One of the Erie Catt Teacher Center's main functions is to provide professional learning opportunities for educators (teachers, teaching assistants, teacher aides, and other school-related professionals). ECTC sponsors classes to support State educational initiatives and partners with other Centers to extend opportunities.
Responsibilities
Teachers who wish to take an ECTC course must register online and complete the registration process.
Attend and complete all requirements for classes in which you have successfully enrolled.
Upon completing the course, participants are required to complete our Course Evaluation Form.
If you are unable to participate in a course after you've registered, you must notify ECTC two weeks prior by contacting Joe Winiecki at 716-805-3125, jwiniecki@e2ccb.org, or Laura Hamberger, lhamberger@e2ccb.org at 716-805-3113.
Erie-Catt Teacher Center understands that as educators and learners in ECTC courses, we are committed to the ethical use of technology to support our learning objectives and professional growth. Technology can be a valuable tool for generating ideas, enhancing discussions, and providing insights, but its use should always align with the principles of academic integrity, respect, and fairness.
Click to register -> Winter/Spring 2027 Course Registration Form Link
Winter/Spring 2027 Course Registration will OPEN on Nov. 11th, 2026.
Winter/Spring 2027 Course Registration ENDS on Dec. 11th, 2026.
Winter/Spring 2027 Courses Registration Fees are due Dec. 18th, 2026
Erie-Catt Teacher Center Registration Policy
Registration Fee Policy:
A Registration Fee of $1 per hour is charged for each Course
(Example: Greatest ECTC Course Ever - 15 hours: Registration Fee = $15)
Please follow the policy below to ensure a smooth registration process:
Complete one online registration form for each course you would like to register for (i.e., if you register for two courses, please complete two registration forms).
Make payment to E2CC BOCES (check or money order) by the payment due date below - one check for each course (this will enable us to return checks if a course does not run or you would like to drop out of a course before the withdrawal deadline). If the name on the check does not match your registration name, please add a note with the payment. Please write the course name on the memo line. Follow this procedure for each course you register for.
Send your payment via US Mail to: Erie-Catt Teacher Center, c/o Joe Winiecki, 3000 Schoolview Road, Eden, NY 14057
- OR -
Inter-School Mail to: Erie-Catt Teacher Center, Eden GLP, c/o Joe Winiecki
Confirmation - After you register online, you will receive an email that we received your registration (at the email address indicated on the registration form(s) you submitted). Once the Erie-Catt Teacher Center receives your payment (check or money order), we will confirm your course participation to the email address you provided. We will send a course reminder email a week or two before the course start date.
Refunds - Registration refunds will be issued in the following ways: Payment(s) will be returned, or a refund will be sent if the course fails to run. Payment(s) will be returned or a refund issued if you request to withdraw from the course at least 2 weeks before the start date. No Refund will be given if you do not complete the course. No refund will be issued if you withdraw within 2 weeks of the course start date. Regarding additional sections: Payment(s) will be returned if you are on a waiting list and additional sections of the course are not scheduled. Once additional dates are scheduled for the additional section, you will have additional time to reply to express your desire to attend or withdraw.
As always, contact the Center if you have questions.
Course Registration Information:
Individuals may register for as many courses as they like. Individuals will be notified of the status of their course registration(s). Individuals should complete one form for each class they would like to register for and make payment before the deadline date. Multiple course registrations cannot be put on a single form. Contact the Center if you have questions: 716-805-3125 or email jwiniecki@e2ccb.org.
Most of the courses are run through Google Classroom (or similar platforms). If a course is run in Google Classroom, it is imperative to use a "personal" Google Account (not a school account). The instructors generally release sections of the course every 4-7 days, allowing participants to complete the coursework on their own schedule. Some assignments have deadlines, and our instructors understand that most of our participants have at least one full-time job. If a participant can't complete an assignment by the deadline, they can request a short extension.
CTLE Certificates: Erie-Catt will send a hard copy of a CTLE Certificate to participants (in our TC Consortium) who complete courses in a timely fashion. Our internal process typically takes between 10 days and two weeks. Certificates are sent via inter-school mail and the US mail. Delivery times may vary from a few days to over a week. We appreciate your patience with our process.
