Catalog: The Teacher Center of Central Westchester/Central

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1. 2729: The Art of Community: Transforming Classrooms Through Connection (Grant Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teacher Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 10/6/2026 to 11/10/2026

Wait ListStarting Soon
This course will explore a variety of anxiety disorders and the symptoms that may appear in the classroom. The course will seek to address concerns of teachers and support staff in addressing and dealing with the impacts that anxiety can have on students in relation to school. Additionally, we will discuss strategies, accommodations, testing accommodations, IEP and 504 plans and how they are used for children with Anxiety Disorders.

2. 2712: Onward 1( Grant-Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teaching Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 10/8/2026 to 11/12/2026

Wait ListStarting Soon
"This course is part one of a book study that uses The Onward Workbook: Daily Activities to Cultivate Your Emotional Resilience and Thrive. This course is a breath of fresh air for all teachers. It allows everyone to step back, think, reset, and grow to new levels. It explores the 12 traits that are essential for building and developing resilience in educators based on the book, Onwards, a four-part conceptual framework that rests on the key components of resilience and how it is developed. Through this class, we will use a workbook, podcast and classroom format where we will dive into empowering stories and strategies to develop resilience. The activities will boost community, restore mindfulness, cultivate compassion, become ongoing learners, develop creativity, and celebrate gratitude. Book: The Onward Workbook by Elena Aguilar " Books will be provided for a $10.00 fee to not consortium members and $5.00 for consortium members. Payments can be made through Zelle or a personal check.

3. 2711: Book Study: Reclaim Your Challenging Classroom (Grant Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Art Educators and Teaching Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 10/8/2026 to 11/12/2026

Starting Soon
This course is specifically tailored for art educators who wish to harness the power of found materials in their lesson planning. By repurposing everyday objects, participants will learn to create engaging and innovative art lessons that encourage creativity, sustainability, and resourcefulness in students. Educators will explore how to integrate these materials into diverse art mediums, from sculpture to 2D art, and foster environmental awareness in the process.

4. 2710: Classroom Management: Cultivating Agency and Productive Talk (Grant Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Teaching Assistants and Educators K-12

Dates: 10/10/2026 to 11/14/2026

Wait List
Would you like to build a learning environment where expectations, routines, and feedback empower students to manage their own behavior so academic time stays protected? Are you looking to strengthen and structure student discussions so interactions with content and peers are purposeful and inclusive? This hybrid course supports counselors and teachers across grades and subject through 7.5 synchronous hours and 7.5 asynchronous hours of guided exploration, resources, and implementation design. If you're looking for PD that respects your time and strengthens what matters most - a well-managed classroom for teaching and learning - this course is for you. LEARNING INTENTIONS: Teachers will be able to… 1. Apply research-evident classroom management strategies to establish and sustain learning communities 2. Acquire monitoring and feedback techniques to navigate transitions and address inappropriate or non-compliant behavior from resistant or reluctant learners

5. 2737: Is it a Learning Disability, Language Acquisition, or Both? (Grant Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teacher Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 10/13/2026 to 11/24/2026

Wait List
" In this 6 hour workshop, participants will learn some ways to identify if a student is struggling because of difficulty with language acquisition or because the student has a learning difficulty or if it is both. In the first session, participants will learn about the ENL program in NYS. We will also explore how students acquire a second (or third) language. We will look at data from the state about ELLs and Sped services. In the 2nd session we will look at RTI and the tiers of intervention. We will also look at how these can be adapted for ELLs. In the 3rd session we will break into small groups to look at case studies to determine if the student has a learning disability or difficulties with language acquisition or if it is both. Interactive Google Slides, Google Docs, and Jamboard will be used to help participants communicate and build lessons using the strategies shared in this workshop. All participants are expected to contribute to the group discussions and use the documents and slides to interact and respond to the other participants. "

6. 08: The Role of Writing in the Science of Reading

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teacher Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 10/14/2026 to 11/24/2026

In this course, participants will develop the knowledge and competencies needed to integrate evidence-based instructional strategies for teaching writing within the framework of the science of reading. Drawing on current research and understanding from brain science, participants will explore practical and effective instructional approaches that promote literacy development. By aligning these strategies with the principles of brain science, participants will gain insights into how to provide targeted instruction, intervention, and differentiation during their literacy blocks. They will leave the course equipped with actionable techniques to immediately enhance writing instruction in their classrooms, informed by the latest research and best practices in the field.

