​The program explores education policy and leadership issues at the macro, strategic level through immersive experiences and virtual, interactive sessions.

NY EPLP attracts district and building-level leaders, board of education members, leaders of education organizations, and graduate students with an interest in education policy and related issues.

The statewide cohort of approximately 25 Fellows represents diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, school and work environments, and geographic areas.

NY EPLP is co-sponsored by the Fordham University Graduate School of Education and Putnam | Northern Westchester BOCES.

2026-2027 focus is "Putting Students First in Polarized Times”

Schedule of 2026-27 Sessions

*Dates subject to change

Click Here to Learn More About the New York Education Policy Leadership Program

VIRTUAL Professional Learning Sessions

This series of professional learning sessions introduces the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) at this grade level and focuses on how to operationalize them in classrooms. These sessions provide immersion tasks, so teachers experience how students are expected to use the three dimensions of the standards to make sense of core science ideas.

The workshop format consists of asynchronous pre-session activities and a 2-hour synchronous meeting using Zoom. Two CTLE credits will be awarded for completion of the pre-session activities, and two more credits will be awarded for attendance of the synchronous meeting per session. Each of the six sessions addresses about one-half of each unit's lessons.

The following asynchronous assignments are to be completed before each professional learning session:

VIRTUAL Professional Learning Sessions

This series of professional learning sessions introduces the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) at this grade level and focuses on how to operationalize them in classrooms. These sessions provide immersion tasks, so teachers experience how students are expected to use the three dimensions of the standards to make sense of core science ideas.

The workshop format consists of asynchronous pre-session activities and a 2-hour synchronous meeting using Zoom. Two CTLE credits will be awarded for completion of the pre-session activities, and two more credits will be awarded for attendance of the synchronous meeting per session. Each of the six sessions addresses about one-half of each unit's lessons.

The following asynchronous assignments are to be completed before each professional learning session:

VIRTUAL Professional Learning Sessions

This series of professional learning sessions introduces the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) at this grade level and focuses on how to operationalize them in classrooms. These sessions provide immersion tasks, so teachers experience how students are expected to use the three dimensions of the standards to make sense of core science ideas.

The workshop format consists of asynchronous pre-session activities and a 2-hour synchronous meeting using Zoom. Two CTLE credits will be awarded for completion of the pre-session activities, and two more credits will be awarded for attendance of the synchronous meeting per session. Each of the six sessions addresses about one-half of each unit's lessons.

The following asynchronous assignments are to be completed before each professional learning session:

VIRTUAL Professional Learning Sessions

Check your district's calendar to ensure that the Unit 4 session in April doesn't conflict with ELA/Math testing schedule.

This series of professional learning sessions introduces the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) at this grade level and focuses on how to operationalize them in classrooms. These sessions provide immersion tasks, so teachers experience how students are expected to use the three dimensions of the standards to make sense of core science ideas.

The workshop format consists of asynchronous pre-session activities and a 2-hour synchronous meeting using Zoom. Two CTLE credits will be awarded for completion of the pre-session activities, and two more credits will be awarded for attendance of the synchronous meeting per session. Each of the six sessions addresses about one-half of each unit's lessons.

The following asynchronous assignments are to be completed before each professional learning session:

VIRTUAL Professional Learning Sessions

Check your district's calendar to ensure that the Unit 4 session in April doesn't conflict with ELA/Math testing schedule.

This series of professional learning sessions introduces the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) at this grade level and focuses on how to operationalize them in classrooms. These sessions provide immersion tasks, so teachers experience how students are expected to use the three dimensions of the standards to make sense of core science ideas.

The workshop format consists of asynchronous pre-session activities and a 2-hour synchronous meeting using Zoom. Two CTLE credits will be awarded for completion of the pre-session activities, and two more credits will be awarded for attendance of the synchronous meeting per session. Each of the six sessions addresses about one-half of each unit's lessons.

The following asynchronous assignments are to be completed before each professional learning session:

New NYSSLS-Aligned Science 21 Curriculum Professional Learning Workshop

VIRTUAL Professional Learning Sessions

This series of professional learning sessions introduces the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) at this grade level and focuses on how to operationalize them in classrooms. These sessions provide immersion tasks, so teachers experience how students are expected to use the three dimensions of the standards to make sense of core science ideas.

