Catalog: Rockland/Westchester Teachers' Center Institute

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1. GREENBURGH CSD NEW TEACHER INSTITUTE September 26, 2023 - June 12, 2024

Location: Woodlands HS/MS (Hartsdale, NY) - Innovation Lab

Dates: 9/26/2023 to 6/12/2024

Location: Innovation Lab

THIS CLASS IS ONLY OPEN TO NEW TEACHERS IN THE GREENBURGH CSD DATES AND TIMES: 3:30 - 5:00PM September 26, 2023 November 14, 2023 January 9, 2024 March 12, 2024 April 30, 2024 June 12, 2024 ***6 additional hours will be spent on assignments outside of our sessions. In order to receive the 1 in-service credit from EWTC you MUST attend. ALL sessions and complete all assignments.

2. Online: Canva for Classroom Teachers, April 1 - May 10, 2024 (WTCI)

Audience: Educators in Grades K - 12

Dates: 4/1/2024 to 5/10/2024

Location: Asynchronous

Starting Soon
Canva is an excellent tool for keeping students engaged and improving classroom communication. Whether you are creating worksheets for students or newsletters for communication, this course will assist you in mastering the ins and outs of Canva. You will be on the road to creating high quality finished products that will engage students and impress parents! PLEASE NOTE: The institute cannot refund a participant once the class has commenced.

3. Online: Differentiated Instruction for ELLS, April 1 - May 10, 2024 (WTCI)

Audience: Educators in Grades K-12

Dates: 4/1/2024 to 5/10/2024

Location: Asynchronous

Starting Soon
English Language Learners (ELLs) need to have access to K-12 curriculum and be able to achieve the same level of success as their English speaking counterparts. This course prepares teachers to effectively understand ELLs' backgrounds and to differentiate their instructional approach. By providing the skills to differentiate their instruction through multiple modalities, this course gives a practical, classroom ready application of new learning to improve instructional practice. This course is appropriate for both regular and special education educators. PLEASE NOTE: The institute cannot refund a participant once the class has commenced.

4. Online: Intro to Coding for Beginners, April 1 - May 10, 2024 (WTCI)

Audience: Educators in Grades K -12

Dates: 4/1/2024 to 5/10/2024

Location: Asynchronous

Starting Soon
Rather than being passive consumers of technology, children should have the opportunity to be active creators in the innovation process. By learning to program from a young age, children can explore new ideas and develop their own ways to solve problems they face. Educators in this course will learn the core concepts of programming and examine different strategies to share these skills with young learners. Each educator in this course will make connections between these core concepts and their everyday lives to present programming in a way that is engaging and relevant to their students. PLEASE NOTE: The institute cannot refund a participant once the class has commenced.

5. ONLINE: Making Math Meaningful and Rigorous, April 1 - May 10, 2024 (WTCI)

Audience: Educators in Grades K - 12

Dates: 4/1/2024 to 5/10/2024

Location: Asynchronous

Starting Soon
Math teachers want to create a learning environment that supports learners at every level to reach their greatest potential. This course provides the participant with practical ways to achieve this goal. Through careful exploration of what rigor is, and understanding how to best incorporate rigorous lessons, activities, and assessments, math teachers will be able to support students to make meaning for themselves! This method allows both the struggling and advanced students to focus on the same ultimate goal, expectations, process, and demonstrations of learning rather than the same final outcome! This course is appropriate for all K-12 school personnel. PLEASE NOTE: The institute cannot refund a participant once the class has commenced.

6. Online: Building Strong Classroom Communities, April 15 - May 24, 2024 (WTCI)

Audience: Educators in grades K-12

Dates: 4/15/2024 to 5/24/2024

Location: Asynchronous

Are you passionate about creating inclusive, positive, and thriving learning environments? This online course is designed for educators seeking to enhance their skills in fostering collaborative, supportive, and engaging classrooms. We will delve into key aspects of building strong classroom communities, gaining practical insights, and implementing evidence-based strategies. From understanding diverse student needs to mastering conflict resolution and incorporating social-emotional learning, participants will, at the conclusion of this course, have the knowledge and skills necessary to cultivate a positive and inclusive learning environment. PLEASE NOTE: The institute cannot refund a participant once the class has commenced.

