Spring Courses 2010

Dates: Mar 13 — Apr 17
Description: Basic philosophy and principles are integral parts of physical education and general education. Learn about state, local and national regulations and policies related to athletics. Issues to be discussed include: legal considerations, function and organization of leagues and athletic associations in New York State, public relations and general safety procedures.
Instructor: Lisa Kriger

Dates: Apr 18 — May 23
Description: The course will begin with an introductory phase in which the basic concepts common to all sports will be discussed. Topics will include a history of interscholastic athletics in New York State. The objectives, rules, regulations and policies of athletics, as well as performance skills, technical information, and organization and management practices will also be among the topics covered. The special training and conditioning of the athletes in specific sports, the fitting of equipment, specific safety precautions and officiating methods will also be examined. An internship that will include practical experience as a coach in the specific sports and/or periods of observing other approved coaches will also be required (per NYS guidelines).
Instructor: Lisa Kriger

Dates: May 22 — Jun 26
Description: This on-line course is designed to study the Health Sciences as they apply to coaching sports. The course is divided into three sections: Part I: Philosophy, physiology and psychology. Part II: Fitness, Conditioning, Sport Specific Training, Nutrition, and Weight Management. Part III: Current and on-going health issues and administrative procedures.
Instructor: Lisa Kriger

Dates: 2010 Mar 6, 7, 13, 14, 20
Description: Basic philosophy and principles are integral parts of physical education and general education. Learn about state, local and national regulations and policies related to athletics. Issues to be discussed include: legal considerations, function and organization of leagues and athletic associations in New York State, public relations and general safety procedures.
Instructor: Robert Szymanski

Dates: 2010 Apr 10, 11, 17, 18, 24
Description: The course will begin with an introductory phase in which the basic concepts common to all sports will be discussed. Topics will include a history of interscholastic athletics in New York State. The objectives, rules, regulations and policies of athletics, as well as performance skills, technical information, and organization and management practices will also be among the topics covered. The special training and conditioning of the athletes in specific sports, the fitting of equipment, specific safety precautions and officiating methods will also be examined. An internship that will include practical experience as a coach in the specific sports and/or periods of observing other approved coaches will also be required (per NYS guidelines).
Instructor: Robert Szymanski

Dates: 2010 May 15, 16, 22, 23, 29
Description: This on-line course is designed to study the Health Sciences as they apply to coaching sports. The course is divided into three sections: Part I: Philosophy, physiology and psychology. Part II: Fitness, Conditioning, Sport Specific Training, Nutrition, and Weight Management. Part III: Current and on-going health issues and administrative procedures.
Instructor: Scott Wolff

Dates: 2010 Mar 6, 7, 13, 14, 20
Description: Whether you teach elementary, middle, or high school, you can motivate your students to grasp abstract concepts such as tolerance, conflict, environment, power, imagination, identity, and citizenship by exposing them to the works of Dr. Seuss. Explore a dynamic approach that will help you engage students in discussion, immerse them in writing, and foster a climate where they will think at a higher level by connecting the broad themes conveyed in his many masterpieces to history, literature, character education, science, and social issues. It's just what the good doctor ordered. Just ask Horton The Elephant , The Cat In The Hat, or The Lorax if you dare.
Instructor: Andy Bacon

Dates: 2010 Mar 6, 7, 13, 14, 20
Description: Middle school has often been portrayed as an educational dead zone for students and teachers alike. This course is designed to show that it’s not. In fact, middle school can be an exciting and rewarding experience and perhaps the best kept secret of education. This course will focus on the multitude of issues teaching young adolescents including their unique social, academic and emotional needs as well as practical, hands-on strategies that keep middle school students engaged in learning. This course is not only for middle school teachers; elementary and high school teachers will find it helpful in easing the transition for students to and from middle school.
Instructor: Kimberly Costa

Dates: 2010 Mar 21, 27, 28, Apr 3, 4
Description: This course is created to give teachers instructional strategies and techniques for accelerating the Literacy Skills and Content Learning of their ESL students. Topics included will be an overview of Second language acquisition, multicultural aspects of learning, and the latest information regarding mandated services and testing. We will learn strategies for preparing students for the ELA, and compare NYS, ELA and ESL standards. The role of Reading and the AIS instruction for English Language learners will also be examined.
Instructor: Susan Laviola

Dates: 2010 Mar 21, 27, 28, Apr 3, 4
Description: Course participants will be encouraged to incorporate all subject areas into their classrooms while familiarizing students with special days, holidays, yearly events, historical figures, cultural observations, inventions, firsts in history and current events. Resources and ideas researched and introduced in the course will directly help the participant plan and execute effective lessons on various age appropriate topics. Relative for all grades and subject areas.
Instructor: Lynn Nardi

