TRACT Center - 25-26 Catalog

Course Description:

This course will guide teachers through the process of locating and understanding IEP accommodations, modifications, supplementary aids, testing accommodations, and management needs, and provide practical tools for implementing them effectively. Participants will learn how to translate IEP language into daily classroom practices that promote access, equity, and student success. Through examples, strategies, and discussion, teachers will leave with a clear understanding of how to make IEP supports manageable, meaningful, and impactful for all learners.

IS.42.3

Safe to Fail: Building Brave Learning Spaces

Instructor: Samantha Gordon

Dates and Times:

7:30 PM - 10:30 PM

2/26

3/5

3/12

3/19

3/26

Course Description:

This transformative professional development course equips educators with research-based strategies to cultivate classroom environments where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered to engage in meaningful academic risk-taking. Participants will explore the psychological safety principles that encourage student voice, foster growth mindset, and normalize productive struggle as an essential part of learning. Teachers will practice concrete techniques for building authentic relationships, implementing inclusive instructional practices, and creating feedback systems that celebrate effort and learning process over perfect outcomes. Educators will leave with a personalized action plan, ready-to-use classroom protocols, and assessment tools to monitor and sustain a culture where students feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and pursue ambitious academic goals.

IS.42.4

New(ish)

Instructor: Kristin Fragola

Dates and Times:

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

10/21

10/28

11/5

11/12

11/18

Course Description:

In New(ish), new teachers, new(ish) teachers, or even teachers new to a building are welcome to join our course where questions can be answered, scenarios will be discussed, and best practices will be shared. This is a safe place for educators to ask questions. The teacher will also engage students in possible scenarios that could be encountered in the classroom, during a supervision, or even when communicating with parents.

IS.42.5

Dancing Through Life: Musical Theater Dance

Instructor: Rachel Iannuzzi

Dates and Times:

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

1/6

1/8

1/13

1/15

1/22

Wantagh Elementary

Aux Gym

Course Description:

Many of our students dance as an outlet. While they may struggle with reading or math, dance is an area of success as well as a form of stress relief. Join this class to listen and dance to your favorite musical numbers. Learn something new and gain a direct understanding of how dance and movement creates an impact on your own mind and body. No experience required.

IS.42.6

Watercolor Painting for Educators: A Creative Recharge

Instructor: Taylor Potish

Dates and Times:

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

10/21

10/28

11/5

11/12

11/18

Wantagh Elementary School

Room 113

Course Description:

Take a break from lesson planning and rediscover your own creativity in this rejuvenating watercolor painting workshop designed exclusively for educators. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this session offers a relaxed, supportive space to explore watercolor techniques, experiment with color and texture, and reconnect with the joy of making art.

IS.42.7

NYSSLS 101

Instructor: Samantha Gordon

NEW DATES!!!

Dates and Times:

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

5/1

5/8

5/13

5/14

5/15

Wantagh High School

Room 205

Course Description:

New science standards got you down? This intensive professional development course provides high school educators with essential knowledge and practical strategies for implementing the New York State Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS) in their classrooms. Participants will explore the three-dimensional learning framework that integrates science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas to create meaningful, coherent science instruction. The course emphasizes hands-on application through collaborative lesson planning, assessment design, and curriculum mapping exercises that align with NYSSLS performance expectations. Teachers will learn to design authentic learning experiences that engage students in scientific inquiry and engineering design while meeting state standards requirements. By the end of this course, participants will leave with ready-to-implement lesson plans, assessment rubrics, and a clear roadmap for transitioning their current curriculum to fully embrace the NYSSLS framework.

IS.42.8

A Book Club Discussion:

The Hard Hat

Instructor: Renee Hauser

Dates and Times:

4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

10/24

11/7

11/14

11/19

11/21

Course Description:

This is a wonderful read! Please bring your favorite snack, cup of coffee, or tea as we take part in a wonderful book discussion. This is a true story of George Boiardi, “a Cornell University Lacrosse captain who passed away in 2007, and the 21 ways to be a great teammate that his life and legacy inspire.” As educators we will discuss how to apply the 21 strategies and techniques in our classrooms. We will also explore the Hard Hat for Kids picture book and discuss lesson plan ideas. Our students will be able to apply the life changing lessons to their everyday situations.

IS.42.9

Exploring the Artist's Toolbox: Shading, Blending & Material Play

Instructor: Taylor Potish

Dates and Times:

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

10/22

10/29

11/6

11/13

11/19

Wantagh Elementary School

Room 113

Course Description:

Unleash your inner artist in this hands-on workshop designed for educators of all backgrounds. “Exploring the Artist’s Toolbox” invites teachers to step into the creative process through guided experimentation with essential art techniques—shading, blending, and mark-making—using a variety of drawing and painting materials.