7. 04: Strategies and Education- Success in Today's Classrooms

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teacher Assistants PreK-12

Dates: 10/19/2026 to 11/30/2026

In a world of ever-changing educational trends, this course centers on what truly matters-supporting the whole child through strong, research-based practices. With a heavy emphasis on social-emotional learning, educators will explore strategies that foster self-awareness, relationship-building, and a positive classroom climate while still meeting academic goals. Participants will build a practical toolkit that includes behavior supports, executive functioning strategies, deeper thinking techniques, and approaches grounded in multiple intelligences. The course also explores purposeful uses of AI and project-based learning to enhance-not replace-meaningful instruction. By the end of the course, educators will be equipped with sustainable, student-centered strategies that prioritize emotional well-being, engagement, and long-term success over passing fads.

8. 2706: Stress Management for Students and Educators (Grant Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teaching Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 10/26/2026 to 11/30/2026

Closed
This course explores practical strategies for managing stress in school environments for both students and educators. Participants will examine the sources and impacts of stress in academic settings and learn evidence-based techniques that support emotional regulation, resilience, and overall well-being. The course introduces simple, easy to implement, accessible practices including breathing strategies, light physical activity, mindfulness techniques, and classroom routines that can be integrated into daily instruction to create a more supportive learning environment.

9. 23:Supporting Students Mental Health: Essentials for Teachers - Book Study

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Instructors and Teacher Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 11/2/2026 to 1/11/2027

New
"Purpose: This book study course will examineSupporting Student Mental Health: Essentials for Teachers by Michael Haas & Amy Ardell This text is a guide to the basics of identifying and supporting students with mental health challenges. It is full of accessible and appropriate strategies for responding to students' mental health needs, such as relationship-building, behavioral observation, questioning techniques, community resources, and more. Participants will examine strategies for building classroom community and supporting students' mental health. "

10. 2708: The Science of Reading (Grant Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teaching Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 11/2/2026 to 11/30/2026

Wait List
Teachers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key principles of the Science of Reading. They will discuss how to apply evidence-based reading strategies in their classrooms. This includes explicit instruction techniques and systematic phonics instruction. Teachers will develop a strong grasp of the key principles behind the Science of Reading and to focus on applying proven reading strategies in the classroom, including: 1. Explicit instruction techniques 2. Systematic phonics instruction and scaffolding methods that are aligned with the science of reading.

11. 2720: Mindful Moments: Finding Calm in the Chaos (Grant Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teaching Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 11/3/2026 to 12/15/2026

Closed
Practical Mindfulness Strategies to help students and educators reduce stress, enhance focus, and create a more balanced learning environment. In today's fast-paced world, stress affects both students and educators. The ""Mindful Moments: Finding Calm in the Chaos"" workshop offers simple, practical mindfulness techniques to enhance focus, reduce stress, and foster emotional well-being. Through guided exercises and breathing techniques, participants will learn how to incorporate mindfulness into their daily routines-both personally and in the classroom. Leave with tools to create a calmer, more focused learning environment for yourself and your students! "

12. 2724: The Art of Mathematics (Grant Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teaching Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 11/3/2026 to 12/8/2026

Wait List
This course equips math educators with strategies to integrate visual and tactile art and design principles into their curriculum, thereby helping with students' conceptual understanding of topics covered, boosting creativity, and increasing student engagement.

13. 2701. Incorporating Social and Emotional Skills in Your Classes (Grant Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and teaching assistants Pre K- 12

Dates: 11/4/2026 to 12/9/2026

Closed
In order to teach the whole child, we as educators must understand that learning is also a social and emotional experience. Knowing one's emotions, how to manage them, and ways to express them constructively are essential life skills. These skills enable one to handle stress, control impulses, and motivate oneself to persevere when faced with personal, academic, or work-related obstacles. A related set of skills involves accurately assessing one's abilities and interests, building upon strengths, and making effective use of family, school, and community supports and resources. These social-emotional skills, thought processes, and behavioral strategies can be contributing factors to one's success beyond the academic assessments.

14. 03: Approaches For Changing Student Behavior Using PBIS

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teacher Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 11/5/2026 to 12/21/2026

The barriers that occur to learning can not be single-handedly removed. Unfortunately , one such barrier occurs when behaviors are disrupting the learning community. The climate of each school community is different. Therefore , a "one size fits all” approach is not as effective as interventions based on the needs of each school. Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive approach to establishing the behavioral supports and social culture needed for all students in a school to achieve social , emotional and academic success. A system focused on creating school-wide , classroom and individual supports improves academic and behavioral results. This course will assist educators in creating a support system for their classroom that will help to increase behavioral and academic results. This course is appropriate for all regular and special education educators.

