A General Educator’s Guide to Special Education

This course covers: the history, definition, and process of the IEP; the responsibilities of both the general and special educators; and, modifications and accommodations in the classroom. Emphasis is on providing the general educator with tools and knowledge for servicing the learners with special needs in their classroom.

Art in "Plein" Air for the Classroom Teacher

An art course that deals with the interpretation of outdoor subject matter. Students will work on selected locations. Materials will be of the students choice. Instruction will include a variety of ways to handle art materials. Atmospheric issues as well as perspective, line and color will be taught. Students will create according to their own style and learn new ways to attack artistic subject matter. If weather is inclement, the class will either be moved to a dry location, or made up at a later date.
* A lab fee of $40.00 will be required.

Art Teachers Round Table

 This course is an interactive studio oriented course. This course is intended to be a forum for Art educators, to interact both artistically and intellectually and to help to develop new ways to present concepts that they use in their classrooms.

   The grade level can be from k – 12. Historically, all art educators deal with the same concepts throughout the educational process. The progression from the first year of school to the last year of high school is a varied and very subjective one. Teachers in this course will have the opportunity to discuss how they all handle the same steps in the artistic journey. Many new approaches can be learned and the elementary teacher can get insight from a secondary teacher, as well as the other way around.

   The class will start as a forum where concerns and ideas will be shared. After the core concerns are discussed, teachers will share approaches and new ways to use artistic strategies.

Art Teachers Show and Tell

The challenge for an art teacher is to keep their lessons fresh and interesting , both for their students as well as themselves.This course will give art educators the opportunity to share their unique approach to art lesson solutions. All teachers should bring lesson plans they feel are their most successful,and they will get the opportunity to demonstrate and share their lessons with the class. At the end of each session,critiques will be held,and teachers should leave with fresh ways to teach their lessons.
 

Research shows that teachers are poorly utilizing computers to enhance curriculum and teaching practices. This is often due to a lack of time to learn how to apply technology to the curriculum and incorporate computer applications into routine classroom activities.

This course is designed for inexperienced computer users who need time to explore technology applications that they don’t have time for during the busy school year.

This course will allow students to create a variety of new multimedia projects for classroom use.  Students will be exposed to the basics of applications with an emphasis on producing useful classroom projects. You will be afforded lots of hands on opportunities in a collaborative teaching environment where we will work together to find teachings solutions for your curriculum and students.

 Throughout the course, students explore essential tips and strategies using technology to address the needs of all students in the diverse classroom. Participants will explore strategies to engage students with content-rich, student centered activities that generate higher level thinking skills. Participants will discover how computer activities can be a catalyst for dynamic and substantive learning experiences if the medium is used wisely. Educators will utilize “hands on” experiences in combination with online technologies, state curriculum frameworks, and student learning strategies to develop learning center activities that incorporate technology.

A framework is provided for thinking about and resolving behavioral issues teachers encounter in today's classrooms. Various theoretical approaches are presented. Teachers are required to implement strategies in their classrooms and report and discuss results.

Best of the Web for Science, Math, Social Studies & Special Education

The focus of this course is the use of technology and the internet in the curriculum and in the classroom. Students will learn how to extend teaching styles and to engage the full range of students learning styles. Students will explore the use of the internet and technology for student inquiry, communication, data analysis, creative expression, and demonstration of mastery across all subject areas.

Best of the Web for Science, Math, Social Studies, Physical Education, Music, Special Education, & Foreign Languages Part 2

This course helps teachers to learn how to integrate the internet into their daily lessons. This course introduces teachers to innovative websites that will enhance their daily lessons to promote learning for the 21st century.Candidates will create ready to use lessons, quizzes, and rubrics. By investigating these web sites, teachers will learn how to use the internet to make lessons more exciting to their students. This class will enhance any classroom curriculum and impact students learning and motivation.

"The Big Picture" in Reading/Language Arts, Math, Special Ed. & Science/Social Sciences

This course will introduce concept-based instruction.  Participants will learn the fundamental principles and concepts of this method, the process to develop and will plan and create a complete concept-based unit for their classroom.