IS.42.10

Connections Over Compliance: A Book Study

Instructor: Kerri Chiara

Dates and Times:

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

10/23

11/6

11/13

11/20

11/24

Course Description:

This book deeply addresses the need for co-regulatory and relation touch point practices, shifting student-focused behavior management protocols to adult regulated brain and body states which are brain aligned, preventative, and relational discipline protocols. This new lens for discipline benefits all students by reaching for sustainable behavioral changes through brain state awareness rather than compliance and obedience." This book is not based on ABA practices or traditional school discipline practice. I hope this book opens all of our minds to different ways to look at and perceive things.

IS.42.11

A Picture Book Club Returns

Instructor: Thomas Burke

Dates and Times:

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

11/5

11/6

11/10

11/12

11/13

Forest Lake

Elementary School Library

Course Description:

This course will allow you to share your favorite picture books, hear new picture books, and build your classroom library with stories you can use for any subject. Together, we will explore and listen to great stories!

IS.42.12

Presidents on Screen – How Film Shapes the Presidency

Instructor: Heather Jones

Dates and Times:

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

11/17

12/2

12/4

12/9

12/11

Course Description:

The course uses film to explore how American presidents have been depicted on screen. By examining both real and fictional portrayals, students will consider how cinematic representation shapes public understanding of presidential leadership, power, and national identity.

IS.42.13

Databases 101

Instructor: Jennifer Rosenberg

Dates and Times:

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

12/1

12/3

12/5

12/8

12/10

Course Description:

Ensure that your students have reliable and accurate information by using databases. In this course you will learn some of the most popular databases to use with your students. We will look at different sources and learn how to use some of the tools in each source.

IS.42.14

Math Picture Books for Elementary

Instructor: Lisa Hansen

Dates and Times:

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

1/5

1/12

1/26

2/2

2/9

Course Description:

We will use math picture books to introduce new math concepts, reinforce math skills, and enhance math units. I will share many titles, and we can work collaboratively to build a collection that will supplement your math curriculum.

IS.42.15

Using Historical Fiction

Read-Alouds

Instructor: Renee Hauser

Dates and Times:

4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

1/7

1/12

1/20

1/22

1/28

Course Description:

Coupled With Curriculum Based Activities and Lessons to Enhance Your Social Studies Curriculum Part 3: You did not have to take Parts 1 and 2 to take this course. Come join me in a book sharing! I found some great new historical fiction books over the summer that I am eager to share. You will also take part in curriculum based hands-on activities and lessons based on my favorite historical fiction books. Reading logs will be provided for all in order to record book titles and activities learned. Please bring to each class your favorite children’s historical fiction book. At each class I will select a few of you to share your favorite book! At the end of this class, you will walk away with a nice Read-Aloud list to draw upon as you plan your social studies lessons. This is a make and take class. This class will allow you to take the resources shared and allow you to use these books and activities the next day in your classroom. They can also be used to enhance topics when reading the following classroom publications: Social Studies Weekly Newspaper, Time for Kids, Scholastic News & etc. Please bring a scissor, pencil, pen, colored pencils, crayons, glue stick, a marble notebook, white paper, and a favorite historical fiction children’s book to each class.

IS.42.16

PD in Your Pocket:

Reflecting and Recharging with Teacher Podcasts

Instructor:

Angela Buffalino-Morgan

Dates and Times:

4:15 PM - 7:15 PM

1/8

1/15

1/22

1/29

2/5

Course Description:

As the pace of the year slows and reflection becomes more natural, this winter edition of PD in Your Pocket offers educators a chance to pause, recharge, and refocus through thoughtfully selected teacher podcasts. Topics will include avoiding burnout, midyear resets, cultivating resilience, and preparing for the second half of the school year. This hybrid course blends asynchronous listening and reflections in Google Classroom with Google Meet sessions for discussion and sharing takeaways. Perfect for cozy PD that fits into your schedule and supports your well-being.

IS.42.17

Students with Special Needs & How to Help in the Classroom

Instructor: Dr. Melissa Bennett

Dates and Times:

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

1/9

1/16

1/23

1/30

2/6

Course Description:

Teaching is not just academics. Much of what teachers deal with on a daily basis is the mental health, social skills, emotional, and behavioral well being of their students. Special education classification, mental health diagnosis, and physical health diagnosis will be explored as well as services/resources for these students in and out of school. Additionally, the special education and 504 accommodation process and qualifications will be discussed. Participants will have the opportunity in a collegial circle environment to confidentially discuss cases in order to brainstorm ideas to help increase their toolbox.

