Professional Learning

The summer/fall catalog is now available! Registration (for Tonawanda and Grand Island teachers only) is now open and closes June 10, 2026. Please remember you must also follow your district's registration polices in addition to our registration form (i.e. PDP and course approval). *Courses with an asterisk are NOT pre-approved by Tonawanda for stipends but may still be taken for CTLE credit. Please check with your district for approval of any of these programs.

All courses in our catalog are completely online and asynchronous, except for the Portrait of a Graduate program with a required Zoom and the 2 summer conferences. There is no set time to log on to the course. Tasks for each will need to be completed during the date range specified and will involve collaborative online dialogue. Please contact Cheryl Herman, cherman@tonawandagrandislandteachercenter.org, with any questions. 

Summer Programs:

The Teacher Toolbox for a Calm and Connected Classroom

Explore practical strategies from The Teacher Toolbox for a Calm and Connected Classroom to build strong relationships, establish predictable routines, and create a supportive classroom environment. Learn proactive tools to foster connection, increase engagement, and support student well-being in a positive, structured setting. Book required. K-12, 15 hours, 7/6-7/26/26, Tina Oddy

Strengthening Portrait of a Graduate Aligned Instructional Practice

During this program, educators will develop the instructional readiness needed to build the Portrait of a Graduate attributes for students. It includes a 3-hour synchronous workshop, followed by a 2-week self-paced online study focused on BRIGHT (daily, repeatable teaching moves educators need to translate PoG into live classroom experiences); and a culminating reflection component. No book required. K-12,15 hours. 7/8-7/30/26; required zoom on 7/8 from 9am-12pm. The rest will be asynchronous online. Meredith Madden

Improving Instructional Practice

In this book study, participants will explore research-based strategies to meet the diverse needs of today’s learners and enhance differentiated instruction. Each chapter features practical, classroom-ready techniques with ideas for implementation in diverse learning environments. Ideal for both new and experienced educators. Book required. K-12, 15 hours, 7/13-7/27/26, Summer Chapman

The S in STEAM: Online Resources to Inspire Science Thinkers

Inspire student curiosity and science inquiry through this online exploration of 45 engaging science resources, including videos, experiments, and websites. Each course section begins with a TED Talk and highlights tools to support science integration in the classroom. Participants will identify their Top 15 favorite resources. No book required. K-12, 15 hours, 7/29-8/19/26, Jennifer Kibler

*The Anxious Generation - Part 1

In Part 1 of this online book study, participants will explore the first half of The Anxious Generation, examining the challenges facing today’s youth, including the impact of phone-based culture and barriers to healthy development. The course will be conducted in Schoology. Book required. K-12,15 hours, 7/13-7/27/26, Cheryl Herman

*The Anxious Generation - Part 2

In Part 2 of this online book study on The Anxious Generation, participants will examine the impact of phone use on children, explore societal influences, and consider strategies for positive collective action. The course will be conducted in Schoology. Book required. K-12, 15 hours, 8/3-8/17/26, Cheryl Herman

Teaching Multilingual Students Through Culture and Language

Asynchronous book study of Teaching Multilingual Students Through Culture and Language by Tala Michelle Karkar-Esperat. Designed for elementary ELL educators, this course uses Google Classroom and includes reading, reflection questions, and a final project. Book required. ENL Teachers / Elementary Teachers, 15 hours, 8/3-8/28/26, Nicole Sandretto

Fall Programs:

*Yoga for teachers

Weekly 60 minute yoga class. *Not eligible for CTLE or stipend hours. Registration for this program will be available in September. Sessions will be held at Tonawanda Elementary. K-12, 1 hour/week for 10 weeks, Sept-November at Tonawanda Elementary from 3:45-4:45, Patricia Hilbert

From Stressed Out to Stress Wise

From Stressed Out to Stress Wise offers research-based strategies to help students manage stress and build resilience. The authors provide practical tools and activities that support healthy choices and a calmer, more positive classroom. Book required. K-12, 15 hours, 9/21-10/12/26, Rachel Smith

*The Disengaged Teen - Part 1

This online book study explores *The Disengaged Teen* and examines the causes of student disengagement, along with the four modes of learning: Resister, Passenger, Achiever, and Explorer. Participants will reflect on their own classrooms, identify patterns of engagement, and develop practical strategies to better connect with and motivate students. The course emphasizes making learning more visible & meaningful. Book required. 7-12, 15 hours, 10/5-10/26/26, Michael Bollinger

*The Disengaged Teen - Part 2

This three-week online book study focuses on supporting students in Resister and Explorer modes and building agency in learning. Participants will examine the causes of resistance, explore ways to spark curiosity, and consider practical strategies for creating more meaningful learning experiences. Book required. 7-12, 15 hours, 11/2-11/26/26, Michael Bollinger

Explicit Instruction is Winning Instruction

Using the highly practical and accessible resource, Explicit Instruction by Archer and Hughes, we will explore tools to implement explicit instruction in any grade level or content area. Routines, sample lesson plans, lively examples, and reproducible materials are also available with this text. Book required. K-12, 15 hours, 10/5-12/4/26, Amy Damasiewicz

Integrated Literacy or Content Area Instruction for Experienced Multilinguals

This book study by Tan Huynh, Beth Skelton focuses on integrating language and literacy OR content-area instruction for grade 4-12 students who have been multilingual learners of English for many years. Choose between content-based units or targeted literacy activities, teachers learn to design instruction that advances experienced multilingual learners beyond survival language, helping them develop the complex communication skills needed for full academic success. Book required but participants may choose their own. 4-12, 15 ELL hours, 10/5-10/23/26, Katie Leven

Supporting ELLs through Translanguaging

In this online workshop, you will learn about the theory of translanguaging and will brainstorm practical strategies to foster translanguaging in the classroom. This workshop is appropriate for any educator who works with multilingual learners. This is an asynchronous course that will be conducted through Google Classroom and will include readings, guided notes, and creating a final project. No book required. ENL teachers, 6 ELL hours, 10/14-10/30/26. Nicole Sandretto

What Great Teachers Do Differently

Todd Whitaker’s bestselling book explores the beliefs and behaviors that set great teachers apart, offering 19 keys to becoming more effective in the classroom. This third edition adds new sections on relationships, creating a consistent and engaging learning environment, and choosing the right mode to strengthen classroom management. Book required. K-12, 15 hours, 11/2-11/22/26, Melissa Piazza