Professional Learning Opportunities

One of the main functions of the Erie Catt Teacher Center is to provide professional learning opportunities for educators (teachers, teaching assistants, teacher aides, and all 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.
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.
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.

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 will be sent if you request to withdraw from the course a minimum of 2 weeks before the start date. No Refund will be given if you do not complete the course. No refund will be given if you withdraw within 2 weeks of the start date of the course. 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 Classrooms (or similar platforms). 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 - and if a participant can't complete assignments by the deadline, they can request short extensions.

If you are interested in a course and your District requires prior approval, please seek that prior approval now. Obtaining prior approval now will reduce registration issues. In some situations, educators register and drop courses due to their District not approving the course, or not approving the course in a timely fashion. We appreciate your consideration of this matter.

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 -> Fall 2025 Course Registration OPENS on September 2nd, 2025

Fall 2025 Course Session 1 Registration CLOSES on September 18th, 2025

Fall 2025 Course Session 1 Registration Fees are Due by September 24th, 2025 (or sooner)

Fall 2025 Course Session 2 Registration will remain open until October 9th, 2025

Fall 2025 Course Session 2 Registration Fees are Due by October 15th, 2025 (or sooner)

Contact the Center (716-805-3113) for Late Registration Details

Fall 2025 Courses

Session 1

October 6, 2025 - November 2, 2025

A Guide to a Healthier Teacher & Student: Macros & Nutrition

Melissa Hartnett 15 Hours Online October 6, 2025 - November 2, 2025.

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 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.

Brain Breaks for Elementary School Classrooms (Grades 3-5)

Jennifer Kibler 15 Hours Online October 6, 2025 - November 2, 2025

Let’s explore Brain breaks for children in grades 3-5. Brain breaks can improve focus, social skills, learning, self-regulation, cognitive function, emotional resilience, and overall being. They can also help children feel more relaxed and less stressed. In this course, teachers will learn from three Brain Break talks/presentations (TED Talks and Edutopia) and explore 120 Brain Breaks (movement, mindful, physical activities, games, etc.). They will select 24 Brain breaks to be utilized in the classroom. Teachers will have the opportunity to see one another’s Top 24 Brain breaks and learn how colleagues will implement the breaks.

Building Strong Readers: Strategies for Success in Elementary Grades & Special Education

Kathleen Saia & Caroline Ventresca 15 Hours Online October 6, 2025 - November 2, 2025

This professional development training is designed to equip educators with effective, research-based strategies to support reading development in elementary classrooms and special education settings. Participants will explore key components of literacy instruction, including oral language, phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The training will also address differentiated instruction, multisensory techniques, and intervention strategies for struggling readers. Educators will leave with practical tools and resources to enhance reading instruction and foster a love of literacy in all learners.

Embracing Artificial Intelligence as an Educator

Kathy Halter 15 Hours Online October 6, 2025 - November 2, 2025

For our students, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to be part of their world. As educators, that means we are embarking on new territory. Let’s take the next 15 hours to get a basic understanding of AI and the implications for educators.

Getting Started With Canva

Kathy Halter 15 Hours Online October 6, 2025 - November 2, 2025

There are now many tools that allow you to make all sorts of professional-looking graphics, but my favorite one right now is Canva! Let's take the next 15 hours to learn and explore all possibilities for your classroom. It's fun, easy, and has so many classroom applications!

Sticks and Stones - Implicit Bias, Stereotypes, and Microaggressions

NYSUT Winiecki/Baldwin 15 Hrs Hybrid October 6, 2025 - November 2, 2025

6 hrs on Zoom / 9 hrs online (Zoom sessions 10/8 4:15 pm-5:45 pm, 10/15 4:15 pm-5:45 pm, 10/22 4:15 pm-5:45 pm, 10/29 4:15 pm-5:45 pm)

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.

Making Your Teaching Something Special: Strategies to Teach with Impact for the Secondary Classroom

Erika Austin 15 Hours Online October 6, 2025 - November 2, 2025

Are you ready to take your teaching to the next level? Join us for a dynamic and engaging 15-hour course centered on the inspiring book Making Your Teaching Something Special: 50 Simple Ways to Become a Better Teacher by Rushton Hurley. Designed for educators at all levels—particularly those working with middle and high school students—this course offers practical strategies to enhance your teaching practice and make a lasting impact in your classroom. Through a thoughtful blend of book study, article analysis, and collaborative discussions, we will explore innovative ideas that have revolutionized our teaching practices. Together, we'll examine how to implement actionable, research-backed strategies that foster meaningful connections with students, streamline classroom management, and ignite a passion for learning. By the end of this course, you’ll leave equipped with practical tools, fresh perspectives, and a renewed sense of purpose to make your teaching truly special. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting your journey, this course will inspire you to elevate your craft and create transformative learning experiences for your students. 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.

