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 -> Winter/Spring 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 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 section(s) 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.
CTLE Certificates: Erie-Catt will send a hard copy of a CTLE Certificate to participants 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 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 -> Winter/Spring 2026 Course Registration Form Link
Winter/Spring 2026 Course Registration OPENS on November 11th, 2025.
Winter/Spring 2026 Session 1 Course Registration CLOSES on December 11th, 2025.
Winter/Spring Session 2, 3, and 4 Registration will be open until 3 weeks before the start date of each session.
Contact the Center (716-805-3113) for Late Registration Details
Winter/Spring 2026 Course Registration Fees are Due by
December 18th, 2025 (or sooner)
Winter/Spring 2026 Courses
Session 1
January 12th, 2026 - February 8th, 2026
10 to 25 Book Study
This course will explore David Yeager’s groundbreaking insights on supporting adolescents through the critical developmental years between high school and early adulthood. Together, we’ll dive into practical tools and strategies to help students build resilience, develop a sense of purpose, and thrive in an increasingly complex world. This study is designed for K-12 educators and administrators who want to better understand the teen brain and create an environment where young people can grow, learn, and flourish. 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.
This is a New Course - be one of the first participants in this great course!
Creating Genius Hour in the Elementary Classroom
Have you ever wanted to implement Genius Hour in your elementary classroom but have no idea where to begin? Implementing activities like these can be a wonderful experience for students and teachers; however, it can be very difficult for an elementary classroom. This course will introduce you to Genius Hour and teach you the basics of where to begin. Participants will be reading articles and watching videos on Genius Hour. They will then take what they have learned and create their own lesson/activity to implement into their classroom. **Please be sure you have a Google account because this class will use Google Classroom.
"I cannot wait to implement genius hour in my classroom! Thank you so much for offering this workshop!"
"I found the course to be very interesting and provided me with a lot of new information."
"Very well organized and I liked interacting with other educators taking the course."
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion - Let’s Open Our Minds!
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a practice designed to make people of various backgrounds feel welcome and ensure they have support to perform to the fullest of their abilities in the workplace and classroom. During this 15-hour workshop, we empower our minds and hearts so that we are a little more prepared to reflect, think, and dialogue towards educational equality in the classroom and workplace.
"Excellent course. I have a lot of takeaways I am going to apply to my classroom immediately."
"Great workshop! I am on the Inclusion and Belonging Committee in my district, so this knowledge was immediately shared and applied. Thank you!"
"Great workshop, very relevant topic, and I’m glad I have a much better understanding of DEI and how it applies to teaching and my professional and personal life."
Empathy & Compassion in Education
Allison O’Dell 15 Hours Online Jan. 12th - Feb. 8th, 2026
What, specifically, is the difference between empathy and compassion? How can we not only teach these concepts but model them in our classrooms? Through multiple articles and videos, we focus on the meaning of these two very important concepts and then brainstorm ideas and create usable activities to follow through in the classroom. We also look at what some other school districts have done and see what their impact was. It has never been more urgent to help students imagine a world where empathy and compassion are practiced. All resources are provided.
"Really, an in-depth look at how empathy and compassion for ourselves and our students can have such an amazing impact on everyone's lives. Thank you."
"It was great, and I learned so much that I can use in my classroom!"
"This class was great, and I felt that I could definitely apply what I learned immediately to my classroom."
Exploring Interactive Math Games and Instructional Tools at the Kentucky Center for Mathematics Website (Level 2: Grades 2-4)
Join us in a Kentucky Center for Mathematics math adventure. Teachers will explore 45 ready-made interactive Google Slides activities and games that can be incorporated into math instruction and choice time in any math program. Each activity/game can be utilized on the Smartboard during math lessons or be accessed on 1-to-1 devices for partner play. Activities range from high-interest inquiry games to math talk games to concept-building games. This Level 2 class incorporates math content from Grade 2 to Grade 4. Each focus area within the course will be identified by grade level. Participants will work within the focus areas to identify and share their Top 15 activities to be utilized in the classroom. The Kentucky Center for Mathematics is grounded in research, centered on practice, and focused on learners.
This is a New Course - be one of the first participants in this great course!