Dates: 2010 Apr 10, 11, 17, 18, 24
Description: Teachers will be shown how teaching all students Creative Thinking techniques such as Synectics, Forced Fitting, Braining Storming, etc. will increase students” scores on State Assessments and help students to develop their abilities in all curriculum areas. Each session will introduce a Thinking Skill which participants will use to develop a lesson (or lessons) for use in their classrooms.
Instructor: Marjorie Rubin

Dates: 2010 Apr 10, 11, 17, 18, 24
Description: Learn to connect a dose of humor or comedy to teaching ELA/Literature and Social Studies. Find that perfect clip from television or a movie that will "hook" your students. Sitcoms can serve as a powerful tool for teaching students life lessons, build character, and address social issues. Clips from episodes of "All In The Family", "The Jeffersons", "MASH", "Friends", "Seinfeld", "The Odd Couple", "The Simpsons", "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air", "Everybody Loves Raymond", and "I Love Lucy" will be used to develop strategies to teach concepts that can connect the social studies and ELA curriculums at all grade levels. Topics discussed will include citizenship, politics, race, gender, discrimination, war, bullying, power, conflict, and communication. The strategies will allow teachers to encourage class discussion, encourage students how to compare and contrast, and incorporate meaningful writing activities.
Instructor: Andy Bacon

Dates: 2010 Apr 25, May 1, 2, 8, 9
Description: This course will provide practical strategies for using writing as a teaching and learning tool in all subject areas. Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) is a well respected educational theory yet, it can be daunting to implement for someone who feels they are not trained in writing: however, WAC is about using writing to teach rather than teaching writing. This course will provide writing activities for all teachers to integrate in any classroom to better understand their students academically and for students to demonstrate learning. Some examples include the effective use of journals, in-class quick writes, and research assignments to enrich learning beyond the curriculum. The educational research supporting the importance of WAC will also be discussed. Teachers of all grade and subject areas will find this course useful and effective.
Instructor: Kimberly Costa

Dates: 2010 Apr 25, May 1, 2, 8, 9
Description: A continuation of Spanish for Educators in All Areas. We will be learning more educational related Spanish, introducing basic grammar concepts and, learning more about the Hispanic culture. All are welcome to take this course. You do not need Spanish For Educators in All Areas in order to take this course.
Note: Course is closed.
Instructor: Megan McGourty

Dates: 2010 May 15, 16, 22, 23, 29
Description: This course is designed to help teachers use current events in any classroom. We will look at different news outlets, and decide which source is appropriate for your classroom and how to incorporate it.
Instructor: Kristen Petersen

Dates: 2010 May 15, 16, 22, 23, 29
Description: Using existing teaching techniques teachers will be shown how they can meet the needs of these “special” students without the need for extra planning time or the use of a Para-professional. Teachers will be given practical strategies for individualizing instruction and will use these strategies to create lessons they can use in the classrooms.
Instructor: Marjorie Rubin

Dates: 2010 May 30, Jun 5, 6, 12, 13
Description: If you would like to help your students think outside the box and engage in discussion, then why not use music as a tool. Song lyrics will be distributed and students will have the opportunity to analyze, interpret, and discuss popular songs from the 1920's-today. Scenes from Musicals will be used to help analyze history and social change in America. Topics explored will include character education, citizenship, immigration, conflict and war, politics, foreign policy, civil rights, gender, violence, poverty and tolerance. Link history and literature closer together as music can help bring the two disciplines to life by experiencing the feelings, emotions, and attitudes that can be conveyed by song. You need not be a musician or singer to appreciate this class, just a passion for good music and powerful messages through song.
Instructor: Andy Bacon

Dates: 2010 May 30, Jun 5, 6, 12, 13
Description: Add an auditory, tactile, visual, and kinesthetic component to all lessons. This course will enable you to turn each lesson into a multi sensory experience for your students. Participants will integrate grade appropriate activities within the curriculum to meet student needs and learning styles. Researching, creating and executing various modalities will be introduced and mastered throughout the course. Appropriate for all grade and subject areas.
Instructor: Lynn Nardi

Dates: 2010 Jun 19, 20, 26, 27, Jul 3
Description: Participants will learn about writing systems historically and the implications of writing. Focus will be on Italic calligraphy. Participants will learn how to write the italic alphabet and how to use calligraphy in the classroom. Writing materials will be supplied.
Instructor: Susan Laviola