Bully Beat

Recess, Phys Ed., Lunch - The best of times for most.  The worst of times for some. Explore one of the hottest topics in education today- BULLYING.   Content will include defining, recognizing, preventing, and related legislation regarding an age-old hindrance to the educational process.  Additional attention to cyber bullying and the impact of the current social media explosion will round out this stimulating agenda.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT in the ELEMENTARY and MIDDLE SCHOOL

This course is designed for Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teacher, Principals, Assistant Principals, Curriculum Coordinators, parents of school-age children, and community members. Participants will explore effective methods for teaching elementary and middle school students the core ethical values of character including trustworthiness, respect, responsibilty, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Topics covered in this course include the importance of developing the six pillars character; the effects of bullying, stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, and scapegoating; sexual harassment; violence prevention methods; Internet dangers; and much more.  Emphasis is on fun, practical, and innovative experiences for students and participants alike.

Cracking the Code - Finding What the Standards Want You to Teach & How to Teach It

This course will discuss current educational practices, and learn a methodology to evaluate curriculum standards.  Participants will learn the fundamental principles and concepts of concept-based instruction to develop, plan and create a complete unit for immediate use in their classroom.

Creating Powerpoint Presentations

Students will explore power point presentations and learn how to create their own power point presentations for classroom teaching.  By creating power point presentations students will understand the benefits of creating and saving power point presentations for continual classroom instruction.  Students will understand the cross curricular abilities of using power point.  Students will create and present their own power point presentations.   

Creative Collaboration

This course covers creative collaboration techniques to maximize inclusion opportunities for all students.  Emphasis is on collaborating with regular education teachers, special educators, service providers and paraprofessionals. 

This course applies creative problem solving techniques and the arts to other content areas of the curriculum. Emphasis is placed on the use of a variety of creative learning activities throughout the content areas.

This course analyzes the importance of the use of hands-on activities and games in the classroom. Hands-on instructional strategies that have been proven appropriate for effective teaching and learning will be investigated.

The Enneagram Personality Types:  Effective Teaching and Learning

Have you ever noticed in a staff meeting, course, conference, classroom, or even in your own home how some people behave in certain ways that leave you perplexed and wondering why they do the things they do or say the things they say?  This course on the Enneagram will teach you the 9 basic personality types that are in the world around us. Understanding the Enneagram will forever enhance your approach to teaching and learning.

Everyday Math for Grades K - 12

Hands-On Math for Grades 1 - 9

This course is designed to help elementary and middle school teachers of mathematics to utilize simple, easily obtained materials to engage students in hands-on problem solving activities. Emphasis is on inquiry-based mathematics and communicating mathematical thought.

Hands-On Math for Grades K - 12

This course will lay the groundwork for mathematical literacy from kindergarten through grade 12.  The course is based on research that supports the belief that children are capable of learning a great deal more than previously thought and will cover the following Math strands: numeration and order, patterns, functions and sequences, balance, use of variables, measures and measurement, and problem solving.

We will also focus on differentiated instruction with a special focus on the struggling learner and will provide ideas for balanced instruction  that include hands on learning, ideas for making difficult concepts manageable and review other winning strategies to help the challenged learner succeed.

Hands-On Math With Everyday Materials for Grades 1-8

This course is designed to help elementary and middle school teachers of mathematics to utilize simple, easily obtained materials to engage students in hands-on problem solving activities. Emphasis is on inquiry-based mathematics and communicating mathematical thought.

Hands-On Physical, Life, Earth & Space Science

 This course is a combination of physical, life, and earth and space science. It is aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks. If you took Jambalaya-physical science, toys, Science Across The Curriculum and any of the field trip courses, this is for you - it encompasses all of the sciences. There will be many "make and take" activities.

This course includes content related to the impact of technology on education, especially as it relates to effective teaching and curriculum development. The use of technology as a change agent in schools is explored. Students are exposed to the variety of technologies used in schools.

Implementing Technology into the Content Areas

This course will examine the Microsoft Office package using the PC platform, as an important tool in the classroom for both teacher and student. In particular, the programs of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will be utilized in a variety of ways. In addition to these programs Internet searches, and storage will be included in this technology package. This course is intended to better prepare teachers to assist their students with the use of technology, and make teachers more knowledgeable in their implementation of technology in their classroom. This class should be limited to 10 students, and all levels of computer skills are welcomed. Small class size is essential to facilitate participants to maximize their potential regardless of their initial skill level. If registration exceeds 10 students, then a teaching assistant will be added to the class in which case a maximum of 20 students could be accommodated.

