Upcoming Professional Learning Events

  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Science Investigation (Biology). Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: For the Birds -Designing Solutions

    Register here

    This one-day session focuses on Science Investigation (Biology). Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: For the Birds -Designing Solutions.

    This Investigation for the Regents Examinations in Life Science: Biology is a hands-on laboratory experience that prepares students for the new Regents Examinations to be administered in June 2025. (This is 3 of 3 Science Investigations: Biology).

    Participants in this one-day session will: experience this Investigation both as a teacher and student; simulate the collision between a bird in flight with a glass window; collaborate to design, evaluate, and refine a window screen that could be used to reduce the force of this impact and bird mortality; construct a data table(s) that will be used to organize the data collected evaluate the results of this simulation and determine the effectiveness of the solution; refine the solution to further optimize its effectiveness; deepen their understanding of NYSED's expectations for the new Regents' exam in Life Science: Biology.

     

     

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Advancing Reading Engagement & Comprehension in Middle & High School Classrooms (Aligned to NYS Literacy Briefs)

    Register here

    While students are often expected to comprehend texts in their middle and high school classes, even students who can name every word may not be reading actively or making sense of the texts they're given.

    How do we support students' engagement with text and reading comprehension across content areas in secondary classrooms, in alignment with the Science of Reading?

    This session will share and engage participants in strategies that help students think more deeply both about how and what they read, from think-alouds and metacognitive reflection to visible thinking routines and protocols for activating reading strategies.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • via Zoom

    Meet-Up: Fostering Engagement & Independence with Making Thinking Visible (MTV)

    Register Here

    Making Thinking Visible (MTV) catalyzes High Impact Practices recommended across content areas, per the NYS Literacy Briefs and Advanced Literacy instruction. Visible thinking routines can support engagement and learning, helping illuminate the content and process of thinking, while supporting entry points for all students. Come learn about the why, what, and how of MTV to determine what you can bring back to your school tomorrow - and beyond.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • via Zoom

    Critical Media Literacy in the Age of AI (via Zoom)

    Register here

    Students today are faced with unprecedented challenges in determining fact from fake, as they are bombarded with misinformation and disinformation through conventional and social media. As artificial intelligence becomes more advanced and prevalent, these challenges grow more difficult and complex. In this session, educators will explore trusted, content-rich resources, including Britannica School's curated resource packs and lesson plans that support student research, media literacy fundamentals, misinformation and disinformation concepts, and action plans to determine fact from fake. 

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Advancing Inclusive School Communities

    Register here.

    The Advancing Inclusive School Communities learning series is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to create environments where all students feel valued, respected, and supported. Throughout the series, participants will explore strategies for integrating diverse perspectives to create welcome and affirming environments, implement culturally responsive teaching methods, and develop an Equity Lens approach to teaching and leadership.

    Session 1: Framing DEI in Prek-12 Setting- Getting to the WHY?
    Session 2: Unpacking Identity and Its Impact on Interpersonal Relationships
    Session 3: Introduction to Restorative Practices: A Tool to Build Community
    Session 4: Utilizing NYSED Tools to Create Welcoming and Affirming Environments

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    SLS Collection Development Collegial Circle

    Register here.

    Join us for five sessions focused on a different area of diverse collection development. Each session will be two hours in length. The first part of the session will be educational in nature with participants learning about new books that have been published, how to find high-quality engaging literature, and identifying ways to continue to identify diverse books. Time will also be spent developing cultural competence with a critical eye towards eliminating problematic titles from current collections. The second part of the workshop will give participants time to create booklists, develop promotional plans, and work on their collection development with colleagues.