7. Online: ELL's Meeting the Academic Needs of English Language Learners April 15 - May 24, 2024 (WTCI)

Audience: Educators in Grades K - 12

Dates: 4/15/2024 to 5/24/2024

Location: Asynchronous

English language learners present special challenges for teachers in today's classrooms. A successful ELL teacher learns to balance the language learning needs of the students with the appropriate content. The knowledge and skills students gain in ELL classes positively affect their lives at school and home. As the diversity of the United States increases, so too does the need for teachers of second language learners. Participants in this course will create lesson plans that incorporate strategies to reach ELL students. This class is appropriate for all K-12 teachers. PLEASE NOTE: The institute cannot refund a participant once the class has commenced.

8. Online: Improving Classroom Discussions with Technology, April 15 - May 24, 2024 (WTCI)

Audience: Educators in Grades K - 12

Dates: 4/15/2024 to 5/24/2024

Location: Asynchronous

The available technology that today's educators are able to utilize allows for student-led discussions that increase collaborative learning. In this course, you will have an opportunity to explore several of the free to use apps and participate and develop your own assignments for each app. All of these free-to-use applications work in any classroom. Educators will develop 21st century learning experiences that improve student learning outcomes for all students. PLEASE NOTE: The institute cannot refund a participant once the class has commenced.

9. Online: Leveraging Tech Tools to Assist Special Ed Populations, April 15 - May 24, 2024 (WTCI)

Audience: Educators in Grades K - 12

Dates: 4/15/2024 to 5/24/2024

Location: Asynchronous

Today's increase in educational apps, tools, and extensions have impacted the way educators deliver instruction, and perhaps the most profound results have been in assisting students with learning disabilities. Educators in this course will examine free and easy to use tools for assisting with reading, writing and study skills, as well as behavior and classroom management. Educators will develop classroom ready assignments and lessons. PLEASE NOTE: The institute cannot refund a participant once the class has commenced.

10. Online: Cross Curricular Coding, April 15 - May 24, 2024 (WTCI)

Audience: Educators in Grades K -12

Dates: 4/15/2024 to 5/24/2024

Location: Asynchronous

In order to make connections between what students learn in school and the real world, instructional materials must be relevant to the lives of our students. With the expansion of computer science in K-12 education, the concept of computer programming should be prevalent through a student's education. When working in tandem with core curriculum subjects, connections between coding and the real world become evident. Not only can this collaboration benefit a student's computer science education, it also has the potential to enhance the core curriculum by presenting education in a different way. PLEASE NOTE: The institute cannot refund a participant once the class has commenced.
In accordance with Article 2 Sections 10-18 of the Education Law, all applicants for Certification in NYS registered programs are required to complete six clock hours of Training in Harassment, Bullying, Cyberbullying and Discrimination in Schools: Prevention and Intervention (DASA Training). This workshop will be both asynchronous and synchronous. The first 3 hours will be provided through Google Classroom (a Google invite will be provided). You will need to join using a personal Gmail account. The asynchronous portion will consist of a self-directed module-based approach that will ask candidates to review the background and some of the laws associated with the DASA, timelines and concrete concepts. The modules will include both free responses and multiple-choice quizzes to ascertain your understanding before a certificate for Part 1 can be issued. You will have four days to complete the first 3 asynchronous hours. This 3-hour session must be completed prior to Part II which is on Sunday, April 28th. Part 2, also a 3-hour time frame, will dive deeper into the strategies and reporting procedures as well as proactive mechanisms for tracking, reporting, and preventing bullying and harassment in the educational/school environment, including cyber bullying. All participants must be available on Sunday, April 28th from 10:00am - 1:00pm to participate in synchronous Part II of the workshop which will be held via Zoom.

