1. education
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Professional development...by teachers, for teachers… est. 1984
Fall Preview 2014
Greater Capital Region Teacher Center for Effective Teaching, 512 Albany-Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211 · 518.489.0568 · www.GCRTC.org
Letter from the Director of the Teacher Center
Welcome back! The Greater Capital Region Teacher Center for Effective
Teaching (GCRTC) is proud to present our 31st year of quality professional
learning experiences created by teachers, for teachers. Established by NYS
Education Law 316 and funded annually by the NYS Legislature, New York
State Teacher Centers are the only legislatively created entity devoted
exclusively to teacher-driven professional learning.
As the largest teacher center outside of New York City, GCRTC is able to
provide some of the most comprehensive, innovative and sustainable
professional learning experiences available. By partnering with our regional
BOCES, institutions of higher education, professional organizations,
businesses and cultural institutions, we catalyze and support a continuum of
teacher learning for the greatest possible impact on student achievement.
Whether you are a seasoned educator or brand-new to the profession, we
have something for you! After browsing through this preview catalog, be sure
to visit our on-line catalog at http://bit.ly/14SWmJ9 for the most current list
of professional learning activities available.
Make this your most professionally rewarding school year ever!
Valerie Lovelace, Executive Director
Greater Capital Region Teacher Center
Engaging Students
with Poverty
in Mind
Fall Book Study!
See page 5
for details!
TEACHER
QUALITY INITIATIVES
Capital District Writing Project……...4
Data Driven Instruction………………3
Grantsmanship……………………….5
Instructional Coaching……………….2
Mentoring…………………….………..2
National Board………………………..6
NYSUT ELT…………………………10
Professional Strategies……………...3
School Community…………………...5
GCRTC INFORMATION
GCRTC Notices………………………7
GCRTC Service Area………………12
Open House…………………………..7
Policy Board / GCRTC Staff………...2
Registration………………………….12
Visit our website at
www.GCRTC.org or scan
the QR Code below for
details on all of our
programs and services,
highlights of current and
past courses, and our most
up-to-date announcements.
Follow us on
Twitter and
Facebook!
The Core Connection is back!
Greater Capital Region Teacher Center is
excited to announce the return of the Core
Connection! This catalog is just a
sample of our offerings. Please visit our MLP
web registration page for the most current listing of our courses.
Use: http://bit.ly/14SWmJ9 or the QR
code to the left.
512 Albany-Shaker Road
Albany, NY 12211 · 518.489.0568
Core Connection is a publication of
the Greater Capital Region Teacher
Center for Effective Teaching.
www.gcrtc.org
Mailing address:
512 Albany-Shaker Road, Albany, NY
12211. 518.489.0568
POLICY BOARD
Mary Kruchinski, Co-Chair
Salem CSD
Kate Gurley, Co-Chair
Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake SD
Tim Backus
Assistant Superintendent,
South Colonie SD
Dr. Sherry Guice
Teacher, South Colonie SD
Robert Hayes
Teacher, Johnstown SD
Theresa Hayes
Teacher, Amsterdam SD
Jennifer Justice
Teacher, Albany SD
Anthony McCann
Shenendehowa SD (retired)
Elizabeth McGregor
Teacher, Gloversville SD
Maureen Sara
Teacher, Glens Falls SD
Nora Senecal
Teacher, Hoosick Falls SD
Audrey Vanderhoef
Teacher, Berlin SD
Dr. Virginia Goatley
School of Education, UAlbany
INSTRUCTIONAL COACHING
As they work to improve instructional practice and, ultimately, student learning, many school districts have
adopted instructional coaching as a model for teachers’ professional development. Research makes clear that
improving teachers’ classroom practices has great potential to improve student learning. Research also shows
that coaching is, by far, the most effective design for effecting change in instructional practice.
COGNITIVE COACHING FOUNDATIONS
The mission of Cognitive Coachingsm is to produce
self-directed persons with the cognitive capacity for
excellence both independently and as members of a
community. Research indicates that teaching is a
complex intellectual activity and that teachers who
think at higher levels produce students who are
higher achieving, more cooperative, and better problem solvers. It is the invisible skills of
teaching, the thinking processes that underlie instructional decisions, which produce
superior instruction. Cognitive Coachingsm is a research-based model that capitalizes upon
and enhances teachers’ cognitive processes.
In the eight-day seminars, participants learn how to:
develop trust and rapport
develop an identity as a mediator of thinking
utilize conversation structures for planning, reflecting, and problem resolving
develop teachers’ autonomy and sense of community
develop higher levels of efficacy, consciousness, craftsmanship, flexibility, and
interdependence
apply four support functions: coaching, evaluating, consulting, collaborating
utilize the coaching tools of pausing, paraphrasing, and posing questions
distinguish among the five forms of feedback and use data to mediate thinking
Facilitators: Stephanie Burt-Pelcher and Doreen Merola, Thinking Collaborativetm
Location: Capital Region BOCES
Dates: Sep 23, 24, 25; Dec 1, 2, 3 (2014); Jan 13, 14 (2015)
Time: 8 am - 3 pm each day
Fee: None, however registration is required.