15. 07: Bridging the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy K-12

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teacher Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 11/12/2026 to 12/28/2026

This course explores structured literacy through the Science of Reading and the Science of Writing. Participants will examine the Reading Rope and Writing Rope frameworks to understand how foundational skills contribute to skilled reading and writing. The course emphasizes strategies for diverse learners, including students with dyslexia and multilingual learners, and focuses on practical classroom applications.

16. 2716: The Power of Knowledge: Transforming How We Teach Comprehension (Grant Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teaching Assistants

Dates: 11/12/2026 to 12/24/2026

This course draws on the research and insights of David and Meredith Liben in Know Better, Do Better: Comprehension. Participants will examine common misconceptions about reading comprehension and learn how to shift from isolated strategy-based instruction to a more effective, content-rich approach. The course emphasizes the importance of building background knowledge, vocabulary, morphology, syntax, and oral language to support deep understanding. Educators will explore what happens in the mind as students read, study the dominant research-based model of comprehension, and gain practical strategies to support student thinking before, during, and after reading. Through discussion, reflection, and lesson design, participants will leave with tools to strengthen comprehension instruction in meaningful and lasting ways.

17. 2703: Addressing High-Maintenance Behaviors and Interactions (Grant Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Dates: 11/18/2026 to 12/23/2026

"In today's diverse and dynamic classrooms, educators often encounter students whose behaviors require extra attention and specific strategies to maintain a productive learning environment. The ""Managing High Maintenance Behaviors and Interactions in the Classroom"" professional development course is designed to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to effectively address and manage these challenging behaviors. This course offers a comprehensive exploration of high maintenance behaviors, focusing on understanding their roots, implementing practical management strategies, fostering positive relationships, and collaborating with colleagues and families. Through a blend of articles, videos, journal readings, and interactive discussions, teachers will gain insights into the causes and effects of high maintenance behaviors and learn how to create supportive and responsive classroom environments. "

18. 13: Digital Problem Solvers

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teacher Assistants

Dates: 11/20/2026 to 12/29/2026

"Digital Problem Solvers," is designed to equip educators with the skills and knowledge to foster a new generation of problem solvers rather than test-takers. The course will cover key topics such as AI possibilities, digital citizenship education, thinking like a computer, and creating uncheatable projects. Educators will explore innovative teaching methodologies, utilize digital tools, and design authentic learning experiences to empower students in a rapidly evolving digital world.

19. 2730: EBook Study: Addressing Childhood Anxiety in School: School-Based Interventions, Programs, and Social and Emotional Learning (Grant Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teacher Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 11/24/2026 to 1/5/2027

"This book study explores a variety of anxiety disorders through the lens of the K-12 classroom. The goal is to equip teachers and support staff with practical tools to address the impacts of anxiety on academic performance and student well-being. Rather than focusing on clinical psychological implementation, this course empowers educators to recognize symptoms and apply classroom-level strategies, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) principles, and standard accommodations (such as 504 plans) to create a supportive learning environment. "

20. 2507.Talk Read , Talk Write (Grant Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators K-12

Dates: 11/24/2026 to 12/22/2026

Are you looking to engage all students creatively to develop 21st-century skills and meet state standards? Talk, Read, Talk, Write is a practical instructional routine that "makes the students responsible for the actual learning and thinking, all the while raising the bar on their communicative skills." This course will guide you in planning lessons using this format developed by Nancy Motley. We will review best practices in the field and engage in professional discussions on incorporating literacy into all subject areas. By the end of the course, each participant will be comfortable with each aspect of Talk, Read, Talk, and Write, create a lesson plan using this format, and use the lesson with their class. The instructor will offer office hours to support teachers as they develop and use aspects of this format with their classes.

21. 19: Differentiate Your Feedback: Know Your Impact!

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Instructors and Teacher Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 12/1/2026 to 1/30/2027

New
"Effective feedback helps students understand their learning goals, monitor their progress, and determine their next steps. Feedback has an effect size of 0.75 (Hattie), representing more than 1.5 years' growth in one year when well-implemented. By selecting your options for reading, viewing, and listening to curated resources of feedback strategies, protocols, and digital tools, you will acquire techniques to give and receive actionable and aligned feedback for all students, including ELL/MLLs and SWDs, and your colleagues."

