WINTER/SPRING 2024 REGISTRATION


Please use a personal email address to avoid blocked emails.

A  CTLE certificate of completion will be emailed  from kariannitrc@gmail.com. Please add this  to your contacts to prevent  it  from going to spam.  

District approval is needed for in-service credit.

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1. Coding and Robotics in the Elementary Classroom  (15 CTLE hours) -closed

Instructor: Barbra Knab

Dates:  2/5/24 to  2/26/24

(Synchronous: February 5th  and February 26th , 4:00-6:00 P.M./Asynchronous: 11 hours)

In this hybrid professional learning course,  K-6 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. No prior knowledge of coding or robotics is necessary. Participating teachers will receive a long-term loan of Edison robots to use during this class and in their classroom afterward. No cost to the district or teacher for BOTH the course and loan of robots. Location of face-to-face classes will be determined by the instructor and registrants.  https://forms.gle/VYASHVDhJ8XTWM7G9 


2. Tips for Writing a Successful IEP  (15 CTLE hours) - closed  

Instructor:  Shikema M. Clark

Dates: 1/15/24 to 2/5/24   (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

This course is designed for special education teachers to learn how to develop an effective and sustainable Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. We will explore how to use present levels of academic achievement and functional performance to develop ambitious, observable and measurable goals. This course will also explore using present levels of academic achievement and functional performance to choose effective accommodations and modifications to help the student be successful.  https://forms.gle/eUPLGGa65eNv4APK9 


3. Getting Started With Guided Math: How to Switch From Whole Group to Small Group Instruction  (K-5)   (10 CTLE hours)

Instructor:  Jenna Korte  

Dates: 1/17/24 to 2/7/24   (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available) -closed

Do you want to use manipulatives and a hands-on approach to teach math? Whole group math lectures are a thing of the past! This online course is designed for elementary school teachers ranging from grades K-5. The course begins with an introduction on how to launch Small Group Guided Math Instruction at any point throughout the year. Suggestions include using math manipulatives, rotating schedules to adapt to student needs/schedules, preparing substitute plans and designing independent work activities.  https://forms.gle/DrzAQUPrJhDoxUeu6 


4. Unpacking the NYS Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards  -closed

 (15 CTLE hours)  

Instructor:  Barbara Knab 

Dates: 1/22/24 to 2/12/24   (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

The NYS Department of Education has developed new standards for computer science and digital fluency that encompass grades K-12. Participants learn about the timeline for implementation and how to understand and incorporate the standards.  https://forms.gle/qA2oGCPYLPprQZjB7                                                                                                                               

5. Internet Resources to Enhance Curriculum   (15 CTLE hours) -closed

Instructor: Francisca Alabau 

Dates: 1/24/24 to 2/14/24   (Synchronous 5 hrs.:  6:30 pm to 7:30 pm via Google Meet 1/24, 1/30, 2/1, 2/6, 2/8)  asynchronous 10 hours


In this workshop, educators will be introduced to a variety of tools, apps and programs that will enable them to create, edit and use their creations to enhance teaching, assess student learning, and assign student projects. Each session will focus on a different tool and purpose for using internet resources. Topics will include Canva, Kami, Edpuzzle, Seesaw, Padlet, Bitmoji, Remind and Teachermade.  https://forms.gle/LRwtJCyEEateyyAz8 


6. Home/School Balance for Educators   (15 CTLE hours) - closed

Instructor: Jessica Ciardullo

Dates:  1/29/24 to 2/19/24   (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

Participants will learn the importance of balancing home and work life in order to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue. We will examine current life balance and from that assessment, determine areas to gain more equanimity in their lives. Teachers who support their own wellness will be more engaged in the classroom and will be able to support student learning and achievement.  https://forms.gle/DN2gHxhnYx1c8tr28 


7. Helping Students with Anxiety and Depression   (15 CTLE hours) -closed

Instructor:  Mark Hanes

Dates:  1/31/24 to 2/21/24   (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

As mental health problems among adolescents continue to climb, schools are seeing the importance and need for mental health education. This course will improve your knowledge and understanding of anxiety and depression. We will dispel common myths about these disorders and learn how to identify risk factors and warning signs of mental health concerns.  https://forms.gle/i5zCYXW6tzszBiZeA 


8. Google App Based Tools for Teaching with Technology: Part 2  (15 CTLE hours) -closed

Instructor:  Melissa Lubomski 

Dates:  2/5/24 to 2/26/24   (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

