WINTER/SPRING 2027 Registration
Embedded Files
No-Cost Professional Learning
Winter/Spring 2027
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!
Instructor: Jess Ciardullo (15 CTLE hours)
1/5/27 - 2/2/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is most effective when educators embody the skills they aim to teach. This course will focus on the five core SEL competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Participants will develop their own SEL skills through reflection, practical strategies, and real classroom applications. By strengthening their emotional awareness, regulation, empathy, and communication skills, educators will be better equipped to foster supportive classroom environments and model healthy emotional behaviors for students.
Instructor: Jenna Korte (15 CTLE hours)
1/7/27 - 2/4/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.
This course will help elementary teachers make planning more efficient, intentional, and manageable by focusing on high-impact instructional decisions, reusable planning systems, and realistic expectations. You will explore ways to prioritize essential learning goals, organize instructional resources, and develop flexible routines that reduce the need to start from scratch each week. Through reflection and practical application, teachers will identify opportunities to simplify their planning while maintaining responsive instruction that meets students’ needs. Participants will leave with practical tools, adaptable planning strategies, and a personalized action plan to reduce planning time without sacrificing instructional quality.
Instructor: Meredith Murolo (15 CTLE hours)
1/12/27 - 2/9/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.
This course is designed to empower educators with the essential strategies and skills needed to thrive in the dynamic classroom environment. Through a blend of practical strategies and reflective discussions, participants will explore key areas of teaching, including:
Effective lesson planning: design engaging and differentiated lessons that cater to diverse learning styles and meet rigorous learning standards.
Mastering Classroom Management: develop and implement effective classroom management techniques to create a positive, productive, and inclusive learning environment for all students.
Building Strong Relationships: cultivate meaningful connections with students, colleagues, and families to foster a supportive and collaborative learning community.
Prioritizing Self-Care: Develop effective time management and organization skills to enhance productivity, reduce stress, and prioritize self-care to ensure long-term sustainability in the teaching profession.
Continuous Professional Growth: Cultivate a reflective mindset to continuously analyze and improve teaching practices and identify areas for professional development.
Instructor: Meghan Correira (15 CTLE hours)
1/14/27 - 2/11/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.
Picture books often resonate with students of all ages. In this course, educators will learn how picture books can celebrate the uniqueness of all those around you. You will learn numerous titles about accepting differences in gender, race, religion, language, appearance, and abilities. Participants will learn different ways to use picture books to promote diverse cultures and acceptance in the classroom.
Instructor: Joanie Zangerle, Ed.D. (15 CTLE hours)
1/19/27 - 2/23/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.
This course is designed to support educators in strengthening literacy instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs) across all grade levels and content areas. Participants will explore how language development impacts reading and writing acquisition and how to effectively scaffold literacy instruction to ensure access to grade-level content. The course will focus on building vocabulary, improving reading comprehension, and supporting the development of academic writing. Emphasis will also be placed on culturally responsive text selection and creating inclusive literacy environments that reflect students’ identities and experiences
Instructor: Mia LaFata (15 CTLE hours)
1/21/27 - 2/25/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.
Unleash your inner EdTech superhero! This dynamic course dives deep into the exciting world of AI, giving you hands-on experience with game-changing tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and more. Reclaim your time, personalize learning like never before, and discover innovative ways to engage your students; the future of education is AI-powered, and it starts here! The course will be run in a way where you can choose your own path and which AI tools you would like to explore.
Instructor: Ashley Ghiraldi (15 CTLE hours)
1/26/27 - 3/2/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.
Elevate the Conversation: Strategies to Increase Student Discourse
Tired of being the loudest voice in your language classroom? It’s time to shift the cognitive load from the teacher to the learners. Most world language teachers struggle with the "Question-Answer-Silence" cycle. We ask a question, one student answers in a single word, and the conversation dies. This workshop is designed to break that cycle. Educators will learn how to transform their classroom into a dynamic environment where students don’t just learn the language, they use it to negotiate meaning, share opinions, and build community. You will master:
The Art of the Prompt: Move beyond "yes/no" questions and design "high-ceiling" tasks that require extended output.
Scaffolding Spontaneity: Equip your students with the "linguistic survival tools" (gambits, circumlocution, and sentence frames) they need to stay in the target language.
Student-to-Student Protocols: Learn 5 proven classroom structures (like Information Gaps and Socratic Seminars) that force peer-to-peer interaction.
Confidence-Building Environments: Discover how to lower the "Affective Filter" so students feel safe taking risks and making mistakes.
Whether you teach novice, mid or AP-level learners, you will leave with a "Discourse Toolkit," a ready-to-use collection of templates, sentence starters, and activity protocols you can implement the very next day.
Instructor: Tracey Trentowski (15 CTLE hours)
1/28/27 - 3/4/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.