22. 2727: Book Study: Algospeak: How Social Media is Transforming the Future of Languages (Grant Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teacher Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 12/1/2026 to 12/29/2026

Social media has greatly impacted language development, especially among our students. Algospeak: How Social Media is Transforming the Future of Languages by Adam Aleksic will provide an unique understanding of this transformation, drawing on Aleksic's expertise both as a linguist and a social media influencer. Participants will gain an understanding of the transformation of language and how this may impact education. Participants should obtain a copy of Algospeak: How Social Media is Transforming the Future of Languages by Adam Aleksic prior to the first session.

23. 2707: Orchestrating Productive Mathematics Discussions in Elementary Classrooms (Grant Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teacher Assistants Pre K-8

Dates: 12/7/2026 to 1/11/2027

This blended professional learning course supports elementary educators in implementing the Five Practices for Orchestrating Productive Mathematics Discussions. Participants will learn to use student thinking to drive productive conversations, build conceptual understanding, and meet learning goals. The course blends readings, asynchronous tasks, and collaborative synchronous sessions.

24. 2731: Applying Evidence-Based Practices to Improve Classroom Management (Grant Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teaching Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 12/7/2026 to 1/11/2027

This course will deeply analyze and develop strategies for improving classroom management. All strategies are evidence based and will help teachers improve their management of physical space , instruction , routine development , correcting behavior and issuing consequences. Teachers will develop proactive strategies that will improve student learning outcomes and behavioral outcomes. This course is appropriate for all K-12 teachers and assistants.

25. 02: Advancing ELL Family-School Relationships

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teacher Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 12/10/2026 to 2/1/2027

English Language Learners are the fastest growing group of students that today's schools services. This course will assist teachers in developing strategies and skills to understand ELL students' backgrounds and how to establish and grow strong family relationships. Teachers will develop classroom skills to use in their classrooms and improve instructional outcomes. Teachers will examine belief systems and research based practices for serving diverse cultures and languages in the classroom. Teachers taking this course will analyze and implement methods for ensuring a positive classroom culture and climate.

26. 26: Teaching for the New York State Portrait of a Graduate

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Instructors and Teacher Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 1/2/2027 to 2/10/2027

New
This course supports educators in designing equitable, innovative learning pathways aligned with the New York State Portrait of a Graduate (POG). Participants will explore flexible, student-centered graduation experiences that reflect students' strengths, needs, and goals. They will examine project-based and performance-based learning models, focusing on creating meaningful assessments that build critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Special attention is given to supporting diverse learners - including English Language Learners and students with disabilities - through scaffolding, differentiation, and inclusive assessment design.

27. 22: Discovering Museums as a Valuable Classroom Resource

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Instructors and Teacher Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 1/5/2027 to 2/23/2027

New
Discovering Museums as a Valuable Classroom Resource” is a professional development course designed to help teachers integrate museum experiences into their curriculum. Educators will explore how museum collections, virtual exhibits, and community partnerships can enrich lessons, spark student curiosity, and connect classroom learning to the real world. Participants will leave with practical strategies and ready-to-use ideas for using museums to support standards-based instruction across subjects.

28. 2723: Practical Strategies with NotebookLM (Grant Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teaching Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 1/5/2027 to 2/2/2027

"Ready to turn your static lesson materials into a dynamic, interactive learning hub? In this 15-hour hybrid course, educators will explore NotebookLM, Google's premier grounded AI tool. Unlike generic chatbots, NotebookLM focuses exclusively on the sources you provide-including YouTube videos, Google Slides, PDFs, and web URLs-to help you synthesize information with high accuracy and minimal ""hallucinations."" Rather than just another tech tool, you'll learn how to use NotebookLM as a Collaborative Teaching Partner. We will dive into the 2026 Studio Panel to experiment with converting raw curriculum into helpful Video Overviews, draft Slide Decks, and interactive Podcasts."

29. 21: Breaking Down Gender-related Social Constructs

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Instructors and Teacher Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 1/6/2027 to 2/24/2027

New
"This course will help educators recognize the social constructs that have served to continue sexist behavior in both personal and educational settings. We will explore the history of sexism and the importance of this topic in America today. Topics include: 1. Gender Equity in Sports A. Historical context of gender disparity in sports B. Current state of gender equity in various sports C. Positive examples of progress in gender equity in sports D. Future steps to take towards total gender equity in sports 2. Gender Equity in Employment A. Introduction to existing gender gap in the workforce B. Causes of gender gap in the workforce C. Legal measures taken to close the gender gap D. Examples of successful diversity and inclusion policies among companies and their effects E. Future paths to reaching gender equity in employment 3. Gender Equity in Education A. Gender gap issues in education B. Ways to work towards total gender equity in schools C. Examples of successful gender equity policies in schools and their outcomes D. Future possibilities for gender equity in schools Participants will be encouraged to engage in discussions from their own experiences as well as from current research in the field. "