12. Book Study: We're Gonna Keep on Talking: How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Elementary Classroom by Matthew R. Kay & Jennifer Orr, May 1 - June 17, 2024 (EWTC)

Audience: Classroom teachers, specialists, school librarians who work with students in grades PreK-5

Dates: 5/1/2024 to 6/17/2024

Location: Hybrid

This Free class is open to consortium members only In this book study, we will discuss strategies for building safe and supportive classrooms and ways to tailor race conversations to specific grade level standards. We will look at how art, picture books, historical photographs and current events can help facilitate meaningful conversations. At the end of this book study, you will have the tools needed to make your classroom a comfortable, safe and supportive space that will translate into a more productive learning environment. Participants will read We're Gonna Keep On Talking: How To Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Elementary Classroom by Matthew R. Kay & Jennifer Orr. There will be 3 required synchronous Zoom sessions from 4:30 - 6:30pm on Wednesday, May 8, 22 and June 12 to discuss the book. Participants will be also asked to complete online assignments after each session. Your camera must be on and you must be present on-screen at all times during the Zoom sessions. Participation in the sessions, including responding to prompts in the chat and engaging in breakouts, is required. YOU MUST BE ABLE TO ATTEND ALL SYNCHRONOUS SESSIONS TO RECEIVE FULL CREDIT FOR THIS COURSE.

13. Creating Classroom Culture & Community (5/2/24 - 6/7/24)

Location: Online (online, ny)

Dates: 5/2/2024 to 6/7/2024

This 15 hour course will provide training and information on how to create an inclusive and thriving classroom culture that is positive and productive for all learners. As educators, we want our students to be successful in the chaotic world outside of our classroom. To develop the skills necessary to succeed in a workplace environment, it is important that we focus on instilling and honing those skills now so that students can thrive after their schooling years. But how do we do this? By creating an environment where students feel safe to make mistakes, take risks, and trust one another and themselves. Participants will be exposed to multimedia resources that will guide them on a journey of self discovery to determine how they can pivot within their current classroom dynamics as well as integrate new, timely and relevant ideas that will empower students to be engaged and motivated while you, the teacher, establish clear and authentic expectations, rules, and procedures. Participants of this course will explore the rationale behind various classroom management strategies, the correlation between classroom community and motivation and engagement, different ways of implementing various connectivity methods, and specific research based practices to successfully carry out culture building activities in your own classroom. If you are ready to transform your classroom teaching and level up this school year for yourself and your students, then this course is for you! This course will be conducted in an asynchronous online setting utilizing Google Classroom as the delivery platform. Participants will work at their own pace to complete the course expectations and assignments. Dates listed are start and end dates.

14. Integrating Social & Emotional Learning in the K-12 Classroom (5/2/24-6/7/24)

Location: Online Only (Online, )

Dates: 5/2/2024 to 6/7/2024


Integration of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a critical component in students' success in the classroom and beyond. SEL has five essential components; self awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills. Throughout this course we will engage in readings, videos, personal reflectionS, and online forums to enhance our understanding of SEL as an approach to improving academic performance. Participants will explore each component of SEL, identify how SEL impacts academics, and learn how to integrate the SEL components into their classrooms to meet the needs of their students.

This course will be utilizing Google Classroom as the Learning Management System for instruction and collaboration. All materials and assignments will be posted to be completed asynchronously with weekly deadlines for submission.
RTCI/WTCI course

15. Key Strategies for English Language Learning (5/2/24-6/7/24)

Location: Online (online, ny)

Dates: 5/2/2024 to 6/7/2024

This 15 hour course, which will run through Google Classroom, is designed to prepare educators to teach English New Language students using key and relevant strategies. This course will include an exploration into strategies that promote embodied learning, multiliteracies and translanguaging and vocabulary instruction. Participants will learn Lingua Franca, a language systematically used to make communication possible between people not sharing a motor tongue as well as learn how to use Cognates to connect with students and increase English language learning. While there are suggested timelines for work completion, this course does NOT require any synchronous sessions so you may plan your course completion time accordingly. All work is due by the end of the last day of the course. You will receive a Rockland Teachers' Center gmail account to participate in this course a few days before the start date. Dates listed are start and end dates. The course is available 24/7. RTCi/WTCI course

16. Online: Digital Literacy Skills for Online Research (5/2/24-6/7/24)

Location: Online (online, ny)

Dates: 5/2/2024 to 6/7/2024

Digital literacy is the ability to effectively find, use and share information in digital form. This 15 hour asynchronous online course will help educators to use better search strategies to get relevant information, and show them how to vet website credibility on the open web. In addition, protecting online information, maintaining privacy and giving proper credit will be covered. Participants will navigate free and paid content, and learn about tools to help students become educated consumers of digital content. Public library cards are needed to research databases (normally paid content). Although much of the course will be directed toward secondary level instruction, participants can adapt what they learn for younger students.