Underwritten by Eastern Upstate Regional Teacher Center Network, GCRTC and Capital
Region BOCES
Register Now! http://bit.ly/1oVLRzX
Karen Fox
Albany-Colonie Regional
Chamber of Commerce
Maryanne Harper
Non-Public Teacher,
The Albany Academies (retired)
James O. Dunham
Principal, Scotia-Glenville CSD
(retired)
Ernest Casile
Non-Public Administrator
STAFF
Valerie Lovelace
Executive Director
[email protected]
Tiffany Phelps
Program Specialist
[email protected]
Amy Carinci
Program Support Specialist
[email protected]
2
MENTORING
GCRTC offers programs to support the growth of mentors, coaches, master teachers, consultant teachers, support providers, principals and coordinators of induction programs. Over the course of each school year, GCRTC
offers three strands of programs to provide a comprehensive approach to teacher retention, teacher
effectiveness and mentor participation.
MENTORING IN THE MIDST OF CHANGE
This two-day professional learning experience provides practical strategies and activities to
encourage and strengthen mentoring and coaching relationships and will reflect the
demands of the current educational climate and requirements.
Participants will be introduced to methods for supporting teachers and colleagues in
relation to curriculum, assessment, and instruction. They will also develop useful strategies
and resources to assist them in providing feedback and improving the quality of instruction
for both themselves and their colleagues.
Instructor: Alexia Ryan
Location: Capital Region BOCES
Dates: Oct 8 & Nov 19 (Wed)
Time: 8 am - 4 pm
Fee: None, however registration is required, Underwritten by GCRTC
Register: http://bit.ly/1sBedkG
DATA DRIVEN INSTRUCTION
Using evidence to make professional decisions is essential as educators strive to improve student learning. Teachers do not always have access to
data about standardized or district testing data as soon as needed; however, there are many kinds of data that can be used to effectively inform
instructional decisions. GCRTC provides many opportunities for teachers to share effective strategies for using data to focus and refine instruction.
DATA IMPLEMENTATION STUDY
RTI DAILY PLANNING BOOK K-6: BOOK STUDY
During this 6 hour blended learning
implementation study, participants will:
In The RTI Daily Planning Book K-6, “Gretchen Owocki breaks
RTI down to its essentials. She provides specific tools and
sensible, developmentally sensitive strategies for collecting &
assessing reading data [and] targeted follow-up instruction.”
evaluate learning objectives;
implement formative assessments;
analyze and reflect on the data they collect; and
use the analysis to inform their next instructional
steps.
Participants will be supported in the implementation
process throughout the fall semester during monthly
meetings and in an online collaborative community.
Facilitator: Tiffany Phelps, GCRTC
Location: Capital Region TBA
Dates: Oct 7 (Tues), Nov 5 (Wed), Dec 9 (Tues)
Time: 4 - 6 pm (6 hrs)
Fee: None, however registration is required
Underwritten by GCRTC
Register: http://bit.ly/1tNvV7a
Session 1: Overview of RTI
Session 2: Assessment
Session 3: High Quality Instruction
Session 4: Benchmarking/Progress Monitoring
Session 5: Research-based Interventions
Session 6: Problem-Solving Teams
Session 7: Next Steps
Session 8: Independent Project
Facilitator: Stephanie Burt-Pelcher
Location: WSHWE BOCES
Dates: Session 1 Oct 25 (Sat), Sessions 2-7 TBA
Times: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm (Session 1), 4 - 7 pm (Sessions 2-7)
(30 hrs/2 in-service credits)
Fee: None, however registration is required
Underwritten by GCRTC and WSHWE BOCES
Check the GCRTC MLP page soon for registration:
http://bit.ly/14SWmJ9 (search “RTI”)
PROFESSIONAL STRATEGIES
Research consistently shows that teachers have the greatest potential to influence children’s education. GCRTC provides a wide range of
professional development strategies to help teachers meet the needs of all students. Teacher Center programs meet teachers where they are
and move them forward to greater effectiveness. Teachers are the key to maximizing student growth and inspiring them to life-long learning.
COMMON CORE MATHEMATICS
GRADES 6-8 DEVELOPING STUDENT MATHEMATICAL THINKING:
A FOCUS ON THE COMMON CORE STANDARDS FOR MATHEMATICAL PRACTICE
Turn your classroom into a problem-solving and reasoning center culminating with a student math conference!
Can you imagine teaching music without students performing in a concert? How about teaching basketball with students
doing basic drills but not playing in a game, teaching language arts and never having students read great books? Of
course you can't! But, we teach the basics of math with a focus on having students follow algorithms and rarely let students do what professional mathematicians do.
Student learning is enhanced when students believe they have the ability to learn, when they are valued by their teacher,
when they are deeply engaged in the learning process, and when they understand that there is a compelling reason for
their learning. In this 15 hour course, we will help you turn your classroom into a problem-solving and reasoning center.
We will do this using engaging mathematical problems, with which every student can be successful. We will share and
model techniques to engage your students with the mathematical material. And, we will guide you in establishing a
student math conference that will provide a real-life context for students.
Note: You may register for this course or you may attend the first introductory session and then register for the
workshop. Ideally, several teachers from your school will enroll.