    Areas of focus:

    Session 1 - Native American
    Session 2 - Black/African American
    Session 3 - AAPI
    Session 4 - LGBTQ
    Session 5 - Hispanic/Latino

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Initial Certification Training

    Register here

    Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® provides your staff with the skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations that may involve more challenging behaviors. NCI™ training is designed to help you achieve compliance with current legislative initiatives and best practices.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Initial Certification Training

    Register here

    Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® provides your staff with the skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations that may involve more challenging behaviors. NCI™ training is designed to help you achieve compliance with current legislative initiatives and best practices.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Initial Certification Training

    Register here

    Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® provides your staff with the skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations that may involve more challenging behaviors. NCI™ training is designed to help you achieve compliance with current legislative initiatives and best practices.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Initial Certification Training

    Register here

    Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® provides your staff with the skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations that may involve more challenging behaviors. NCI™ training is designed to help you achieve compliance with current legislative initiatives and best practices.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Tech Tips & Tricks for PE & Health Educators PE/HE CONSORTIUM

    Register here

    If you're looking for some tech hacks to make your work life easier, this is the session for you! Whether it's quick differentiation strategies, ideas to boost student engagement, or simple troubleshooting tips, attendees will walk away with several actionable ideas they can bring back to their respective districts. This session will be dotted with some live demonstrations and activities, and plenty of time for Q&A and participation throughout.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    AI in Health & Physical Education PE/HE CONSORTIUM

    Register here

    OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft are leading a fast-growing pack of new generative artificial intelligence services capable of human-like conversation, and creating new text, images, videos, code snippets, and more from text-based input or prompts.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Beyond the Bookshelf: Diversifying Your Library for Inclusive Learning

    Register here

    This engaging presentation aims to equip educators with effective strategies for diversifying their libraries to foster inclusive learning environments. Participants will explore the importance of representation in literature and its impact on students' identities and worldviews.

    The session will cover the 5 C's of Weeding- Condition, Copyright, Content, Currency, and Circulation- providing educators with practical tools to evaluate and curate their collections thoughtfully. Attendees will engage in discussions about their beliefs regarding bias in classroom libraries and learn how to build and sustain inclusive libraries that reflect diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives.

    Participants will also discover methods for organizing their libraries effectively and learn tips for sustaining and inspiring reading environment. By the end of the presentation, educators will be equipped with actionable insights to empower their students through literature that affirms their experiences and broadens their understanding of the world. Join us in transforming your classroom library into vibrant space for all learners! 

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • via Zoom

    504 Chairperson Training

    Register here

    This professional learning is focused on the facilitation of 504 meetings and the implementation of 504 plans for those who serve as Chairpersons for 504 Committee Meetings.

    Professional learning will include the following areas:

    1. Legal Foundations and Compliance Overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
    2. Roles and Responsibilities
    3. 504 Plan Development
    4. Meeting Facilitation and Parent Engagement
    5. Monitoring and Review
    6. Intersection with Other School Supports
    7. Cultural Competence and Equity 8. Resource Review

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • via Zoom

    Southern Westchester BOCES: Union Catalog and ILL Workshop (VIRTUAL)

    Register here

    Are you making the most of your library's access to the Union Catalog and Interlibrary Loan (ILL) system? Join us for this engaging, interactive workshop where you'll discover how to navigate the Union Catalog, set up user permissions, and streamline your library's resource-sharing capabilities! Whether you're new to the system or looking for best practices to improve efficiency, this workshop will provide practical skills and insider tips to help you optimize your library's resource-sharing potential. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance access, expand collections, and better serve your patrons

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    PK-12 Literacy Study Group: Bringing NYSED's Literacy Initiative and SOR into Practice

    Register here

    In response to NYSED'S Literacy Initiative, the Science of Reading and meeting students' academic needs, this study group will provide a recurring opportunity to convene with colleagues to collaborate around leading for literacy and the systemic and classroom-based practices that will support all students' literacy development. As schools and districts pursue similar aims and navigate similar obstacles, space for reflecting on and sharing practices and navigating challenges can serve as a forum for mutual support. During the sessions, time for grade level focus work groups (Elementary and Secondary) will be built in.

    We welcome teams of teachers, administrators, instructional coaches, reading specialists, department chairs, and all for whom literacy instruction is integral, to join us as leaders of literacy.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    PE/HE Consortium: Peer Leaders in Health Education

    Register here.

    This workshop will provide an outline for incorporating student leadership in the health education curriculum at the high school level.

