Core Connection Course Catalog
AI Tools to Boost Student Engagement and Sensemaking in the Science Classroom
In this asynchronous course, science teachers will explore AI-driven tools that elevate student engagement, strengthen sensemaking, and support the creation of phenomenon-driven learning experiences…
Book Study: Motivating the Unmotivated by Rob Plevin (with excerpts from Motivational Interviewing in Schools)
Join us for a dynamic course that pairs a book study entitled Motivating the Unmotivated by Rob Plevin with PDF excerpts from Motivational Interviewing in Schools by Keith C. Herman, Wendy M. Reinke and Andy J. Frey in order to explore strategies that empower teachers to reach and have lasting impact with even the most challenging, disengaged students…
Phonics From A to Z (4th Edition) Book Study
In this 15-hour asynchronous course, participants will explore Wiley Blevins' book Phonics from A to Z (4th Edition). This edition has been updated to include the latest in phonics and the science of reading. The book also explores topics including handwriting, phonemic awareness, sound walls, decodable texts, strategies for differentiation, and more…
We Belong Book Study Follow up
Through structured reflection, discussion, and goal-setting, participants will analyze their experiences, refine their approaches, and create a plan for sustaining and enhancing a culture of belonging in their classrooms and schools. *This course is designed for educators who have previously explored and implemented the strategies in WE BELONG…
Making Thinking Visible: Transforming Content-Area Instruction with Thinking Routines (Grades 7-12)
This asynchronous professional learning course guides middle and high school content-area teachers through research-based approaches to teaching thinking, and practical implementation of thinking routines based on Ron Ritchhart and Mark Church's influential work, The Power of Making Thinking Visible…
BOOK STUDY: Distracted: Why Students Can't Focus and What You Can Do About It
In today's classrooms, student attention is more fragmented than ever, and traditional teaching strategies often struggle to compete with digital distractions. How do we regain students' attention and foster effective communities in the new cell phone free classroom? In this engaging book study, we will explore Distracted by James M. Lang, a practical guide for understanding why students struggle to focus and what educators can do to reclaim their attention…
Scaffolding for Success
This course is appropriate for those new to working with multilingual learners and for teachers looking to refine their approach. Teachers will gain actionable tools to help every student succeed..
History is Herstory Too: Part Three
In History is Herstory Too: Part Three, educators will deepen their understanding of the pivotal role women have played throughout history, with a focus on women in our lives and communities. Building on the foundation laid in Parts One and Two, this course explores the intersectionality of gender, race, class, and culture in shaping historical events and societal change…
Math 6-8 Support Network: Numeracy Briefs Series
NYSED has launched a Numeracy Initiative, which will continue through the 2025-26 school year. This Initiative will provide information and resources to support high-quality, culturally responsive mathematics instruction designed to help students to advance their numeracy skills and achieve the expectations of the mathematics learning standards. This session is Brief 5: Mathematics Assessment of and for Student Learning…
Cultivating Mathematical Hearts: Culturally Responsive Mathematics Teaching in Elementary Classrooms Book Study
Cultivating Mathematical Hearts positions mathematics as a humanizing, joyful, and culturally grounded learning experience. The book introduces a framework and the Culturally Responsive Mathematics Teaching Tool (CRMT²) designed to help teachers create inclusive, student-centered math classrooms. Through this model, educators learn how to honor students' cultural backgrounds, elevate diverse mathematical ideas, ensure equitable access to rigorous learning, and foster agency, engagement, and curiosity…
Empowering Educators: Integrating AI Tools in the Classroom
In this course, we will explore ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Notebook LM, MagicSchool, and many other AI tools that can enhance your classroom learning experiences. Join us on this exciting journey towards reshaping the future of education through the thoughtful and purposeful integration of AI in the classroom…
Level Up Your Teaching with NotebookLM
Discover how to harness NotebookLM, an AI-powered tool, to enhance teaching, learning, and professional productivity. In this fully asynchronous 5-week course, educators will explore the tool, apply it to real instructional or professional tasks, and reflect on its impact…
A Deeper Dive: Using MagicSchool, Canva, and ChatGPT to Create Engaging Lessons You Can Use Tomorrow
Ready to take your instructional design skills to the next level? In this deeper-dive professional learning course, you'll choose one platform - MagicSchool, Canva, or ChatGPT (or other Chatbots)- and work with it throughout the entire experience…
Book Study: 100% Engagement by Brian Sztbanik and Susan Barber
This asynchronous book study of 100% Engagement offers practical lessons and strategies for English teachers to use in their classroom. It will help increase student engagement, motivation and success…
Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom Grades 6-12 Book Study
Join us for a study of Mathematics Tasks for the Thinking Classroom Grades6-12 by Peter Liljedahl and Kyle Webb. This text serves as a practical companion to the foundational Building Thinking Classrooms framework, specifically focusing on task selection and implementation to transform mathematics instruction. Teachers will find concrete guidance on how to choose appropriate tasks for their specific standards and learning goals, along with detailed implementation strategies that include task setup, facilitation techniques, and assessment approaches…
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…
65th Annual Hudson-Mohawk Valley Area Mathematics Conference (HMVAMC)
For more than six decades, the Hudson-Mohawk Valley Area Mathematics Conference has stood as the region's premier gathering for mathematics educators bringing together inspired teachers, thoughtful leaders, and passionate advocates for student success. This year’s conference will be held on Saturday, March 7th, 2026, at Bethlehem CSD. Grade K-8 teachers are especially encouraged to attend, as all three sessions will feature nationally renowned educator and curriculum developer Greg Tang…
Supporting Students with Discourse in the Science Classroom
This fully asynchronous course will help strengthen student discourse in the science classroom using approaches aligned with the NYSSLS three dimensions. Through practical examples, strategies, and planning tools, teachers will explore what meaningful scientific discussion looks like, how to scaffold it for diverse learners, and how to design lessons that move students from passive recipients of information to active sense-makers and communicators…
MagicStudent in Action: AI for Engaging Classrooms
This course provides educators with practical strategies to integrate MagicStudent into their classrooms, giving students meaningful opportunities to use AI to enhance learning. Participants will actively try out the tool in their own classrooms, reflect on its impact, and develop actionable takeaways they can apply immediately…
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…