovative Hybrid Strategies
Develop a culturally responsive digital library to use during small group instruction
Create a Project Based Learning activity that integrates voice and choice, SEL strategies and real world applications using a pre-generated template that can be reused and adjusted based on individual learning styles
Explore various strategies and pre-generated literature circle templates to implement during small group instructionGRADES:
K-12
Math
Look Fors in a Math Class - Standards for Mathematical Practice
Develop a mathematical eye for observing a math class, regardless of the course level or advanced mathematical content. Are your students active mathematicians in math class? Are your students using the Mathematical Practice Standards to access the content standards, such as explicitly justifying their solution strategies? Explore the practice standards; understand their importance for exploring mathematical relationships; and assess instruction based on what students are doing during their math class using a specific walk-through tool; align these observations with your district selected evaluation tool, such as Danielson. Take away a walk-through tool created using Google Forms for observing a math class which will provide evidence to guide future professional development with your teachers.
GRADES:
K-8
Math
Getting Started with Guided Math Workshop
Develop an instructional framework for your math block which uses quick readiness assessments to provide small group instruction. Differentiated instruction is the ‘bread and butter’ of this instructional model and supports all students in the classroom, regardless of a background or ability.
GRADES:
K-8
Special Education
Enhancing Instructional Strategies to Meet The Needs of ALL Students
Discover specific instructional strategies that address the needs of all learners, regardless of varying levels. Included in the discussion will be strategies specific to subject, classroom configuration and its effect on differentiation, and what teachers can do to better address each student's needs. Strategies that will be explored include: Utilizing real-world problems as an instructional tool to reach all students as well as conferencing with an individual student on writing and reading, and the extraordinary benefits of this time with them.
GRADES:
3-12
Science
Utilizing Formative Assessments in STEM Classrooms
During this interactive workshop participants will learn various methods of formative assessment strategies to check for understanding and provide students with effective feedback.
GRADES:
6-12
Science
Developing Learning Targets and Success Criteria for Science Classrooms
During this workshop participants will learn how to create learning targets for students to take ownership of their learning as well as indicators for success to develop student agency and self-directed learners.
GRADES:
6-12
Science
Classroom Strategies to Increase Student Engagement
During this workshop participants will learn new techniques and strategies to increase student participation in the classroom. The goal of this workshop is to allow participants to develop and design lessons that will include techniques to have students do as much of the cognitive work as possible during instruction.
GRADES:
6-12
Literacy
Making Learning Visual Anytime, Anywhere
Educators are responsible for empowering students to be autonomous. Students gain confidence in taking risks when they visibly see their own learning and are provided authentic feedback in real time. While educators are challenged to find ways to now make learning visible at anytime and from any location, it is difficult to find a balance between how to hold students accountable in a digital arena, that can often feel isolating, with ensuring students are prepared with the ability to succeed in a social and collaborative 21st century. Educators will explore the connection between formative assessments and strong learning targets, in addition to participating in example assessments that can be used to make learning visible anytime, anywhere. Furthermore, participants will leave with a skeleton for effective feedback that can be transferred and used by students to benefit their peers.
GRADES:
4-8
Special Education
Special Education Engagement and Success
Engagement is key to learning success for all students. Creativity can help bring fun and success into the classroom, improving engagement and outcomes for all students. In this webinar, we will explore
GRADES:
K-8
S.E.L
K-8 Special Ed Teachers, Administrators, Paraprofessionals
Engagement is key to learning success for all students. Creativity can help bring fun and success into the classroom, improving engagement and outcomes for all students. In this webinar, we will explore various techniques to engage students so that they experience success while making meaning of concepts and practicing essential skills.
GRADES:
K-8
All Content Areas
Ten Tools for Making Thinking Visible
Giving students opportunities to think by questioning, challenging, exploring, and solving problems is an essential life skill. It also helps students understand content more deeply and make connections. Visible Thinking Routines, developed by Harvard’s Project Zero researchers, give us ways we can teach our students how to make their thinking visible.