Dates: 2010 Jun 19, 20, 26, 27, Jul 3
Description: Are you looking for a new and exciting way to present information to your class, and focus on students rather than you? Then this course is for you! This course will help you design and share projects that are student-centered. Each person will create a project and share them with the class to be included in a portfolio of projects that can be adapted for classes of any level.
Instructor: Kristen Petersen

Dates: Mar 6 — Apr 3
Description: An IEP is an Individualized Education Plan for students classified with a disability. There are 13 classifications that result in the development of an IEP and all teachers working with a classified student must possess an understanding of the IEP. At the end of this course teachers will have a clear understanding of classifications, program modifications and testing accommodations found on an IEP in addition to a valuable repertoire of resources. Teachers of all areas and grade levels are urged to take this course.
Instructor: Jamie Brunquell

Dates: Mar 7 — Apr 4
Description: Each September there are more children entering the public school arena that fall some where on the Autism Spectrum. This class will help participants prepare in advance to an autistic child entering the classroom. This will assist teachers in preparing themselves, their classroom assistants and their typical developing peers. This course is applicable to all teachers and disciplines.
Instructor: Marlies O'Connor

Dates: Mar 7 — Apr 4
Description: Teachers are faced with many challenges in the classroom. One of the greatest challenges is engaging students and keeping them interested and motivated. This course will explore ways to tie interests to current curriculum to keep students learning and promote excitement and energy in the classroom. Allowing students more choices while still covering required topics provides a custom made learning plan to meet the needs of everyone in the classroom setting. Appropriate for all grade levels and subject areas.
Instructor: Lynn Nardi

Dates: Mar 13 — Apr 17
Description: George Washington traveled along King’s Highway (Rte 25A) in 1790 in a horse-drawn carriage. He came to thank his Long Island supporters and spy ring for their help in winning the American Revolution. In honor of his presidential journey, the span of Route 25A from Great Neck to Port Jefferson is known as the George Washington’s Heritage Trail. We will travel back in time, to visit the early 1900’s Gold Coast Mansions at the western end of Long Island, to the 17th Century farmhouses at the eastern end. The class will visit many of the sites that Washington saw on his journey two centuries ago. Many of the sites are field trip favorites for schools across Long Island. There will be some site fees.
Instructor: Jon Norberg

Dates: Mar 13 — Apr 17
Description: This course is designed to help teachers integrate a character education program into their existing English Language Arts curriculum. With the growing need for school districts to implement character education requirements, coupled with the time constraints of meeting other curriculum requirements, it is necessary to integrate whenever possible. This course will provide teachers with ways to teach the qualities of character education while still meeting NYS ELA requirements.
Instructor: Laura McCoy

Dates: Mar 14 — Apr 18
Description: Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability related to mathematics that affects approximately 3-6% of our world’s population. Because dyscalculia is uncommon, many people are unaware of the signs and symptoms associated with the disorder. This course will help you understand dyscalculia and its effect on your students. At the end of this course you will have a clear understanding of how to meet the needs of students with dyscalculia. This class is appropriate for teachers of all areas and grade levels.
Instructor: Jamie Brunquell

Dates: Mar 20 — Apr 24
Description: This course will help teachers understand the implementation of moral understanding and development of the child through adolescence. Bullying, gang awareness and behavior will be addressed. We will also explore today's culture and its influence on behavior.
Instructor: Carissa Donarummo

Dates: Mar 21 — Apr 25
Description: Are you looking for a new and exciting way to present information to your class, and focus on students rather than you? Then this course is for you! This course will help you design and share projects that are student-centered. Each person will create a project and share them with the class to be included in a portfolio of projects that can be adapted for classes of any level.
Instructor: Kristen Petersen

Dates: Mar 27 — May 1
Description: When a child has a sensory processing disorder, information from the environment is not processed correctly by the brain. This causes problems processing information correctly as well as behaving appropriately to complete classroom tasks. This class will assist the classroom teacher in keeping these children organized, help to complete classroom tasks more efficiently and control inappropriate behaviors. Upon completion of this class you will leave with ideas that not only help the children with sensory processing disorders; but that benefit all children and help them to attend to and process academic information better than they were before.
Instructor: Marlies O'Connor

Dates: Mar 28 — May 2
Description: Vedic Math (VM) is an ancient system of mathematics that was rediscovered in India about 50 years ago. Even though it is being taught successfully in India and England, it is virtually unknown in this country. This course will introduce VM methods that will allow you to accelerate your ability to do math problems without the use of pencil, paper or calculators to the point of appearing “magical”. VM is not difficult to learn and the reward will last a lifetime.
Instructor: Rick Blum