The workshop format consists of asynchronous pre-session activities and a 2-hour synchronous meeting using Zoom. Two CTLE credits will be awarded for completion of the pre-session activities, and two more credits will be awarded for attendance of the synchronous meeting per session. Each of the six sessions addresses about one-half of each unit's lessons.

The following asynchronous assignments are to be completed before each professional learning session:

IN-PERSON Professional Learning Sessions

This series of professional learning sessions introduces the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) at this grade level and focuses on how to operationalize them in classrooms. These sessions provide immersion tasks, so teachers experience how students are expected to use the three dimensions of the standards to make sense of core science ideas.

This professional learning is a series of sessions, each one centered on a new unit. Each session introduces and emphasizes the Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts of the standards outlined in every lesson. This experiential workshop provides time for teachers to unpack and perform the instructional techniques and explore student tasks before introducing the curriculum in classrooms!

Please note that teachers will be provided with a printed copy of the unit manual at their first learning session.

Program Goals: Full participation in this eight-month professional learning opportunity will help Senior Fellows:

IN-PERSON Professional Learning Sessions

Check your district's calendar to ensure that the Unit 4 session in April doesn't conflict with ELA/Math testing schedule.

This series of professional learning sessions introduces the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) at this grade level and focuses on how to operationalize them in classrooms. These sessions provide immersion tasks, so teachers experience how students are expected to use the three dimensions of the standards to make sense of core science ideas.

This professional learning is a series of sessions, each one centered on a new unit. Each session introduces and emphasizes the Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts of the standards outlined in every lesson. This experiential workshop provides time for teachers to unpack and perform the instructional techniques and explore student tasks before introducing the curriculum in classrooms!

Please note that teachers will be provided with a printed copy of the unit manual at their first learning session.

Professional development from respected educators and speakers in the region and beyond will be a part of each month's session on topics including school climate, secondary curriculum, and human resources.

Updates will be provided on frameworks and regulations coming from State Ed and there will be opportunities to share each school's progress, vision and potential challenges regarding the implementation of these evolving mandates.

Our workshops are accessible to people with disabilities. To request accommodations, please contact hhirsch@pnwboces.org

IN-PERSON Professional Learning Sessions

This series of professional learning sessions introduces the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) at this grade level and focuses on how to operationalize them in classrooms. These sessions provide immersion tasks, so teachers experience how students are expected to use the three dimensions of the standards to make sense of core science ideas.

This professional learning is a series of sessions, each one centered on a new unit. Each session introduces and emphasizes the Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts of the standards outlined in every lesson. This experiential workshop provides time for teachers to unpack and perform the instructional techniques and explore student tasks before introducing the curriculum in classrooms!

Please note that teachers will be provided with a printed copy of the unit manual at their first learning session.

Session 1 will focus on defining the purpose and principles of Integrated ENL Co-Teaching while examining partnership roles, structures, and practices.

Session 2 will focus on collaborative planning routines, language and content objectives, high-impact instructional strategies, and scaffolds.

Session 3 will focus on implementing and refining co-teaching practices through the purposeful use of co-teaching models, assessment and accommodations, and the intentional use of AI to support planning and instruction for multilingual learners.

ENL teachers are strongly encouraged to attend with a co-teacher to strengthen collaboration and plan upcoming lessons and units. Dually certified ENL and content-area teachers are also encouraged to register.

All participants must bring a device in order to access materials and participate in activities.

Our workshops are accessible to people with disabilities. To request accommodations, please contact Hallie Hirsch, hhirsch@pnwboces.org, at least three weeks prior to your event.

IN-PERSON Professional Learning Sessions

This series of professional learning sessions introduces the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) at this grade level and focuses on how to operationalize them in classrooms. These sessions provide immersion tasks, so teachers experience how students are expected to use the three dimensions of the standards to make sense of core science ideas.

This professional learning is a series of sessions, each one centered on a new unit. Each session introduces and emphasizes the Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts of the standards outlined in every lesson. This experiential workshop provides time for teachers to unpack and perform the instructional techniques and explore student tasks before introducing the curriculum in classrooms!