In & Around Boston - Field Trips for Art, History, Music, Science, Math & Special Education

In this course students will travel to various places for different experiences that can be integrated into their science and social studies curriculum. This course also covers contemporary thinking and practices in the teaching of science and social studies to elementary and middle school students. Emphasis is on researching and implementing innovative hands-on experiences for students.

* Please note - There is a $50 material fee for this course cost to cover entrance fees.

Trip Locations:

Incorporating & Teaching Social Skills in Your Classroom

This course will provide current trends, research, and examples of social skills instruction for your students.  Learn how to assess for skills needed, lead active practice sessions, and re-teach skills for retention and everyday usage.  A large emphasis will be placed on teaching proficiency in the social areas needed for self-regulation, increased confidence, and successful peer relationships.

Incorporating Social Skills into the Curriculum or Specialty Area

This course will provide practical solutions for social skills instruction that can easily be implemented into the inclusive classroom.  Learn to identify and target the social needs in your classroom and explore various activities, games, and materials.

Participants will receive an overview of technology in education including application packages, computers, projection devices, the internet, and educational software. Participants will also use a variety of models of computer use and explore ways to use technology to extend, enhance, and produce multimedia projects in the classroom to increase student learning. Participants will be able to use both Windows and Mac platforms.

Integrating Education Learning Centers for All Content Areas PK-5

 This course is an interactive studio oriented course. This course is intended to be a forum for Art educators, to interact both artistically and intellectually and to help to develop new ways to present concepts that they use in their classrooms.

   The grade level can be from k – 12. Historically, all art educators deal with the same concepts throughout the educational process. The progression from the first year of school to the last year of high school is a varied and very subjective one. Teachers in this course will have the opportunity to discuss how they all handle the same steps in the artistic journey. Many new approaches can be learned and the elementary teacher can get insight from a secondary teacher, as well as the other way around.

   The class will start as a forum where concerns and ideas will be shared. After the core concerns are discussed, teachers will share approaches and new ways to use artistic strategies.

An Introduction to Using Technology in Your Classroom

 This class is designed to enable teachers to integrate the computer into classroom instruction. In order to become "computer literate" to the degree necessary to make informed decisions about using computers in the classroom, a computer lab, or home, students will study such topics as the basics of computer hardware, software, computer-managed instruction, evaluation of computer-assisted instruction, as well as the social and ethical considerations in using computers in the school. The class combines lectures with hands-on activities using cooperative learning groups. There are both individual and group assignments for all major areas.

Issues & Trends in Children's Literature

Jambalaya - The Best of Hands-On Science

This course is aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks it encompasses a wide variety of topics which include Heat, Energy, Density and Design technology, measurement and much more. This course is for primary and middle school teachers.

Journey Through the School Year with Poetry

This course will introduce students to contemporary and classic poets, numerous poems and many possible assignments for students in grades 6-12.  Reading, writing, discussion and research will play important roles in this course.

Constitutional and statutory provisions governing a public school system are examined on local, state, and national levels. A thorough review is made of the legal parameters surrounding the local level of the educational system. In addition, students inspect federal and state guidelines generated to meet the needs of diverse student populations in compliance with current judicial decisions and state legislation. The impact of precedent-setting cases is a major focus of this course.

Learn to Teach Writers Not Writing in the Elementary Grades

Journey Through the Writers’ Workshop provides learners an opportunity to explore the writing process.  During this course students will examine their own writing process.  As it pertains to their writers, students will also analyze and evaluate instruction, management, and assessment.  Students will combine philosophy with the use of practical and effective strategies to meet the needs of all writers.  Students will also research current trends in writing instruction and the connections to the writers’ workshop.  Working independently and in cooperative learning groups, students will challenge themselves to create a writers’ workshop model that is realistic and beneficial to both instructor and writer.  Students will have the opportunity to plan curriculum, design mini-lessons and authentic assessments, conduct research, and share their thinking and learning.

This course will help teachers develop a creative way for students to appreciate and understand poetry. Teachers are required to help students develop an understanding of poetic terms, forms, and are requires to teach them a variety of skills. Creatively we will explore the world of figurative language and other poetry techniques then apply these skills by writing original poetry. Teachers will also discover a fun way to help students celebrate their work.

Literature Circles in the Elementary Classroom

This course will offer techniques to help teachers utilize literature circles in their classrooms. We will discuss and implement the eleven key elements of literature circles.