IS.42.18

Best Practices Through Film

Instructor: Thomas Burke

Dates and Times:

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

1/20

1/21

1/27

1/28

1/29

Forest Lake

Elementary School Library

Course Description:

If you love the movies and love teaching, come join this course to explore best teaching practices through film. After each film, we will evaluate the teacher and share a "post observation" on the skills or each teacher.

IS.42.19

Understanding the Full Spectrum:

Supporting the Diverse Needs of Individuals with Autism

Instructor: Megan Musacchio

Dates and Times:

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

1/13

1/14

1/21

1/26

1/27

Course Description:

This course explores autism spectrum disorder (ASD), focusing on the wide range of behaviors and characteristics, and offering practical strategies to support individuals both at school and at home. Participants will analyze real-world scenarios from films, podcasts, TV shows, articles, and classroom footage, using them as case studies to better understand communication differences, sensory needs, and behavioral responses for students with autism. Strategies for proactive support, collaboration with families, and creating inclusive environments will be emphasized. This course is designed for both educators and caregivers seeking deeper knowledge and real-life tools to better support individuals with autism.

IS.42.20

Unlocking Motivation:

Using The Four Tendencies in Education by Gretchen Rubin

Instructor:

Angela Buffalino-Morgan

Dates and Times:

4:15 PM - 7:15 PM

2/3

2/12

2/24

3/3

3/10

Course Description:

This professional learning opportunity is designed for teachers who want to better understand what drives behavior and motivation—both in themselves and their students. Using Gretchen Rubin’s The Four Tendencies as our guide, we’ll explore how different personality types respond to expectations and how that plays out in the classroom.

The course will include a mix of live group sessions for discussion and connection, along with time set aside between meetings for reading and personal reflection. You’ll walk away with practical insights and strategies to support student engagement, strengthen classroom culture, and improve communication with colleagues.

IS.42.21

From Page to Screen:

The Female Protagonist

Instructor: Heather Jones

Dates and Times:

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

2/25

2/26

3/4

3/5

3/6

Course Description:

This course will explore the art of film adaptation by comparing books with strong, female lead characters to their cinematic counterparts. We will analyze how themes, character development, and narrative voice are translated from the written page to the visual medium. Each day will be dedicated to a new book and its film adaptation, providing a rich opportunity for discussion and critical analysis.

IS.42.22

A Book Club Discussion:

One Word That Will Change Your Life

Instructor: Renee Hauser

Dates and Times:

4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

3/2

3/4

3/9

3/11

3/16

Course Description:

Another great Jon Gordon book accompanied by the picture book One Word for Kids: A Great Way to Have Your Best Year Ever! Bring your favorite snack, cup of coffee, or tea as we brainstorm and discuss “The One Word that Drives you to Achieve your Goals!” These two books when used together will encourage our students to choose a single word to focus on for the entire year, rather than making resolutions. We will discuss strategies and techniques to engage our students to set goals and develop a positive mindset. Classroom lessons surrounding this book will be discussed and shared.

IS.42.23

Science of Reading for Secondary Educators: Strengthening Adolescent Literacy

Instructor: Dr. Ariel Adrian

Dates and Times:

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

3/3

3/10

4:30 PM -7:30 PM

3/17

3/24

3/31

Course Description:

While the Science of Reading is often associated with early literacy, secondary teachers play a critical role in supporting students who still struggle with reading and comprehension. This course is designed for middle and high school educators across content areas who want to understand the research behind the Science of Reading and apply evidence-based practices in their classrooms.

Participants will explore how the cognitive processes of reading apply to adolescents, how to recognize gaps in foundational skills, and how to use explicit, structured literacy strategies to support content-area learning. The course will also provide practical tools for scaffolding vocabulary, comprehension, and writing so that older students can access grade-level texts with confidence.

IS.42.24

Special Education 101

Instructor: Dr. Melissa Bennett

Dates and Times:

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

3/13

3/20

3/27

4/17

4/24

Course Description: Acronyms, abbreviations, services, classifications, modifications and the law just to name a few of the complicated aspects of special education. We are going to unpack it all with explanations and examples. Whether you are a special education or general education teacher with years of experience or just out of school, come explore with us.

IS.42.25

Empowering ICT Classrooms Through Project-Based Learning

Instructor: Ashley Tarantola

Dates and Times:

8:30 AM - 11:30 AM

4/11

4/18

4/25

5/2

5/9

Course Description:

This course is designed for educators aiming to integrate Project-Based Learning (PBL) into their Information and Communication Technology (ICT) classrooms. Participants will explore hands-on strategies for designing and implementing authentic, student-centered projects that foster collaboration, student choice, and real-world problem-solving—particularly supporting students with diverse learning needs. Through interactive sessions and guided planning time, educators will have the opportunity to design their own PBL unit tailored to their current curriculum and teaching context. By the end of the course, teachers will leave with a ready-to-use project plan that enhances student engagement and participation while aligning with learning objectives and ICT standards.