Dates: Apr 3 — May 8
Description: Early American technology can be glimpsed around Long Island in the mills that survive from colonial times and the earliest days of the nation. Settlers built mills powered by wind, streams or even the rising and falling tides to grind corn and other grains into meal or trim logs into lumber. We will visit many of these historical landmarks of Long Island and the towns they are in.
Instructor: Jon Norberg

Dates: Apr 4 — May 9
Description: Assistive Technology is used to provide greater independence for people with disabilities. The technology can be as simple as the use of a computer to much more complex devices. This course will introduce you to assistive technology and the important place it has in our schools. You will learn about the evaluation process, the products available and how it can support your students. This class is appropriate for teachers of all areas and grade levels.
Instructor: Jamie Brunquell

Dates: Apr 10 — May 15
Description: We will explore the web for exciting new Units in Science and take an in-depth look at the background to better help develop units, and instruct. We will use examples with galaxies, stars and planets and how weather works. Suitable for all grades and areas.
Instructor: Carissa Donarummo

Dates: Apr 10 — May 15
Description: How often do teachers hear "I am finished or what can I do now?" Teachers will explore gifted students and create valuable activities, lessons, projects, etc. to foster their love for learning and make curriculum connections. Innovative ideas will be designed to challenge students in all subject areas and give teachers the resources to let these students encounter appropriate challenges, while still being an integral part of the classroom dynamic. Appropriate for all subjects and grade levels
Instructor: Lynn Nardi

Dates: Apr 10 — May 15
Description: This course is designed to help teachers integrate English Language Arts into their existing science curriculum. With the time constraints of meeting curriculum requirements, it is necessary to integrate wherever possible. Integrating literature and writing into science lessons will allow students to build the necessary background knowledge to understand this content area. This course will allow teachers to develop ways to teach science content while still meeting NYS ELA requirements.
Instructor: Laura McCoy

Dates: Apr 11 — May 16
Description: This class will help teacher's come up with an effective plan to tackle the increasing behaviors that occur in the classroom setting. Participants will create, critique and implement their own Behavior Intervention Plan's and come up with appropriate forms of reinforcement. This course is applicable for all teachers in all disciplines.
Instructor: Marlies O'Connor

Dates: Apr 17 — May 22
Description: Part of a balanced literacy program is guided reading. In this course participants will learn the components of balanced literacy with a focus on small group instruction. Teachers will learn strategies for enhancing reading skills in their students. This course if full of tips, strategies and lesson plans for effective small group instruction. Additionally, participants will gain suggestions on how to manage the remainder of the class. This course is a MUST for teachers who strive to effectively meet the various reading levels represented in their classrooms.
Instructor: Melissa Cullen

Dates: Apr 17 — May 22
Description: This course is designed to help teachers expose their student’s to places they may only dream about. Go to a far off destination from the comfort of your classroom and see everything it has to offer! Plan a field trip and follow-up activities for any subject.
Instructor: Kristen Petersen

Dates: Apr 18 — May 23
Description: Repeated success, teacher encouragement, and the resulting confidence, fuel a child’s ability to stick to a task. Children can practice their daily intellectual tasks through challenging board games without being overwhelmed. Here, teachers will make games and academic question cards for their students’ use. Suitable for all teachers K-12.
Instructor: Jon Norberg

Dates: Apr 24 — May 29
Description: This course will explore the necessary steps that are to be taken in order for a person to develop healthy nutritional habits and awareness. It will also examine the impact of nutrition in an educational setting. Children and adults should understand that what they ingest can have an effect on success and productivity in the classroom. Using data and nutrition analysis strategies, this course will provide educators with an opportunity to analyze their nutritional habits and the resulting effects on their performance during the school day. It will also provide information that can be used to help your students develop better eating habits that will increase their production and focus at school. This course will allow educators to examine the different ways in which they can help promote positive nutrition by incorporating health education into their subject area and become healthy role models for their students.
Instructor: Lisa Ciana

Dates: Apr 25 — May 30
Description: Educating students in elementary school through high school about the importance of environmental science and policy issues is crucial. In this course, people gain an understanding of how their individual actions affect the environment, acquire skills that they can use to weigh various sides of issues, and become better equipped to make informed decisions. Teacher directed skills, lesson plans and the hands on experimentation process will be integrated into this course to span across all subject areas. Teachers pre-k through high school may take this course to get a better understanding of how to make their classroom a "green classroom".
Instructor: Carissa Donarummo

Dates: May 1 — Jun 5
Description: Autism is one word used to describe an entire spectrum of disorders with different degrees of severity. PDD (Pervasive Development Disorder), Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder are showing up more often on classroom IEP’s without any explanation given to the teacher. Participants will come to understand the broad definition of Autism as well as an introduction to the Autistic child in the classroom.
Instructor: Marlies O'Connor

