Fall 2026 Courses

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 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.
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 2026 Course Registration Form Link

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.

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.

Fall 2026 ECTC Courses

Session 1

October 5, 2026 - November 1, 2026

ADHD Awareness

Beth Funigiello 15 Hours Online October 5 - November 1, 2026

As of 2022, the CDC reports that approximately one in nine children in the United States has been diagnosed with ADHD. This professional development course provides educators with a clear and practical understanding of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) while focusing on Tier 1 classroom supports. Participants will define ADHD, explore its key characteristics, and examine how it can impact students’ learning, behavior, and social-emotional development. Educators will gain evidence-based strategies, accommodations, and classroom systems that support attention, self-regulation, and executive functioning. The course emphasizes collaboration with families and support staff to create inclusive learning environments. While this course does not replace the importance of outside medical support, it is designed to increase awareness and equip teachers, staff, and SRPs with everyday tools to better support students’ unique needs.

Canva For Educators–Intermediate Design for Teaching & Learning

Kathy Halter 15 Hours Online October 5 - November 1, 2026

Ready to move beyond basic Canva designs? This intermediate/advanced workshop helps educators design polished, interactive, and accessible learning materials. Through short lessons and hands-on projects, participants will build templates, create student-ready resources, and stream your work.

Leading and Managing a Differentiated Classroom, Tomlinson and Imbeau 2nd Edition-Online Book Study

Karen Waugaman 15 Hours Online October 5 - November 1, 2026

In this 15-hour book study teachers reflect on their current knowledge of differentiation and what they believe the roadblocks are. They will reflect on their belief system as teachers and their vision for differentiation while reading the corresponding chapters in the book. Tied into Chapters 4 and 5, they will reflect on the benefits to the learning environment and management using differentiation. Going with Chapters 6 and 7, participants will reflect on their yes-but reasons, and on why and how to work around them. Embedded throughout the book study are videos demonstrating differentiation at different levels and with different subjects. As their final assignment, teachers will write either a differentiated unit or lesson plan, or an anecdotal piece about how they will incorporate differentiation. The choice is given, realizing that different levels and subjects can be differentiated differently. 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.

Personal & Authentic: Designing Learning Experiences That Impact a Lifetime - Book Study

Allison O’Dell 15 Hours Online October 5 - November 1, 2026

This book by Thomas Murray helps us to create more personal and authentic learning experiences with students. Some of it is a gentle reminder, but most of the book is a reminder of what is truly important. He reminds us of the reasons why we chose teaching in the first place and how to stay true to being a personal and authentic human being. 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.

Take a Step Back: Letting Kids Grow Up

Peter Herman 15 Hours Online October 5 - November 1, 2026

This course isn’t a book study, but the inspiration for this class came from a book called Bad Therapy: Why Aren’t Kids Growing Up by Abigail Shrier. The book starts with concerns about the interactions between therapists and youth in America and around the world. That is a small part of Abigail's concern; others include interaction between parents, educators, and other adults with the children they influence and how they are impacting the way children grow up, or why they might not be able to. There has been a trend of college-age students, who are quite intelligent, but can’t take chances, can’t adapt, can’t overcome problems, are debilitated by anxiety and depression, and still need their parents to get them through what might be seen as everyday challenges. Something must be impacting why this is happening. It could be a lack of: resilience, high expectations, problem-solving skills, self-esteem, chances to struggle, etc. … Or it could be a change in parenting styles, the ignorance that some levels of anxiety and depression are natural and beneficial, or the overall coddling of children is also to be debated. As you will see, there are so many components that all connect back to the core problem that we just need to take a step back.

The Classroom of Choice: 100+ Strategies to Reach and Teach Every Learner (2024) - Book Study with the Author

Jonathan Erwin 15 Hours Online October 5 - November 1, 2026

In his book, author Jon Erwin first shares a compelling rationale for abandoning old, ineffective extrinsic approaches to student motivation and behavior management and explains the five components of intrinsic motivation. The rest of the book is devoted to giving teachers what they really want – well over a hundred specific strategies they can use immediately to increase their students’ motivation to attend, behave responsibly, learn, and perform. 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 Ultimate EdTech Swap for World Language Educators: A Collaborative Workshop

Erika Austin 15 Hours Online October 5 - November 1, 2026

Explore innovative tech tools and strategies to enhance language instruction in middle and high school classrooms. This collaborative 15-hour course will guide participants through discovering, implementing, and evaluating technology to support student engagement and success. Participants will share favorite tools, address challenges, and discuss district-provided resources, while ensuring compliance with NYS EdLaw on student privacy. By the end, you’ll have a personalized toolkit of effective tech solutions and actionable plans for seamless integration into your teaching practice.

Using NotebookLM to support lesson planning, student resources, and/or instruction

Jennifer Kibler 15 Hours Online October 5 - November 1, 2026

NotebookLM is now a core service for school districts that use the Google Workspace for Education services. This course helps K–12 teachers use NotebookLM to support lesson planning and classroom instruction. Teachers will learn how to upload materials and quickly create student-friendly summaries, study guides, and presentations. By the end of the course, educators will have simple, time-saving strategies to improve clarity, engagement, and student understanding.