Part 1 is not a prerequisite for this course. This course is designed to help educators with the know-how necessary to immediately implement technology based activities in their classrooms. The vital role of teachers in the 21st-century depends on a deep understanding of best instructional practices in the digital world. Participants will explore various online assessment methods such as Quizizz, Quizlet, and Kahoot. The power of the Kami library and split/merge feature will be covered as well as how to create a Bitmoji Classroom.  https://forms.gle/gTuy7LDrBUoZpmU1A 


9. How To Promote Phonological and Phonemic Awareness in Elementary Students  (10 CTLE hours) -closed

Instructor: Jenna Korte    

Dates: 2/7/24 to 2/21/24   (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

In this course, teachers will learn about the five (5) levels of phonemic awareness, as well as the eight (8) phonological awareness skills. Participants will develop an understanding of how to incorporate age-appropriate phonics instruction into existing reading and writing lessons. By the end of the course, participants will be able to create differentiated phonics instruction to address a variety of student needs.  https://forms.gle/gDP1Qq7r8tsDsGDa9 


10. Book Talk: The Best PD Is Down the Hall   (15 CTLE hours) -closed

Instructor:  Mike Kleba 

Dates:   3/14/24 to 4/4/24  ( Asynchronous 13hrs., Synchronous 2 hrs. 3/14/24 & 4/4/24 via Google Meet: 4:00-5:00)

Imagine if you could talk to teachers from other schools about what works in your classroom and you could learn what works in theirs.

This course is designed to foster a supportive and collaborative environment where teachers can learn from each other, share best practices, and grow professionally.  Teachers from different k-12 schools from across Long Island will participate, allowing for broad discussions of what teaching looks like in different schools, disciplines, and grade levels. The book, Otherful: How to Change the World and Your School Through Other People, by Mike Kleba and Ryan O'Hara, is a requirement of this course.  Twenty free copies of the book  are available for pickup at Islip UFSD:  215 Main Street, Islip, NY 11751.  https://forms.gle/VywN3DFcsURN43rb6 


11.  Book Talk: Well Spoken: Teaching Speaking to All Students     (15 CTLE hours) -closed

Instructor:  Laura Hald

Dates: 2/14/24  to 3/6/24   (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

Public speaking does not have to be the most feared form of communication. We will explore multiple ways to help students of all ages feel more comfortable speaking in front of others by  learning how to incorporate simple public speaking games/activities in all grade level classrooms. Learn how to build  student confidence by using creative and confidence boosting activities that will take the fear out of public speaking. The book, Well Spoken: Teaching Speaking to All Students, by Erik Palmer, is a requirement of this course.  Twenty free copies of the book are available for pickup at Islip UFSD:  215 Main Street, Islip, NY 11751.  https://forms.gle/zL2Vm2eorRdWPjJJ9 


12. Google Workspace for Education (10 CTLE hours) -closed

Instructor:  Mia LaFata

Dates: 2/19/24 to 3/4/24   (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

In this course, Google Workspace applications that will be covered include, but are not limited to: Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Forms, Google Jamboard, Google Sheets and Google Slides. Each tool will have its own session within the course but may also include how they can be used in conjunction with each other. For each tool, teachers will learn how to best utilize them in the classroom to effectively enhance their curriculum and provide students with advanced technology skills.  https://forms.gle/CFKngjSZXMcExenf7 


13. Effects of Technology on Student Learning   (15 CTLE hours) -closed                                                                                                       

 Instructor:  Harold Kench                                                                                                                   

Dates: 2/21/24 to 3/13/24      (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

Kids growing up in the digital age have a different outlook on life and learning. Technology is affecting the way students think and focus. This course will explore how technology influences a student’s attention span, decision-making, reasoning, memory and ability to learn. Teachers taking the course will discuss how to integrate technology into lessons that will enhance student achievement while examining countermeasures to ease the influence of the negative effects of technology that impede student academic achievement. Participants will create technologically rich lesson plans and react to and discuss the use of technology in education. The instructor will contact registrants prior to the start date.   https://forms.gle/39H3o4owpXBtdXpq6                                                                                

14. Book Talk:  4 Essential Studies: Beliefs and Practices to Reclaim Student Agency  (15 CTLE hours) -closed

Instructor:  Maria Whalen

Dates:  2/26/24 to 3/18/24  (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available) 

