Core Connection Course Catalog
We Shall Overcome: Integrating Music, Art and Social Justice in the Classroom
This course explores the powerful role of music and visual art in movements for social change. Through collaborative dialogue and hands-on planning, participants will explore how integrating music and visual art can deepen student understanding of historical and contemporary justice movements. Designed for music and art educators, this course invites thoughtful conversation, critical thinking, and meaningful collaboration…
Skidmore Jazz Institute Teacher Summit
On Thursday, July 9th, The Skidmore Jazz Institute will present a day-long program of master classes with the Institute's faculty including Todd Coolman, Dennis Mackrel, Bill Cunliffe, Russell Haight, James Burton III, Tatum Greenblatt, Brian Carucci, and Drew Lammly. Topics will include rhythm section, brass section, and saxophone section fundamentals. Participants will attend the Institute classes as well as the concluding concert featuring the Skidmore Jazz Faculty All-Stars…
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)…
Fostering Creativity in the Science Classroom
While educators universally agree on the importance of creativity, research shows a troubling trend: 98% of kindergarteners demonstrate high creative capacity, but that number plummets to just 12% by age 15. This asynchronous professional learning course provides science teachers with a practical, evidence-based framework to reverse this trend and systematically develop students' creative capabilities alongside content mastery…
NYSSLS Chemistry Storyline Collaborative: Summer Planning Session
Are you looking to transition your chemistry instruction away from traditional topic-by-topic coverage and toward genuine student sensemaking? Join other dedicated educators in developing NYSSLS-aligned storyline curricula for New York State high school chemistry classrooms. Participants will develop robust chemistry storyline components independently, sharing progress and insights with the group for feedback…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…