This 15 hour course, which includes implementation and practice, will provide the tools to bring engaging kids yoga and mindfulness content into your classroom. Even if you can't touch your toes or don't have a yoga mat, you can be skilled and confident sharing yoga with children. With hours of engaging videos, colorful handouts, accompanying classroom favorites for kids yoga, mindfulness activities and the information on development, safe yoga pose techniques and class planning, this is a complete online training for early childhood teachers who want to incorporate the benefits of yoga and mindfulness into their classroom.

If you're concerned about the emotional toll this world is having on your students (and yourself) this is a magic wand to create calm. This course is self-paced. Instructor Bari Koral is an internationally recognized kids yogi and recording artist with over 20 years of experience working with young children and thousands of educators. Dates listed are the start and end date. The course is available 24/7
RTCi/WTCI course

18. Online: Discussions and Questioning to Build Deep Thinking, July 1 - July 28, 2024 (WTCI)

Audience: Educators K-12

Dates: 7/1/2024 to 7/28/2024

Location: Online

This course may be taken for graduate or inservice credit. Since the two options are listed separately, please be sure to register accordingly. In this online course, participants will explore how to facilitate classroom discussions through engaging conversations, the role of teachers as coaches during this process and how best to provide a supportive classroom environment when integrating higher order questioning techniques. When we closely examine the value of student participation in small group discussions, we find that students are able to connect with each other's thoughts and opinions and are able to engage in higher level critical thinking. Critical thinking involves logical thinking and reasoning including the following skills: comparison, classification, sequencing, cause/effect, patterning, webbing, analogies, deductive and inductive reasoning, forecasting, planning, hypothesizing, and critiquing. We will examine the link between critical thinking skills and questioning techniques by taking an in depth look at Bloom's Taxonomy and the quote, "Maslow before Bloom.” At the end of the course, you will have the tools needed to transfer responsibility from yourself to your students to speak purposefully, think outside of the box and lead an effective and engaging classroom discussion. Participants will need to purchase the following required text to participate in this course - Walsh, J. A., & Sattes, B. D. (2015). Questioning for Classroom Discussion: Purposeful speaking, engaged listening, deep thinking. Alexandria, VA: ASCD. PLEASE NOTE: The institute cannot refund a participant once the class has commenced.

19. Online: Embracing Student Diversity and Immigrant Students, July 1 - July 28, 2024 (WTCI)

Audience: Educators in Grades K - 12

Dates: 7/1/2024 to 7/28/2024

Location: Asynchronous

Culturally competent educators understand the diverse needs of their students and establish a culture of learning that provides opportunities for all students to succeed. Across the nation we are seeing a cultural gap that educators must navigate, including the challenges that current immigration issues and language differences have presented. Educators in this course will develop strategies for incorporating and celebrating, students' strengths and differences into daily lessons. Each educator will develop strategies for creating lessons and integrating strategies to become a more culturally competent teacher while promoting a safe space for learning and cultural differences. PLEASE NOTE: The institute cannot refund a participant once the class has commenced.

20. Online: Inclusive Teaching: Strategies for Differentiation in Diverse Classrooms, July 1 - July 28, 2024 (WTCI)

Audience: Educators in grades K-12

Dates: 7/1/2024 to 7/28/2024

Location: Asynchronous

This course will provide participants with the information needed to create inclusive learning environments by exploring the principles and practices of differentiation. Participants will gain a deep understanding of differentiation, dispelling misconceptions and practical strategies. The sessions cover a diverse range of tools, including flexible grouping, tiered assignments, choice menus, and tech tools, providing educators with a versatile toolkit to cater to varied learning styles. The course underscores the essential connection between Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and differentiation, encouraging seamless integration into instructional practices. At the conclusion of the course, participants will possess both a comprehensive understanding of differentiation and practical skills to effectively implement these strategies in their classrooms. PLEASE NOTE: The institute cannot refund a participant once the class has commenced.