Increasing Student Voice in Educational Settings
In an educational setting, student voices can be heard in many different ways: in the classroom, in the school building, at the district level, and beyond. In general, student voice is when students have a say in matters that affect them in their schools, and their opinions are taken into consideration. There is a trend in education to increase the opportunities for students' voices to truly be heard and their ideas incorporated. There are several advantages to increasing student voice, but also some hurdles that need to be overcome. Educational circles are starting to realize the pros outweigh the cons. By the end of this course you will be able to: List the pros and cons of increasing student voice; Decide where you can increase student voice in various school settings; Relate your experiences with student voice to the trending research; Create ways to overcome issues with student voice; Compile resources to use when increasing student voice.
"Great workshop. Information is timely and useful."
"This was great! I have so many new ideas on how to incorporate more student voice in my classroom. Thank you!"
"Amazing workshop for ALL educators"
This is a New Course - be one of the first participants in this great course!
Spotlight on social emotional learning is a 15-hour online class that allows staff to develop lessons and activities that will promote healthy lifestyles and choices using the Rosen Learning Center digital learning suite for social emotional learning. When you sign up for this workshop, you and your students will have full access to the Rosen E-Book Learning Center. We will begin by analyzing trends and challenges that are facing today’s students and developing classroom activities that will meet the needs of our current population. We will focus this workshop on five SEL topics, including: Think Before You Act, Keeping Calm, Making Good Choices, Overcoming Obstacles, and You Can Fix It. The focus will be to integrate workshop activities into every aspect of learning.
"Great workshop! Helped me understand different ways to connect or assist kids with mental health issues."
"This workshop provided some good resources and gave me several ideas on how to create some new SEL material for students. Thank you!"
"The workshop opened my eyes to resources I didn't even know were available to me. It also contained information that applies to every student in some way, regardless of content area."
Teaching ELLs Across Content Areas
In this book study/course, we will learn about sheltered instructional practices and how to best use these to teach ELL's in our content area classrooms. Teaching will reflect on best practices that can easily be introduced into their current classrooms and develop and share lesson plans created with ELLS in mind. 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.
"This was a great workshop for those wanting to learn basics about ELLs."
"Very informative and useful workshop!"
"I enjoyed learning new strategies to assist ELL students across all areas in the classroom, from reading, writing, group work, homework, etc."
Session 2
February 9th - March 15th, 2026
Comments from past course participants are highlighted in italics
Book Creator in the Classroom
Kathy Halter 15 Hours Online Feb. 9th - Mar. 15th, 2026
Book Creator enables students to create and read digital books. It is an ideal tool for enhancing student engagement through story creation and multimedia design. It has many personal applications and is great fun in the classroom. It is user-friendly and easy to use in a Google-based classroom–there is also an app for the iPad available.
"I really enjoyed the workshop. I found the strategies provided as very insightful and useful in my current classroom."
"This was a great book to read and work through. It is highly relevant to any profession in any setting, particularly when working with students. I would recommend this book to most professionals as a requirement before entering the profession or while they are currently in the classroom."
"What I took away from this workshop really made me look at the habits I had, what I needed to change, and the effect this would have on my students' learning."
Exploring K-4 Websites for Math Instruction and Differentiation
Jennifer Kibler 15 Hours Online Feb. 9th - Mar. 15th, 2026
Participants will explore 32 websites that support math skills practice and differentiation in the classroom. Teachers will receive links to and brief overviews of the websites. They will explore and analyze the sites. They will choose 15 sites that they could use to supplement full-class instruction and/or differentiated instruction. Participants will write a brief summary of their 15 selected sites, including pros, cons, and instructional ideas. They will add the summaries to the class sharing Google Doc.
"This was a great course. I discovered websites I had never known existed and revisited ones I had forgotten about."
"This course was extremely valuable, and I now have numerous resources that I can utilize with my students immediately. Thank you so much for offering this!"
"I love that I now have a document filled with 15 websites that I can easily access at any time, knowing that they contain valuable and useful games and/or materials for use with my students."
How to Create a Positive Environment for Students with Social Anxiety
Mark Hanes 15 Hours Online Feb. 9th - Mar. 15th, 2026
Students with social anxiety have an intense fear of being negatively evaluated, judged, and rejected in social situations. Such social anxiety leads to other problems, and with some students, the result is school avoidance. In this class, we will focus on effective intervention strategies, as well as learn how to help students identify negative thinking styles that are harmful to different dimensions of their wellness.
"I loved the last links of this course where students with social anxiety shared what they wish their teachers knew. I'm going to print that to have on hand. Thank you for a great course!"
"Great Information! It was really informative and highly recommended for any teacher."
"This made me think about social anxiety in a different light. I will apply this information in my classroom immediately."