Literature for Children

 This course explores the elements of choosing literature for use in the classroom. It will help teachers to assess the latest titles and decide what the best books are to use with their students. In addition, students will learn ways to connect children’s writing to literature.

Making a Musical Connection to ELA, Math, Science, & Social Studies

This course does not require participants to have musical training.  Assignments are focused on musical activities that enhance the curriculum preK through 12.  Brain research results indicate that immersion in musical experiences actually establish more neural pathways throughout the brain.  Human beings are musical by nature; therefore, music and related activities can be used to reinforce all areas of the curriculum. 

This course will focus on the development of original approaches to curriculum with special emphasis on the match between an integrated curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Students will research, synthesize, and apply Massachusetts State Frameworks to the development of a unit which unites content area disciplines using single theme, project, or point of inquiry. Discussion and debate arising from contemporary issues in education will be used as topics for developing effective classroom practices.

Math is Everywhere - Developing the Algebraic Thought Process in the At-Risk Student from Grades K - 8

This course will focus on the development of higher level algebraic thought for the learning disabled student.  We will explore how to improve math instruction by focusing on mathematical understanding and developing the skills necessary to think algebraically. Concrete instructional strategies will be provided so that the classroom teacher and co-teacher can structure their classrooms so the learning of mathematical procedures, formulas and rules don’t overwhelm the student’s ability to think.  We’ll explore ways to develop the higher level thinking and problem solving skills that are required to succeed in the pre-algebra and algebra classroom.

The Mathematics of Building Construction - “When are we going to use this stuff?”
A class for upper elementary, middle school and high school teachers

 This course is designed to help upper elementary, middle school, and high school math educators integrate relevant math topics into the math curriculum. Using the Massachusetts state frameworks and NCTM standards, teachers will create lessons and math problems appropriate to their grade level, that show students how math is relevant “in the real world”. This class is designed to give math meaning to students of all levels. Hands-on activities support math topics such as; using angles, calculating area, perimeter and volume, measuring with a ruler, fractions and decimals conversions, using business formulas, scale drawing, interpreting blue prints, graphing (line, stem-and-leaf, bar and circle) and logical reasoning.

Maximizing Learning Styles in the Classroom

 Most Teachers enter the profession because they love teaching. Sometimes the pressures and stress build up to remove this love. Maximum Learning Styles seeks to remove the stress that causes burnout and return a freshness and joy that rejuvenates and results in more effective teaching and professionalism. The approaches used are: a student and classroom psychology, problems in teaching and a re-evaluation of objectives in a seminar style atmosphere.

Meeting the Needs of Your Special Education Students

This course will provide practical solutions for creating the optimal learning environment.  Participants will learn to identify and target the diverse needs in their classroom and explore various activities games and material. Emphasis is on providing the educator with tools and knowledge for servicing the learners with special needs in their classroom

Mind & Body Integrated Learning Connection

This course is designed to present the most recent links between foods, food additives and nutritional supplements that we consume, and the process of interaction with the brain’s neurotransmitters.  The brain controls, monitors, activates, and coordinates the function of the body’s cells and organs.  The interaction between cognitive skills and the intangible assessment of basic behaviors is a direct result of how the individual‘s brain manages each circumstance.  This course will research and analyze the individual’s reaction to various circumstances and how the brain determines which skills we apply during the coping process of every action.  This course will also use specific food preparation skills to ensure that students understand how to receive maximum benefits from their nutritional intake.  Knowledge of quality nutritional habits may ensure a long and healthy existence.  The mind and body integrated learning connection is critical in establishing a meaningful educational experience.

Modifying and Adapting Curriculum for Special Education Students in Inclusive Classrooms

 This course will provide students with the information and tools needed to teach children with dissimilar learning styles (IEP, 504, CAP).  It will provide effective classroom strategies to assist with the differentiated learning styles in the inclusive classroom setting.

My First Webpage for ELA, Math, Social Studies, Science and Foreign Languages

My First Webpage is designed for educators who want and need to take their time to make their very first webpage. Your first webpage will be planned and developed to the needs of your classroom. This course will introduce true beginners to the art of creating interesting, intelligent, usable, and well designed Web Sites This course will enable first time webpage users an opportunity to become comfortable with downloading images and sounds, uploading files and explore and understand the importance of all facets of creative effective website design.