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success - Book Study

Dr. Matthew Dolegowski 15 Hours Online October 6, 2025 - November 2, 2025

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.

Special Needs Strategies

Heather Kerr-Puleo 15 Hours Online October 6, 2025 - November 2, 2025

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!

The Anxious Generation & The Great Rewiring of Childhood - Pt 1

Allison O’Dell 15 Hours Online October 6, 2025 - November 2, 2025

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 also an epidemic of mental illness. Concise, specific, well-researched, and well-documented. This sets the foundation for Part TWO (11/3/25 - 12/7/25), which 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.

Trauma-Informed Self-Care

Mykal Karl 15 Hours Online October 6, 2025 - November 2, 2025

This 5-week video and reflection-based course blends the concepts of compassion fatigue, emotional labor, chronic stress, and trauma-informed care. Educators will explore how their personal well-being, identity, and boundaries intersect with their roles and learn to build habits of healing and empowerment. Drawing on TED Talks, trauma-informed resources, and strategies from the Educator Wellness & Empowerment video course, this study offers a safe space for deep personal reflection and actionable change.

Unlock the Power of AI: Using Google Gemini to Transform Your Classroom

Mark Hanes 15 Hours Online October 6, 2025 - November 2, 2025

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.

Session 2

November 3, 2025 - December 7, 2025

Compassion Fatigue Awareness: Resilience in Professional Practice

Mykal Karl 15 Hours Online November 3, 2025 - December 7, 2025

Avoid symptoms of burnout by understanding your own stressors and the practical treatments to lessen them. Learn how to leverage the power of self-regulation, intentionality, and perpetual maturation to combat Compassion Fatigue. Rate your own level of compassion satisfaction and leave with tools to increase your professional resiliency.

Create Calming Classroom Environments

Stephanie Genco Gasiecki 12 Hours Online November 3, 2025 - December 7, 2025

This 12-hour online course is designed to support prek-8th-grade teachers in creating and maintaining a calming classroom environment. This includes research-based strategies for calm physical spaces that reduce distraction and dysregulation, mindfulness and student self-regulation strategies, and planning for the implementation of classroom Calm Corners or Calm Kits that support emotional regulation and sensory needs. When students learn to self-regulate and are in environments that support their focus, the result is stronger academic engagement, improved problem-solving skills, and healthier relationships.

First in Math Games for Grades K-2

Jennifer Kibler 15 Hours Online November 3, 2025 - December 7, 2025

The First In Math online math program is a supplemental online program that is available to all schools free of charge. Demo accounts will be provided to any teachers who do not already have school accounts. This course will provide game overviews and explorations for kindergarten,1st, and 2nd grade teachers. The class will be divided into 8 sections that match areas of the online program: 1) An Overview; 2) Just the Facts, Very Important Facts, and Practice Gyms; 3) Skills Sets; 4) Know and Show Word Problems; 5) Measurement World; 6) Computational Thinking; 7) Bonus Games 1; and 8) Bonus Games 2. As teachers explore each area, they will watch videos/read directions for each game and try out the game in student mode. Participants will learn the focus content for each game, determine which games best support the learning in their classroom/current program, gain skills needed to introduce games to their students, and conclude the class with their own chart of selected games that best match their curriculum.

Implementing Mathematical Routines

Darlene Rombola 18 Hours Online November 3, 2025 - December 7, 2025

Pre-K - 12 Math Teachers, AIS, TAs, Special Ed: Here’s your chance to dive into the world of Mathematical Routines. Math thinking routines have a predictable framework for engaging in the math content. Once routines are second nature, we can focus on math learning, mathematical habits of mind, and engage in mathematical practices. Since many mathematical routines are invitational in nature, they provide access to all students. In this class, you will explore a variety of mathematical routines and then get the chance to try one or more of them with your students. Some routines we will explore are: Which One Doesn’t Belong, Splat, Estimation 180, Esti-mysteries, Estimation Clipboards, Cube Conversations, Math Flips, Would You Rather, and 20 Days of Number

Sense.