Quiet (by Susan Cain) - Book Study
Mykal Karl 15 Hours Online Feb. 9th - Mar. 15th, 2026
In Quiet, Susan Cain argues that we dramatically undervalue introverts and shows how much we lose in doing so. She charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal throughout the 20th century and explores how deeply it has come to permeate our culture. She also introduces us to successful introverts—from a witty, high-octane public speaker who recharges in solitude after his talks, to a record-breaking salesman who quietly taps into the power of questions. Passionately argued, impeccably researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet has the power to permanently change how we see introverts and, equally important, how they see themselves. 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.
"This was a fabulous workshop where I learned a great deal about introversion and how to best support introverted students."
"Great insights on my quiet students, I can start applying!"
"Great workshop! Information and discussions about extroverts vs. introverts were very helpful."
Teaching in the Age of Stress
Mykal Karl 15 Hours Online Feb. 9th - Mar. 15th, 2026
Stress is defined as our reaction to change. Like everything else, we can learn how to master our stress in the classroom and improve our professional practice. Participants will view episodes of the documentary: “Mismatched: Your Brain Under Stress” by the American Institute of Stress and learn how to recognize their own levels of stress and cultivate understanding regarding the following topics: Stress and Health, Mind/Body Connection, Neurological Approaches to Self-Regulation, The Power of Play and Humor, and Unlocking the Power of Creativity.
"Great workshop. There is a wealth of valuable information and effective strategies to utilize in the classroom regarding stress and stress relief."
"One of the best professional development classes I have taken. It was engaging, interesting, and scientifically backed up."
"This was an absolutely FANTASTIC workshop! I'm a School Social Worker, and most SEL-type workshops have been good -- but THIS one went well beyond the surface and delved into some very important depths in the subject matter, including concrete, science-backed things such as cortisol production and management. Great job, Mykal!"
Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything by BJ Fogg
Stephanie Genco-Gasiecki 15 Hours Online Feb. 9th - Mar. 15th, 2026
Struggling to make positive changes stick—for yourself or your students? Tiny Habits for Educators will show you how small, simple actions can lead to lasting transformation in both your personal well-being and your classroom. Based on BJ Fogg’s research, this course will help you build positive habits, reduce stress, and support students in developing healthy routines using simple, research-based strategies and teacher-designed tools. Change doesn’t have to be hard—let’s make it tiny, joyful, 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.
This is a New Course - be one of the first participants in this great course!
Uncommon Sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn (Book Study)
Dr. Matthew Dolegowski 15 Hours Online Feb. 9th - Mar. 15th, 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.
This is a New Course - be one of the first participants in this great course!
Using Music in Education
Peter Herman 12 Hours Online Feb. 9th - Mar. 15th, 2026
Throughout time, people have recognized and intentionally used the powerful effects of sound. Research supports what we know from personal experience: Music greatly affects and enhances our learning and living! Research continues to be conducted to provide helpful guidelines for our intentional use of music, especially in the classroom. This class will provide you with successful and valuable guidelines for incorporating music into the teaching and learning environment. When you complete this class you will be able to: Connect with other classmates; Determine the importance of music in education; Reflect back on the impact music has had on your life; Explain how music could impact your classroom; Create lesson plans that incorporate music; Evaluate classmates' ideas on how to incorporate music and expand on them.
"There were a lot of good ideas to incorporate music in the classroom that I could have never imagined. I can envision myself using music more frequently in my class than I did before."
"LOVED THIS COURSE !!! I have been implementing the strategies learned in this course since the day I started this course."
"I really enjoyed all the articles and hearing how others may use music to engage students in their classrooms."
What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing
Karen Waugaman 15 Hours Online Feb. 9th - Mar. 15th, 2026
What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing. Through deeply personal conversations, Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry explore how what happened to us in early childhood influences the people we become. They challenge us to shift our focus from "What's wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?" In this book study, we will focus on understanding behavior, but also the effects of trauma on our own lives. It is a subtle shift in our approach to trauma in our own lives and in how we work in the classroom that will help us clear a path to the future. 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.
"Wonderful book study. I would recommend that other teachers take this class."
"Great Class, I learned a lot. This book should be a requirement for all teachers. Very beneficial for anyone working with children."
"This was an excellent workshop! The course content was potentially sensitive and could be triggering for some individuals. However, the instructor handled everything with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. I really enjoyed the book and the assignments!"
