Core Connection Course Catalog
New York State STEM Education Collaborative Summer Institute 2026
The New York State Stem Education Collaborative STEM Summer Institute represents a unique blend of leadership perspectives and vision, tours of cutting-edge college level STEM occupation programs, expert panel deliberation regarding contemporary STEM education issues, and a choice of over 30 presentations of successful STEM classroom practices…
Back to School with Canva
This 15-hour asynchronous course lets you design back-to-school materials you'll actually want to use. With Canva, you'll create a refreshed syllabus, a "Meet the Teacher” poster, a September newsletter template, a daily agenda, and classroom procedures visuals. Walk into the first day with confidence, style, and materials that make your classroom look as amazing as your teaching…
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…
Book Study: Supporting Student Mental Health: Essentials for Teachers
In this timely study of the book, Supporting Student Mental Health: Essentials for Teachers, by Michael Haas and Amy Ardell, you'll gain foundational knowledge and ready-to-use strategies to support your students' mental health. This course equips all staff, including teaching assistants, with concrete tools you can implement immediately while building your confidence to recognize and respond to student mental health needs in today's classroom…
Climbing the Ladder of Reading & Writing: Meeting the needs of ALL Learners
In this 15-hour asynchronous course, participants will explore Nancy Young's book Climbing the Ladder of Reading & Writing: Meeting the Needs of All Learners. This book is a practical guide for educators focused on strengthening literacy instruction for every student…
Co-Teaching That Works: Structures and Strategies for Maximizing Student Learning
In this 15-hour asynchronous course, participants will explore Anne M. Beninghof's book Co-Teaching That Works: Structures and Strategies for Maximizing Student Learning, Second Edition. Participants will explore co-teaching rollout plans, leadership guidelines, relationship-building strategies, effective co-teaching models, specially designed instruction, and more…
Developing Mathematical Reasoning: The Strategies, Models, and Lessons to Teach the Big Ideas in Grades 3-5 By Pamela Weber Harris Book Study
Author Pam Harris argues that teaching real math - math that is free of distortions - will reach more students more effectively and result in deeper understanding and longer retention. This book is about teaching undistorted math using the kinds of mental reasoning that mathematicians do…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Virtual World Language Support Network and PLC
For the 2026-2027 school year, the Albany/Saratoga Virtual World Language PLC will merge with the North Country PLC, to continue the tradition of collaboration and innovation in the World Language Classroom…
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…
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…