Please note that teachers will be provided with a printed copy of the unit manual at their first learning session.

IN-PERSON Professional Learning Sessions

Check your district's calendar to ensure that the Unit 4 session in April doesn't conflict with ELA/Math testing schedule.

This series of professional learning sessions introduces the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) at this grade level and focuses on how to operationalize them in classrooms. These sessions provide immersion tasks, so teachers experience how students are expected to use the three dimensions of the standards to make sense of core science ideas.

This professional learning is a series of sessions, each one centered on a new unit. Each session introduces and emphasizes the Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts of the standards outlined in every lesson. This experiential workshop provides time for teachers to unpack and perform the instructional techniques and explore student tasks before introducing the curriculum in classrooms!

Please note that teachers will be provided with a printed copy of the unit manual at their first learning session.

IN-PERSON Professional Learning Sessions

Check your district's calendar to ensure that the Unit 4 session in April doesn't conflict with ELA/Math testing schedule.

This series of professional learning sessions introduces the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) at this grade level and focuses on how to operationalize them in classrooms. These sessions provide immersion tasks, so teachers experience how students are expected to use the three dimensions of the standards to make sense of core science ideas.

This professional learning is a series of sessions, each one centered on a new unit. Each session introduces and emphasizes the Science and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts of the standards outlined in every lesson. This experiential workshop provides time for teachers to unpack and perform the instructional techniques and explore student tasks before introducing the curriculum in classrooms!

Please note that teachers will be provided with a printed copy of the unit manual at their first learning session.

The forum schedule allows for collegial networking, professional development from respected educators and speakers in the region and beyond, as well as EdCamp Style professional learning.

Time spent within your own school level cohort will be provided within each forum session to focus specifically on the unique work within your role.

Our workshops are accessible to people with disabilities. To request accommodations, please contact hhirsch@pnwboces.org

Teacher leaders are among the most influential individuals in a school community. Selected for their expertise, credibility, and ability to inspire others, they play a critical role in building capacity, strengthening professional practice, and advancing meaningful change. Whether serving as an instructional coach, department chair, team leader, mentor, staff developer, or in another leadership role, these educators help shape the experiences of both staff and students.

The Teachers as Leaders Academy is a learning experience consisting of three 90-minute, in-person sessions designed for educators seeking to expand their leadership impact beyond the classroom. Participants will deepen their understanding of the unique role of teacher leadership, explore effective strategies for supporting and influencing adult learners, and develop foundational leadership skills that foster individual, team, and schoolwide growth. Together, we will examine both the opportunities and challenges of leading peers while building the confidence, capacity, and leadership mindset needed to inspire growth and create lasting impact.

Participants will:

The session introduces the nine essential evaluation elements outlined by regulation and examines the purpose and impact of evaluation on teaching and learning. Participants will explore rubric domains, components, and priorities, including how they connect, how performance levels are determined, and how to align observable evidence to rubric criteria while understanding evaluator intent.

Through guided practice, attendees will analyze lesson observations, collect objective evidence, and apply ratings using the Danielson framework. The workshop also connects evaluation to student-centered instruction, clarifying what it looks and sounds like in classrooms and identifying instructional strategies that strengthen it. NYS growth measures and student learning objectives will also be reviewed.

A key focus is effective feedback: distinguishing it from praise and criticism, evaluating its quality, and understanding its role in accurately representing teacher practice. Participants will build skills in conducting "crucial conversations,” delivering meaningful, actionable feedback that promotes professional growth, collaboration, and reflective practice.

Finally, the workshop addresses inter-rater reliability, with opportunities to practice scoring using video and rubric tools to ensure consistency in evidence collection and performance-level determination across evaluators.

Our workshops are accessible to people with disabilities. To request accommodations, please contact Hallie Hirsch, hhirsch@pnwboces.org, at least three weeks prior to your event.

Discussions may include topics such as student well-being, executive functioning, 504/IEP processes, risk assessment, compliance updates, parent engagement, and schoolwide support systems.

Designed to inspire and strengthen practice, the forum equips counselors with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and actionable strategies they can immediately bring back to their schools. By connecting professionals across the region, the forum fosters a network of support that helps strengthen school communities and promote student success.