This course will focus on four essential studies: writing, poetry, book clubs, and digital composition. We will use this text to help develop activities that move beyond formulaic writing assignments, and instead develop students’ independence and decision-making skills. We will discuss ways to help our students to become less reliant on us when reading and writing. This text includes lessons on how they used mentor texts, effective feedback and student choice to drive their instruction. The book, 4 Essential Studies: Beliefs and Practices to Reclaim Student Agency, by Penny Kittle and Kelly Gallagher, is a requirement of this course. Twenty free copies of the book  are available for pickup at Islip UFSD:  215 Main Street, Islip, NY 11751.  https://forms.gle/2eEe9ycxejVbh81G8 


15.  Effective Parent Partnerships    (15 CTLE hours) - closed

Instructor:  Meghan Correira 

Dates:  2/28/24 to 3/20/24   (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

Participants will learn the importance of building strong relationships with parents and how it can benefit and support students emotionally and academically. Participants will learn different methods to effectively communicate with parents to maximize partnership for success.

Positive teacher-parent communication contributes to positive student outcomes, including improved child and student achievement and decreased disciplinary issues.  https://forms.gle/vZjQFLBRZL7MWWj77 



16. How Does a Lesson Plan?  (15 CTLE hours) -closed

Instructor: David Zimbler

Dates:  3/7/24 to 3/29/24   (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

The goal of this professional development session will be for the participants to first truly understand the importance of how a lesson plan drives instruction, but more importantly, how the plan is put together with student engagement and differentiated activities based on data that will support the success of all learners in the classroom.  https://forms.gle/k733Bkdm2rCzMHug7 


17. Battling Burnout  (15 CTLE hours) -closed

Instructor:  Meredith Murolo

Dates: 3/6/24 to 3/27/24   (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

It is no secret that a large number of teachers hit a point of burnout at some point. Teachers today have an unbelievable amount of pressure and responsibility. Expectations are high and come from within, administration, the public and the nation at large. Additionally, teachers have seen rapid changes to curriculum, technology, and social-emotional initiatives, APPR, and state and federal standards. We will cover what it means to be a 21st century teacher, and learn how to  improve stress management and focus on self-care as well as learn how to improve moral and relationships.  https://forms.gle/XyfGgxwb99v9v1Mp8 


18. Empowering Students Through Service Learning   (15 CTLE hours) -closed

Instructor: Kevin Trentowski

Dates:  3/11/24 to 4/1/24   (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)  

Educators will be introduced to service learning and how it can benefit and empower students.  Participants will learn skills that will enable them to create a pathway to follow,  tools to  introduce service learning to students, solicit support from their classes, and succeed through performing a service. Educators will have the opportunity to create their own project map to use in their own classrooms.  https://forms.gle/ZWB2bwZAVEwuEUxj9 


19. Book Talk: Music and Movement in the Elementary Classroom   (15 CTLE hours) - closed

Instructor: Meghan Correira    

Dates:  3/18/24 to 4/8/24    (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

Giving students opportunities to move during the school day can increase focus and attention and help them learn more effectively. Teachers will obtain new strategies to incorporate music and movement into instruction and routine. The book, The Kinesthetic Classroom: Teaching and Learning Through Movement by Traci Lengel, is a requirement of this course. Twenty free copies of the book  are available for pickup at Islip UFSD:  215 Main Street, Islip, NY 11751. https://forms.gle/m31jy38Ke5rxx3eq8 


20. Book Talk: Media Literacy and Critical Thinking    (15 CTLE hours) -closed

Instructor: Marley Solomon      

Dates:  3/20/24 to 4/10/24   (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

In this course we will discuss how media literacy can help combat the current misinformation epidemic that exists today and empower students to ask questions and make sound judgments rooted in fact and evidence. Participants learn how to connect Constructivist Media Decoding with educational approaches such as project-based learning, social-emotional learning, and antiracist education. The book, Teaching Students to Decode the World: Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum by Chris Sperry and Cyndy Scheibe is a requirement of this course.  Twenty free copies of the book  are available for pickup at Islip UFSD:  215 Main Street, Islip, NY 11751.  https://forms.gle/biRSQR3FWkPtHqqe7 


21. Book Talk: Reclaim Your Challenging Classroom  (15 CTLE hours) - closed

Instructor:  Meredith Murolo

Dates:  3/25/24 to 4/15/24    (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

This course  is geared for  both new and experienced teachers. The content focuses on developing effective classroom management skills and strategies, specifically examining how to reach those students with emotional and behavioral disorders.  Participants will explore ways in which they can create a positive classroom community where students thrive and learn to the best of their ability. It will empower teachers by providing tools to improve student behavior and better manage their classrooms. The text also includes an assortment of self-assessments we will review and discuss how to utilize in order to improve instruction and classroom management. 

