Introducing The Reading Institute's Science of Reading 15-hour Microcredential - a new, innovative professional learning experience authored by Dr. Katie Pace Miles, professor of early literacy at Brooklyn College. This course was designed with current and aspiring educators in mind, and ties reading science theory and research to authentic classroom practice. This course is organized into eleven modules - 10, one-hour primary modules, and one additional 5-hour extension module, totaling 15 hours of coursework. Each primary module contains video content that blends subject matter expertise with example instructional practices from real classrooms. Primary modules also contain engaging checks for understanding and supplemental resources to extend learning. The extension modules includes articles and readings to extend learning on all primary topics. Course Content Scope Module 1: Introduction: Why Are We here? Module 2: Science of Reading Theory Module 3: Oral Language, Phonological Awareness, and Phonemic Awareness Module 4: Orthographic Mapping, Phase Theory, and Phonics Module 5: Phonics, Part 2 Module 6: Fluency Module 7: Vocabulary Module 8: Comprehension Module 9: Writing Module 10: Literacy and Neurodivergence Module 11: Articles and research to extend learning on primary module topics, with a specific focus on NYS While most of our 15 hour courses have a $50 cost, this course is only $25. You will also earn the Reading Institute's Microcredential in The Science of Reading. The 10-hour Science of Reading Intro Course was authored by Katie Pace Miles, Ph.D., Associate Professor & Director of the Advanced Certificates in Reading Science at Brooklyn College, City University of New York (CUNY), Co-Founder & Principal Investigator of CUNY Reading Corps, and Founder & President of The Reading Institute.

This online course is designed for educators, and related service providers who work with students with autism and other developmental disabilities. Participants will learn how to effectively implement Discrete Trial Training (DTT), a research-based teaching strategy rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), to promote skill acquisition in the classroom. This course will cover the core components of DTT, including breaking skills into small, teachable steps, delivering clear instructions, using prompts and reinforcement, and collecting data to monitor student progress. Participants will also explore how to individualize DTT programs, generalize learned skills, and embed trials into natural classroom routines.

This 1 credit course equips teachers with evidence-based strategies and practical tools to effectively design, implement, and assess life skills instruction across a range of abilities and settings. Participants will explore core domains of life skills-including self-care, home and daily living skills, communication and social skills, financial literacy, and community skills while considering the individual learning styles and support needs of diverse learners. Emphasis is placed on functional curriculum development, individualized instruction, and collaboration with families and support teams. This course is applicable to all educators, guidance counselors/social workers/psychologists, administrators, and any related service providers, grades K-12.

Effective listening is a crucial skill for academic success, social interactions, and emotional regulation. Whole Brain Listening is an engaging, multisensory approach that teaches how you can actively use different parts of the brain to enhance comprehension, focus, and communication in students. This class is designed to show how you can teach students with special needs to improve their ability to engage in conversations, follow instructions, and develop stronger social connections. By the end of this course, you will understand the concept of Whole Brain Listening and its importance. Learn strategies to use different parts of the brain for active listening. Improve attention and focus on classroom and social settings. Develop self-regulation techniques to manage distractions and strengthen social communication skills through structured practice.This class is beneficial for all educators K-12, and related service providers. For this class you will need a google classroom account.

This 45 hour, three credit course explores effective strategies for building a positive, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment. Educators will delve into research on the Science of Learning, movement-based activities, retrieval practice, and techniques for fostering a strong classroom community. Through self-paced reflections, interactive activities, and practical applications, participants will develop skills to enhance student engagement, support social-emotional growth, and promote cognitive development. Over six weeks, educators will have the opportunity to explore new approaches, apply them to their teaching practice, and build a comprehensive toolkit of resources to support all learners. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with actionable strategies to create deeper learning experiences, strengthen student resilience, and cultivate a thriving classroom environment.

This course is designed for all teachers interested in learning about motivating activities to incorporate into ta middle school math classroom. This course will explore activities that you will be able to incorporate into any middle school math classroom. Activities will range from growth mindset material to begin from the first day of school to games and activities that will help motivate students to want to learn and understand math.

By the end of this course, educators will be able to effectively utilize Canva's diverse tools to design visually engaging and pedagogically sound assessments that go beyond traditional methods. Participants will explore and implement innovative strategies for creating both formal and alternative assessments that promote student engagement, creativity, and critical thinking. Through hands-on activities, educators will develop assessment materials-such as infographics, interactive quizzes, digital portfolios, and choice boards-that can be adapted to various grade levels and subject areas to enhance student learning and evaluation.

This five-week asynchronous course is designed for educators and support staff working with students who have significant expressive and receptive language challenges. Participants will learn how to use third-party AI platforms in combination with SmartBoard technology to support and expand communication for nonverbal and minimally verbal learners. Each week introduces practical, visual-based strategies using tools like image creators, music generators, and storytelling platforms. The course emphasizes how AI can enhance engagement, support AAC use, and provide accessible, personalized content. Participants will explore how to apply these tools to build vocabulary, model routines, and create meaningful communication opportunities in real-world school settings.

During this Teacher Network, participants will study Dr. Monica Burn's EdTech Essentials: 12 Strategies for Every Classroom in the Age of AI. Prior to each session, participants will read about two of the strategies and try to apply them in their professional practice. During the live meetings, which will take place via webinar, participants will discuss the impact of the application of Dr. Burn's strategies on their teaching. They will share tips and tricks with their colleagues and discuss questions they have about each strategy. This Network will meet 6 times.

A sensory-friendly classroom environment is a thoughtfully designed space that acknowledges and accommodates diverse sensory needs, particularly benefiting students with sensory processing challenges, neurodivergent conditions, or general sensory sensitivities. This approach incorporates structured sensory activities, designated calm-down areas equipped with appropriate tools (such as fidgets, noise-canceling headphones, or weighted items), and strategic environmental modifications. By implementing these elements, educators can help students achieve optimal learning, enhance focus and engagement, and support self-regulation through integrated sensory strategies. Participants will acquire tools and materials that they can take back to their students, staff, and classrooms. This course will be conducted online via the Google Classroom platform.

The TouchChat application is a robust communication system used by many students with communication difficulties. This application has been updated recently, and new features are available. In this course, participants will review the new features of TouchChat that can be utilized to communicate beyond requesting. Participants will become familiar with story scripts, visual scenes, and academic pages that will enable their students to use TouchChat for a variety of activities within the school and home settings. Features, such as Next Logical Words, importing page sets, and creating a template will be reviewed. This course is beneficial for teachers, Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Social Workers and School Psychologists.

This five-week professional development course is designed for special education teachers and related service personnel, including occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists. The program focuses on equipping educators with effective strategies to adapt abstract curriculum content into engaging and accessible learning experiences for nonverbal students with severe disabilities who face cognitive, academic, and behavioral challenges.Participants will learn practical approaches to integrating speech-generating devices and other assistive technologies, utilizing visual and tactile aids, and implementing structured, step-by-step instructional methods. The course aims to enhance educators' ability to create meaningful, systematic learning opportunities that improve communication and curriculum interaction for this unique student population.