Two Location Options:
Instructor: Jim Matthews, Siena College
Location: Roger Bacon Hall Rm 302, Siena College
Dates: Sep 15 (introductory meeting), Sep 29, Oct 6,
20, Nov 3, Nov 17, Dec 1, 15
Time: 3:30 - 5:30 pm (15 hrs/1 in-service credit)
Fee: None, however registration is required
Underwritten by the GCRTC
Register: http://bit.ly/1nHETwm
Instructor: Jim Matthews, Siena College
Location: Fonda-Fultonville Middle School
Dates: Sep 17 (introductory meeting), Oct 1, 15, 22,
Nov 5, 19, Dec 3, 17
Time: 4:30 - 6:30 pm (15 hrs/1 in-service credit)
Fee: None, however registration is required
Underwritten by the GCRTC
Register: http://bit.ly/1jQYdVo
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COMMON CORE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
EXPLORING LITERACY LESSONS
SATURDAY SEMINARS
How often do you really have an opportunity to talk about
your teaching with other teachers? How often do you get
to share your good lessons? Where do you get more great
ideas for great lessons?
At the Capital District Writing Project we have been
working—passionately and collaboratively—to develop,
share, analyze, and refine effective lessons about literacy
and writing for all age groups and all content areas. And
we would like to include you in our conversations by
sharing our lessons with you and other Capital District
teachers at our upcoming Writing Matters workshops.
What makes Saturday Seminars a unique and enriching
professional learning experience?
In each Saturday Seminar session, participants
experience several different writing lessons that have
been carefully developed by CDWP teachers, with
actual materials used in the classroom.
The lessons demonstrate research-based principles of
effective literacy instruction and can be adapted to any
grade level or content area to improve students’
literacy skills and content learning.
Following each lesson, participants have the opportunity to discuss the lesson in depth, consider the
research and theory on which it is based, and explore
adaptations to make the lesson suitable for learners in
all grade levels.
The format of these sessions makes them very useful
for new teacher and mentor teams or grade-level or
curriculum teams to attend together.
Two Saturday Seminar sessions will be scheduled in
the fall of 2014 and two more in the spring of 2015!
Watch the GCRTC Registration Page
http://bit.ly/14SWmJ9 and
CDWP’s website www.cdwp.org
for dates and registration information.
Fee: None, however registration is required
Underwritten by GCRTC and CDWP.
COMING SOON! FALL 2014!
WRITING INSTRUCTION THAT WORKS
College and career ready writing skills are a major focus of
the Common Core Learning Standards and assessments
at the secondary level. As stated in the NYS CCLS for
ELA & Literacy, "Writing is a key means of asserting and
defending claims, showing what [students] know about a
subject, and conveying what they have experienced,
imagined, thought, and felt." The literacy skills around
writing for argument, information, and narrative are
integrated across all subject areas, further demonstrating
their significance.
Few teachers have had sufficient time for the necessary
collaborative planning, researching of materials, and
development of strategies through units, lessons, and
assessments focused on these skills. The Capital District
Writing Project has been participating in two national
grants, focused on building teacher capacity in writing
instruction: the i3 College Ready Writing Project and
Literacy Design Collaborative.
This workshop, developed and facilitated by members of
CDWP in conjunction GCRTC, will be built on collaborative inquiry strategies, current research and theory on
adolescent literacy, and the belief that teachers are key
leaders of instructional change in schools. In this ten hour
workshop, participants engage in collaborative inquiry into
effective writing instruction. This inquiry will focus on: Demonstration lessons on teaching claim and evidencebased reading and writing - Using text sets to scaffold
higher order literacy skills - Incorporating writing to learn
strategies in all instruction
CAPITAL DISTRICT WRITING PROJECT
CONTACT INFORMATION
Website: www.cdwp.org
Email: [email protected]
Director: Dr. Robert Yagelski,
[email protected]
Co-director: Carol Forman-Pemberton,
[email protected]
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MORE COURSES ON IMPROVING PROFESSIONAL STRATEGIES?
FLIP TO PAGE 10 TO FIND OUT HOW GCRTC IS PARTNERING WITH NYSUT TO OFFER
CONSTITUENT EDUCATORS GRADUATE COURSES AT A DISCOUNTED RATE!
4
SCHOOL COMMUNITY
GCRTC envisions the potential for all schools to be dynamic learning communities in which all members are engaged,
and learn from one another. In essence, school community is a network of relationships affected by the social, emotional, physical and intellectual environment in which they exist. Although school community extends beyond school
boundaries, it is firmly grounded in the values of its members. No two communities are alike in their strengths and
challenges, however effective school communities share many common elements including student empowerment.
Students who feel safe, respected, capable, valued and intellectually challenged are best able to recognize their unique
role in the school community and fully realize their learning potential. GCRTC is proud to provide the following
opportunities to explore and engage in a cycle of continuous reflection and development.
ENGAGING STUDENTS WITH POVERTY IN MIND BOOK STUDY
Using Eric Jensen's book Engaging Students with Poverty in Mind, participants in this course will examine the rationale
for prioritizing student engagement and learn practical strategies for increasing engagement in the classroom.
Jensen explains that engagement is particularly essential for student success because of the strong and significant correlation between student engagement and achievement. In order to graduate, students must first be in school. And, in
order to keep students in school, they must be consistently engaged. Research shows that currently, only 10% of students in poverty actually experience multiple years of highly engaging instruction.