21. Online: Work Hard/Think Hard: Principles of Effective Teaching, July 1 - July 28, 2024 (WTCI)

Audience: Educators K-12

Dates: 7/1/2024 to 7/28/2024

Location: Online

This course may be taken for either inservice or graduate credit. Since the two options are listed separately, please be sure to register accordingly. In this online book study, participants will develop their own use of the principles of effective teaching and develop a master teacher mindset through the examination of the best-selling text Never Work Harder Than Your Students by Robyn R Jackson. We will explore how to engage students in the heavy lifting of learning through the use of units of study, lesson plans, assessments, interventions and classroom management. With a focus on the quality of learning and not the quantity of work; teachers will become better equipped to lead their students on a voyage of self-discovery and acquisition of academic knowledge. At the conclusion of the course, participants will have a unit of study, lesson plan, assessment and action plan to help them put the principles into practice immediately and effectively, challenging their students to work hard and think harder. PLEASE NOTE: The institute cannot refund a participant once the class has commenced.

22. Online: Exploring ChatGPT and AI in Education Today, July 1 - July 28, 2024 (EWTC)

Audience: Content Area Classroom Teachers in Grades 3-12

Dates: 7/1/2024 to 7/28/2024

Location: Asynchronous/Online

New
This Free class is only open to consortium members only This course will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the history, development, and practical applications of ChatGPT and AI in teaching. You will gain knowledge on how to effectively communicate and share ChatGPT technology with both students and parents, as well as how to integrate innovative ideas in the classroom. Tools for study skills, lesson planning and assessments such as Quizlet, Gimkit and Magic School will be shared and many new ideas will be researched and implemented as we move through each section of the course. At the end of the course, you will have a toolbox of resources you can bring back to the classroom as well as a working knowledge of ethical classroom behaviors and how to set reasonable expectations. This course applies to content area teachers in grades 3-12.

23. Executive Functioning Skills to Increase Student Performance (7/9 - 8/14/24)

Location: Online (online, ny)

Dates: 7/9/2024 to 8/14/2024

Executive functioning involves the neurological processes used to consciously control thoughts, emotions and actions so that goals can be set and achieved. When students have deficits in their executive functioning skills they tend to have difficulty grasping concepts, cannot maintain an organized workspace and despite having just heard directions, don't know where to start. In this 15 hr online class we will explore the executive functioning skills that control a student's ability to think metacognitively and also their ability to respond appropriately using their social emotional skills. We will explore the role of the working memory and the essential role it plays in processing, storing and retrieving information, as well as the other necessary skills of task initiation, planning, organization, self-monitoring, impulse control, flexibility and emotional control. We will develop strategies to address our students needs and learn to incorporate strategies to our teaching and learn that will allow students with effective functioning deficits to succeed academically and socially. RTCI/WTCI course

24. Exploring Artificial Intelligence for Educators (7/9/24 - 8/14/24)

Location: Online (online, ny)

Dates: 7/9/2024 to 8/14/2024

New
Today's students and teachers can expect to interact with Artificial Intelligence (AI) in many aspects of their personal and academic lives. To prepare students for success, educators must understand how AI technologies can be used to facilitate teaching and learning. In this 15 hour course we will review the uses of AI for in education. . Participants will learn how to identify the various types of AI, look at new and developing AI resources and build tools to make AI concrete and accessible in their professional practice.To conclude the course, participants will develop learning tools for implementing AI into their classroom. Participants will receive a rockteach email address to participate.

In this 15 hour asynchronous book study, participants will be taking a deep dive into the book "Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain” by John Ratey MD. The book reviews case studies and evidence on how important exercise and movement is for the brain to be able to create, think, and learn. Participants will use this book to help increase the movement in their own classrooms and improve practice as an educator.