Session 3
March 16th - April 19th, 2026
Autism Awareness
Beth Funigiello 15 Hours Online Mar. 16th - Apr. 19th, 2026
In 2023, the CDC determined that 1:36 individuals are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. While there is no cure for Autism, interventions and support provided within the school and the home can greatly reduce symptoms. This course is designed to bring awareness and information to best support our students with Autism.
This is a New Course - be one of the first participants in this great course!
Deliberate Optimism - Reclaiming The Joy In Education - Book Study
Kathy Halter 15 Hours Online Mar. 16th - Apr. 19th, 2026
Deliberate Optimism, 2nd Edition, by Debbie Silver and Jack Berckemeyer - Book Study. Attitude can make all the difference. When educators choose optimism-even in the face of the toughest challenges-they foster a school culture where students and staff feel safe, engaged, productive, and able to enjoy the healthy interactions that lead to real change. This book features many discussions and actions we can take now in our lives and classroom. There is a chapter on mental health and QR codes leading to additional resources, such as self-assessments and videos. Deliberate Optimism demonstrates how changing your mindset can help you rediscover your motivation―and create a school environment bound for success. This 15-hour workshop will leave you inspired and proud to be an educator. The entire workshop will be completed online. The ECTC has a limited number of course books for loan–and yes, you may want to buy yourself or a friend a copy–it is a keeper!
"Great book study, I enjoyed the text, associated activities, and resources provided."
"Great workshop and a good book for any teacher, at any level."
"I loved this workshop, and I loved the book. The course offered opportunities for us to read, reflect, and collaborate with our colleagues. Great workshop!"
Engaging in Action Research: Reflective Practice for Continuous Improvement in the K-12 Classroom
Mykal Karl 15 Hours Online Mar. 16th - Apr. 19th, 2026
This course equips educators with the skills to conduct action research through reflective practice. Participants will explore how to identify classroom challenges, design interventions, collect and analyze data, and iterate on their findings to enhance student learning and professional development. By engaging in actionable strategies and leveraging freely accessible resources, participants will cultivate a habit of inquiry and reflection that fosters continuous improvement.
This is a New Course - be one of the first participants in this great course!
Getting Started With Canva
Kathy Halter 15 Hours Online Mar. 16th - Apr. 19th, 2026
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!
"This was extremely helpful, and I'm eager to start using Canva for both personal and instructional/learning purposes in my classroom. Well done!!"
"I was hesitant because I'm not the best at Google; however, this course allowed me to challenge myself both professionally and creatively. I felt the growth from each lesson, building up to the final or most challenging. My confidence grew, and now I'm a creative SLP who wants to create interactive lessons, letters home, or emails to keep parents informed."
"This was one of the best classes I've ever taken. I'm excited to use Canva in my class this year!"
Math is Figureoutable - Part 3 - Episodes 53-99
Darlene Rombola 18 Hours Online Mar. 16th - Apr. 19th, 2026
Pre-K - 8 Math Teachers, AIS, TA’s, Special Ed. This course is online and asynchronous. Join us as we let Pam Harris lead the way with her series of Math Podcasts. In Part 3 we will focus on Episodes #53 - #99. Pam is full of helpful information and strategies that you can use in your classroom immediately. You can listen to the podcasts at your own convenience, as this is a 100% asynchronous class. The topics will vary, the collaboration thread is sure to be rich, and we will culminate with time for you to map out your next steps. You do not need to enroll in Part 1 or Part 2 to take Part 3.
"It was wonderful, and I love listening to Pam and Kim discuss all things math!!"
"I really enjoy these workshops. There is a wide variety of information presented, and it is readily useful."
"The content of this course was excellent, and the collegial discussions were beneficial. The facilitator of the course was available for questions and is extremely knowledgeable about the content."
Mental Health: Helping Students with Anxiety and Depression
Mark Hanes 15 Hours Online Mar. 16th - Apr. 19th, 2026
As mental health problems among adolescents continue to climb, schools are seeing the importance and need for mental health education. This course will improve the educator’s knowledge and understanding of anxiety and depression. We will dispel common myths about these disorders and learn how to identify risk factors and warning signs of mental health concerns.
"I enjoyed all the resources and knowledge I gained from this workshop. I saved all the articles to go back to as the year progresses, so I don't forget and continue to think of the students who have depression and/or anxiety."
"Wonderful. Lots of resources and discussion. Would highly recommend it to anyone!"
"This was a great course. Very easy to navigate. I've learned a great deal and will apply my knowledge immediately to my students."