The book, Reclaim Your Challenging Classroom, by Alene H. Harris and Justin D. Garwood, is a requirement for this course.  Twenty free copies of the book  are available for pickup at Islip UFSD:  215 Main Street, Islip, NY 11751.  https://forms.gle/iHv6FSeuju5i4MkT6 


22. Book Talk:  Hacking Classroom Management: 10 Ideas to Help You Become the Type of Teacher They Make Movies About 

  (15 CTLE hours) -closed

Instructor: Jennifer Glassberg

Dates:  3/27/24 to 4/17/24   (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available) 

This course will cover classroom management hacks that will help teachers build strong relationships with students, reduce behavioral issues, enhance student ownership, and improve parental involvement. The book, Hacking Classroom Management: 10 Ideas To Help You Become the Type of Teacher They Make Movies About by Mike Roberts, is a requirement of this course.  Twenty free copies of the book  are available for pickup at Islip UFSD:  215 Main Street, Islip, NY 11751.  https://forms.gle/iwU81kAafCYijNyE7 


23. Using Technology to Impact Classroom Instruction   (15 CTLE hours) - closed

Instructor: Dr. Paul Alan Pelech

Dates: 3/28/24 to 4/18/24    (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

Data drives our schools and local school districts. To best impact the success of our scholars, it is important to incorporate data driven instruction. Learn how to incorporate tools and strategies that will take your curricular results to new heights.  https://forms.gle/rqHxtkgNfzwziiUk7 


24. Cybersecurity  (15 CTLE hours) - closed

Instructor:  Barbara Knab

Dates: 4/1/24 to 4/22/24    (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

We have become a digital world. Are you aware of the risks to your privacy?  How safe are those apps you download on your phone? At the end of this class, participants will understand the difference between a computer virus, malware, phishing, and smishing. We will explore the many ways privacy can be invaded, and learn the necessary steps to avoid this intrusion. In September 2024, the Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards was implemented in all grade bands. Teachers will investigate the cybersecurity domain and create lessons they can use in their classrooms.   https://forms.gle/upHWYMez2wNbZfQP7 


25. Inspiring Reluctant Readers   (15 CTLE hours)- closed

Instructor:  Maria Whalen

Dates:  4/3/24 to 4/24/24    (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

In this course, we will discuss methods and strategies to help make reading fun, relevant and motivating for our students. We will discuss building self-efficacy, giving relevant choices, promoting discussion and conversations, and creating book clubs. If you find your struggling readers seem off-task, distracted and disengaged during independent or group reading, this course will help you to engage those students and motivate them to have a desire to read, set reading goals, and discuss their books with their peers. We will address the NYS Next Generation Learning Standards related to building life-long readers who can self-select texts based on interest, persevere through challenging texts, and make connections to themselves, other texts, and other cultures and eras.  https://forms.gle/V5hMh9KdrjAfMGTP9 


26. Character Education in the Classroom  (15 CTLE hours)- closed

Instructor:  Meghan Correira

Dates:  4/8//24 to 4/29/24   (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)   

Character education in the classroom can create a positive and caring learning environment. Teaching and promoting trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship as part of the daily routine and instruction will increase overall student success behaviorally, socially and academically.  https://forms.gle/c3obNmL6XdhAQZnE6 


27. Reconnecting with the Disconnected Learner  (15 CTLE hours) -closed

Instructor:  Doug Shaw 

Dates: 4/10/24 to 5/1/24    (asynchronous with synchronous office hours available)

One of the lasting effects of the Covid lockdowns is the disconnectedness teachers report with their students. What if the pandemic only accelerated the trend that began in 2012, when over 50% of American teenagers started carrying smartphones? This course will take an in-depth look at the reasons why so many of our students feel disconnected. Together, we will discuss the challenges presented to educators and what we can do to re-engage our learners.  https://forms.gle/8SNsaRx6ooRpNC2HA