If you are interested in a course and your District requires prior approval, please obtain it now. Obtaining prior approval now will reduce registration issues. In some situations, educators register and drop courses because their District does not approve them, or does not approve them in a timely fashion. We appreciate your consideration of this matter.
The Erie-Catt Teacher Center understands that as educators and learners in ECTC courses, we are committed to the ethical use of technology to support our learning objectives and professional growth. Technology can be a valuable tool for generating ideas, enhancing discussions, and providing insights, but its use should always align with the principles of academic integrity, respect, and fairness.
Click to register -> Winter/Spring 2027 Course Registration Form Link
Winter/Spring 2027 Course Registration will OPEN on Nov. 11th, 2026.
Winter/Spring 2027 Course Registration ENDS on Dec. 11th, 2026.
Winter/Spring 2027 Courses Registration Fees are due Dec. 18th, 2026
Winter/Spring 2027 ECTC Courses
Session 1
January 11, 2027 - January 31, 2027
7 Mighty Moves: Strengthening Literacy Instruction Through Intentional Practices (Book Study)
Kathleen Saia 15 Hours Online January 11 - January 31, 2027
This 15-hour professional development course provides educators with an in-depth exploration of the book, "7 Mighty Moves", framework - seven high-leverage instructional practices that accelerate literacy development and deepen student understanding. Participants will engage in a blend of readings, modeled lessons, discussions, and classroom-based applications through Google Classroom. Educators will examine how each “Mighty Move” supports the Science of Reading, fosters student independence, and aligns with evidence-based literacy instruction. Participants will also get a window into real classroom applications, as the videos will be shared from the instructor’s classroom. Through reflection and collaboration, participants will design actionable strategies to integrate these moves into daily practice, enhancing student engagement, comprehension, and skill transfer across content areas. This asynchronous learning experience allows educators to participate flexibly while maintaining active engagement through peer discussion, reflective journaling, and application of tasks connected to their own classrooms. *Please note that you will need a personal Gmail account to access this course, as school emails are not compatible across districts.*
A Guide to a Healthier Teacher & Student: Macros and Nutrition
Melissa Hartnett 15 Hours Online January 11 - January 31, 2027
Do you find yourself struggling to make healthy food choices… and with the most effective approach to teaching students about healthy foods and snacks? Do you want to help them with this life skill (and help yourself)? Have you ever felt that you struggle with nutrition? You may sometimes feel like you (and your students) can’t give it your/their all while at school (and in life) - and it may be because you have questions about nutrition. There are so many fad diets out there, but unless you can commit to something for the rest of your life, you will be back to where you started. As teachers, we talk about the importance of our students eating well-balanced meals but tend to forgo this for ourselves. This wellness course will teach you how to achieve a healthier lifestyle through nutrition, specifically counting macros. The instructor is a certified nutrition coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. You will be taught about the basics of and how to track macros. The instructor will look at food logs and give encouragement to help you feel more accountable. Nutrition coaching can be very beneficial, but it can also cost a lot. You will learn about this lifestyle change and how you look at food (and the instructor will help you calculate your macros). You will feel better about yourself and have more energy to perform better while teaching. You can modify what you learned about eating healthy to whatever grade level you teach! **This course requires a Facebook account to access a specific group regarding macros. Some assignments will be shared on Google Classroom while others will be shared via email, so participants don’t have to share personal information about their nutrition with the whole class. This is a no-judgment class.
Breaking Barriers - Sticks and Stones - Implicit Bias, Stereotypes, and MicroAggressions (Running with SouthTowns Teacher Center)
Winiecki/Baldwin 15 Hrs Hybrid January 5 - February 2, 2027 - Zoom Dates are January 5, 12, 19, 26 & February 2, 2027
Learn how to promote social unity and increase cultural awareness in your school and community by attending this new NYSUT workshop for members and local affiliates. The goal is to bridge cultural divides and make our schools and communities more welcoming and inclusive places for people of all abilities and backgrounds by helping participants see beyond their own personal worldviews.