Our workshops are accessible to people with disabilities. To request accommodations, please contact Hallie Hirsch, hhirsch@pnwboces.org, at least three weeks prior to your event.

This book club will unpack the language and the pedagogy outlined and described in this book. We will discuss: planning for student engagement, talk as a tool for learning, making thinking visible through models, supporting changes in thinking, justifying claims in the science community, and more.

You will meet in small and large groups on zoom to make sense of the teaching and learning changes as part of the vision of the NYS P-12 SLS!

A copy of "Ambitious Science Teaching" by Mark Windschitl, Jessica Thompson, & Melissa Braaten must be purchased to participate.

This 2-hour in-person session is to help schools prepare for one of the science investigations that students must complete for the ELS assessment.

Participants will be given an opportunity to practice the "hands-on” portion of the assessment. The learning facilitator will review all Teacher Materials, Rubrics, Student Directions, Student Answer Packets, and supplemental Investigation resources. Facilitators will address questions about all aspects of the student task. Alignment to the Science 21 curriculum will be briefly reviewed.

Since the investigation tasks are considered secured items by the NYSED Office of State Assessment, we have been advised that we cannot distribute the investigations to workshop participants. PLEASE BRING A COPY OF THE INVESTIGATION WITH YOU.

If you have not yet gotten a copy of the investigation, copy and paste this link into your browser; it will bring you to the download instructions. These downloads must be done through the PRINCIPAL PORTAL through the NYSED website. https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/state-assessment/availability-els-ils-required-investigations-2022.pdf

This series assists building level administrators and supervisors by developing an in-depth understanding of human resources as it relates to their respective assignments as well as preparation for central office roles.

Sessions address critical topics such as certification, recruitment, interviewing skills, selection and appointment, induction and orientation, contract negotiations, conducting investigations, employee discipline, conflict management and problem solving.

The program also offers participants the opportunity to participate in an optional complimentary professional coaching session.

Our workshops are accessible to people with disabilities. To request accommodations, please contact hhirsch@pnwboces.org

This collegial circle provides a reflective and collaborative space for school staff to explore identity-affirming practices that support LGBTQIA+ students and those at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. Participants will examine current trends impacting students, share best practices for fostering belonging, and discuss practical strategies for creating inclusive, supportive school environments.

Become a continuing part of a network of LGBTQ+ educators/leaders with whom you can share ideas and experiences.

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR PARTICIPANTS WILL:

Through a collaborative learning community, participants will explore SEL foundations, Tier 1 SEL implementation, universal SEL assessment, and trauma-informed approaches to Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports.

Sessions are grounded in the CASEL Framework, aligned with NYSED guidance, and informed by national best practices.

Opportunities for discussion, reflection, resource sharing, and practical application will be embedded throughout the series.

Our workshops are accessible to people with disabilities. To request accommodations, please contact Hallie Hirsch, hhirsch@pnwboces.org, at least three weeks prior to your event.

Opportunities for one-on-one sessions and coaching are also available.

Our workshops are accessible to people with disabilities. To request accommodations, please contact hhirsch@pnwboces.org

This professional forum provides a dynamic space for school social workers to engage with experts, expand their practice, and connect with peers across the region.

Participants will explore timely topics such as crisis assessment protocols, emerging mental health trends, and effective interventions to support student well-being.

Each session is designed to strengthen clinical practice, foster meaningful collaboration, and provide tools for navigating the evolving needs of school communities.

Our workshops are accessible to people with disabilities. To request accommodations, please contact Hallie Hirsch, hhirsch@pnwboces.org, at least three weeks prior to your event.

Note: CEU Credits currently offered only to LMSW/LCSW/LMHC and Doctoral Level Psychologists. All other disciplines are ineligible at this time. 1.5 CEU Credit is available.

This workshop is offered at no cost for districts that are Northwell members.

The Fall meeting

This session is intended for school or district administrators new to the SCI21 program or new to their role.

This 2-hour session is an opportunity to get acquainted with elements of SCI21 and learn how curriculum changes will affect your district's schools.  This briefing will address the following topics: 

The focus will shift from foundational understanding to system coherence, fidelity, and measurable student outcomes.

Participants will engage in team-based planning, applied problem-solving, and use of practical tools to strengthen and sustain MTSS across settings.