30. 2704: Emotional Security and Safe Schools (Grant Funded)

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Educators and Teacher Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 1/6/2027 to 2/3/2027

Building a secure, supportive school environment is essential for young brains to learn.When it comes to the emotional security and safety of staff and students in schools, it starts with educating our staff on what this entails. When it comes to safety in schools, most people respond with answers related to security systems or police presence in schools. These physical precautions to safety are often the focus of schools when trying to keep staff and students secure. We must not ignore though, a key component in keeping our schools safe: emotional security. How students feel when they are in school shapes learning and student development. The emotional security component is often overlooked for physically safer schools. The reality is emotional security needs to be just as important. It needs to be deeply rooted into the culture of a school, both for staff and students. By addressing emotional security in schools, students will be more engaged in learning, staff will be more aware of the individual needs of students and risk prevention strategies will fall into place.

31. 25: Ebook Study: Better Conversations - Coaching Ourselves And Each Other To Be More Credible, Caring, And Connected

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Instructors and Teacher Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 1/11/2027 to 3/8/2027

New
"Think about how many times you've walked away from school conversations, sensing they could be more productive, but at a loss for how to improve them. Enter instructional coaching expert Jim Knight, who in Better Conversations honors our capacity for improving our schools by improving our communication. Asserting that our schools are only as good as the conversations within them, Jim shows us how to adopt the habits essential to transforming the quality of our dialogues. This course will explore the ideas and strategies put forth by Jim Knight to sharpen our conversational and communication skills. Participants will learn strategies for improving their ability to converse with students, colleagues and community members. These strategies will be beneficial for improving their overall instructional practices. "

32. 20: Inclusive by Design: Planning for Learner Variability

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Instructors and Teacher Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 2/1/2027 to 3/30/2027

New
"This 45 hour asynchronous course supports K-12 educators and school counselors in designing instruction that meets the needs of diverse learners. Participants will explore learner variability, UDL principles, differentiation, LD informed modifications, scaffolding, tiering, multiple intelligences, and high leverage practices to remove barriers and increase access to rigorous grade level content. Through curated readings, videos, and tools, participants will learn how to analyze learner needs and design instruction that promotes engagement, independence, and success for all students, including ELL/MLLs and SWDs. Course Objectives Participants will learn how to: 1. Analyze learner variability using UDL principles, LD characteristics, and developmental profiles to identify barriers and access points for diverse learners. 2. Design differentiated lessons or units that incorporate UDL guidelines, scaffolding, tiering, and high leverage practices to support all students, including ELL/MLLs and SWDs. 3. Justify instructional adaptations by explaining how each differentiation or modification increases access, engagement, and independence for learners with diverse needs."

33. 24: The Civic Literacy Spark: Igniting Student Engagement

Program: Inservice Courses

Dates: 2/1/2027 to 3/30/2027

New
"This course provides educators with strategies to integrate new civic literacy standards into their curriculum. Participants will discover diverse resources, engaging activities, and effective teaching methods designed to foster inclusive civic participation among students. Learn how to facilitate respectful, evidence-based discussions about civic issues while developing students' critical thinking skills. These approaches will help learners analyze both historical and contemporary civic challenges with greater depth and nuance. Additionally, the course offers a comprehensive examination of the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness Program and how teachers can support students in achieving this recognition through meaningful civic learning experiences. "

34. 27: Curriculum Mapping: Equitable Planning for Diverse Learners

Program: Inservice Courses

Audience: Instructors and Teacher Assistants Pre K-12

Dates: 2/12/2027 to 3/19/2027

New
"This course guides educators through the process of developing curriculum maps that embed culturally responsive and sustaining practices across content areas. Participants will analyze existing units for cultural relevance, student engagement, and inclusivity, then revise or design new curriculum maps that honor students' identities, integrate academic rigor, and promote equity. Emphasis is placed on aligning with New York State Learning Standards while integrating student voice, multilingualism, and authentic assessment. Ideal for teachers, department leaders, and instructional coaches, this course blends practical planning tools with critical inquiry into whose knowledge is centered in the curriculum-and how to shift planning to reflect the communities we serve. "