In this 15-hour course participants will learn:
seven factors critical to student engagement that are correlated with socioeconomic status
engagement rules that are critical for student success
research-based classroom engagement strategies
GRANTSMANSHIP
how to automate engagement in the classroom
GCRTC offers professional learning experiences aimed at
how to create an individualized implementation plan to
developing grant seeking and grant writing skills. These
ensure success
skills enable teachers to secure funding for their innovaFacilitators: Tiffany Phelps and Jim Gayne
tive instructional ideas. GCRTC grant writing courses
Location: Academy of Culture & Communication at
offer participants the time for reflection, revision and inPleasant Valley, Schenectady CSD
structional support to develop an idea into a successful
Dates: Oct 16, 23, 30, Nov 6, 13 (Thurs)
grant proposal.
Time: 4 - 7 pm (15 hrs/1 in-service credit)
Fee: None, however registration is required
SECURING FUNDS TO SUPPORT INNOVATIVE
Underwritten by the GCRTC and the Schenectady
COMMON CORE CURRICULUM PLANNING
Teachers Center.
Register: http://bit.ly/1r1VLja
Designed to support the process of garnering funds for
education initiatives and programs, this course is open to
CARE FOR TEACHERS BOOSTER SESSION
teachers, administrators, teaching assistants or other
CARE for Teachers is a unique program designed to help
school related personnel.
teachers respond more pro-actively in the classroom by
Funding to support structural or curriculum change is often
promoting awareness, presence, compassion, reflection,
dependent upon external sources of funding, usually initiand inspiration - the inner resources they need to help
ated by individuals or teams of teachers and administrastudents flourish, socially, emotionally, and academically.
tors. Success depends upon knowledge of the culture and
This booster session is designed to reinforce the skills and
practice in the field of philanthropy. Training will support
strategies of the CARE model for those who have begun
educators as they move an idea/solution from concept to
to implement CARE strategies in their practice. It will also
reality.
serve to introduce the model to participants not yet familiar
This course helps master all that goes into getting the
with CARE.
funding and grants needed for implementation of your
We will review the core practice strategies, as well as disCommon Core Curriculum Projects. Participants will learn
cuss challenges and successes experienced while implethe components, elements and characteristics of a sucmenting CARE. This interactive session will provide a
cessful proposal. By the last session each attendee or
springboard from which participants may both develop and
group will have created a workable grant proposal based
refine CARE skills in their teaching.
upon each stakeholder’s specific idea and needs.
Facilitators: Valerie Lovelace and Lynne Ogren
Facilitator: Vickie Parker
Location: Carey Conference Center, Rensselaerville, NY
Location: GCRTC at Shaker Rd ES
Dates: Nov 7 - 8 (Fri - Sat)
Dates: Oct 9, 16, 23, 30 (Thurs)
Time: 4 - 11 pm (Fri), 8 am - 4 pm (Sat)
Time: 4 pm - 7 pm (12 hrs)
(15 hrs/1 in-service credit)
Fee: None, however registration is required
Fee: $190.00 per person, which covers meals and lodging
Underwritten by the GCRTC
in a double-occupancy room
Register: http://bit.ly/1nwKWlD
Register: http://bit.ly/1zRqp45
5
THINK PURSUING NATIONAL BOARD
ISN’T FOR YOU?
NBC 3.0 HAS BEEN CONVENIENTLY
REDESIGNED INTO 4 MANAGABLE COMPONENTS!
COHORTS
Cohorts for National Board Certification offer an opportunity for
sustained and collaborative support to teachers and guidance
counselors. Under the guidance of NBCTs as Candidate
Support Providers, this program offers assistance in processing
applications, peer review, linkage with content experts and
collegial support. The group will meet monthly throughout the
year.
North Country NBC Cohort
Facilitator: Maureen Shiland
Location: WSWHE BOCES, Gick Rd
Dates: Sep 11, Oct 9, Nov 13, Dec 11, Jan 8, Feb 12, Mar 12,
Apr 16, May 7 (Thurs)
Times: 4 - 6 pm
Registration: http://bit.ly/Y8J1Pi
Mohawk Region NBC Cohort
Facilitator: Heather Buskirk
Location: Jansen Avenue School, Johnstown
Dates: Sep 11, Oct 9, Nov 13, Dec 11, Jan 8, Feb 12, Mar 12,
Apr 9, May 14 (Thurs)
Times: 3:30 - 5 pm
Registration: http://bit.ly/1vMIG3L
Union Graduate College NBC Cohort
Facilitator: Rich Lasselle & Dr. Catherine Snyder
Location: Room 116 of the Graduate Center
Dates: Sept. 19, Oct. 17, Nov. 7, Jan. 9, Mar 6, May 8 (Fri)
Times: 4 - 7pm
Registration: http://bit.ly/1oxlJxy
Capital Region NBC Cohort
Facilitator: Melissa Gergen & Katrina Horton
Location: NYSUT Headquarters, Latham
Dates: Oct 2, Nov 6, Dec 4, Feb 5, Mar 5, Apr 2 (Wed)
Times: 4 - 8 pm
Registration: http://bit.ly/1yAB6FN
Cohort Fees: $95 for GCRTC constituents (Normally $195,
$100 is underwritten by GCRTC)
THE 4 NEW NBC 3.0
COMPONENTS:
Content Knowledge
(2014-15)
Differentiation in Instruction
(2014-15)
Teaching Practice and the Learning Environment (2015-16)
Effective and Reflective Practitioner (2016-17)
INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS
NBC Informational Sessions are designed as an
overview of the New National Board Certification
3.0 process for teachers, union leaders or
administrators.