Mindfulness: In Real Life and Education

Heather Kerr-Puleo 15 Hours Online November 3, 2025 - December 7, 2025

This course will focus on mindfulness. It will offer an overview of what mindfulness is, why it is important to practice this in your personal life, how to practice it in your personal life, and why it is important to teach and practice it with students in the educational setting. Tips, videos, and helpful resources will be provided throughout the course. The course is run on Google Classroom.

Supporting Your Emotional Well-Being as an Educator

Kathy Halter, 12 Hours Online , November 3, 2025 - December 7, 2025.

We talk and listen about it every day. These are challenging times for the teaching profession; even the veteran teacher is feeling the pressure. Your social well-being is important as we move through the changes of these times. During this 12-hour workshop, we will get the conversation started by discussing what districts are doing for their staff, what you can do to help your colleagues, and what you can personally do to be the resilient person that we all strive to be.

Tackling the Motivation Crisis - Book Study

Jonathan Erwin 15 Hours Online November 3, 2025 - December 7, 2025

Students’ motivation is at an all-time low. This asynchronous online book study will examine some of the things that are wrong with the way educators attempt to motivate students to behave responsibly, as well as to learn and perform academically. Author Mike Anderson goes on to offer alternative approaches that work much better than the carrot-and-stick approaches we’ve used for decades. 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 Anxious Generation & The Great Rewiring of Childhood - Pt 2 [Please note! You must complete Part 1 before taking Part 2]

Allison O’Dell 15 Hours Online November 3, 2025 - December 7, 2025

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. 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 Anxious Generation & The Great Rewiring of Childhood by Jonathan Haidt - Part 1 is a prerequisite.)

The E in STEAM: Amazon Future Engineer Virtual Field Trips and Class Chats (Grades 4-12)

Jennifer Kibler 15 Hours Online November 3, 2025 - December 7, 2025

Let’s nurture our students' engineering, technology, and career curiosity, inquiry skills, and knowledge as we integrate Amazon Future Engineer Virtual Field Trips and Chats into our units and events. Participants will complete 7 Future Engineer virtual field trips and see firsthand the live Kahoot trip options for engaged interactive learning for teams or the class as a whole. Teachers will explore the provided facilitation guides, key student learnings, student worksheets, and certificates for each trip. Throughout the course, teachers will print relevant materials and evaluate each virtual trip as well as the printed materials to determine and share which trips and materials are the best fit for their current students/classes, colleagues’ courses/classes, and upcoming classes, courses, or school initiatives. Participants will also reflect on the work/submissions that other participants explore and highlight in the discussion boards.

The Mindful Teacher Toolkit - Book Study

Kathy Halter 15 Hours Online November 3, 2025 - December 7, 2025.

I am very interested, but I don’t know where to start when it comes to mindful awareness and social and emotional competence of students–this is a common concern for many educators. This book study (The Mindful Teacher’s Toolkit by Kevin Hawkins and Amy Burke) will get you started with practical support and practice for yourself and the classroom with regard to SEL. This 15-hour workshop will give you direction to develop mindful practices in any classroom/building. This entire workshop will be completed online. 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 Morning Meeting Book - Book Study

Andrea Armstrong 15 Hours Online November 3, 2025 - December 7, 2025

In this asynchronous online book study of “The Morning Meeting Book,” authored by Roxann Kriete and Carol Davis (3rd edition), participants will delve into the transformative practice of Morning Meeting and its four core components: Greeting, Sharing, Group Activity, and Morning Message. Morning Meeting has the power to revolutionize the classroom environment and cultivate strong relationships between educators and their students, thereby fostering an optimal setting for learning and teaching to flourish. Through Morning Meeting, schools become more joyful, communities are strengthened, and essential social-emotional, communication, and conflict resolution skills are honed. By the conclusion of this course, participants will not only possess a comprehensive understanding of Morning Meeting and its integral components but also develop a concrete plan and the confidence necessary to seamlessly integrate it into their own 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.

Yoga & Mindfulness Activities in Every Classroom - Book Study

Jim Weiss 15 Hours Online November 3, 2025 - December 7, 2025

We will examine the history of YOGA along with how it may be presented in your classroom with the support of mindfulness activities. These books will be used by participants as a mini book study ("The YOGA Curriculum For Physical Education 6-8" by Kristen Santos) in conjunction with numerous other resources that will build your skills and allow you to bring these health and wellness activities into your classroom with a sound educational purpose. A collaborative effort will be generated to discuss practical assessments, not only to benefit the teacher but also for the students to assess themselves for intrinsic guidance and motivation. Teachers will create and discuss classrooms that generate learning opportunities for YOGA and mindfulness activities in their setting. 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.

Course Roadmaps (click to download)