    The presenter, Doug Carpenter, has taught high school health education in Hudson Valley for 17 years. He is currently the health education teacher and peer leadership coordinator at Byram Hills High School.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Librarians Unite: Establishing Our Community Forum (MEET-UP)

    Register here

    Join us for an engaging and collaborative session designed to bring school librarians together to establish a vibrant community forum! This meetup aims to create a supportive network for librarians to share ideas, resources, and best practices. During this session, participants will discuss the vision and goals for the community form, exploring topics that matter most to our libraries and the students we serve. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their experiences, voice their needs, and contribute to the development of a forum that fosters collaboration and innovation in library services. Through interactive discussions and brainstorming activities, we will outline the structure and focus areas of our forum, ensuring it becomes a valuable space for professional growth , problem solving, and advocacy. Together, we will empower each other to enhance our library programs and create inclusive, engaging learning environments for all students. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow librarians, build lasting relationships, and lay the groundwork for a thriving community forum that supports our collective mission. Let's unite and make a difference in our schools-together! 

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • via Zoom

    Youth Mental Health First Aid for RECOVS Mental Health Grant Consortium

    Register here.

    Please note that this training is free for personnel from districts who are part of SWBOCES's RECOVS Mental Health Grant Consortium. If you have questions about whether you are eligible to attend for free, please contact Adam Weinstock (aweinstock@swboces.org).

    Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to adolescents (ages 12-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care. Participants are taught an action plan that they can apply to non-crisis and crisis situations.

    The course includes 2 hours of self-paced (asynchronous) remote learning, which will be emailed to participants to complete in advance of the scheduled session, which consists of 4.5 hours of synchronous real-time learning via Zoom, plus a 30-minute break.

    By the end of the course, participants will be able to:• Describe the purpose of Youth Mental Health First Aid and the role of the Youth Mental Health First Aider.• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may impact youth.• Explain the impact of traumatic experiences and the role of resilience on adolescent development.• Apply the appropriate steps of the YMHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to non-crisis situations.• Apply the appropriate steps of the YMHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to crisis situations.• Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of Youth Mental Health First Aid in a crisis or non-crisis situation.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Restorative Practices Educator Training for RECOVS Mental Health Grant Consortium

    Register here

    Please note that this training is limited to personnel from districts who are part of SWBOCES's RECOVS Mental Health Grant Consortium. If you have questions about whether you are eligible to attend, please contact Adam Weinstock (aweinstock@swboces.org). Lori DeCarlo of Restorative Edge Consulting will lead this interactive series to provide training to educators in the use of restorative practices designed to support social-emotional learning and mental health.

    The training will focus on:

    • Restorative practices as a trauma-informed approach for creating a culture of belonging, safety, and inclusion

    • Responsive restorative practices, including Affective Communication/Non-Violent Communication, Tier 2 Whole Group Responsive Circles, and Tier 2 Restorative Circles to respond to specific incidents of harm.

    • Restorative Discipline: how to embed restorative practices into discipline, including:
    ---Creating a restorative classroom as an alternative to out of school suspension,
    ---Exploring how to use a restorative intervention known as the 5 Step Plan,
    ---Learning how to facilitate a Tier 3 Restorative Conferences for serious disciplinary incidents,
    ---Learning how to facilitate a Welcome Back & Re-Entry Circle for students returning from an out of school suspension.

    A highly engaging Restorative Pedagogy will be utilized for the delivery of in-person instruction.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
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Ways to Learn with Us

 group of teachers in a learning session

Whether you learn with us on-site at the Center, in your district, or virtually, our programs are led by the Center’s core team and an extended team of educators from the region, consultants, professors from higher education, and industry partners.We invite you to explore the many ways we can partner with you, your school, and/or your districts on your learning journey. 

Learning Journey Snapshots

Teaching in Remote/Hybrid Learning Environments (TRLE) Grant

TRLE Grant Graphic

The Rethink K-12 Education Models Grant was developed to support educators in creating innovative practices to respond to and address the challenges created by the COVID-19 crisis.  New York State was one of 11 states awarded funds under this grant competition.  Southern Westchester BOCES, in partnership with LHRIC, Rockland BOCES, and Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES applied for funding through the Rethink K-12 Education Models Grant with the plan to provide educators professional learning opportunities to support in implementing high-quality and effective practices in remote/hybrid teaching and learning in order to lead to success for all students.