GRADES:
K-12
Curriculum & Instruction Assessment
Let’s Co-Teach- Developing Effective Practices to Support ALL Students
How can we best meet all our students’ learning needs in a co-teaching model? In this workshop general and special education teacher will explore the key factors and models of successful co-teaching. Through engaging activities around effective practices and tools of collaboration, participants will shift their thinking in the most formidable way!
GRADES:
K-12
Literacy
Creating Workshop Model Classrooms and Instruction
How do teachers incorporate the Workshop Model into their classroom environment and instruction? A step-by-step guide to demonstrate the value of Workshop to student learning and benefit to instruction, how to transition to and implement, and what a successful Workshop Model looks like in the classroom.
GRADES:
K-8
Math
Increase Your Students’ Success on Math Assessments
How do you as an educator take the next steps to move from overwhelming data and standards-based instruction to meaningful, appropriate, do-able assessments?
How can in-class quizzes and tests help students grow from success with traditional, familiar tasks, to success with the rigor and format of state assessments?
In these workshops you will experience NJSLS/PARCC-like assessments, investigate a wealth of resources, and learn how to coordinate tests that will assess students as you help them move comfortably from the traditional to master “newer” expectations.GRADES:
K-12
Math
District-level & School-level PARCC Analysis -
Identify gaps, strengths, and weaknesses using your district and school PARCC student achievement data and evidence tables. Crosswalk your data with PARCC released test items and the Summative Informational guides to get a deeper understanding of how your students are performing. This hands-on workshop will provide opportunities for deep analysis leading to more focused instruction.
GRADES:
3-12
Literacy
Lifting the Level of Student Reading/Writing Proficiency through Powerful Conferring
If we want to make a significant impact on our students’ reading and writing lives- conferring is where the rubber meets the road. It is at the core of differentiating instruction and that is vital for all students. Conferring with students, providing formative feedback and leaning in with a teaching move are powerfully effective and essential ways to bring about quality reading and writing proficiency in a individualized manner.
GRADES:
K-8
Math
Differentiate Instruction In Math: “It’s Not As Hard As You Think!”
In many districts students and parents are now permitted to select the course-level of their choice, even if it is not the student’s recommended placement. Teachers are faced with new challenges. How can we, as caring, dedicated professional educators, teach students at different levels of understanding and backgrounds at the same time? Can we realistically meet the needs of each student?
In these workshops, we will review the latest research with appropriate course level content. Teachers will experience a range of effective instructional and learning strategies and specific activities to keep ALL students motivated, engaged, learning and succeeding. Yes, we can meet their needs.GRADES:
3-12
Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
Implementing an Instructional Rounds Framework to Enhance Teacher Practice Interaction and Self-Reflection
In this full day workshop, participants obtain a thorough understanding of the principles, protocols and processes of instructional round as developed by Dr. Richard Filmore and his team at Harvard University. Participants will learn how to initiate collaborative inquiry with all stakeholders in identifying the “Problem of Practice” and implement an instructional rounds framework that has a direct impact on teacher effectiveness and student learning.
GRADES:
K-12
Math
Increasing Student Engagement for All Students by Integrating the Eight Standards for Mathematical Practices
Increase student engagement in your math class by explicitly using the Standards for Mathematical Practices to develop your students’ daily habits of mind to become active mathematicians. Explore the eight practice standards and research-based engagement strategies which work in any math class; integrate these process standards into your daily instruction and empower students to self assess their own progress.