The purpose of this session is to explain the
framework of the NBC process and to provide
access to professional, financial and technical
supports available to candidates: timelines, fees
and a discussion of the benefits, certifications and
processes involved in certification.
Two locations will be available.
Presenter: Annette Romano
Location: NYSUT Headquarters
Presenter: Colleen McDonald, NBCT
Location: WSWHE BOCES Gick Rd.
Dates and Times: TBA
Fee: None
Check www.nbcny.org for registration.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact: Annette Romano,
Regional Coordinator, Eastern Upstate Region
[email protected]
WHY PURSUE NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION?
Flexible implementation schedule of the next 3 years
95% of teachers who pursued NBC found it to be the best professional development experience of their career.
NBPTS application funded by the NYSED Albert Shanker Grant - valued at nearly $2,000
Supportive cohort experience assists in guiding participants and enhancing learning
25 different certificate areas available
Completely aligned with the APPR process
Created by teachers for teachers
Many districts have compensation or supports available.
Join over 1,600 educators who have achieved NBC and are assuming meaningful teacher leadership roles.
6
WRITING INSTITUTE FOR NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION
In response to requests from National Board candidates and advanced candidates, this retreat was created to give participants time for their own writing in a collegial environment. Working independently, with partners, or in writing groups,
candidates have the opportunity to write, read, and reflect on their portfolio entries in a supportive environment. The
community of writers and reviewers supports the development of portfolio entries and the peer review of video tapes of
classroom teaching. Join your colleagues for thoughtful and reflective discussion about National Board Certification in a
collegial setting. Please bring a laptop computer, videos, entries, portfolio directions, standards, and scoring guide.
Writing Institute at NYSUT Headquarters
Instructors: NBCT Candidate Support Providers
Location: NYSUT Headquarters, Latham
Date: Jan 17 (Sat) (2015)
Times: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Fee: $30.00
Writing Institute At Minnowbrook Conference Center
Instructors: Maria Fenton and Annette Romano
Location: Minnowbrook Conference Center, Blue Mnt Lake
Date: Feb 5 - 7 (Thurs - Sat) (2015)
Time: 5 pm (Thurs) - 3 pm (Sat)
Fee: $190.00 per person - inc. meals, double room lodging
Check www.nbcny.org under “Workshops and Events” for registration.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR CURRENT NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFIED TEACHERS
NBCT RENEWAL COHORT
COMING SOON! NBCT SUMMIT
This cohort is designed to provide National Board Certified
Teachers in their 8th-9th year of certification the collegial
support needed to pursue renewal. Teachers will meet
every other month to learn about the structure and
requirements of the NBCT renewal process.
Instructor: Mary Johnson, NBCT Renewed
Location: NYSUT Headquarters, Latham
Dates: Oct 23, Dec 4 (2014), Jan 29, Mar 26, May 7 (2015)
Times: 4 - 7 pm
Cost: $80.00
Registration: http://bit.ly/1iYizBb
This summit will be an opportunity for NBCTs to unite,
collaborate and network. The day will include discussion on
Teacher Leadership, including various ways to continue our
learning and leadership within and beyond our districts.
More information about the NBCT Summit will be coming
soon!
Check www.nbcny.org under “Workshops and Events”
for registration.
GCRTC NOTICES
GCRTC OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 14, 2014
Please join us on October 14 (Tues) 4 - 7 pm to meet our staff and Policy Board
members, check out our learning space and expand your professional library!
As our gift to you, the first 30 Open House registrants will receive a complimentary copy of
ASCD’s popular book, Focus: Elevating the Essentials to Radically Improve Student
Learning, by Mike Schmoker, valued at nearly $30.
Registrants must be present on 10/14/14 to receive a copy of the book for independent
professional learning.
Refreshments* will be provided courtesy of the Policy Board and staff of GCRTC.
Register: http://bit.ly/1u2SpRL
*No public funds used
JUST IN TIME!
NEW LAMINATOR
ARE YOU A CHANGE AGENT?
BECOME A GCRTC POLICY BOARD MEMBER!
Due to increasing demand for preserving teacher created
materials, GCRTC has acquired a brand-new laminator for
use by constituent teachers. Teachers may use up to 20
feet of lamination film at no charge.
The GCRTC Policy Board includes representation of
three constituents from each of our regions. (See 20142015 Service Area Map on page 12.) Currently, there is
one representative opening in each of the following
GCRTC regions: Albany, Eastern and Western. If you are
interested in learning more about this leadership
opportunity, please contact [email protected] for
information about the nomination process.
Please call the office at 489-0568 in advance of your
arrival so that the laminator will be pre-heated and ready
for you to use upon your arrival.
7
TECHNOLOGY
Technology integration is integral to successful implementation of the Regents Reform Agenda. It represents both a
practical tool and a 21st Century Skill. While technology is embedded into all of the programs and courses offered by
GCRTC, many courses are offered to specifically assist teachers in embedding technology into all curricular areas.