To support this work, two key texts will serve as supplemental resources:

1. PBL Starter Kit by John Larmer, a practical guide offering step-by-step strategies and real-world examples for implementing effective PBL; and

2. Project-Based Teaching: How to Create Rigorous and Engaging Learning Experiences by Suzie Boss & John Larmer, which focuses on the teacher's role in designing, facilitating, and assessing high-quality PBL experiences.

These texts will guide participants through proven frameworks and best practices, enriching both the theoretical and practical aspects of the course.

IS.42.26

Interactive Read-Alouds

Instructor: Renee Hauser

Dates and Times:

4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

3/25

4/13

4/15

4/20

4/27

Course Description:

Come join me as we explore “Interactive Read-Alouds” as I share wonderful picture books on the elementary level. I will model lessons that you can modify according to the needs of your students or use as is the next day in your classroom. The Interactive Read-Alouds will link the standards to the following strands: Comprehension, Story Elements, Vocabulary/Literary Language, Literary Elements and Devices, Genre, and Writing Traits. You will also share some of your favorite Interactive Read-Aloud lessons with the group. Happy Reading!

IS.42.27

Picture Books for Elementary Science

Instructor: Lisa Hansen

Dates and Times:

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

4/14

4/16

4/21

4/23

4/28

Course Description:

We will use Science Picture Books to introduce new science concepts, reinforce science concepts and enhance our science units. I will share many titles and we can work collaboratively to build a collection that will support your Science curriculum.

IS.42.28

The Daily Stoic -

A Book Discussion

Instructor: Thomas Burke

Dates and Times:

4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

4/21

4/22

4/23

4/28

4/30

Forest Lake

Elementary School Library

Course Description:

We will be highlighting the book, The Daily Stoic: 365 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living. Each session, will highlight a particular stoic and share how it relates to us as educators.

IS.42.29

Mindful May:

Reducing Stress Through Mindfulness Practices

Instructor: Dr. Ariel Adrian

Dates and Times:

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

5/18

5/19

5/26

5/27

5/28

Course Description:

As testing season and end-of-year responsibilities ramp up, stress can weigh heavily on both teachers and students! In this three-week course, we'll explore simple, research-based mindfulness practices that help cultivate calm, focus, and resilience. Through VOXER discussions (a voice-app), participants will share strategies, reflect on their own practices, and exchange ideas! By the end of the three-weeks, educators will walk away with a personalized set of tools to support their own well-being and embed mindful routines into their classrooms and every day lives. We'll be using Voxer—a free voice-messaging app that lets you listen and respond on your own schedule—for all course discussions, instead of live Google Meets. This way, you can participate when it works best for you. (Bellmore-Merrick participants will still meet virtually over Google Meet to satisfy district requirements.)

IS.42.30

Pickleball 2.0

Instructor: Dianne Dunn

Dates and Times:

3: 45 PM - 6:45 PM

5/4

5/5

5/6

5/11

5/12

Seaford Manor

Elementary Gym

Course Description:

More fundamentals of Pickleball. If you took my 1st course, this would helpful as it will give you more strategy, tip, pointers to make you a better player. Students in PE classes learn more to games than just the skills needed to hit the ball. It allows them to be critical thinkers and more strategic as they develop skills. Teachers taking this course will see the different levels of thinking, strategy and physical skills the students get from this unit.

IS.42.31

Artificially Intelligent… but Actually Helpful

Instructor: Courtney Eisenzapf

Dates and Times:

4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

12/15

12/16

12/17

12/18

12/22

Course Description: This course will equip educators with the knowledge and practical skills to integrate cutting-edge AI tools into their teaching practices, enhancing efficiency and fostering innovation. Participants will explore AI applications such as ChatGPT, Gemini, SchoolAI, Brisk, Diffit, NotebookLM, Suno and more!

Participants will learn how to:

- Generate personalized feedback for student writing, saving valuable grading time.

- Create customized rubrics and assessment criteria.

- Generate summaries of articles or documents.

- Create study guides and review material.

- Adapt existing texts to different reading levels, ensuring accessibility for all learners.

- Generate differentiated lesson materials, quizzes, and activities based on specific learning objectives.

- Generate audio overviews and podcast style conversations, from uploaded source materials.

IS.42.32

In-Tech-rogation:

Getting to the Bottom of Your Tech Questions

Instructor: Courtney Eisenzapf

Dates and Times:

4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

2/2

2/4

2/9

2/10

2/11