Core Connection Course Catalog
New Mentor Training - Spring 2026
This rigorous course guides veteran teachers through the analysis of the knowledge and attributes critical to teacher mentoring as well as fundamental instructional practices…
In Conversation with Teacher & NYT Bestselling Author Matt Eicheldinger
Join the Albany City Area Reading Council (ACARC) in conversation with Teacher & NYT Bestselling Author Matt Eicheldinger. Matt will talk about his journey from teacher to published children's and young adult author. He will provide insight into his writing process and how the idea for his first young adult series, When the Rain Came, emerged…
Developing Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in Grades 3-5 By Pamela Weber Harris Book Study
Author Pam Harris argues that teaching real math - math that is free of distortions - will reach more students more effectively and result in deeper understanding and longer retention. This book is about teaching undistorted math using the kinds of mental reasoning that mathematicians do…
Is It Okay to Say Gay: An Examination of LGBTQIA+ in the Classroom
This interactive professional workshop equips educators with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence to create inclusive and affirming learning environments for LGBTQIA+ students. Through case studies, reflective exercises, and practical guidance, educators will develop actionable strategies to navigate sensitive topics, foster equity, and advocate for all students' well-being…
Movement & Sound Meditation Circles: Spring 2026 Series
In this course, participants are invited to seven synchronous virtual Circle gatherings.When we take time to replenish ourselves and fill our own cup, we are able to serve others from the overflow. This allows us to show up to our classrooms feeling supported, sustainable, and impactful for the students we work with everyday. A guided movement sequence and flow will be offered at every circle, with modifications offered throughout to make the practice accessible to everybody…
Quiet Wisdom: In-Person Spring 2026 Session
In this 3-hour in-person session, participants will have the opportunity to explore the practices from the virtual meditation in a live community setting. Practices to be explored include breathwork, movement meditation, silent nature immersion, compassion meditation, live sound bath, and more…
Experience the Elemental Through Arts Integration
Explore the connections between sculpture and creative movement, the sounds contained within an abstract painting, the possibilities of incorporating inspiration from our surroundings, and the music and movement present within each participant. Participants will enjoy activities adaptable for all grade levels from pre-kindergarten and beyond…
Math 6-8 Support Network: Numeracy Briefs Series
NYSED has launched a Numeracy Initiative, which will continue through the 2025-26 school year. This Initiative will provide information and resources to support high-quality, culturally responsive mathematics instruction designed to help students to advance their numeracy skills and achieve the expectations of the mathematics learning standards. This session is Brief 7: Understanding, Using, and Modifying Curriculum Materials…
Writing from the Walls: Opalka Art Gallery Place-Based Writing
The Capital District Writing Project invites you to write together at the Opalka Gallery in Albany, NY. This interactive place-based writing session offers dedicated time to write, collaborate with colleagues, and share work in a welcoming, intellectually vibrant community. Come ready to think deeply, write boldly, and leave inspired…
New Mentor Training - Online and Asynchronous
This rigorous course guides veteran teachers through the analysis of the knowledge and attributes critical to teacher mentoring as well as fundamental instructional practices. Participants will practice primary mentor actions including listening, observing, monitoring and coaching while continually reflecting on their own growth as measured by the NYSED standards for mentoring…
Math 6-8 Support Network: Numeracy Briefs Series
NYSED has launched a Numeracy Initiative, which will continue through the 2025-26 school year. This Initiative will provide information and resources to support high-quality, culturally responsive mathematics instruction designed to help students to advance their numeracy skills and achieve the expectations of the mathematics learning standards. This session is Brief 8: The Role of Leadership…
AI Thought Leaders: Building Leadership for AI-Enhanced Teaching and Learning
Ready to become the AI champion your school needs? This advanced professional learning course transforms experienced AI practitioners into confident instructional leaders who guide colleagues with clarity, credibility, and care through the complexities of AI integration in K-12 classrooms…
Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning
In this 15-hour asynchronous course, participants will explore Natalie Wexler's book Beyond the Science of Reading: Connecting Literacy Instruction to the Science of Learning. This book explores how research on how the brain learns can strengthen literacy instruction. The book connects the Science of Reading with the Science of Learning…
Book Study - 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People
This asynchronous book study explores the cutting-edge research from psychologist David Yeager, as detailed in his book 10 to 25. We will explore the neuroscience of the adolescent brain, focusing on how puberty sparks a deep need for social respect and an aversion to shame that lasts into the mid-twenties. Participants will develop effective and easy-to-learn practices to reduce a wide variety of behavior problems, including school dropout, stress, and mental health struggles…
Canva for Teaching: Connect & Innovate
This course will empower you to use AI for instant lesson generation, build collaborative whiteboards for real-time student engagement, and design interactive activities that promote independent learning. You will move from simply creating materials to designing a dynamic, AI-enhanced learning environment that saves you time while boosting student participation…
Choral Counting & Counting Collections, K-5 Book Study
In this course, you will learn how to deepen your student's understanding of mathematics through the use of choral counting and counting collections. The open-ended counting allows for students to build academic and social skills while engaging in hands-on activities that build mathematical thinking skills…
Made in America: Teaching 250 Years of History through the Arts
This 15-hour asynchronous, self-paced professional learning course is designed exclusively for New York State visual arts, music, dance, theater, and media arts educators who believe that the arts are not a supplement to history, they ARE history. Through engaging video content, thought-provoking readings, interactive activities, and a culminating applied project, you will build a complete, ready-to-teach instructional unit that honors the semiquincentennial through the discipline(s) you know best…
Number Talks: Whole Number Computation, Grades K-5 Book Study
Using the book, Number Talks: Whole Number Computation, we’ll explore what classroom number talk is, why to do number talks and how a number talk flows. Gain insight into how to establish and set expectations for your number talks as well as how to use tools to support student strategies during this time. The course will allow teachers to focus on K-2 classrooms or 3-5 classrooms once we've covered the basics…
Studio to Classroom: Reclaiming Your Artist Identity
Studio to Classroom: Reclaiming Your Artist Identity is a dynamic professional learning experience designed specifically for K-12 art teachers. This course centers personal artmaking as a powerful tool for transforming classroom practice. Participants will engage in meaningful, low-supply studio challenges that mirror the creative constraints students experience every day…
Teaching Phonics & Word Study in the Intermediate Grades
In this 15-hour asynchronous course, participants will explore Wiley Blevins' book Teaching Phonics & Word Study in the Intermediate Grades. Participants will love the practical, research-based strategies for strengthening phonics and word study instruction in grades 3-6…