Our workshops are accessible to people with disabilities. To request accommodations, please contact hhirsch@pnwboces.org

**The educational organization should be approaching or at fidelity in its PBIS implementation for the implementation team to participate in this series.**

Through collaborative planning and application, teams will strengthen their PBIS systems, align practices across tiers, and build their capacity to use data to guide decision-making. Teams will also engage with the updated Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI) to assess implementation, identify areas for growth, and monitor progress. Throughout the series, teams will develop and refine a sustainable, data-informed action plan to support continued implementation and improve outcomes for students and staff.

All PNW BOCES visitors must enter our 200 BOCES Drive campus through the main entrance off Veterans Road/Northmore Drive. Please prepare to arrive a few minutes early to pass through security. A valid ID (such as a driver's license) will be required to enter campus.

Our trainings are accessible to people with disabilities. To request accommodations, please contact Felecia Morris, fmorris@pnwboces.org, at least three weeks prior to your event.

Cancellations and delays due to inclement weather can be found on the PNW BOCES website. If a delayed opening is announced, morning learning sessions will be rescheduled for another date whenever possible.

For full day professional learning activities, please see the start times below: 1-Hour Delay: Workshops start at 9:30am 2-Hour Delay: Workshops start at 10:30am 3-Hour Delay: Workshops start at 11:30am

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 11:59pm

Participants in this series will be part of a think tank with like-minded educators. Self-determination and its benefits provide the foundation for the ideas and resources shared to support students with disabilities at all grade levels to increase their participation in IEP development, Committee on Special Education (CSE) participation and IEP implementation. Networking and brainstorming with colleagues from other Educational Organizations (EO)s and national resources are provided.

Day 1- 10/22/26- 9am-12pm
Day 2- 12/3/26- 9am-12pm
Day 3- 3/18/27- 9am-12pm
TECH ASSISTANCE-OPTIONAL 3/25/27, separate registration
Day 4- 5/17/27- 9am-12pm

All PNW BOCES visitors must enter our 200 BOCES Drive campus through the main entrance off Veterans Road/Northmore Drive. Please prepare to arrive a few minutes early to pass through security. A valid ID (such as a driver's license) will be required to enter campus.

Our trainings are accessible to people with disabilities. To request accommodations, please contact Felecia Morris, fmorris@pnwboces.org, at least three weeks prior to your event.

Cancellations and delays due to inclement weather can be found on the PNW BOCES website. If a delayed opening is announced, morning learning sessions will be rescheduled for another date whenever possible. For full day professional learning activities, please see the start times below: 1-Hour Delay: Workshops start at 9:30am
2-Hour Delay: Workshops start at 10:30am
3-Hour Delay: Workshops start at 11:30am
In the event of an early dismissal, afternoon professional learning activities, meetings, etc. will be cancelled.

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 11:59 pm

Explore processes that establish trusting and productive working relationships among team members and ensure that teamwork is productive and meaningful.

Explore processes that establish trusting and productive working relationships among team members. Learn how to work with your team-or to organize other teams-to develop a clearly articulated direction and ensure all members are pursuing the same agenda. Discover strategies and tools to ensure that teamwork is productive and meaningful. The program welcomes interest and registrations from all practitioners in the field.

This online, asynchronous series is one entry point into CEEL. Module: Learn C runs from November 2 to November 20, 2026, the deadline to enroll in this module is October 23, 2026. This module will run again from June 7, 2027 through June 25, 2027, with a deadline to enroll by May 27, 2027

Every leadership decision you make rests on how well you understand the children and adults in your building. This series examines the science behind child development, adult learning, and the impact of trauma on early learners, so the decisions you make as a leader are built on solid ground rather than guesswork.

The series consists of five modules: four Learn modules (A, B, C, D) and one capstone Plan and Apply module. Learn modules run three weeks (about 10 hours of work); Plan and Apply runs four weeks (about 15 hours). You can begin with any Learn module and take them in any order, though completing at least two Learn modules before Plan and Apply is required.

Participants earn CTLE hours matching each module's workload: 10 hours per Learn module, 15 hours for Plan and Apply, for up to 55 CTLE hours across the full series.

Enroll in Learn D by October 23, 2026