Kathy Halter 15 Hours Online January 11 - January 31, 2027
During this 15-hour online workshop we will explore practical tools and strategies to create school environments that are physically, emotionally, socially, and psychologically safe. We will look at several evidence-based approaches to school climate, including social-emotional learning, culturally responsive teaching, and proactive behavior supports. Educators will create a plan to strengthen safety, belonging, engagement, and positive relationships within their classrooms and school communities.
From Behaving to Belonging: The Inclusive Art of Supporting Students Who Challenge Us by Julie Causton & Kate MacLeod - Book Study
Allison O’Dell 15 Hours Online January 11 - January 31, 2027
Book study coursework includes a close read of the book and discussion of some of the following topics: rethinking students who challenge us; focusing on educator’s mental health; creating a culture of inclusion; teaching kindness, gratitude, and compassion; how to deal with crisis artfully; and how to proclaim and maintain loving spaces, just to name a few. This book provides great resources and activities that can be adapted for K -12 learners. The ECTC has a limited number of course books for loan to those who confirm their registration. Contact the Center to be put on the list to borrow a copy of the book.
Special Needs Strategies
Heather Kerr-Puleo 15 Hours Online January 11 - January 31, 2027
This course will focus on providing some basic information about disabilities and/or delays people may work with in the school setting. It will address tips and tricks that can be used in the classroom to help students who may be diagnosed with these disabilities and/or delays while working with them. The course will touch base on related service providers as well and how they can help assist with some of the needs that students may have. This course will hopefully help provide teachers and other providers with information, resources and tips to help make working with students with a disability in the classroom a positive experience for everyone!
Teaching World Languages with the NEW NYS World Language Standards
Karen Waugaman 15 Hours Online January 11 - January 31, 2027
In this 5-week course, we will start with an understanding of the revised NYS Standards and Can-Do statements. We will work through designing proficiency-oriented units and lessons using backwards planning. We will work on using authentic documents to build real-world proficiency and work on designing assessments aligned with proficiency goals. Finally, we will bring all this together by creating a personal action plan.
The Anxious Generation & The Great Rewiring of Childhood by Jonathan Haidt -
Part TWO of TWO (Completion of Part ONE is a prerequisite)
Allison O’Dell 15 Hours Online January 11 - January 31, 2027
A book study taking an in-depth look at how overprotecting children in the real world and unsupervised time online has not only led to an anxious generation but an epidemic of mental illness. Concise, specific, well-researched, and well-documented. Part TWO explains the rise of phone-based childhood and how to take collective action now for healthier childhoods. Even if you don’t take this course, every parent and teacher should read this. It is one of the best books I’ve read during my teaching career and explains what we are seeing now in children and classrooms. The ECTC has a limited number of course books for loan to those who confirm their registration. Contact the Center to be put on the list to borrow a copy of the book.
The SEL Solution: Integrate SEL into Your Curriculum and Create a Caring Climate for All
Jonathan Erwin 15 Hours Online January 11 - January 31, 2027
It is well-established that to be successful in school and in life, students need intrapersonal skills, such as the ability to restrain impulses, focus, self-regulate, persevere, and delay gratification, as well as interpersonal skills such as having empathy, communicating effectively, being able to read others’ emotional states, and more. This workshop provides a research-based rationale for integrating SEL into the classroom, specific student-centered strategies for doing so, ways of connecting SEL concepts and skills to the core curriculum, particularly in ELA and Social Studies (K-12), and dozens of free online resources.
Session 2
February 1, 2027 - February 28, 2027
Compassion, Connection & Collaboration
Heather Kerr-Puleo 15 Hours Online February 1 - February 28, 2027
This course will focus on the three C’s - compassion, connection and collaboration within the school setting! It will offer an overview of compassion, connection, and collaboration, and why they are important to our students within the educational setting. Tips, videos, articles and helpful resources will be provided throughout the course. The course is run on Google Classroom.
