Core Connection Course Catalog
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Using AI to Scaffold Student and Teacher Creativity
Join us to explore strategies for leveraging artificial intelligence to support, not supplant, creativity. We will investigate the use of AI to foster brainstorming, idea generation, divergent thinking, troubleshooting and iterative refinement with the goal of increased confidence in our capacity to be creative…
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Yoga and Mindfulness in the Classroom II: More Practices to Enhance Student Learning
This course will expand on the work done in Yoga and Mindfulness in the Classroom: Strategies and Practices to Enhance Student Learning. We will focus more on practicing chair yoga poses geared for the classroom, develop more “formal” sequences, and learn how to use props and tools to assist students. We will also further build on strategies for working with neurodivergent populations and ensuring our practices remain trauma informed…
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Transforming Graduation Measures: Keeping Pace with the Blue Ribbon Commission
This asynchronous PLC will explore New York’s commitment to rethinking graduation requirements and the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures. We’ll discuss what we know about changes so far, and brainstorm the possible/probable outcomes which will have effect how schools may need to transform in the coming years…
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NYSSLS Aligned Labs, Demos, and Simulations - Spring 25
How many times have you thought of a concept for a science lab or seen a simulation and would love to apply it but don't have the time to make it GREAT and NYSSLS aligned? Or you use it and it flops because you hastily put it together. This course will be an opportunity to work together to create well done, well thought out labs, demos, and simulation activities that will WORK, be effective, and be aligned with our science standards…
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History is Herstory Too: Part Two
In History is Herstory Too: Part Two, educators will deepen their understanding of the pivotal role women have played throughout history, with a focus on underrepresented figures, movements, and contributions. Building on the foundation laid in Part One, this course explores the intersectionality of gender, race, class, and culture in shaping historical events and societal change…
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Humans Who Teach: A Guide for Centering Love, Justice and Liberation in Schools by Shamari Reid
This Book Study of Humans Who Teach: A Guide for Centering Love, Justice and Liberation in Schools, by Shamari Reid, is hosted by the Capital District Writing Project, and facilitated by teachers who are members of the National Writing Project. Join us in “…exploring a world where teachers lovingly embrace their humanity and the inherent humanity of their students”…
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180 Days of Self-Care for Busy Educators Book Study
Everyone says that educators need to do better or practice more self-care…but how?! This book study of 180 Days of Self-Care for Busy Educators will help educators to explore self-care strategies and techniques that will help to improve their overall well-being inside and outside of the classroom…
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AI-Powered Art Education: Enhancing Planning, Teaching and Assessment
This professional learning opportunity will equip educators with the skills needed to integrate cutting-edge AI tools such as Magic School, Adobe Firefly, and ChatGPT into lesson planning, teaching, and assessment practices…
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Book Study on Readicide: How Schools are Killing Reading and What You Can Do About It by Kelly Gallagher
Participants will engage in weekly assignments designed around restoring a culture of voracious readers, using the text, Readicide: How Schools are Killing Reading and What You Can Do About It. The goal of this course is full implementation of the practical strategies outlined within this book to maximize student impact…
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Developing Numerical Fluency Book Study
In this Book Study of Developing Numerical Fluency, teachers will learn how to help students to develop numerical understanding versus just memorizing facts. We'll look at instructional processes that support lasting fluency development and classroom structures and activities for building fluency…
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The Collaborative Math Classroom: Launching a Student Centered Mathematical Community Book Study
In this Book Study of The Collaborative Math Classroom: Launching a Student Centered Mathematical Community you'll learn how to establish a structure within your classroom while developing a collaborative, student-centered community. This classroom community will include a variety of resources, collaboration among students and recognizing signs to celebrate…
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American Young Voices 2025
This workshop is designed to support teachers who are preparing students for the American Young Voices program to be held in June at the MVP Arena in Albany, NY, and to support all teachers who work with young singers. During the workshop, Mr. Francisco J. Núñez will present instructional strategies for teaching the AYV repertoire, highlight their connection to the National Music Standards, and outline healthy vocal rehearsal practices and warm-ups for young singers..
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Teaching Writing From Content Classroom to Career, Grades 6-12
Based on the principles outlined in Teaching Writing from Content Classroom to Career, this dynamic professional learning course empowers middle and high school teachers to integrate effective writing instruction across content areas, preparing students for both academic success and future careers…
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Guided Math in Action K-5 (Second Edition) Book Study
In this Book Study of Guided Math in Action K-5 (Second Edition), participants will unlock powerful strategies for effective guided math lessons, differentiated small group instruction and assessing learning…
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Building Resilience in Every Student: Strategies for Success in K-12 Education
The Resiliency in K-12 Education Conference brings together educators to explore strategies for strengthening and adapting our education systems. With a focus on fostering resilience in students, educators, and schools, the conference will cover critical topics such as mental health, equity, innovative teaching practices, and community engagement. Participants will leave with practical tools and insights to create supportive, inclusive environments that help students thrive despite challenges….
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Preparing Students for the New Science Assessment Clusters
With the high school NYSSLS assessments looming on the horizon, there are many questions about what they will look like and how to prepare our students. There are also lessons to learn from last year's 5th and 8th grade exams…
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Special Educator Support: Achieving the Limited Subject Extension Certification for Secondary ELA
This comprehensive 45-hour study is designed specifically for Special Educators in New York State who are seeking to enhance their qualifications and expertise in Secondary ELA instruction. The course fulfills one requirement for obtaining the Limited Subject Extension (LSE) in ELA for Special Educators certified to teach at the secondary level…
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Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know - Book Study
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant is a book about the importance of rethinking and unlearning outdated beliefs. By integrating Think Again's principles into teaching, educators can create classrooms that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and intellectual humility. This not only helps students succeed academically but also prepares them to be thoughtful, open-minded individuals in a rapidly changing world…
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Special Educator Regional PLC
Meet bi-weekly online with special educators from our region to discuss challenges then set goals and direct our learning using resources from the Council for Exceptional Children and other state stakeholders. Possible topics include: managing extreme behaviors, coordinating mental health resources, paraeducator support, current trends in the profession, and effective advocacy strategies…
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Considerations for Designing Comprehensive Literacy Instruction for Multilingual Learners
ACARC invites you to join us for an evening of learning around multilingual learners (MLLs) and the importance of providing comprehensive instruction that addresses both language and literacy development. Our presenters will lead us in identifying cultural and linguistic considerations that impact instructional planning for literacy lessons…