No Teacher Left Behind: Curriculum Design & Implementation

 This course covers contemporary issues in education affecting educators in the 21^st century.  Emphasis will be on differentiated instruction, educational jargon, and how to teach for the test without teaching to the test. Teachers will share ideas on curriculum in all areas as well as ideas on how to handle the difficult child and parent. Candidates will learn to connect lessons to the Mass. State Standards and how to integrate lessons across the curriculum

Through this course, students will initially learn about the essential components of a comprehensive literacy approach, obtaining the latest research studies compiled from a number of nationally based research centers. Students will learn about the language underpinnings that support literacy acquisition. They will obtain direct exposure in the areas of: phonological awareness, phonic development, oral to written language, reading comprehension techniques and strategies, and written language strategies and techniques for both teacher and student. Students will learn about various assessments as well as various teaching techniques. Finally, students will develop and implement learned strategies and techniques within their academic setting. They will demonstrate these skills through varied classroom projects, journal writings, and shared oral presentations.

Physical Science Topics on a Shoestring  - Upper Elementary/Middle Grades

 This course addresses and develops current thinking and practices in the teaching of physical science topics to upper elementary and middle level students.  Emphasis will be placed upon utilizing low/no cost materials to create high-interest student activities, as well as, teacher demonstrations for the classroom.  Topics may include, but not be limited to electricity, magnetism, light, sound, heat, simple machines, and forces.

Power Point Presentations for Teaching English Language Arts, Social Studies & Foreign Languages

Students will explore power point presentations and learn how to create their own power point presentations for teaching English Language Arts, Social Studies & Foreign Languages.  By creating power point presentations students will understand the benefits of creating and saving power point presentations for continual English Language Arts, Social Studies & Foreign Language instruction.  Students will understand the cross curricular abilities of using power point.  Students will create and present their own power point presentations.

Power Point Presentations for Teaching Math, Science & Foreign Languages

Students will explore power point presentations and learn how to create their own power point presentations for teaching Math, Science & Foreign Languages.  By creating power point presentations students will understand the benefits of creating and saving power point presentations for continual math, science & Foreign Language instruction.  Students will understand the cross curricular abilities of using power point.  Students will create and present their own power point presentations.

Practical Solutions, Materials, and Activities for Teaching and Promoting Appropriate Social Skills in the Inclusive Classroom

 This course will provide practical solutions for social skills instruction that can easily be implemented into the inclusive classroom.  Learn to identify and target the social needs in your classroom and explore various activities, games, and materials.

Presenting Poetry with Ease & Confidence

Through a series of informational lectures, readings, video/overhead presentations, classroom discussions and presentations, the students will explore the knowledge and skills needed to present poetry with confidence in the classroom.  Students will design and organize lessons and select teaching strategies and methods that meet the needs of all students.  Students will demonstrate competencies through the development and presentation of various poetry projects. 

Problem-Based Learning for Grades K – 12

 This course explores the philosophy of problem-based learning and provides learners with authentic experiences that foster active learning, support knowledge construction, and naturally integrate school and real life.  Emphasis is on providing sample problems, curriculum, and assessment models appropriate for grades K – 12.

Problem Solving in Math - Grades 3 - 10

This course will provide educators with various problem solving strategies while solving problems involving: Probability; Geometry and Measurement; Number Sense and Operations; and Patterns. This course will benefit anyone teaching Mathematics in grades 3-10.

This course will explore a breadth of children's literature and related techniques which have proven effective in the achievement of student learning. Students will develop and implement a variety of approaches to the instruction of literature as a discipline as well as its application across the content areas. Discussion and debate arising from Massachusetts State Frameworks about what children should read will be used as topics for developing useful classroom practices.

Reading for Your Classroom: Practices, Strategies, and Materials for Use in the Classroom - Qualitative Reading Analysis

This course will present practical applications concerning effective literacy learning. The course participants will examine and discover appropriate practices for early education programs, effective ways to integrate children’s literature with basal programs, reading and language arts strategies, classroom management and organizational techniques and varied evaluation and assessment materials and methods. Emphasis will focus on allowing and creating materials and assessments that are teacher specific and easily implemented in the classroom.