Enhancing Math Instruction with Kahoot
Jennifer Kibler 15 Hours Online February 1 - February 28, 2027
This 15-hour course is designed for K–12 math teachers to enhance student engagement and interactive learning using Kahoot. Participants will explore Kahoot features, play and evaluate ready-made quizzes, create simple and advanced quizzes, and compile a mini-library of classroom-ready Kahoots. Teachers will also review peers’ Kahoot Charts and select one peer's ,,,,,o to implement or adapt in their classroom. By the close of the course, all participants will have a personal classroom Kahoot Chart and a collection of resources compiled by peers.
Importance of Grit in Education
Peter Herman 15 Hours Online February 1 - February 28, 2027
GRIT: it's a word that everyone seems to know of but doesn’t truly know what it is. More important than understanding the word is the question: How do you acquire grit? The way the discussion about grit connects to the schools is what are all the ways educators can help our students embed this skill into their lives? Grit has been discussed as the single most important predictor of success, so it is about time we focus on it. This class will give you an overview of what grit is, analyze how much of it you have, help students and educators understand its importance, create activities and mindsets that install grit into the classroom, all of which will lead to successful students in the classroom and life.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success (Book Study)
Dr. Matthew Dolegowski 15 Hours Online February 1 - February 28, 2027
This professional development course is designed for educators to explore Carol Dweck’s Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Through this book study, teachers will learn how fostering a growth mindset can transform student engagement, motivation, and achievement. The course will provide practical strategies for encouraging resilience, embracing challenges, and cultivating a classroom culture that empowers both students and teachers to reach their full potential. Perfect for educators looking to inspire a love of learning and help students thrive. The ECTC has a limited number of course books for loan to those who confirm their registration. Contact the Center to be put on the list to borrow a copy of the book.
Online Equity Challenge
Karen Waugaman 15 Hours Online February 1 - February 28, 2027
On May 6, 2021, New York State’s Board of Regents adopted a Policy on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. This follows a Draft Framework focusing on this issue that was introduced in April. Although local discretion is given to school systems, the purpose of the work is the same for all learning environments. “It shall therefore be the policy of the NYS Board of Regents to encourage and support efforts at the State and local level to create within every school an ecosystem of success that is built upon a foundation of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, opportunity, innovation, confidence, trust, respect, caring, and relationship-building. All students must feel that they are welcome, they belong, and they are supported in every school.” Participating in the New York State Teacher Centers’ 10-session equity challenge will introduce you to equity and its impact on students and their families. This work will support educators as they build local ecosystems of success.
Social Media Wellness: Helping Tweens & Teens Thrive in an Unbalanced Digital World by Ana Homayoun - Book Study
Allison O’Dell 15 Hours Online February 1 - February 28, 2027
Coursework includes a close read of the book, discussion of foundational knowledge of current social media apps and technological innovations (think live streaming video and VR, virtual reality), how social media affects today's tweens and teens, and ideas/activities to become healthy online and in real life. Backed by research, this book provides great resources and activities that can be adapted for early middle school -12 learners, as well as adults.
The ECTC has a limited number of course books for loan to those who confirm their registration. Contact the Center to be put on the list to borrow a copy of the book.
Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well - Book Study
Mykal Karl 15 Hours Online February 1 - March 8, 2027
This asynchronous, 15-hour book study supports educators in understanding why feedback—whether solicited or unsolicited, well-intended or poorly delivered—can feel so emotionally charged, destabilizing, or difficult to use. Drawing from Thanks for the Feedback, participants explore how feedback triggers identity, relationship, and truth concerns, and how these dynamics are intensified in educational environments shaped by power, evaluation, and emotional labor. Through structured reading, guided reflection, and application-based activities, educators learn to separate feedback from self-worth, engage with feedback with discernment rather than defensiveness, and decide what to accept, what to adapt, and what to set aside. The course emphasizes agency, emotional regulation, and sustainable professional growth—without requiring compliance, perfection, or self-abandonment. Feedback is data—not a verdict. You get to decide what to do with it. The ECTC has a limited number of course books for loan to those who confirm their registration. Contact the Center to be put on the list to borrow a copy of the book.