CHALLENGE BASED LEARNING IMPLEMENTATION
STUDY GROUP
Looking for a student-driven, technology enriched approach to
learning? Check out Challenge Based Learning (CBL)! In this 15 hour
course participants will go through the entire CBL Process under the
guidance of Apple Distinguished Educator, Geoff Bizan. Participating
teachers will create and implement a classroom challenge that directly
connects to their grade level and content area or areas. Topics to be
covered include creating a challenge for your students, "hooking" your
class with your challenge, developing your challenge, troubleshooting
and coming to a solution for your challenge. Geoff will provide ongoing
support to teachers implementing CBL throughout the course. The
group will meet monthly as a small cohort to provide participants with
the necessary support to ensure success!
Note: Open to those new to CBL as well as those who have participated in past CBL courses, including implementation study groups!
Location: Saratoga Region TBA
Dates: Nov 18, Dec 9, Jan 13, Feb 3, Mar 10, Apr 14, May 12, Jun 2
Times: (Tues) 5 - 7 pm (Nov-May), 5 - 6 pm (Jun)
Fee: None, however registration is required
Register: http://bit.ly/1kRwYQC
MAKE YOUR OWN ITUNES U COURSE!
iTunes U is a free resource for educators to
deliver instructional resources in a customizable
way. In this course, participants will review how
to search for existing iTunes U courses through
the catalog search.
Participants will also learn how to create their
own content through App Smashing on iPads.
We will gather resources and upload to our own
teacher created iTunes U course. This 2 day
course will provide attendees with support as
they build their own iTunes U courses for their
classrooms.
Course Requirements: iPad, laptop, and an
Apple ID.
Location: GCRTC at Shaker Rd ES
Date: Oct 7 & 21 (Tues)
Time: 5 – 7:30 pm
Fee: None. However, registration is required.
Register: http://bit.ly/1AuHTU5
Instructor: Geoffrey Bizan, teacher at Lake George CSD and Apple Distinguished Educator
PROGRAMMING LITERACY PILOT
GCRTC is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Northeast Region Information Network (NERIC) to pilot a Pre-K
– 12 Programming Literacy Initiative. Through this partnership, regional teachers will have access to a continuum of
professional learning opportunities that will enable them to create content-integrated programming experiences for
their students. During the 2014-2015 school year, the pilot will focus on early childhood and elementary education.
BEE-BOTS
Meet our Bee-Bots! Bee-Bots are child-friendly mini-robots that provide early childhood teachers with a hands-on, developmentally appropriate method of introducing programming literacy
skills to early childhood students - without the need for teachers to have extensive programming
knowledge.
As with any language, exposure and skill development is most effective when introduced at the
early childhood level. By interweaving essential 21st century technology skills, such as understanding basic code, keypad functionality and directional language, students learn the important
foundations of programming while reinforcing key mathematical concepts, such as number and
directional sense, as well as key skills like problem-solving and reasoning.
Join us for an interactive session in which participants will work with Bee-Bots, see examples of how they are used to
support Common Core learning at the early childhood level, and practice using the free Bee-Bot iPad app that can be
used without access to Bee-Bot robots.
Following participation in this session, teachers are eligible to borrow a Bee-Bot “hive” from
GCRTC.
Facilitators: GCRTC and NERIC staff
Location: NERIC, 900 Albany-Shaker Road, Albany
Date: Nov 19 (Wed)
Time: 4 – 6 pm (2 hrs)
Fee: None. However, registration is required, Underwritten by GCRTC and NERIC.
Register: http://bit.ly/1sBYuCG
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TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES
The following technology initiatives have been brought to statewide Teacher
Center constituents through both private and public partnerships with the New
York State Teacher Center Network.
BRAIN POP
The NYS Teacher Center Network, in collaboration
with Brain Pop, is gearing up to support training for
schools on the use of Brain Pop. A NYS Certified
Brain Pop trainer program will prepare teacher leaders
to support the effective use of Brain Pop in their
districts. Teacher Center access for the purposes of
obtaining initial familiarity and conducting training
sessions has been secured.
iTUNES U NEW YORK
Through iTunes U New York educators, students, and
parents can access exemplar learning resources. Educators can access
materials and lessons that are aligned to the NYS Common Core Learning
Standards as well as other professional development resources to improve
instructional practice. Students and parents can explore resources that have
been created and reviewed by NYS educators.
ARE YOU A HIGH SCHOOL
GEOMETRY TEACHER?
REGENTS REVIEW IS
LOOKING FOR YOU!
The NYS Teacher Center Network, in
partnership with WCNY, presents
Regents Review 2.0, a comprehensive
TV and web-based Regents review
series designed and developed by NYS
teachers. An all new segment will be
developed for the 2015
Common Core Geometry Regents.
If you are interested in developing and
presenting the new Geometry Regents
Review Live 2.0 segment, please
contact [email protected]
by November 3, 2014.
NY DIGICENTER
NY DigiCenter is a web-based environment where educators and students can
upload files and multimedia content including: audio, video, pictures, PDFs,
and Microsoft Office files. All upload files can be aligned to New York State
Common Core Standards, and NET standards as well as the Danielson Framework and NYSUT teacher evaluation
standards.
EDMODO
The NYS Teacher Center Network, in collaboration with Edmodo, is preparing to support the use of the freely available
Edmodo elearning platform by training a cadre NYS certified Edmodo trainers. In addition, periodic webinars will highlight
promising practices and NYS specific use of the tool.