Scaffolding & Differentiation in Read Aloud & English Language Arts Instruction

 This course will center around using the practice of reading to children as means of more effectively delivering standards-based curriculum content.  Students will develop a scaffolded approach to differentiated language arts instruction, which is seamlessly woven across content areas.  Strategies and techniques which differentiate instruction and scaffold understanding of key concepts of literature within a classroom context will be emphasized.  Students demonstrate competencies by formulating and establishing techniques and activities which illustrate how scaffolded concepts and differentiated practices can be applied to classroom pedagogy.

Science On-line for General Education & Special Education Teachers

This course has been designed to engage participants to take part in both regular class time as well as on line learning. Each week various science topics will be discussed .Topics range from life, earth, space and physical science domains.There are many research-based, hands-on activities included in this class.

Science Takes a Splash Across the Curriculum

Sea, Whales, Tails & Snails

The course has been designed to engage each participant in hands on marine science activities through observation and experimentation. Participants will explore the inside model of a seventy foot fin whale. Learn the difference between Toothed and Baleen Whales. Observe a real Dolphin Skeleton and compare it to the Human Body. Other marine mammals will include the Polar Bear, Walrus, Sea Otter, and Sea Lion.

The course will include Sea Turtles, Fish, Birds, and marine invertebrates; you will learn how to setup a tide pool or pond in your classroom. A field trip is included and it will be to one of the following sites: the beach for collecting, the New England Aquarium or the Monument Observatory depending on the time of the year.

Secondary Social Studies Strategies

Examination of teacher competencies in middle/high grades social studies instruction. Emphases include practical and theoretical attention to curriculum development, planning, resources, standards, instructional strategies, and assessment.  Students will demonstrate curriculum competencies through the development of various curriculum projects. 

Social Studies Methodology: Practical and Handy Dandy Ideas for Teaching Social Studies in Grades Pre-K – Grade 6

This course is designed to improve your ability to teach Social Studies at the Elementary Level. We will engage each other in an exchange of ideas and enhance the advancement of positive attitudes towards teaching Social Studies.

Specific Learning Disabilities in the Classroom – Part I

 This course will provide current trends, research, and examples of learning disabilities in the school setting.  The student will learn how to informally assess characteristics in the classroom and seek appropriate formal measures.  Focus will also be placed on general education strategies to implement once a diagnosis has been reached.

 Specific Learning Disabilities in the Classroom – Part II

 This course will provide current trends, research, and examples of learning disabilities in the school setting.  The student will learn how to informally assess characteristics in the classroom and seek appropriate formal measures.  Focus will also be placed on general education strategies to implement once a diagnosis has been reached.

As a regular classroom / special education teacher of the twenty-first century, helping our students cope with stress has almost become as essential as mastering the academic standards employed by the state.  Our society as a whole faces the increasing challenge of finding peace in our daily lives despite the never-ending turmoil of the world surrounding us.  This course is designed to offer an understanding of emotional intelligence, a variety of relaxation techniques and energizers that can be used regularly, and research based rationale as to why movement in the classroom fosters learning. 

Strategies for Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Full Inclusion Classroom

This course is designed to provide educators with an understanding of the challenges and strategies associated with supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), focusing primarily on the two most prevalent:  High Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. The course covers: an overview of the different ASD forms, a description of  typical behaviors associated with ASD, a review of modifications and accommodations to successfully integrate and support students with ASD, and an in depth look at the unique perspectives, deficits, and strengths of students in this population.  Emphasis is on providing the educator with tools and knowledge for servicing the learners with ASD in their classroom.

Strengthening the Third “R” Developing the Algebraic Thought Process in Learning Disabled Students – grades 6-9

 This course will focus on the development of higher level algebraic thought for the learning disabled student.  We will explore how to improve math instruction by focusing on mathematical understanding and developing the skills necessary to think algebraically. Concrete instructional strategies will be provided so that the classroom teacher and co-teacher can structure their classrooms so the learning of mathematical procedures, formulas and rules don’t overwhelm the student’s ability to think.  We’ll explore ways to develop the higher level thinking and problem solving skills that are required to succeed in the middle (6-9) school algebra and pre-algebra classroom.

Teaching Math Backwards:  A Whole Math Approach that Enriches Teaching Skills in Math Content though Applications and Graphing; for Regular and Special Needs Teachers 6-12

This course will provide educators with fun, practical strategies and activities to enhance learning in math for their students by giving teachers the tools necessary to model different ways to teach number sense and look at mathematical applications.  It will move at pace so that the group as whole is comfortable.  The Course will let teachers feel comfortable with “making mistakes” by reinforcing the idea that mistakes lead to the development of reasoning.  This course will benefit any math teacher grades 6-12.  Learning math can and should be fun and easy and make us want to think by questioning and reasoning.  This course will provide an opportunity for educators to apply these strategies to their everyday teaching.