What happens when students are empowered to choose what they read and actually want to read it? This course will explore how to foster authentic, sustainable independent reading habits in classrooms from elementary through high school. Teachers will learn how to create reading-friendly environments, build diverse and inclusive classroom libraries, and conference meaningfully with students about their reading experiences. We’ll explore strategies for goal-setting, tracking progress without killing the joy, and making time for reading without sacrificing standards. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to renew your current reading program, this course will provide flexible, developmentally appropriate approaches to help every student become a confident, curious, lifelong reader.
Instructor: Barbara Knab (15 CTLE hours)
2/2/27 - 3/9/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.
This course is designed to equip K-12 educators with the essential skills of prompt engineering. In the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, this course will empower teachers to craft effective prompts that guide AI to produce desired outputs. Participants will learn to create prompts with clear context, defined results, detailed explanations, specified audience, and appropriate tone. The course will explore the ethical integration of AI tools into content creation, ensuring their use is both effective and responsible.
Instructor: Caitlin Morrell (15 CTLE hours)
2/4/27 - 3/11/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request.
Calling all special education teachers! Navigating the Committee on Special Education (CSE) process can feel like one of the most demanding parts of our role. From organizing paperwork and collecting meaningful data to developing individualized education programs (IEPs) and presenting information at meetings, there are many responsibilities to balance. Preparing for annual reviews and triennial reevaluations can feel overwhelming, especially when you are also managing the day-to-day needs of your students. In this course, we will break down the CSE process into clear, manageable steps and explore practical ways to prepare for annual reviews and triennial reevaluations. We will discuss strategies for organizing materials, gathering and reviewing student data, documenting progress, and developing IEPs that reflect students’ strengths and needs. We will also explore how to communicate findings clearly, contribute to collaborative discussions, and prepare to answer questions during CSE meetings. Throughout the course, participants will have opportunities to reflect on their current practices and identify ways to make their preparation more organized, purposeful, and efficient. Special education teachers will leave with practical strategies, a clearer understanding of the CSE process, and an actionable plan for approaching annual reviews and triennial reevaluations with greater confidence.
Instructors: Nicole Baryk & Lisa Ihne, Ed.D. (15 CTLE hours)
2/9/27 - 3/16/27 Asynchronous with one synchronous meeting 3/2/27 4:00 - 4:45pm; remote office hours are available upon request.
Through a combination of articles, videos, and one live Q&A session, teachers will explore how to identify learning gaps in their primary classrooms and better understand the factors contributing to those gaps. They will examine their current instructional practices, reflect on student needs, and consider targeted strategies for addressing areas of concern. Teachers will also explore ways to monitor student progress, adjust instruction based on ongoing evidence, and sustain growth over time. By the end of the course, teachers will leave with practical strategies and a clear plan for identifying learning needs, responding with purposeful instruction, and supporting continued student growth.
Instructor: Hal Kench (15 CTLE hours)
2/11/27 - 3/18/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request
Blended learning (aka Flipped Classroom) is the practice of combining online learning and resources with traditional face to face classrooms. In a traditional classroom, the instructor would lecture about material, then assign students homework on that same material. The flipped classroom provides students with the digital lecture material and resources beforehand (videos, lessons, handouts, etc…), and then uses the valuable face to face time in the classroom to work on homework/activities. The benefits to this method of teaching is that students can work at their own pace with the online components of the lesson, and then have more one-on-one time with the instructor to clarify any points of difficulty. This model also gives students who are confident in the material a chance to peer mentor their struggling classmates.
Instructor: Mark Hanes (15 CTLE hours)
2/23/27 - 3/23/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request
This course will help educators deepen their understanding of ADHD and explore practical ways to support students in the classroom. Participants will learn what ADHD is and examine how it can affect students’ attention, organization, participation, and learning experiences. Through reflection and practical activities, educators will explore strategies for creating supportive classroom routines, providing clear directions, and making learning tasks more manageable. The course emphasizes positive, inclusive approaches that recognize students’ strengths while responding to their individual needs. Educators will leave with ready-to-use tools, practical instructional strategies, and a plan for creating a classroom environment where students with ADHD feel supported, included, and prepared to succeed.
Instructor: Jess Ciardullo (15 CTLE hours)
3/2/27 - 3/30/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request
Schools occasionally face crises that can have a significant emotional impact on students and staff. How adults respond during and after these events can influence whether students feel supported and safe or overwhelmed and distressed. This course will provide educators with practical strategies for responding to crises in ways that minimize emotional trauma and promote resilience. Participants will learn trauma-informed approaches to communication, classroom management, and student support following difficult events such as student deaths, community tragedies, medical emergencies, or school safety incidents. Through real-world scenarios, reflection, and practical tools, educators will learn how to support students emotionally while maintaining stability and a sense of safety in the classroom.