DIGITAL WISH EBOOK BUILDER
Digital Wish is a nonprofit on a mission to help you bring technology to the classroom to prepare students for the global
economy. Digital Wish has developed a great collection of training videos and support resources to help guide teachers
through the process of delivering lessons to an ever-changing collection of smartphones, tablets, and iPads. Digital Wish
eBuilder tool delivers classroom curriculum to smartphones and tablets. Teachers can create a marketplace and create
downloadable projects for students, and in turn students can create their own projects for teachers and friends to view.
INTEL TEACH PROGRAM
The New York Institute of Technology and the NYS Teacher Center Network has partnered with Intel to deliver the Intel
Teach Program. Transforming education to meet the needs of today’s learners requires ongoing support for teachers as
they implement new teaching practices. Intel® Teach is a proven program that helps K–12 teachers integrate technology
effectively into classrooms and promote student-centered approaches, engaging students in learning and preparing them
with critical skills for success in our digital world.
NY LEARNING.COM
NY Learning.com (newyork.learning.com) is a portal to over 300,000 learning resources for teachers which provides
New York educators with over 70 learning content providers and 250
products, more than 40 percent of them free.
Find out about these initiatives and
SAS CURRICULUM PATHWAYS
more at the NYS Teacher Center
SAS Curriculum Pathways is an innovative platform that organizes
technology page:
content in core disciplines that has been curated by teachers,
developers, designers, and other specialists. Content found in SAS
http://www.nysteachercenters.org/
Curriculum Pathways targets content that is difficult to convey using
technology/
conventional methods. Through the use of technology that leverages
audio, visual, and interactive components, education objectives
identified by teachers are reinforced.
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NYSUT EDUCATION & LEARNING TRUST COURSES
The NYSUT Education & Learning Trust (ELT) is a nonprofit professional development organization serving NYSUT members who have dedicated their lives to
education. NYSUT ELT professional development programs are modeled on best
practices, current research-based strategies, real-life applications - and are built
on the principle of "members teaching members."
GCRTC has partnered with
NYSUT ELT to bring
constituent teachers the
following online graduate
courses at discount.
Enjoy all of the
convenience of online
for the price of on-site!
Cost:
NYSUT Online Price $665
GCRTC Member online price $645
(for online courses listed on this page)
Dates:
All courses run online from
Oct 6 - Dec 12, 2014
THREE GRADUATE CREDIT ONLINE COURSES
BEGINNING READING
UNY 717 - Adelphi University
Participants learn a variety of decoding activities and comprehension activities
traditionally taught to students in Pre-K-Grade 2, including phonemic awareness,
alphabetic principles, letter-sound correspondence, word recognition,
vocabulary, and comprehension.
Target Audience: Educators working in grades K-3.
Register by Oct 1: http://bit.ly/1os7IBe
READING AND WRITING ACROSS THE CONTENT AREAS
UNY 801 - Adelphi University
This course explores content area teachers’ roles in students’ literacy
development. Participants will learn how to utilize research-based teaching
strategies in content-area instruction.
Target Audience: Educators working in grades 3-12
Register by Oct 1: http://bit.ly/1AaXnfY
SHOWING EVIDENCE: TEACHER PERFORMANCE AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
EDU 661103 - SUNY Empire State College
This course will provide participants with a professional community in which they will acquire both practical knowledge
and theoretical approaches to portfolio assessment in education. Reflective practice tools and assessments based on
state standards for teaching will be presented in formats that promote self-reflection and career goal setting.
Target Audience: All educators
Register by Oct 1: http://bit.ly/1uKMkqP
THE ROLE OF DATA, ASSESSMENTS AND INSTRUCTION TO RAISE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
EDU 661104 - SUNY Empire State College
This course will provide participants with a better understanding of the realities of data use and will empower users to
identify and use data more appropriately to identify school wide priorities, inform instruction and enhance student
learning.
Target Audience: All educators
Register by Oct 1: http://bit.ly/1rmM0fz
NEW TEACHER SEMINARS
The following courses are specifically designed for
teachers with 0-3 years in education.
Instructor: NYSUT staff
Location: Greenville Middle/High School
Time: 4:15 - 6:15 pm.
Fee: None, Underwritten by NYSUT and GCRTC
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Date: Oct 7 (Tues)
Register: http://bit.ly/1q6Pilc
CREATING A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT
Date: Oct 21 (Tues)
Register: http://bit.ly/1rndba2
DISCIPLINE STRATEGIES
Date: Nov 4 (Tues)
Register: http://bit.ly/1kzfQip
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A “for teachers, by teachers” sharing site!
"Share My Lesson is an online community where educators
can share their ideas, skills and resources to improve the
quality of teaching for everyone." SML website
Access this free resource to search a database of lessons by
grade, subject and topic. Sign up for the newsletter to get the
latest lessons and follow posters from around the world who
share resources most relevant to your practice. It even
includes a dedicated space for all things
Common Core.
www.sharemylesson.com
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION EVENTS
Many professional educators’ organizations offer annual events, which may be of interest to GCRTC’s constituent
teachers. These events provide educators with the most up-to-date and exciting information in a variety of content and
focus areas. Some of the most popular professional organization events are listed below for your convenience.