Teaching Reader’s Workshop: Practical Strategies for Meeting the Needs of All Readers

 This course will cover comprehensive practical strategies for implementing Reader’s Workshop to Elementary students.  Emphasis is placed on meeting the needs of the diverse reader.  Students will have a solid foundation and understanding of independent reading, book talks, reading response journals and guided reading.

Teaching Reading in Social Studies and Science

This course will offer techniques to help students comprehend what they read in the content areas. Emphasis is on teaching strategies that will help develop students’ vocabulary, knowledge, and prediction capabilities.

This course covers contemporary thinking, practices, and research in the teaching of science to elementary and middle school students. Emphasis is on providing innovative hands-on experiences for students.

Teaching Social Skills

 This course will provide current trends, research, and examples of social skills instruction for your students.  Learn how to assess for skills needed, lead active practice sessions, and re-teach skills for retention and everyday usage.  A large emphasis will be placed on teaching proficiency in the social areas needed for self-regulation, increased confidence, and successful peer relationships.

Teaching the Five Components of Reading through Hands-On Literacy Activities

This course will provide K-2 educators with practical activities to support the five components of reading.  Teachers will explore theory and make hands on materials that relate to building phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. 

This course seeks to actively engage students in delivering quality curriculum using the technology and computer resources available to them in their schools.  Through research, students will harness the powers of technology to better teach.  Major components include teacher resource websites, textbook websites and teacher blogs.

Research shows that teachers are poorly utilizing computers to enhance curriculum and teaching practices. This is often due to a lack of time to learn how to apply technology to the curriculum and incorporate computer applications into routine classroom activities.

This course is designed for inexperienced computer users who need time to explore technology applications that they don’t have time for during the busy school year.

This course will allow students to create a variety of new multimedia projects for classroom use.  Students will be exposed to the basics of applications with an emphasis on producing useful classroom projects. You will be afforded lots of hands on opportunities in a collaborative teaching environment where we will work together to find teachings solutions for your curriculum and students.

 Throughout the course, students explore essential tips and strategies using technology to address the needs of all students in the diverse classroom. Participants will explore strategies to engage students with content-rich, student centered activities that generate higher level thinking skills. Participants will discover how computer activities can be a catalyst for dynamic and substantive learning experiences if the medium is used wisely. Educators will utilize “hands on” experiences in combination with online technologies, state curriculum frameworks, and student learning strategies to develop learning center activities that incorporate technology.

"The Big Picture" in Reading/Language Arts, Math, Special Ed. & Science/Social Sciences

This course will introduce concept-based instruction.  Participants will learn the fundamental principles and concepts of this method, the process to develop and will plan and create a complete concept-based unit for their classroom.

Top 20 software tools gives educators a opportunity to experiment with the most dynamic websites for their classroom. With so many websites on the web, teachers want what sites work and what sites engage students. The Top 20 Software Tools are multi-sensory that provide an unlimited platform for teachers and students to explore and use as tools to display curriculum information. All the sites are free and simply require an email address to access. Find out what students are using at home and how they can leverage those tools in the classroom.

Trends and Issues in Children’s Literature 2010

This course explores the trends and issues in Children’s Literature for  2000-2010. It will help teachers to assess the latest titles and decide what the best books to use with their students are. In addition, students will study ways to connect children’s writing to literature.

Using Toys, Games, Puzzles, and Media To Teach Science

 This course has been designed to engage participants to use toys, games and puzzles to teach various science concepts that are aligned with the state frameworks. This is a hands-on science course where participants will make toys to take back to their classrooms.

Understanding the Enneagram for Educators

 Have you ever noticed in a staff meeting, course, conference, classroom, or even in your own home how some people behave in certain ways that leave you perplexed and wondering why they do the things they do or say the things they say?  This course on the Enneagram will teach you the nine basic personality types that are in the world around us. Understanding the Enneagram will forever enhance your approach to teaching and learning.