The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety-Book Study
Mykal Karl 15 Hours Online February 1 - February 28, 2027
This 5-week asynchronous book study invites educators to examine psychological safety as a developmental, relational, and ethical responsibility within schools. Drawing on Timothy Clark’s four-stage model—Inclusion Safety, Learner Safety, Contributor Safety, and Challenger Safety—participants explore how trust is built (or eroded) through everyday interactions, leadership practices, and institutional norms. Rather than treating psychological safety as a buzzword or personality trait, this course positions it as a shared system condition—one that shapes risk-taking, learning, voice, belonging, and burnout. Participants reflect on how safety evolves over time, how it intersects with power and emotional labor, and how schools can move beyond compliance toward cultures of dignity and contribution. The ECTC has a limited number of course books for loan to those who confirm their registration. Contact the Center to be put on the list to borrow a copy of the book.
Session 3
March 1, 2027 - March 21, 2027
Anxiety Awareness
Beth Funigiello 15 Hours Online March 1 - March 21, 2027
According to the National Institute of Health and Anxiety and Depression Association of America, it is estimated that 1:8 children under the age of 18 suffer from an anxiety disorder. It is also estimated that 1:4 children, specifically between the ages of 13 and 18, suffer from an anxiety disorder. Children and teens with anxiety are often at risk of struggling in areas of social and emotional health, physical wellness, and academic growth. This course is NOT designed to diminish the importance of seeking counseling or speaking with medical professionals, but it is designed to raise awareness of anxiety among teachers, staff, and paraprofessionals, so day-to-day support tools can be implemented to address unique student needs.
Canva for Teachers
Jennifer Kibler 15 Hours Online March 1 - March 21, 2027
This 15-hour asynchronous course introduces teachers to Canva, a versatile design platform. Participants learn to create visually appealing presentations, worksheets, infographics, and other materials to enhance teaching. Reflection prompts, sharing prompts, and asynchronous peer interaction encourage application across classrooms and the sharing of learning between schools and districts.
Emotional Labor & Invisible Work: A Research-Inspired Video Study
Mykal Karl 15 Hours Online March 1 - April 15, 2027
This 5-week video and reflection-based course explores the critical yet often unnoticed concepts of emotional labor and invisible work within educational settings. Educators will examine the hidden dimensions of their professional responsibilities, their impact on well-being, and practical strategies for recognition, support, and sustainable practice. Using TED Talks, authors, research-backed articles, and educational resources, participants will engage in meaningful reflection to foster personal resilience, advocate for visibility, and enhance collective well-being.
Teaching ELL’s Across Content Areas by Zacarian and Haynes - Book Study
Karen Waugaman 15 Hours Online March 1 - March 21, 2027
This book study will take a look at SIOP and best practices for teaching ELLs and how to best use these in content-area classrooms. The ECTC has a limited number of course books for loan to those who confirm their registration. Contact the Center to be put on the list to borrow a copy of the book.
The Body Keeps the Score: Trauma, Healing, and the Path to Self-Leadership - Book Study
Mykal Karl 15 Hours Online March 1 - April 15, 2027
This asynchronous, 15-hour book study introduces educators to The Body Keeps the Score, a foundational text in trauma science that explores how overwhelming experiences shape the brain, body, emotions, and relationships. While the book is rooted in clinical research, this course translates its insights into educator-relevant understanding, with careful attention to boundaries, consent, and self-regulation. Through structured reading, guided reflection, and application-based activities, participants explore how trauma affects learning, behavior, connection, and professional well-being—without requiring personal disclosure or emotional excavation. The course emphasizes self-awareness, nervous system literacy, and trauma-informed presence, supporting educators in protecting both themselves and the students they serve. This course is designed for understanding—not healing, disclosure, or personal processing. Participants are encouraged to engage at the level of intellectual and professional curiosity that feels safe and appropriate. The ECTC has a limited number of course books for loan to those who confirm their registration. Contact the Center to be put on the list to borrow a copy of the book.