MATH SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION FOR COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGIES IN EDUCATION
Annual Conference, November 23-25, 2014, Rochester, NY More Information: http://bit.ly/1qHrAhn
SCIENCE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK
119th Annual Conference, November 1-4, 2014, Rochester, NY - More Information: http://bit.ly/1oo8oSd
ASSOCIATION OF MATHEMATICS TEACHERS OF NEW YORK STATE
64th Annual Fall Conference, November 9-11, 2014, Syracuse, NY More Information: http://bit.ly/1juOj0Z
ENGLISH LANGUGE ARTS
NEW YORK STATE READING ASSOCIATION
Conference 2014, November 9-11, 2014, Syracuse, NY - More Information: http://bit.ly/1oo9a1C
ALBANY CITY AREA READING COUNCIL
The Changing Role of the Reading Specialist, October 8, 2014 - More information: http://bit.ly/1oxDUSr
Best Books of 2014, December 3, 2014 - More information: http://bit.ly/1oxDUSr
LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH
NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHERS
Annual Conference, October 10-11, 2014. Rochester, NY - More Information: http://bit.ly/1s86fSd
THE ARTS
NEW YORK STATE ART TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
Annual Conference, November 21-23, 2014, Albany, NY - More Information: http://bit.ly/1noeCBt
PROCTOR’S THEATER: JUST FOR TEACHERS! EDUCATOR EXTRAVAGANZA!
October 14, 2014, Schenectady, NY - More Information: http://bit.ly/1miPWL6
SCHOOL CLIMATE
THE ACADEMY FOR CHARACTER EDUCATION AT THE SAGE COLLEGES
15th Annual Character Education Conference, October 23, 2014, Troy, NY - More Information:http://bit.ly/WYUIrR
OTHER PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NEW YORK STATE ASCD
Leading the New Literacies: Common Core for the Contemporary Learner, October 14 and 20, 2014,
Capital Region BOCES - More Information and to Register: http://bit.ly/1otIwo4
2nd Annual Symposium Turning High-Poverty Schools into High-Performing Schools, November 4, 2014, Union
College More Information: http://bit.ly/1kKTElV
Digital Leadership, December 1, 2014, Capital Region BOCES - More info and registration: http://bit.ly/1lDB7Tj
NEW YORK STATE PTA
118TH Annual Convention, November 14-16, 2014, Saratoga Springs, NY - More Information: http://bit.ly/1qRarl7
NEW YORK STATE MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
2014 Annual Conference, October 9-10, Verona, NY - More Information: http://bit.ly/1oCmPa0
COLLEGE BOARD
12TH Annual Institute for New AP Teachers, October 2-3, 2014, Norwood, MA - More Information: http://bit.ly/UVOZ4c
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Register for all GCRTC
courses on
MyLearningPlan.
Visit
http://bit.ly/14SWmJ9
for the most up-to-date
listing of courses.
Questions about
courses or registration?
Contact:
Amy Carinci
Program Support Specialist
[email protected]
Meet the Director!
GCRTC is pleased to announce the appointment of
Valerie Lovelace, MS Ed. as the new Executive Director
of the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center for
Effective Teaching. Valerie is a NYS permanently
certified Pre-K-6 teacher who has been actively involved
in designing and facilitating professional learning
experiences for educators for nearly two decades. She
been affiliated with GCRTC for more than 15 years, first as a teacher presenter
and later as a full-time program specialist. Valerie graduated from GCRTC
constituent district, Schoharie CSD. She obtained both her undergraduate
degree in Elementary Education and her Graduate Degree in Teacher
Education at the College of Saint Rose. In addition, she has worked at Questar
III BOCES and in higher education at Schenectady County Community College.
Valerie is also a leader in the New York State Teacher Center (NYSTC) Network,
serving as co-chair of the NYSTC Program and Practices Committee.
REGISTRATION
Participants should register online at
GCRTC’s M yLearningPlan page:
http://bit.ly/14SWmJ9. Registration is on
a first come, first served basis for GCRTC
constituents. If space is available after all
GCRTC constituents are served, other
educators are welcome to attend. Be sure
to browse through the listings and also the
“Programs” page of our website
www.gcrtc.org for many additional cosponsored opportunities. As a professional
courtesy, if you are unable to attend an
event for which you have registered,
please “drop” the course in MyLearningPlan as soon as possible. This will allow
another educator on the waitlist to participate.
PARTICIPATION DOCUMENTATION
Many school districts require that prior
approval for salary credit be obtained as
per the local collective bargaining agreement. Please verify requirements with
your own school system or local teacher
union. Graduate credit is awarded by
GCRTC’s higher education partners. For
in-service activities, a GCRTC Certificate
of Participation will be issued via MLP,
which documents completion of all requirements and attendance at each session.
WEATHER / EMERGENCIES
If the school or institution hosting a
GCRTC activity closes due to inclement
weather or emergency, the activity will be
rescheduled. Please check online school
closings for the most current delay and
cancelation information.
DO YOU TEACH IN A GREATER CAPITAL REGION TEACHER CENTER CONSTITUENT DISTRICT?
Districts and BOCES in black in the service area map above are members. If your district or BOCES is not listed,
please contact Valerie Lovelace at [email protected]. Membership is free of charge and is open to
any public or non-public school district located in the GCRTC service area.
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