Understanding Standardized Assessments & Evaluation Reports

This course will deal with the techniques of synthesizing and integrating psychological and practical information from evaluation reports into effective individual educational plans.  Emphasis will be placed on assessment techniques and terms, overview of different assessments based on discipline and what some results may indicate for the teacher and classroom.  **Please note this class is not tailored to instruct teachers in how to assess or interpret test results, instead its focus is to educate the report reader to be better equipped to translate results into practical interventions or accommodations.

Using a Core Reading Program to Teach Hands-On Literacy

This course will provide K-5 educators with the opportunity to learn more about the core reading program used in their schools.  They will create practical activities to support the five components of reading.  Teachers will explore theory and make hands on materials that relate to building phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. 

Using Art Skills to Enhance Individual Student Area Lessons

This course will teach how art can become a tool for the classroom teacher. All levels, from primary to secondary are appropriate. Basic elements of art will be used to create lessons in the individual subject areas. Elements such as line, perspective, composition, the human figure, color and illustration will be explored. Subject teachers will brainstorm with colleagues and lessons will be collectively created. Each week a new element of art will be introduced, and at the end of the course, new lessons should be in place for each subject area.This course should be a beginning point for each teacher and should provide a variety of ways to have new approaches to their subject areas.

Using Music to Enhance the Curriculum

This course does not require participants to have musical training.  Assignments are focused on musical activities that enhance the curriculum preK through 12.  Brain research results indicate that immersion in musical experiences actually establish more neural pathways throughout the brain.  Human beings are musical by nature; therefore, music and related activities can be used to reinforce all areas of the curriculum. 

Using Musical Strategies to Enhance Classroom Learning

 This course is designed for the regular education teacher who desires to use music and musical strategies to enhance already existing curriculum and to enable all students to learn beyond traditional teaching styles.

Using Reading & Writing in Math, Science & Social Studies

This course covers contemporary thinking, practices, and research using reading and writing in the teaching of math, science and social studies. Emphasis is on providing innovative reading and writing activities to enhance math science and social studies learning.

Using Technology in the Content Areas (On-line)

How can technology be used to differentiate instruction for various ability levels and unique classroom settings? How can teachers include technology for all students when they have only one to five computers in a classroom? This course will allow students to explore essential tips and strategies using technology to address the needs of all students in the diverse classroom. Participants will explore strategies to engage students with content-rich, student centered activities that generate higher level thinking skills. Participants will discover how computer activities can be a catalyst for dynamic and substantive learning experiences if the medium is used wisely. Educators will utilize “hands on” experiences in combination with online technologies, state curriculum frameworks, and student learning strategies to develop learning center activities that incorporate technology.

Web Design for the Educator

 The course will help educators of all levels of technological ability, construct a web page for classroom use. Options include web quests, "about me" page, how-to pages, classroom page, lists of assignments, etc.... The web pages will be constructed in class and will then be put on the Internet using a free web host.

Web Quests

 Students will explore current web quests and learn how to create their own web quests for classroom teaching.  Through exploration of online web quests students will learn about the benefits of teaching with web quests.  Students will understand the cross curricular abilities of web quests.  Students will create and present their own web quests.

Web Quests for teaching English Language Arts, Social Studies & Foreign Languages

 Students will explore current web quests and learn how to create their own web quests for classroom teaching.  Through exploration of online web quests students will learn about the benefits of teaching with web quests.  Students will understand the cross curricular abilities of web quests.  Students will create and present their own web quests.

Web Quests for Teaching Math, Science & Foreign Languages

 Students will explore current web quests and learn how to create their own web quests for classroom teaching.  Through exploration of online web quests students will learn about the benefits of teaching with web quests.  Students will understand the cross curricular abilities of web quests.  Students will create and present their own web quests.

Poetry and children go together like milk and cookies. Poetry has rhythm, emotion and truth - just like our students. Poetry is complex and full of moods - just like our students. Poetry is immediate and lives in this moment - just like our students. And poetry lends itself to revisions - something sorely needed by most students. In this course, teachers will discover the potential of poetry to enrich their classrooms plus practical ideas to encourage the children to enjoy reading and writing poetry. This course is designed to help teachers experience the pleasure of teaching poetry - both reading and writing.

This research-based course is designed for classroom teachers, administrators, curriculum coordinators, Chapter I, ESL, Bilingual, and special needs teachers who want to involve themselves in the writing process and become more knowledgeable about the teaching of writing.