Core Connection Course Catalog

Asking Questions to Improve Student Learning and Sustain an Inquiry-Based Culture
In this completely asynchronous course, we will learn how to use the Question Formulation Technique (QFT), a concise and powerful protocol that enables learners to produce their own questions, improve their questions, and strategize how to use them, with ways to apply it to your learners. We will then explore how to expand the use of the QFT from a one-off activity to a fully integrated and sustained inquiry-driven practice…

Authentic Literacy Experiences in Early Childhood: Balancing Fundations and Heggerty - Part 1
This professional learning course introduces reading and writing experiences designed to supplement your Fundations and Heggerty teaching by integrating phonics skills with authentic literacy practices, boosting engagement, and fostering a love for reading and writing in early childhood classrooms…

Skidmore Jazz Institute
On Thursday, July 10th, the Skidmore Jazz Institute will present a day-long program of master classes with the Institute's faculty including Todd Coolman, Dennis Mackrel, Russell Haight, Brian Carucci and Andrew Lammly. Topics will include rhythm section fundamentals, building blocks of a strong jazz program, and strategies for improving your sax section's sound. Participants will attend the Institute classes as well as the celebratory concert featuring the Skidmore Jazz Faculty All-Stars. All activities will be held in the Arthur Zankel Music Center on the Skidmore College campus in Saratoga Springs…

Everyday Teaching Activities for Social Emotional Learning
This 5-week asynchronous book study of Nurturing Students’ Character - Everyday Teaching Activities for Social-Emotional Learning will guide you in understanding the components of social, emotional learning (SEL) and character development (SECD)…

Current Trends in Special Education with New York State CEC 2025
We are partnering with the New York State Council for Exceptional Children to offer this free professional learning opportunity to help special educators navigate today's unique challenges. The course opens and closes with live online sessions featuring Q&A and networking opportunities. Between these meetings, participants complete self-paced learning modules for a total of 15 hours of CTLE…

Yoga and Mindfulness in the Classroom: Strategies and Practices to Enhance Student Learning
This course will provide teachers with research-based practices and strategies that can support any classroom environment. Through the use of secular-based yoga movements, breathing techniques, and mindfulness lessons, students (and their teachers!) will begin to develop techniques, incorporate tools to enhance the learning environment and improve self-regulation…

Leveraging AI Tools for Google Workspace
This asynchronous summer professional learning opportunity introduces educators to 10 essential AI tools that seamlessly integrate with Google Workspace to transform teaching practices and enhance student learning outcomes…

Exploring the Art of Poetic Pauses: A Book Study on "Poetry Pauses" by Brett Vogelsinger
In this immersive book study of Poetry Pauses, you will unravel the secrets behind the artful and evocative use of pauses in poetry, deepening your understanding of the profound impact they have on the rhythm, meaning, and emotional resonance of verse. Through engaging discussions, creative exercises, and insightful analysis, you will explore the craft of pausing in poetry, using Vogelsinger's work as a guide to unlock the power of silence in your own poetic endeavors…

New Mentor Training August 2025
This course guides veteran teachers through the analysis of the knowledge and attributes critical to teacher mentoring. It will consist of asynchronous assignments with feedback provided by the facilitator weekly…

Empowering Educators: Integrating AI Tools in the Classroom
By the end of this workshop, participants will not only have a solid understanding of AI in education but will also be equipped with practical skills to integrate AI tools effectively into their teaching practices. We will explore ChatGPT, Google Gemini, MagicSchool, and many other AI tools that can enhance your classroom learning experiences…

Quiet Wisdom: In-Person Summer 2025 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…

National Board Certification - Introduction and Planning Session
Join GCRTC coach Geoff Bizan for an introduction to the process and benefits of certifying for National Board. Identify free resources and networking opportunities to guide and support your growth in all domains of teaching and learning…

National Board Certification - MOC Maintenance of Certification Introduction and Planning Session
Join GCRTC coach Geoff Bizan for an introduction to the process and benefits of maintaining your current certification. Identify free resources and networking opportunities to guide and support your growth in all domains of teaching and learning…

Quiet Wisdom: Continuing our Exploration of Contemplative Practices in Teaching- Fall 2025 Series
Inspired by Quiet Wisdom: Exploring Contemplative Practices in Teaching, this all new session of Quiet Wisdom will dive deeper into some previously explored contemplative practices for educators, as well as expand our repertoire of self-care for transitions, new seasons, and holidays. Both new and past participants are encouraged to attend…

DASA Certification Online Training - Monthly Sessions Available All Year Long!
This NYSED-approved DASA training includes 3 hours of self-paced, online instruction and a 3 hour live virtual meeting with an instructor…