22 Professional Learning Opportunities - All Free of Charge 

To register for a course, please click on the course name.

You must use a personal email address to avoid  blocked emails.

The instructor will email you prior to the class start date. 

Once your instructor confirms you have completed the requirements for each course, a CTLE certificate of completion will be emailed to you. The email will be sent from kariannitrc@gmail.com. Please add this address to your contact list to prevent our emails from going to spam.  

For those wishing to earn in-service credit, prior approval from your district is required.

Instructors may keep courses open beyond the end date to allow time for participants to submit required work. CTLE certificates are issued only after final completion information is submitted, which may take two to three weeks after the course ends. Your patience is appreciated. 

Intercounty Teacher Resource Center offers courses that provide tools and fresh ideas to support both your teaching practice and personal well-being. As fellow educators, our instructors encourage genuine effort so you gain meaningful insight from each course. All submitted work must be original and created by you; use of Artificial Intelligence is strongly discouraged unless explicitly required for an assignment.

Welcome to the Intercounty Teacher Resource Center! 

Break the Ice: Activities to Foster Classroom Unity

Instructor: Tracey Trentowski (15 CTLE hours)

9/15/26 - 10/13/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Whether it is the first day of school or you are finding the dynamic in your class slipping, why not take a pause and break the ice! This course is tailored to educators seeking to enhance student engagement through ice breaker activities. Designed to foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment, you will be provided practical strategies and creative ideas for any age level to either kickstart or maintain meaningful connections, build rapport, and cultivate a sense of community among students. From team-building exercises to reflective prompts and interactive games, educators will discover innovative approaches to help students feel welcomed, valued, and open to learning. When students feel comfortable with their peers, it has tremendous power in terms of what you can accomplish in the classroom. Help your students foster connections and gain trust and comfort with their peers. 

Collecting and Managing IEP Data (K-5)

Instructor: Meghan Correira (15 CTLE hours)

9/17/26-10/15/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

This course will provide educators with practical strategies and tools for collecting, organizing, and managing IEP data to monitor student progress effectively. Participants will learn how to align data collection methods with IEP goals, ensure accurate documentation, and use data to guide and support instruction for students. 

Teach in Minutes: The Power of Microlearning

Instructor: Mark Hanes (15 CTLE hours)

9/22/26-10/20/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

In this course, educators will explore the power of microlearning: short, focused learning experiences designed to boost engagement, retention, and instructional efficiency. 

Supporting Struggling Readers Through Multi-Sensory Techniques (K-5) 

Instructor: Jenna Korte (15 CTLE hours)

9/24/26 -10/22/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

A multisensory approach is one that integrates sensory activities. The students see, hear, and touch. In essence, it incorporates the learning styles for visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile learners. Multisensory teaching tries to use all the senses, as students engage with materials in a variety of ways. By the end of this course, participants will be able to identify strategies and fun activities to use to help support struggling readers. 

Culture Through Connection: Shaping Successful Schools 

Instructors: Nicole Baryk & Lisa Ihne, Ed.D. (15 CTLE hours)

9/29/26 - 10/27/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Participants will explore the cornerstone of every thriving school: connections. Through stories, interactive discussion, and reflection, they will identify what makes trust authentic between teachers, administrators, parents, and students. Key focus: psychological safety, vulnerability in leadership, and trust-building habits that last. 

AI & The Future of Education

Instructor: Bill Scampoli (15 CTLE hours)

9/30/26 - 10/28/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

This course will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping education today and how it is likely to redefine it tomorrow. Educators will analyze the rapid evolution of AI technologies, reflect on the professional and ethical challenges it poses, and explore future scenarios that blend human intelligence, machine learning, and educational theory. Participants will leave with a deep understanding of how schools, teachers, and learners might adapt to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Canva for Educators: Design Engaging Learning Experiences 

Instructor: Mia LaFata (15 CTLE hours)

10/1/26 - 10/29/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Elevate your K-12 classroom with Canva! This course will equip all disciplines to design engaging visual materials like presentations, worksheets, and infographics. Learn to leverage Canva's intuitive tools and templates to enhance student learning, streamline classroom management, and cultivate creativity. By the end, you will confidently create visually rich resources that captivate students and elevate your teaching.