Take a Step Back: Letting Kids Grow Up
Peter Herman 15 Hours Online Mar. 16th - Apr. 19th, 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 over the interactions between therapists and the youth of 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, so we just need to take a step back.
This is a New Course - be one of the first participants in this great course!
The A in STEAM: Integrating quick draws and/or art in any subject area
Jennifer Kibler 15 Hours Online Mar. 16th - Apr. 19th, 2026.
Let’s nurture our students’ creativity and fine motor skills as we integrate quick draws and art into any subject in the classroom. The course will be online, at your own pace. It will be divided into three sections. The course begins with an inspirational TED Talk by Cindy Foley: “Teaching Art or Teaching to Think Like an Artist.” Section 1 continues with an exploration of 20 websites for teaching and learning drawing. Section 2 begins with a TED Talk by Ken Robinson: “How Schools Kill Creativity,” followed by an exploration of 50+ free and easy directed drawing activities. Section 3 begins with a TED Talk by Graham Shaw: “Why People Believe They Can’t Draw.” Section 3 continues with an exploration of 20+ drawing games to nurture drawing skills. Throughout the course, participants will identify and share 15 websites/guided drawing activities/drawing games that can be incorporated into their classroom lessons in any chosen subject areas. Participants will also reflect on the resources that other participants explore and highlight in the discussion boards.
This is a New Course - be one of the first participants in this great course!
The Classroom of Choice: 100+ Strategies to Reach and Teach Every Learner (2024) - Book Study
Jonathan Erwin 15 Hours Online Mar. 16th - Apr. 19th, 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.
"So many great activities and immediately applicable resources and tools."
"This was an excellent book and a great class. I learned a great deal, and I am excited to apply what I have learned."
"It was a great class! I’m definitely going to take what I’ve learned and bring it to our classroom!"
Session 4
April 20th - May 17th, 2026
All Learning is Social and Emotional: Helping Students Develop Essential Skills for the Classroom and Beyond, By Frey, Fisher & Smith - Book Study
Stephanie Genco-Gasiecki 15 Hours Online Apr. 20th - May 17th, 2026
If you teach students rather than standards, and if you want all kids to get what they need to thrive, this book offers a solution: a comprehensive, five-part model of SEL that is easy to integrate into everyday content instruction, no matter what subject or grade level you teach. Learn how to build your students’ sense of identity and confidence; help students identify, describe, and regulate their emotions; promote decision-making and problem-solving; foster social skills such as teamwork and sharing; and equip students to become good citizens and successful adults! Leave this course with an SEL integration plan for your classroom. 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.
This is a New Course - be one of the first participants in this great course!
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults - Book Study
Mykal Karl 15 Hours Online Apr. 20th - May 17th, 2026
Drawing from her experiences as an Indigenous scientist, botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer demonstrated how all living things―from strawberries and witch hazel to water lilies and lichen―provide us with gifts and lessons every day in her best-selling book Braiding Sweetgrass. Adapted for young adults by Monique Gray Smith, this new edition reinforces how wider ecological understanding stems from listening to the earth’s oldest teachers: the plants around us. Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults brings indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the desire to understand diversity to every educator from elementary to secondary, from science to the arts. This book is a paradigm-shifter. 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.
"Thank you! I appreciated the connections between scientific content knowledge and indigenous knowledge throughout the book."
"I loved this book study and am excited to apply what I learned in the classroom."
"This book study provided valuable information, and I will be recommending this book to others."
From Behaving to Belonging: The Inclusive Art of Supporting Students Who Challenge Us - Book Study
Allison O’Dell 15 Hours Online Apr. 20th - May 17th, 2026
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.
"I enjoyed the workshop as it provided a reminder of our purpose as teachers and how to lean into love and compassion for students. Also provided a great reminder to prioritize self-care in order to be the best version of yourself and help others."
"Great content and book used along with the course. The instructor did a wonderful job of providing thought-provoking discussion questions."
"Great class! I really enjoyed the information in the book. I feel like all teachers and administrators should read it. Thank you."
Online Equity Challenge
Karen Waugaman 15 Hours Online Apr. 20th - May 17th, 2026
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 New York State Teacher Centers’ 10-session equity challenge will introduce you to equity and how it impacts the students and their families. This work will support educators as they build local ecosystems of success.
This is a New Course - be one of the first participants in this great course!
Related Services! What Do We Do & How Can You Help in the Classroom?
