Core Connection Course Catalog
Course Learning Levels
Our courses are designed with a specific level of learning and application in mind. Review the descriptions below to find the experience that best aligns with your goals.
Awareness / Foundational Knowledge Building / Collegial Support
Focuses on understanding concepts, researching frameworks, reading/exploring content, introducing new topics/ideas, providing collegial support.
Planning for Continuous Improvement
Focuses on designing, creating plans/units/curricula, building frameworks, or mapping out strategies prior to implementation.
Implementation / Reflection / Revision
Focuses on active classroom trial, execution of new strategies, real-time feedback, evaluating impact on students, and taking action based on data collected during and after initial implementation.
Quiet Wisdom: Continuing our Exploration of Contemplative Practices in Teaching
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.
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).
Best Books of 2026: Spark Joy, Inspire Readers (ACARC)
ACARC invites you to join them for an afternoon of book talks, where three dedicated literacy experts will unveil their premier Children's and Young Adult selections. This curated session is designed to help educators across all grade levels find high-quality titles that reflect student experiences and spark genuine curiosity. Whether you are looking to refresh your library or inspire a reluctant reader, this joyful celebration will provide the tools and titles you need to foster a lifelong love of reading.
NBCT MOC and Initial Candidate Support Group 26 - 27
This virtual support group is a hybrid for both initial Candidates and Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Candidates. This program will consist of 6 x 2.5 hour meetings through Zoom. Candidates will be working with a Candidate Support Provider. Our online format includes resources for candidates as well as 1:1 meetings.
Portrait of a Graduate Series: Bringing the Vision to Life in Your Classroom
New York State's Portrait of a Graduate initiative asks a compelling question: What should every student carry with them into their future, and how might educators support their journeys?
This asynchronous, 15 CTLE hour course invites K-12 educators to build a solid understanding of the Portrait of a Graduate components, then translate that vision into classroom practice. Teachers will engage with community-based resources, such as the Hyde Collection, the New York State Museum, or miSci Museum of Innovation and Science, as a means of readying students to think critically, connect globally, communicate effectively, and engage meaningfully in their communities.
Next STEPS in Literacy Instruction: Connecting Assessments to Effective Interventions (Second Edition)
In this book study, participants will explore practical, evidence-based strategies for translating universal screening and diagnostic assessment results into effective Tier 1 instruction and targeted Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions. Through reading, collaborative discussions, and reflective activities, educators will deepen their understanding of how to align assessment data with instructional practices that address students' specific literacy needs. Participants will leave with practical tools and actionable strategies to improve literacy outcomes across diverse classroom settings.
Teaching Outside the Box: Sparking Curiosity and Sense-Making in Elementary Classrooms
Bring science to life by turning everyday phenomena and student curiosity into engaging, standards-based learning experiences for grades K–5. Discover practical strategies to deepen student sense-making, integrate literacy and math, and transform existing science curricula into opportunities for meaningful discovery.
Special Educator Support: Achieving the Limited Subject Extension Certification for Biology
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 Biology instruction. The course fulfills one requirement for obtaining the Limited Subject Extension (LSE) in Biology for Special Educators certified to teach at the secondary level. Special Class Teachers, Special Education Co-Teachers, Secondary Resource Room teachers, and any teachers preparing for the Content Specialty Test (CST) in Biology are welcome to this study.
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.
Special Educator Support: Achieving the Limited Subject Extension Certification in Math
Designed for New York State secondary-level Special Educators pursuing the Limited Subject Extension (LSE) in Math, this asynchronous, 45-hour course provides targeted content support and instruction to strengthen mathematical knowledge and prepare for the Math Content Specialty Test (CST). Participants complete 15 modules over eight weeks, receiving personalized feedback from a NYS-certified math teacher while collaborating with regional educators and developing the skills and resources needed to advance their certification goals.
Portrait in Practice: Building Critical Thinkers and Reflective, Future-Focused Learners
Explore how Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) can help teachers across disciplines integrate New York State’s Portrait of a Graduate competencies into everyday instruction. Through collaborative online sessions and an example featuring The Hyde Collection, participants will learn practical strategies to foster critical thinking, effective communication, and reflective, future-focused learning.
Using Literature to Build Literacy and Social-Emotional Learning (ACARC)
Explore how ELA teachers and school counselors can collaborate to use literature to strengthen literacy skills while supporting students’ social-emotional growth. Led by Carla Young, this session offers practical, ready-to-use strategies and text recommendations that connect ELA standards, school counseling competencies, and students’ real-life experiences.
Orff Winter "Test Kitchen"
Think of this as a musical potluck: no prep required, no fancy plating, just good ingredients and lots of tasting along the way. We're gathering to try out some of our favorite recipes from the Orff-Keetman volumes of "Music For Children" and other publications. We will experiment together and make music in a low-pressure, collaborative space.
Movement & Sound Meditation Circles: 2026-27 Series
In this year-long course, participants are invited to join a vibrant community of educators in a weekly synchronous virtual Circle. 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 regulated, sustainable, and impactful for the students we work with everyday.
Beyond the Classroom: Educator Advocacy Through Community Partnership
Educators see need every day - the student without a winter coat, the family choosing between groceries and utilities, the child who needs counseling but has no access to it. Recognizing need is only the first step; this course equips educators with the skills, frameworks, and practical tools to act on it.
Continuing Our Search for Texts that Change Readers: A Year-Long Study Group of New and Noteworthy Fiction (ACARC)
There is nothing more rewarding than to see a student become an avid reader! This year-long program, offering by ACARC at Cairo-Durham CSD, will explore new and noteworthy fiction that can be shared with students.
Personal Finance Instructional Planning
Join our year-long, asynchronous professional sharing community. Available in 3 grade band levels. Hear and discuss news from NYSED on standards and compliance. Be part of sharing resources, lessons, activities, and opportunities. Add to the existing resource-hub, and work with Broadview Federal Credit Union's Financial Wellness education team to learn about implementing prepared activities, receive assistance from their staff, and create or work toward implementation plans for personal Finance.
High School Mathematics PLC
Join this popular, monthly, asynchronous sharing community and stay connected with colleagues across the region. Don't work in isolation! Be part of a regional math department. Each month throughout the school year, we'll share lessons, discuss asynchronously, and meet for a short Zoom meeting.
Continuing Our Search for Texts that Change Readers: A Year-Long Study Group of New and Noteworthy Fiction (ACARC)
There is nothing more rewarding than to see a student become an avid reader! This year-long program, offering by ACARC at Forest Park Elementary in S.Colonie CSD, will explore new and noteworthy fiction that can be shared with students.
DASA Certification Training
This NYSED-approved DASA training includes 3 hours of self-paced, online instruction and a 3 hour live virtual meeting with an instructor.