Dates: May 2 — Jun 6
Description: This course is designed to help you implement movies and music into your current curriculum. Music and movies help make learning experiences more memorable and can even change the way you teach a topic. Students will research music and movies that relate to their curriculum, and develop ways to use them on a daily basis.
Instructor: Kristen Petersen

Dates: May 2 — Jun 6
Description: This course is designed to address the prevention of bullying and keeping students in a safe environment conductive to learning. Participants will evaluate bullying, teasing and classroom rules while establishing clear rules of conduct and consequences applicable to their classrooms. The victim as well as the bully will be explored. An understanding of the type of child that bullies and the warning signs for both the bully and the victim are crucial components of prevention. Issues such as stereotyping, tolerance, prejudice, bullying, cyber bullying, media influence, character education, role-playing, personal experiences and victim intervention are among topics that will be discussed. Appropriate for all. Instructor
Instructor: Lynn Nardi

Dates: May 8 — Jun 12
Description: Teaching study skills is something that is lacking in our current classrooms. Students who understand and know how to study are able to retain, recall and process information faster and effectively.This course will give you a study guide, techniques to integrate into your everyday classroom as well as ways to help organize your students. This course is designed for Pre-K through college.
Instructor: Carissa Donarummo

Dates: May 8 — Jun 12
Description: This course is designed to help teachers integrate English Language Arts into their existing social studies curriculum. With the time constraints of meeting curriculum requirements, it is necessary to integrate wherever possible. Integrating literature and writing into social studies lessons will allow students to build the necessary background knowledge to understand this content area. This course will allow teachers to develop ways to teach social studies content while still meeting NYS ELA requirements.
Instructor: Laura McCoy

Dates: May 9 — Jun 13
Description: Dyslexia is a language based learning disability that results in people have difficulty with skills such as reading, spelling, writing and pronouncing words. There are specific teaching strategies that can be used to help our dyslexic students find success. This course will help you understand dyslexia and how it affects children and adults alike. You will learn the signs and symptoms associated with dyslexia as well as the options and accommodations available to people with the disorder. At the end of this course you will have a clear understanding of dyslexia and how to better support those students with the disorder. This class is appropriate for teachers of all areas and grade levels.
Instructor: Jamie Brunquell

Dates: May 15 — Jun 19
Description: Early development studies at the University of Memphis have proven that children playing games together with their teachers can help sharpen a child’s ability to pay attention and remain on task. In this course, teachers will make age appropriate board games that can enhance the development of concentration skills. Differentiated Instructional Techniques are emphasized in this course. Suitable for all teachers of all grade levels.
Instructor: Jon Norberg

Dates: May 15 — Jun 19
Description: This course will provide practical strategies for using writing as a teaching and learning tool in all subject areas. Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) is a well respected educational theory yet, it can be daunting to implement for someone who feels they are not trained in writing: however, WAC is about using writing to teach rather than teaching writing. This course will provide writing activities for all teachers to integrate in any classroom to better understand their students academically and for students to demonstrate learning. Some examples include the effective use of journals, in-class quick writes, and research assignments to enrich learning beyond the curriculum. The educational research supporting the importance of WAC will also be discussed. Teachers of all grade and subject areas will find this course useful and effective.
Instructor: Kimberly Costa

Dates: May 16 — Jun 20
Description: This course will help educators evaluate their classrooms and help implement behavior modification strategies that work. Participants will be asked to develop a system of rewards and discipline for their classroom as well as respond to typical classroom scenarios.
Instructor: Kristen Petersen

Dates: May 22 — Jun 26
Description: This course will help all teachers to assist their students that are behaviorally challenged to be more organized and therefore promote academic success in their classrooms. These children tend to forget necessary assignments and supplies as well as stuff papers into random books and back of desks. These children have difficulty organizing thoughts and assignments. These habits can lead to handing in assignments late, if at all. This can then lead to class failure. Learn how you can help these students develop better habits that will lead to academic success!
Instructor: Marlies O'Connor

Dates: May 23 — Jun 27
Description: Early American technology can be glimpsed around Long Island in Lighthouses that survive from colonial times and the earliest days of our nation. Storms and fog contributed to shipwrecks from the earliest voyages to the New World and ship owners began lobbying for warning beacons as shipping increased in the colonial period. We will visit many of these great historical landmarks of Long Island.
Instructor: Jon Norberg

Dates: May 23 — Jun 27
Description: In this online course the teachers will analyze and find uses of children's literature in the elementary classroom. Children's books will be suggested to read for this course.
Instructor: Lisa Kriger