Course dates listed are the start and end date of this 15 hour asynchronous course.

Participants in this course will be provided a rockteach email address to participate in the course. The course will be delivered in Google Classroom.

Required Text: "Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain” by John Ratey MD

Participants must secure a a copy of book or ebook prior to the start of the 15 hour course.
RTCi/WTCI course

26. Reading & Writing Across All Content Areas (7/9/24-8/14/24)

Location: Online (online, ny)

Dates: 7/9/2024 to 8/14/2024


This 15 hour online course will explore the research-based benefits of integrating reading and writing activities into content area instruction. Participants will exam strategies for curriculum enhancement based upon samples of effective instruction, and design an instructional unit that meaningfully integrates reading and writing activities to enrich instruction, contextualize content, as well as for assessment of content area mastery. Participants will explore a variety of reading and writing resources and activities that will engage students in content areas instruction. The goal of this course is to determine how content area instruction can be enhanced with the integration of reading and writing activities. Instructional resources will address the needs of all participants, regardless of content area or grade level.

If students are provided with the opportunity to connect content area instruction with real life experiences, via reading and writing assignments, they are more likely to personalize learning, and consequently meet and exceed standards. This course provides teachers with the resources to merge reading and writing activities across all content areas.
RTCi/WTCI course

27. Online: The Key to Conversation, Comprehension, and Assessment, August 1 - August 28, 2023 (WTCI)

Audience: All Educators

Dates: 8/1/2024 to 8/28/2024

Location: Online

This course, which is a compilation of teaching strategies, comprehension techniques, and assessment practices, will introduce participants to learning through intentional lesson planning. We will begin the course by learning how to build conversations and create a safe environment where students are able to take risks and contribute to classroom conversations. In order to build comprehension, we will look at the course objectives and decide what we want the students to take away from the experience. We will explore the use of classroom questioning (and follow up) strategies, fiction and non- fiction book talks and design curriculum wide hands-on activities to improve student participation and comprehension. Exploring a variety of assessment strategies is a key part of the process. By implementing a backward design lesson plan, teachers can focus on the goals they hope to achieve, making their classroom time more intentional and their lesson plans more effective in the production of the desired result. The strategies and tools explored in this class can be applied to any curriculum and will enhance your current classroom tools. PLEASE NOTE: The institute cannot refund a participant once the class has commenced.

28. Online: Exploring ChatGPT and AI in Education Today, August 1 - August 28, 2024 (WTCI)

Audience: Content Area Classroom Teachers in Grades 3-12

Dates: 8/1/2024 to 8/28/2024

Location: Asynchronous/Online

New
This course will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the history, development, and practical applications of ChatGPT and AI in teaching. You will gain knowledge on how to effectively communicate and share ChatGPT technology with both students and parents, as well as how to integrate innovative ideas in the classroom. Tools for study skills, lesson planning and assessments such as Quizlet, Gimkit and Magic School will be shared and many new ideas will be researched and implemented as we move through each section of the course. At the end of the course, you will have a toolbox you can bring back to the classroom as well as a working knowledge of ethical classroom behaviors and how to set reasonable expectations. This course applies to content area classroom teachers in grades 3-12.

29. Online: Using Data to Improve Student Learning and Performance, August 1 - August 28, 2024 (WTCI)

Audience: All

Dates: 8/1/2024 to 8/28/2024

Location: Online - Asynchronous

Using data can be a manageable and engaging process and, when properly organized and managed, can increase student learning. In this online course, you will develop the skills needed to enhance the management and organization of classroom data to inform and improve teaching and learning. We will explore research-based strategies for analyzing data, examine a collaborative inquiry approach to data study and compare these strategies with those currently being utilized in the classroom. We will also explore the use of small group vs. whole group instruction and how that affects data collection and student learning. At the end of the course, you will have the necessary tools to efficiently use and apply classroom data to enhance student learning.Using data can be a manageable and engaging process to increase student learning.PLEASE NOTE: The institute cannot refund a participant once the class has commenced.