Learn more about the TRLE Grant.

 

PLCS NEWS

  • PLCS Insights: Q&A with SLS Supervisor Catherine Graybosch

    PLCS Insights: Q&A with SLS Supervisor Catherine Graybosch

    "School librarians are the heart and soul of their schools.  They are the people who teachers and students flock to for important information, great books, research projects and more.  As today’s education landscape changes, school librarians are having to adjust in order to remain a vital part of the school community."

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
  • Catherine Graybosch Appointed Supervisor of the School Library System at Southern Westchester BOCES

    Catherine Graybosch Appointed Supervisor of the School Library System at Southern Westchester BOCES

    The Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support (PLCS) at Southern Westchester BOCES is excited to announce the appointment of Catherine Graybosch as the new Supervisor of the School Library System. Catherine brings a wealth of experience as an educator and leader, having served as a Library Media Specialist and Department Head of Media and Information Technology at Great Neck Public Schools. Most recently, she held roles as a Staff Developer, District Curriculum Integration Leader, and Assistant Principal at Katonah-Lewisboro School District. Her commitment to fostering inquiry-based learning, integrating technology, and supporting educator development makes her a valuable addition to our team.

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
  • Transformative Leadership: Deepening Equity and Inclusion Through Hofstra’s Inclusive Leadership Program

    Transformative Leadership: Deepening Equity and Inclusion Through Hofstra’s Inclusive Leadership Program

    Supervisor of Community, Culture, and Wellness, and SWBOCES DEI Coordinator Sadika Clarke reflects on how attending Hofstra University’s Certificate in Inclusive Leadership Program has deepened her approach to fostering equity, inclusion, and belonging. This transformative experience, aligned with the New York State Board of Regents' vision for educational institutions, provided hands-on work, case studies, and collaboration with a diverse cohort of leaders. Equipped with practical strategies and a sharpened equity lens, she is now focused on creating lasting systems that embrace diversity and inclusion, driving sustainable impact in schools and beyond.

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
  • PLCS Welcomes Michael Setaro as Supervisor of Teaching, Learning and Student Support

    PLCS Welcomes Michael Setaro

    The Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support (PLCS) at Southern Westchester BOCES is excited to announce the appointment of Michael Setaro as Supervisor of Teaching, Learning, and Student Support. With over 20 years of experience in education, including expertise in special education, social studies, and intensive reading, Mike is dedicated to enhancing the connection between educator development and student success. In his new role, he will focus on leading the Center’s approach to NYSED’s Initial/Recert program for Lead Evaluators, leveraging Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), utilizing data to improve teaching and learning, and co-leading the RECOVS grant to promote wellness and mental health in schools. Mike expressed his honor in serving the region and looks forward to collaborating with educators and community partners to ensure equitable, high-quality education for all students. He holds New York State School Building Leader and School District Leader certifications and is pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Instructional Leadership.

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
  • An Equity Lens: Sadika Clarke puts spotlight on factors that impact learning

    An Equity Lens: Sadika Clarke puts spotlight on factors that impact learning

    Southern Westchester BOCES (SWBOCES) educators at Irvington High School participated in a workshop focused on viewing education through an equity lens, led by Sadika Clarke, Supervisor of Community, Culture, and Wellness at the Center for Professional Learning & Curriculum Support. The session, titled An Equity Lens, encouraged two dozen educators to engage in courageous conversations about educational disparities, opportunity gaps, and systemic racism. Clarke highlighted the importance of addressing factors such as racial discrimination and trauma, emphasizing the role of educators in promoting equitable outcomes. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of personal biases, foster understanding of the Culturally Responsive Sustaining Education (CR-SE) framework, and equip educators with strategies to create more inclusive classrooms.