GRADES:
K-12
Literacy
State Mandated Dyslexia Workshop for K-2 Educators
Learn everything about what dyslexia is and is not to understanding the NJ regulations and requirements of dyslexia as well as identifying the “look for’ , recognizing dyslexic behaviors and having a toolkit of interventions at the core instructional level will be thoroughly discussed
GRADES:
K-2
Literacy
The 3 L’s~Literacy, Laughter, and Learning
Literacy is the foundation for future learning. In this workshop, educators will explore ways to make reading, writing, listening, and speaking engaging and fun while students acquire skills that lead to deep understanding. Through the use of print media, technology tools, games, and Visible Thinking Routines, educators will expand their toolbox for literacy teaching
GRADES:
K-5
Science
Rethinking and Redesigning Science Teaching and Learning
New Jersey’s new science standards, based on the Next Generation Science Standards, calls for a three-dimensional approach to science teaching and learning with a focus on Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas.
The conceptual and instructional shifts identified in the new Standards will be discussed. A major segment of the workshop will focus on the Nature of Science, facilitating the NGSS practice of students asking their own questions, and integrating engineering into the science curriculum.GRADES:
6-12
S.E.L
It’s All About Connection: Strategies and Resources for Paraprofessionals
Now more than ever, paraprofessionals are key components in meeting the needs of our students. Knowing students perform better if they are feeling understood, valued and cared for by the adults in the classroom, connection is a critical cornerstone in building safe and effective learning environments, even in the remote setting.
GRADES:
k-12
Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
MTSS: Instruction, Intervention, and Implementation Part 2
Part 2 "Building the Instructional Core Using the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) Lens" This webinar will help you chart the course and navigate the MTSS process by applying principles outlined in the DOE Fidelity Implementation Rubric. Participants will focus on selecting assessments and universal screening tools, establishing data and leadership teams , examining data to determine students’ needs and curricular gaps and strengthening and fortifying the core and interventions in tier 2 and 3.
GRADES:
K-12
Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
MTSS: Instruction, Intervention, and Implementation Part 1
Part 1 "Getting Started with MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) in our New Learning Environment" This webinar will guide school districts as they develop and implement MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) in the current learning environment. Participants will be introduced to the three tiers of an MTSS framework for academic and behavioral interventions. Participants will explore the key components and helpful tools of MTSS. They will learn how to examine your core instruction as well as identify current assessments and ways data is used to guide instructional practices.
GRADES:
K-12
Literacy
Strengthening Student Relationships through Literacy Data Collection
Participants will explore the connection between reading and writing data and its ability to strengthen human connections. Educators will take a look at literacy sample data and discover ways to empower students to take risks and gain self-confidence
GRADES:
K-8
Literacy
The ABCs of PBL: Authentic, Broaden, Construct
Project/Problem/Place-Based Learning has proven to be an engaging way for students to learn important life skills, content standards, and key concepts. What is PBL? How do you teach content standards through PBL? How do you assess students? What are some ways to make learning more authentic?
GRADES:
K-8
Literacy
Text Evidence: The Root of Effective Writing
Reluctant middle school writers have been trending for decades. Many adolescents today enter middle school lacking the confidence of how to construct a strong paragraph, let alone a five-paragraph essay. In this workshop, educators will explore anchor lessons needed for your students to understand the purpose of their writing and develop their individual craft. Educators will take away best practices for how to encourage writing risks, increase writing stamina, and ensure student written responses are rooted in textual evidence.
GRADES:
6-8
Science
Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead : Integrating STEAM in the Hybrid Classroom
STEAM is an educational approach that uses Science, Technology, Engineering , the Arts, and Mathematics to guide student inquiry dialogue and thinking . This workshop will allow participants an opportunity to systematically plan hybrid, cross-curricular lessons that allow students to think through real worl problems and figure out the best solutions
GRADES:
K-8
Science
How STEM Can Engage Your Students in Critical Thinking
Science helps children develop key life skills, including an ability to observe, problem solve, recognize patterns, communicate, and even form their own opinions based on observation. They can be inspired to become doctors, engineers, conservation and marine biologists, or maybe even, you guessed it, science teachers! In this workshop we will explore minds-on, hands-on investigations in STEM in a socially distanced or remote classroom.
GRADES:
K-8
All Content Areas
Why are H.O.T.S so Hot for Teachers?
