Core Connection Course Catalog
Restorying Young Adult Literature: Expanding Students' Perspectives with Digital Texts Book Study
The digital era presents countless opportunities to read, write, and interpret young adult literature through a contemporary lens. Building upon NCTE's 2018 Preparing Teachers with Knowledge of Children's and Young Adult Literature position statement, the authors of this book spotlight how teachers and students can use digital tools and technologies to re-read, re-write, and restory young adult literature today…
Teacher Wellness with SEL Strategies for the Classroom
This professional learning session equips school staff with research-based mindfulness, meditation, and reflective practices to strengthen emotional literacy, enhance well-being, reduce stress, and foster a more positive and effective learning environment…
Outdoor Minds: Connecting Students with Nature Through Innovative Outdoor Education
Reimagine learning beyond the classroom walls as you explore how nature-based inquiry can transform teaching and deepen student engagement. This course equips educators with practical strategies and collaborative support to bring the natural world into everyday instruction…
Engaging Practice with Pixel Art
This course will teach you how to use Google Sheets to create Pixel Art! In these activities, as students enter the correct answers to problems, a mystery image is revealed. Pixel Art can increase student engagement without sacrificing quality learning or wasting time…
Level Up! Gamify your Classroom to Increase Engagement
Turning your classroom activities into games is a fun way to bolster student engagement! These sessions will introduce a variety of classroom games that can increase student engagement without sacrificing quality learning or wasting time. Many of the games can be created by simply adapting an existing worksheet into a new game format…
Empowering Educators Series: Integrating AI Tools
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, Notebook LM, MagicSchool, and many other AI tools that can enhance your classroom learning experiences…
Quiet Wisdom and Movement and Sound Meditation Circles
Join us for this 3-hour, in-person summer session at Wisdom Roots Wellness, a beautiful studio nestled next to the Huyck Preserve in Rensselaerville, NY. We'll guide you through restorative practices like breathwork, movement, and a live sound bath. Experience live, expert-led practice that not only recharges you but also bolsters your confidence to bring these essential calming skills right into your classroom and daily life…
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 - Intro 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…
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…
Designing AI-Resilient Science Lessons
Artificial intelligence is transforming education, creating new opportunities and new challenges for science teachers. Learn how to design NYSSLS-aligned, AI-resilient lessons that keep student reasoning, sensemaking, and scientific thinking at the heart of learning…
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…
Council for Exceptional Children NY Annual Conference - Stronger Together: The Portrait of a Collaborative Special Education Professional
Hosted by the New York State Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Stronger Together: The Portrait of a Collaborative Special Education Professional, brings together special education professionals, leaders, families, and advocates for an engaging and collaborative learning experience. Whether you're here to deepen your knowledge, connect with colleagues, or discover new tools and strategies, we're excited to have you join us…
Scaffolding for Success: Part 1
Build the knowledge and confidence to support English language learners in any classroom. This course introduces the stages of language development, practical scaffolding strategies, and effective instructional approaches that make grade-level content accessible while promoting language growth. Participants will also explore how AI can be used to better understand multilingual learners' needs and create appropriate instructional supports. Through readings, discussions, and hands-on lesson design, teachers will leave with practical tools they can apply immediately to help every student succeed…
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…
From Beginner to Builder: Architecting NYSSLS Curriculum with AI Prompts
Ready to harness the power of AI but not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly asynchronous course introduces K–12 science educators to effective prompt writing using the R.I.C.E. Framework. Learn to create reusable "Master Prompts" that save time while generating phenomenon-driven lessons, NYSSLS-aligned assessments, and differentiated instructional supports…
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…
NYSSLS Chemistry Storyline Collaborative
Reimagine your chemistry curriculum through the power of storylines, phenomena, and student sensemaking. In this 2026-2027 collaborative PLC, you'll develop NYSSLS-aligned instructional materials that engage students while strengthening their scientific reasoning…
Book Study: The Artificial Intelligence Playbook
This book study explores The Artificial Intelligence Playbook, focusing on how AI can serve as a virtual administrative assistant for educators. Participants will learn practical applications of AI tools to reduce administrative workload and create more time for meaningful student interactions…
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…