Instructor: Jenna Korte (15 CTLE hours)
3/4/27 - 4/1/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request
This course will focus on practical, standards-aligned approaches to assessing writing in grades K–5. Participants will explore how to evaluate student writing using rubrics, checklists, and writing samples, and learn how to use assessment data to guide instruction and support student growth. The course will cover strategies for providing meaningful feedback, differentiating assessments for diverse learners, and incorporating digital tools to streamline the assessment process. Educators will also learn how to support student self-assessment and goal setting, promoting greater independence and ownership in writing.
Instructor: Meredith Murolo (15 CTLE hours)
3/9/27 - 4/6/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request
It is no secret that a large number of teachers hit a point of burnout at some point in their career. Teachers today have an unbelievable amount of pressure and responsibility that often stretches far beyond the content they were hired to teach. Expectations are high and come from within, administration, the public and the nation at large. Additionally, teachers have seen rapid changes to curriculum, technology, social- emotional initiatives. and state and federal standards. This course will explore the skills needed to prevent and manage burnout. Participants will learn strategies for improving their morale, reducing stress and managing expectations. These strategies will be beneficial for improving their overall instructional practices.
Instructor: Meghan Corriera (15 CTLE hours)
3/11/27 - 4/8/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request
Creating opportunities for students to move throughout the school day can support focus, attention, and active engagement in learning. This course will explore the benefits of incorporating music and movement into the elementary classroom and examine ways to make both a purposeful part of instruction. Educators will discover creative, practical strategies for integrating physical activity into lessons, transitions, and daily routines without losing valuable instructional time. They will also explore ways to adapt activities to students’ varying needs, interests, and abilities so that all learners have opportunities to participate. Participants will leave with a collection of ready-to-use activities and a practical plan for incorporating music and movement into a more engaging, inclusive classroom experience.
Instructor: Joanie Zangerle, Ed.D. (15 CTLE hours)
3/16/27 - 4/13/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request
This course provides educators with research-based, practical strategies to effectively support students with Interrupted or Inconsistent Formal Education (SIFE). Participants will examine foundational literacy development, social-emotional supports, and scaffolded instructional practices that accelerate language acquisition and expand access to grade-level content. The course culminates in a classroom-ready implementation plan directly aligned to participants’ instructional settings.
Instructor: Mia LaFata (15 CTLE hours)
3/18/27 - 4/15/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request
Go beyond the basics and take your MagicSchool skills to the next level. This self-paced course is designed for educators who want to move beyond simple shortcuts and explore more intentional, creative ways to incorporate AI into their planning and instruction. Participants will explore how to build custom AI tools, manage student-facing AI “Rooms,” and design cohesive units of study that reflect their instructional goals and students’ needs. Throughout the course, educators will develop and refine classroom materials, consider how to review AI-generated content for accuracy and relevance, and identify opportunities to adapt resources for their learners. Participants will leave with a complete portfolio of AI-generated materials they have reviewed and customized, along with a clear, actionable plan for using MagicSchool purposefully in their classrooms.
Instructor: Jo Ann Donovan (15 CTLE hours)
3/23/27 - 4/27/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request
This course guides K-12 educators in using Book Creator to enhance teaching and learning. Participants will explore multimedia book creation for lessons, assessment, and student publishing. The course features hands-on activities, examples, and peer feedback, supporting teachers at all levels to engage diverse learners and align with standards. By the end, educators will develop a Book Creator project ready for immediate use.
Instructor: Kim Davis (15 CTLE hours)
3/25/27 - 4/29/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request
This course will cover the foundational knowledge and practical strategies needed to effectively support individuals with autism. Participants will learn about the characteristics of autism, including differences in communication, social interaction, behavior, and sensory processing, and how these can vary widely from person to person. The course will explore common strengths and challenges, helping participants better understand behavior as a form of communication. Instruction will focus on evidence-based strategies such as using visual supports, establishing structured routines, supporting language development, and implementing positive behavior supports. Participants will also learn how to create inclusive and supportive environments in both classroom and home settings, promote independence, and respond to challenging behaviors in a proactive and respectful way. In addition, the class will address collaboration with families and team members, ensuring a consistent and supportive approach across settings.
Instructor: BIll Scampoli (15 CTLE hours)
3/30/27 - 5/4/27 Asynchronous; remote office hours are available upon request
This course invites educators to explore gender-related achievement gaps and consider the factors that may contribute to differences in academic outcomes among male and female students. Participants will examine research on achievement patterns and reflect on how classroom expectations, instructional practices, student engagement, and learning environments may influence students’ experiences. The course will encourage educators to look beyond assumptions and stereotypes, recognizing the varied strengths, needs, and experiences of individual learners. Participants will also explore classroom strategies designed to promote equitable participation, strengthen engagement, and respond to students’ learning needs. Educators will leave with practical strategies and an actionable plan for identifying and addressing achievement gaps while creating a more inclusive, supportive classroom for all students.
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