Higher Order Thinking/Questioning SkillsShifting our thinking about the types of questions you want to ask your students will increase higher order thinking skills and make visible learning evident. In this workshop, learn how to model high quality questions, ask different types of questions (DOK Depths of Knowledge), that engages all learners, seek ways to foster questioning from your students, and practice developing high quality throughout your instruction
GRADES:
K-12
Literacy
Strengthening Student Relationships through Literacy Data Collection
Students thrive on consistency and predictability. They step outside of their comfort zones when they feel supported by their educators. Research shows that learning cannot take place without positive student relationships. In a world where we often feel the burden of overassessing, have we ever considered the power in collecting literacy data and its direct effects on teacher-student relationships? Participants will explore the connection between reading and writing data and its ability to strengthen human connections. Educators will take a look at literacy sample data and discover ways to empower students to take risks and gain self-confidence
GRADES:
K-8
All Content Areas
Engaging Every Student in Learning
Take the mystery out of student engagement. Practical, straightforward approaches to reaching those students who need something different than “read the chapter, answer the questions”. Discussion will also include the implications of virtual learning on engagement, with strategies to overcome these challenges.
GRADES:
K-8
Science
Engineering and Science: Perfect Together
The NGSS has catapulted the “E” in STEM (engineering) to a prominent place in all classrooms where science is taught every day or only twice a week. In this workshop, educators will realize what engineering should look and sound like in a classroom setting and how it can be easily embedded in their science curriculum. The focus on engineering as a discipline where science and math concepts are applied, rather than engineering as “building fun projects” will be explicit.
GRADES:
k-12
Mindfulness
Building Resilience in Educators: It begins With Self Care
The shift to distance learning has taught us that in order to thrive, teachers need to focus on how we are taking care of ourselves. In this session, we will utilize reflection as a mindful practice to powerfully reclaim our time and energy both in and out of the classroom, and develop a critical awareness around our emotions. Armed with this knowledge,
GRADES:
PreK-12
Mindfulness
The Power of Connection: With Ourselves, Our Students, and Our Content
The shift to distance learning has taught us the importance of focusing on connection and student engagement. In this session, we will be identifying simple and new ways in which we can connect to ourselves, our students, and our content. Strengthening these connections leaves educators feeling more fulfilled and better about our lives and our teaching. Together we will identify the social-emotional power of connection in the live classroom, virtual learning classroom, or hybrid learning experience. Easy and powerful strategies will be explored
GRADES:
K-12
Mindfulness
Mindfulness and Social Emotional Awareness: The 21st Century Superpowers for Teachers and Students
This experiential workshop meets teachers where they are on their journey to creating a mindful classroom and life so they can support their emotional needs as well as the needs of their students. Participants will explore mindfulness by definition and understand the value of mindfulness and emotional awareness as superpowers for both teachers and students. We will uncover the science behind mindfulness and its ability to change the brain, decreasing stress, improving mood, increasing focus, and performance. Quick easy to implement mindfulness practices for both teachers and students will be reviewed. Lastly, participants will explore the practice of mindfully setting intentions in the classroom before learning objectives. Setting intentions shapes and informs every aspect of teaching and learning.
GRADES:
PreK-12
Math
Unpacking the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and CCSS for Mathematics
This hands-on workshop allows teachers to unpack the standards to ensure alignment between the standards, assessments, learning objectives, and student activities. Domain specific learning progressions will be explored to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of vertical alignment of instruction. This understanding is foundational to eliminating gaps in student learning.
GRADES:
K-12
Mindfulness
A Deeper Dive into Mindful Practices for Teachers and Students
This interactive workshop is for educators ready to take their mindfulness practices to the next level. Together teachers are guided through self-awareness and self-reflection activities gathering insights allowing teachers to create emotionally safe and intellectually stimulating classrooms that build patterns of awareness to improve engagement, relationships, health, decision-making, and performance.
GRADES:
PreK-12