The Calm Educator: Reducing Stress and Enhancing Classroom Connection

Instructor: Jess Ciardullo (15 CTLE hours) 

10/6/26 - 11/3/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

This course will introduce educators to mindfulness practices that reduce stress, build emotional resilience, and enhance classroom environments. Educators will learn practical techniques to manage daily stressors and cultivate a mindful presence that benefits both themselves and their students. Through guided meditations, reflective journaling, and actionable strategies, participants will create sustainable mindfulness habits that foster well-being and improve student outcomes

Coding and Robotics in the Elementary Classroom

 Instructor: Barbra Knab (15 CTLE hours)

10/8/26 - 11/12/26 Hybrid: four synchronous hours (dates & times determined by class, plus 11 hours asynchronous); remote office hours are available upon request.

In this hybrid professional learning course, teachers will explore how to introduce simple coding and robotics instruction in their elementary classrooms to increase student engagement and further students’ social-emotional learning and interdisciplinary computational thinking skills. Teachers will create lesson plans to address the NYS K-12 Computer Science and Digital Fluency standards, self-reflect on their instructional implementation, and collaborate with colleagues in peer review.

As part of this course, teachers will be provided with Edison robots on a long-term loan for use during the course and in their classrooms. There is no cost to either the district or participating teachers for the course or the use of the robots.  

NYS Special Education Certification Extension for Grades: 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 10-12

Instructor: Meredith Murolo (45 CTLE hours)

10/15/26 - 12/17/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Extend your Students with Disabilities (SWD) Certification to Grades 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 and/or 10-12 and increase your versatility as a Special Education Teacher. In June of 2018, NYS approved certification pathways for special education teachers interested in extending their existing certification to grades 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 10-12. The requirements for these extensions include experience in one or both of the grade levels nearest the extension, a current NYS Students with Disabilities (SWD) Generalist certification, and a 45-hour NYSED approved course in the extension grade band. There will be three sections of work: Knowledge of Students, Instructional Strategies and Professional Practice. Content is aligned to the NYS Teaching and Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Standards. Promoting flexibility, this entire course will be conducted online via Google Classroom.

The Gamified Classroom (K-12)

Instructor: Rachel Kench (15 CTLE hours)

10/20/26 - 11/17/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

In The Gamified Classroom, teachers will learn how to take everyday lessons and transform them into content-driven gaming experiences. These games go way beyond what we have used in the past, providing students with gaming experiences that build knowledge of content while also strengthening the bonds of the "classroom family.” The highlight of the course will be the creation of an "escape room" challenge!

Inclusive Classrooms: Implementing Accommodations and Modifications into Your Classroom

Instructor: Caitlin Morrell (15 CTLE hours) 

10/21/26 - 11/18/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

General education classrooms are increasingly diverse, and many teachers are responsible for implementing accommodations and modifications without clear, practical guidance on how to do this within daily instruction. This course focuses on concrete, classroom-tested strategies to make supports manageable and meaningful. Participants will learn to distinguish between accommodations and modifications, design instruction that aligns with IEP requirements, and use inclusive planning frameworks to increase access to grade-level content. This course is perfect for educators across all subjects who want to strengthen equity and access in their classrooms.

The Power of the Calm Corner

Instructor: Erin Nastri (15 CTLE hours)

10/22/26 - 11/19/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

This course is designed to equip educators with practical strategies needed to create and sustain an effective “Calm Corner” within the classroom. We will explore how thoughtfully designed spaces can support student self-regulation, emotional awareness, and independent coping skills. The course will provide guidance on selecting appropriate materials, organizing the physical environment, and embedding routines that encourage consistent and meaningful use by students. Calm Corners can be adapted to fit the unique constraints of classroom spaces while remaining accessible, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate. Participants will be prepared to implement a Calm Corner that not only supports individual student needs but also contributes to a more focused, supportive, and responsive classroom climate.

Assessing What Matters: Math in the Elementary Classroom

Instructor: Meghan Correria (15 CTLE hours)

10/27/26 - 11/24/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

This course focuses on practical, standards-aligned approaches to assessing mathematics in grades K–5. Participants will explore how to evaluate student understanding using a variety of assessment tools, including exit tickets, performance tasks, and observational strategies. Educators will learn how to analyze student work to identify misconceptions and use assessment data to guide instruction and support student growth. The course will also cover strategies for providing meaningful feedback, differentiating assessment for diverse learners, and incorporating digital tools to streamline the assessment process. Additionally, participants will learn how to support student self-assessment and goal setting to promote independence and confidence in mathematics.

Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Education

Instructor: Hal Kench (15 CTLE hours)

10/29/26 - 12/3/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education in profound ways, reshaping the traditional classroom landscape, and revolutionizing teaching and learning practices. This course will delve into both the positive and negative effects of AI within educational settings.

Leading and Supporting Paraprofessionals for Success

Instructor: Todd Zuckerwise (15 CTLE hours)

11/4/26 - 12/9/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

This course will help teachers build strong, effective partnerships with paraprofessionals in the classroom. Participants will learn strategies for clear communication, defining roles and responsibilities, collaborating to support student learning, and creating a positive team environment. The course will provide practical tools to help teachers confidently lead and support paraprofessionals to improve outcomes for all students. 

ENL: Foundations for Supporting English Language Learners (ELLs)

Instructor: Joanie Zangerle, Ed.D. (15 CTLE hours)

11/5/26 - 12/10/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

This course provides teachers with a comprehensive introduction to the basic principles of English as a New Language (ENL) instruction. Participants will develop an understanding of second language acquisition, the stages of language development, and the distinctions between social and academic language proficiency. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, including lesson design and task modification to ensure they leave with ready-to-implement tools that improve instruction and improve outcomes for ELLs.

Classroom Management 

Instructor: Kevin Trentowski (15 CTLE hours)

11/10/26 - 12/8/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

This course provides educators with practical strategies to create and sustain effective classroom management systems. Participants will explore how strong relationships, clear expectations, and consistent routines form the foundation of a positive learning environment. Through real-world examples and guided activities, educators will learn how to prevent common behavior challenges, respond effectively when they arise, and increase student engagement. This course is designed for immediate application, helping teachers build a classroom where all students can succeed. 

Mastering the Stages of Reading: Effective Strategies for the Classroom 

Instructor: Meghan Correira (15 CTLE hours)

11/12/26 - 12/17/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request. 

Recognizing and comprehending the stages of reading is essential for effective literacy instruction. In this course, participants will have a thorough understanding of how to guide students through the stages of reading, assess their progress, and implement strategies that ensure every child becomes a successful reader.

Assess, Analyze, Act: A Teacher’s Guide to Closing Learning Gaps (K-2)

Instructors: Nicole Baryk & Lisa Ihne, Ed.D. (15 CTLE hours)

11/17/26 - 12/15/26 Asynchronous with one synchronous meeting 12/1/26 4:00-4:45; remote office hours are available upon request. 

Participants will engage with articles, video content, and a live Q&A session to identify gaps within their primary classroom practices. The course will guide participants in analyzing the underlying causes of these gaps, implementing effective strategies to address them, and developing approaches to monitor progress, adjust instruction, and sustain long-term growth.

Teaching Social-Emotional Learning in the Classroom: Practical SEL Strategies for K–12 Educators

Instructor: Jess Ciardullo (15 CTLE hours)

11/19/26 - 12/17/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

This course equips educators with practical strategies to teach Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) to students in K–12. We will explore the five core SEL competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Educators will learn how to integrate SEL into classroom routines, academic instruction, and behavior support practices. Through practical examples, interactive activities, and real classroom scenarios, participants will develop tools to help students recognize emotions, regulate behavior, build empathy, strengthen relationships, and make responsible choices. These strategies can be immediately implemented to foster emotionally supportive learning environments and promote student well-being and academic success. 

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STEM on a Shoestring Budget (K-5)

Instructor: Jenna Korte (15 CTLE hours)

11/24/26 - 12/22/26 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.

This course empowers teachers to design and deliver engaging, high-quality STEM experiences without relying on expensive kits or advanced technology. Participants will explore hands-on, inquiry-based lessons that promote creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking using low-cost and recycled materials. Emphasis will be placed on practical strategies that can be easily implemented in any classroom setting, making STEM learning accessible and sustainable for all students. Educators will leave with ready-to-use ideas and the confidence to foster meaningful STEM exploration with limited resources.