Session 2

November 2, 2026 - December 6, 2026

Advanced Techniques with Google Slides

Gina O’Kussick 15 Hours Online November 2 - December 6, 2026

Teachers will practice creating interactive slides to increase student engagement. Teachers will also learn more ways to use Google Slides for Instructional organization, becoming more independent and able to develop more engaging lessons for their students and to organize instruction on a daily basis. This will also allow for more implementation of technology in the classroom to promote student and teacher use.

Breaking Barriers - Sticks and Stones - Implicit Bias, Stereotypes, and MicroAggressions (Running with SouthTowns Teacher Center)

Winiecki/Baldwin 15 Hrs Hybrid November 2 - December 6, 2026

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.

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

Kathleen Saia & Caroline Ventresca 15 Hours Online November 2 - December 6, 2026

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 November 2 - December 6, 2026

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

Metacognition: Putting Students in Control of Their Learning (K-12 Teachers)

Jennifer Kibler 15 Hours Online November 2 - December 6, 2026

Metacognition: Putting Students in Control of Their Learning guides teachers through an in-depth exploration of metacognition and its impact on student learning and instructional practice. Through engaging TED Talks, videos, articles, and structured reflections, participants examine how students and teachers think about learning, apply metacognitive strategies, and embed them into everyday classroom practice. The course emphasizes collaboration through peer reflections and culminates in an action plan that supports intentional, reflective teaching. Participants will leave with practical tools, strategies, and routines they can immediately implement to foster deeper learning and self-regulation in their classrooms.

Related Services! What do we do & how can you help in the classroom?

Heather Kerr-Puleo 15 Hours Online November 2 - December 6, 2026

This course will focus on related services that are available to students with special needs and/or delays. It will focus on what the roles of the related service providers are. It will also provide teachers with resources and tips about how to address/work on these skills in the classroom! It will cover information about speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling/social work, vision services and hearing services.

Strong Ground: Standing in Truth, Courage, and Accountability - Book Study

Mykal Karl 15 Hours Online November 2 - December 6, 2026

This 5-week asynchronous book study invites educators and leaders to explore Strong Ground as a framework for cultivating grounded confidence, ethical leadership, and courageous accountability in times of uncertainty, pressure, and change. Drawing on Brené Brown’s research on vulnerability, courage, leadership, and belonging—alongside poetry, case studies, and contemporary voices—the course supports educators in developing the internal steadiness required to lead, teach, and relate with integrity. Participants will examine how clarity, presence, and emotional regulation shape decision-making, culture, and resilience in educational spaces. The course emphasizes strong backs, soft fronts, and wild hearts—not as slogans, but as daily leadership practices. Strong leadership is not about certainty. It is about grounded presence, ethical courage, and accountable choice—especially when the ground feels unstable. This course supports educators in standing firmly without hardening, leading boldly without dominating, and remaining human without collapsing. 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 by Jonathan Haidt -

Part ONE of TWO

Allison O’Dell 15 Hours Online November 2 - December 6, 2026

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. This sets the foundation for Part TWO 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.

The Courage to Be Disliked: Freedom, Responsibility, and Living Without Approval - Book Study

Mykal Karl 15 Hours Online November 2 - December 6, 2026

This asynchronous, 15-hour book study invites educators to explore The Courage to Be Disliked as a philosophical and practical framework for reclaiming agency, redefining responsibility, and loosening the grip of approval-seeking in both personal and professional life. Structured as a Socratic dialogue grounded in Adlerian psychology, the text challenges common assumptions about trauma, self-worth, competition, and happiness. Through guided reading, reflective inquiry, and application-based activities, educators examine how concepts such as task separation, contribution over recognition, and living in the present intersect with emotional labor, burnout, and educator identity. The course supports participants in developing healthier boundaries, greater self-trust, and a more sustainable relationship to work—without disengagement, apathy, or isolation. Freedom is not being liked by everyone. It is living responsibly, presently, and in contribution. This course gently but powerfully supports educators in releasing what was never theirs to carry, while remaining deeply human, connected, and engaged. 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.

Uncommon Sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn (Book Study)

Dr. Matthew Dolegowski 15 Hours Online November 2 - December 6, 2026

This course delves into the innovative principles outlined in Uncommon Sense Teaching, exploring how insights from brain science can transform educational practices and student outcomes. Participants will engage with key concepts such as cognitive load, memory enhancement techniques, and the interplay between emotions and learning. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and projects, educators will learn to apply evidence-based strategies that promote effective teaching and foster a positive learning environment. 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.

Click on a course title to download the course Roadmap

ADHD Awareness

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

Strong Ground: Standing in Truth, Courage, and Accountability

Take a Step Back: Letting Kids Grow Up