Heather Kerr-Puleo 15 Hours Online Apr. 20th - May 17th, 2026
This course will focus on related services that are available to students with special needs and/or delays. It will focus on the roles of the related service providers. 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.
"It was an excellent course, and I learned a great deal that I'm excited to implement with my students! Thank you!"
"This was a very well-run course that was informative and allowed me to immediately apply the knowledge I gained in my classroom."
"This was such a terrific assortment of resources and a wide variety of people sharing experiences. Overall, a great class."
Breaking Barriers - Sticks and Stones - Implicit Bias, Stereotypes, and MicroAggressions (Running with SouthTowns Teacher Center)
NYSUT Winiecki/Baldwin 15 Hrs Hybrid Apr. 20th - May 18th, 2026
6 hrs on Zoom / 9 hrs online (Zoom sessions 4/20 4:15 pm-5:45 pm, 4/27 4:15 pm-5:45 pm, 5/4 4:15 pm-5:45 pm, 5/11 4:15 pm-5:45 pm, 5/18 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.
"This was excellent. Honestly, I think something like this should be required for all teachers."
"I found the examples really relevant, and the science of how the brain works to be fascinating. I have already begun to think differently about what I present and say in the classroom to make it more inclusive."
"I'm so pleased with this class! I feel like it's made me a better person and leader in my classroom!"
The M in STEAM: Hands-on Math Projects
Jennifer Kibler 15 Hours Online Apr. 20th - May 17th, 2026
Let’s nurture our students’ creativity in Mathematics. The course will be online. It will be divided into eight sections. The course begins with an inspirational TED Talk by Dan Finkel- “5 Ways to Share Math With Kids.” Participants will then explore over 100 hands-on projects and tasks for the classroom. As participants share their selected activities and classroom experiences with other participants in each section of the course, best practices will be highlighted and reflected on how they are used in the classroom. Participants will also reflect on the hands-on projects that other participants explore and highlight in the discussion boards.
This is a New Course - be one of the first participants in this great course!
The Ultimate EdTech Swap for World Language Educators: A Collaborative Workshop
Erika Austin 15 Hours Online Apr. 20th - May 17th, 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.
This is a New Course - be one of the first participants in this great course!
What You Say and How You Say It Matter - Book Study
Jon Erwin 15 Hours Online Apr. 20th - May 17th, 2026
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. In What We Say and How We Say It Matters, 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.
"I really enjoyed the workshop. I found the strategies provided as very insightful and useful in my current classroom."
"This was a great book to read and work through. It is highly relevant to any profession, regardless of the setting, particularly when working with students. I would recommend this book to most professionals as a prerequisite for entering the profession or as a resource while they are currently in the classroom. "
"What I took away from this workshop really made me examine the habits I had, what I needed to change, and the impact this would have on my students' learning."
Click a course title to download a course roadmap.
Session 1 Session Dates: 1/12-2/8/2026
Creating Genius Hour in the Elementary Classroom - M Hartnett 12 Hrs
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion - Let’s Open Our Minds!
Empathy & Compassion in Education
Increasing Student Voice in Educational Settings
Navigating Big Emotions in Your Elementary Classroom
Spotlight on Social-Emotional Learning
Teaching ELLs Across Content Areas
Session 2 Session Dates: 2/9-3/15/26
Exploring K-4 Websites for Math Instruction and Differentiation
How to Create a Positive Environment for Students with Social Anxiety
Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything
Uncommon Sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn
What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, & Healing
Session 3 Session Dates: 3/16-4/19/26
Deliberate Optimism - Reclaiming The Joy In Education
Engaging in Action Research: Reflective Practice for Continuous Improvement in the K-12 Classroom
Math is Figureoutable-Part 3-Episodes 53-99
Mental Health: Helping Students with Anxiety & Depression
Take a Step Back: Letting Kids Grow Up
The A in STEAM: Integrating quick draws and/or art in any subject area
The Classroom of Choice: 100+ Strategies to Reach and Teach Every Learner
Session 4 Session Dates: 4/20-5/17/26
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults
From Behaving to Belonging: The Inclusive Art of Supporting Students Who Challenge Us
Related Services! What Do We Do & How Can You Help in the Classroom?
Sticks & Stones-Implicit Bias, Stereotypes & Microaggressions
The M in STEAM: Hands-on Math Projects
The Ultimate EdTech Swap for World Language Educators: A Collaborative Workshop
What You Say and How You Say It Matter
If a download link is not working, please email lhamberger@e2ccb.org and request the roadmap via email.