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
  • Empowering Change: Be the Thermostat, not the Thermometer - Lessons from the 5th Annual PLCS DEI Summer Institute

    Empowering Change: Be the Thermostat, not the Thermometer

    In July, the Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support (PLCS) hosted its 5th Annual Summer Institute for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This impactful event featured keynote speakers like Dr. Alexandria Connally, who addressed implicit bias, Keisha Bell, who discussed allyship in education, and Dr. Raymond Sanchez, who emphasized personal responsibility in advancing DEI. Attendees engaged in over 15 presentations covering various aspects of diversity, and for the first time, the event was recorded for future educational use. The final day included a screening of the award-winning documentary "The Right to Read," followed by a panel discussion on literacy education. The success of the Institute highlighted SWBOCES’s commitment to DEI, with key contributions from Sadika Clarke and other leaders. Clarke expressed gratitude for the shared learning experiences, emphasizing the importance of collective action in promoting educational equity.

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
  • Embracing Authentiity, Sadika Clarke

    Embracing Authenticity, Sadika Clarke

    In her new role as Supervisor of Community, Culture, and Wellness, as well as DEI Coordinator for Southern Westchester BOCES, Sadika Clarke expresses a deep sense of purpose and excitement. She is dedicated to creating inclusive environments where everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves, believing that authenticity leads to greater contributions within communities and organizations. Clarke's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is driven by both personal and professional experiences, particularly as a mother of two, inspiring her passion for equity and justice. She  aims to dismantle systemic barriers and foster spaces where people from all backgrounds are valued and heard. Through collaboration with colleagues, students, and community members, Clarke looks forward to making a lasting, positive impact, fostering a culture of belonging with authenticity, compassion, and integrity.

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
  • 50 School Districts and BOCES Receive Grants to Address Learning Loss and Support Mental Health Services

    50 School Districts and BOCES Receive Grants to Address Learning Loss and Support Mental Health Services

    Governor Kathy Hochul has awarded $100 million to 50 school districts and BOCES, including Southern Westchester BOCES, to address learning loss from the pandemic and enhance mental health support for students. This funding, part of the RECOVS grant program, will improve access to evidence-based interventions and provide resources to help school staff and students identify and respond to academic and mental health challenges. The initiative aligns with Governor Hochul's commitment to expanding mental health services in schools, ensuring that both student well-being and academic recovery are prioritized statewide. 

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
  • Igniting Equity

    Igniting Equity, Dr. Hope Weinberg

    In this blog, Dr. Hope Weinberg, Supervisor of Literacy and Learning, reflects on the powerful message of The Right to Read, a film advocating for literacy as a fundamental human right. She emphasizes that without the ability to read fluently, individuals are at a disadvantage, which deeply resonates with her as both an educator and a parent. Weinberg connects literacy and equity, highlighting the need for equitable literacy instruction to ensure all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed academically and socially.

    Dr. Weinberg's commitment to literacy equity is rooted in her lifelong involvement in equity work, advocating for social justice and the disruption of systemic inequities in schools. She stresses that achieving equity in literacy requires ongoing reflection, data analysis, and improvement of strategies. Drawing on Horace Mann's belief that "Reading is the great equalizer," she reaffirms the center’s dedication to this mission through initiatives like the Summer Literacy Symposium and continued collaboration with regional districts. For Weinberg, literacy is a critical tool for advancing equity, and she is passionate about supporting this important work.

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
  • What Would You Say if I Asked You Why?

    What Would You Say if I Asked You Why?

    Dr. Hope Weinberg reflects annually on her professional journey, drawing inspiration from Simon Sinek’s Start with Why. This tradition began ten years ago and focuses on understanding her "WHY" – the deeper purpose behind her work. Initially uncertain of her motivation, she now sees it clearly. Her regular reflection has profoundly shaped her professional development, especially in her role as Supervisor of Literacy and Learning at SWBOCES' Center for Professional Learning. As a leader, she encourages educators to examine their purpose and legacy, emphasizing that legacy-building happens daily through intentional actions in schools. As 2024 begins, Dr. Weinberg urges educators to reflect on their own "WHY," purpose, and impact, using these insights to drive meaningful work and shape their legacy in education.

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
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