The Restorative Practices Playbook - Book Study
Allison O’Dell 15 Hours Online March 1 - March 21, 2027
Turn behaviors into a teachable moment by helping students to self-regulate, make good decisions, and self-govern. The playbook includes practical tools to help meet students’ social-emotional and behavioral needs in ways that are proactive and sustainable. The ECTC has a limited number of course books for loan to those who confirm their registration. Contact the Center to be put on the list to borrow a copy of the book.
Unlock the Power of AI: Using Google Gemini to Transform Your Classroom
Mark Hanes 15 Hours Online March 1 - March 21, 2027
Boost your teaching arsenal with Google Gemini! This class will show you how to use this AI tool and how it can transform your teaching and ignite your students' learning.
What You Say and How You Say It Matter (Mike Anderson) - Book Study
Jonathan Erwin 15 Hours Online March 1 - March 21, 2027
We all want our students to feel safe, collaborate well with others, feel ownership for their learning, and be joyfully engaged in their work. Nevertheless, many teachers end up using language patterns that undermine these goals. What teachers say to students - when they praise or discipline, give directions or ask questions, and introduce concepts or share stories - affects student learning and behavior. What We Say and How We Say It Matter by Mike Anderson digs into the nuances of language in the classroom. This book's many examples will help teachers examine their language habits and intentionally improve their classroom practice so their language matches and supports their goals. The ECTC has a limited number of course books for loan to those who confirm their registration. Contact the Center to be put on the list to borrow a copy of the book.
Session 4
April 5, 2027 - April 25, 2027
Rigor and Relevance
Peter Herman 9 Hours Online April 5 - April 25, 2027
The Rigor/Relevance Framework is a tool developed by the International Center to examine curriculum, instruction, and assessment. The class will allow you to take your lesson/activities through a vetting process to increase their rigor and relevance to your students’ lives so that true learning and ownership can take place. It can be used in the development of both instruction and assessment. In addition, teachers can use it to monitor their own progress in adding rigor and relevance to their instruction and to select appropriate instructional strategies to differentiate instruction and facilitate higher achievement goals.
Samantha Panfil PT, DPT 9 Hours Online April 5 - April 25, 2027
As schools are fully adopting the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) model, educators are working to implement universal support strategies for all students and to provide more individualized support within the classroom setting. As a physical therapist on the school support team, I am frequently consulted for ideas and strategies to assist students who exhibit "busy" or unsafe behaviors that can impact learning and classroom dynamics. Part 1 begins by exploring six of the most commonly observed conditions in children, drawing on current research to examine the physiological factors that often contribute to the “busy” or challenging classroom behaviors. By understanding these underlying physical influences, participants can better identify effective ways to support students in the classroom.
Click a course title to download a course roadmap.
Click a course title to download a course roadmap
Advanced Techniques with Google Slides
Breaking Barriers: Sticks & Stones-Implicit Bias, Stereotypes & Microaggressions
Building Strong Readers: Strategies for Success in Elementary Grades & Special Education
Canva For Educators–Intermediate Design for Teaching & Learning
Embracing Artificial Intelligence as an Educator
Leading and Managing a Differentiated Classroom 2nd Ed
Metacognition: Putting Students in Control of Their Learning (K-12 Teachers)
Personal & Authentic: Designing Learning Experiences That Impact a Lifetime-Book Study
Related Services! What do we do & how can you help in the classroom?
Strong Ground: Standing in Truth, Courage, and Accountability
Take a Step Back: Letting Kids Grow Up
The Anxious Generation & The Great Rewiring of Childhood - Pt 1
The Classroom of Choice: 100+ Strategies to Reach and Teach Every Learner
The Courage to Be Disliked: Freedom, Responsibility, and Living Without Approval
The Ultimate EdTech Swap for World Language Educators: A Collaborative Workshop
Uncommon Sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn
Using NotebookLM to support lesson planning, student resources, and/or instruction
If a download link is not working, please email lhamberger@e2ccb.org or call 716-805-3113 and request the roadmap via email.