Professional Development Catalog

October 2, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Online
Registration: Registration and payments are being processed directly by FEA. CLICK HERE to register through FEA or contact FEA directly at ddonkor@njpsa.org. The FEA inservice registration fee is $125 for FEA Members/$150 for Non-FEA Members.
Presenter(s): Michael Gaskell & Dr. Robert Price & Rosemary Seitel

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming many fields, with education being at the top of the list. While new technology can be daunting at first, educators have always risen to the challenge and made sure that the positives are harnessed to benefit as many educational partners as possible. All participants of this online workshop will leave with a toolbox of AI resources necessary to leverage the power of AI in education, enabling them to enhance teaching, leading and learning in an increasingly AI-driven world while at the same time ensuring that classrooms and schools remain student-centered.

October 11, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $120 Member / $120 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Elevate Educators Consultant

Recent legislation, research studies and public policy discussions have brought dyslexia and learning disabilities to the forefront of literacy conversations at the local, state and federal levels. During this in-person workshop, the presenter will discuss the importance of educators understanding the reading and writing challenges often experienced in the classroom by students with dyslexia. These students will not “catch up” without evidence-based core reading instruction, timely screening protocols and explicit interventions delivered within a sound framework of tiered supports based on the science of reading.

October 16, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $100 Member / $100 Non-Member with Subscription / $125 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Elizabeth Kenny-Foggin

This in-person workshop will provide information on the principles of the Orton Gillingham (Structured Literacy) approach; the Science of Reading; the eight senses students need to learn; multisensory, direct, and explicit strategies; and brain constructs involved to support reading/writing. Participants will engage in hands-on activities that support students’ reading and writing skills development.

October 16, 2023 & October 27, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day - In Person
Registration Fees: $340 Member / $340 Non-Member with Subscription / $425 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Shannon Nish

During this two-day, in-person workshop participants will learn the essentials of Google Workspace for Education with a focus on the skills and techniques needed to complete the online exam to achieve “Google Educator Level 1” status. This workshop will guide participants through various activities and classroom examples using media-rich content, responsive instruction techniques and design labs.

October 17, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Evan Abramson

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world, and education is no exception. AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we teach and learn and school administrators are in a unique position to help make this happen. During this in-person workshop, participants will learn about the latest advances in AI and how they can be used to improve student achievement, increase teacher productivity, and streamline administrative tasks. This interactive and engaging workshop is designed for school administrators of all levels, from principals to superintendents. The presenter is a leading expert in AI and education who will provide useful methods for administrators new to AI and those looking for ways to take the school’s use of AI to the next level.

October 18, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Jane Kachmar-Desonne

This in-person workshop will focus on the utilization of aides to support students as part of their school program as guaranteed by their IEPs. Information on when to assign an aide, under what conditions, for how long, for what specific purpose and when to consider fading the services of the aide will be discussed. The process by which to make the determination initially and continuously will be reviewed. The role of the aide will be highlighted and the relationship between the aide and the certificated teacher under whose direction the aide carries out the IEP supported duties will be examined.

October 20, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Evan Abramson

During this in-person workshop, participants will learn about the latest advances in AI and how they can be used to improve teaching and learning. Participants will have the opportunity to explore a variety of AI-powered tools and resources that can be used in the classroom. This interactive and engaging workshop is designed for all educators, regardless of the level of experience with AI. The presenter is a leading expert in AI and education who will provide methods for new educators looking for ways to use AI to get ahead as well as ways for seasoned educators looking for new ways to improve teaching methods.

October 20, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $120 Member / $120 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Elevate Educators Consultant

During this in-person workshop, participants will discover how to create a classroom environment that is naturally designed to prevent challenging behaviors. The presenter will provide an overview of the Pyramid Model, which is a preschool-tiered framework to promote positive interactions in young children in early childhood settings.

October 23, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $120 Member / $120 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Elevate Educators Consultant

IEPs and the information presented within the legal document are essential to the student, educational facilitators and school district. Since the pandemic, the amount of compensatory services that educational facilities are obligated to provide to students is more than ever. General education and special education alike must reevaluate their best practices and the essential needs of their students. During this in-person workshop, the presenter will discuss the tenets to effective Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) statements.

October 24, 2023 & October 25, 2023; 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. each day - In Person
Registration: Registration and payments are being processed directly by Grafton. To register, contact Grafton at info@ukerusystems.com or 540-542-0200, ext. 6412, www.ukerusystems.com. Please register for the dates listed above at the Morris-Union Jointure Commission location. Cost: The Ukeru 2-day training cost is $895 plus a portion of the instructors’ travel expenses. The cost includes two full days of in-person training and educational materials. This workshop is designed to be a train-the-trainer course. Once satisfactorily completed, each participant will receive a certificate to allow them to train other district employees for one year.
Presenter(s): Grafton Instructor

Ukeru is a restraint and seclusion-free crisis management method. Ukeru was developed to create safe environments for both staff and students.

October 26, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $100 Member / $100 Non-Member with Subscription / $125 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Mary Fowler

The turbulence of the past few years has led to significant stress and anxiety levels throughout school communities. During this in-person workshop, principles and practices that strengthen resilience and foster wellbeing for staff and students will be examined. These social-emotional practices combine compassionate approaches with cognitive-behavioral strategies to build personal capacities that help nurture wellbeing, decrease stress and anxiety and improve performance.

October 26, 2023; 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. - In Person
Registration: Registration and payments are being processed directly by Grafton. To register, contact Grafton at info@ukerusystems.com or 540-542-0200, ext. 6412, www.ukerusystems.com. Please register for the date listed above at the Morris-Union Jointure Commission location. Cost: The Ukeru recertification training cost is $395 plus a portion of the instructors’ expenses. The cost includes one full day of in-person training and educational materials. This workshop is designed to be a train-the-trainer course. Once satisfactorily completed, participants will receive a certificate to allow them to train other district employees for one year.
Presenter(s): Grafton Instructor

Ukeru is a restraint and seclusion-free crisis management method. Ukeru was developed to create safe environments for both staff and students.

October 27, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $115 Member / $115 Non-Member with Subscription / $145 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Sharon McCarthy

AI is a powerful, game changing tool. It has a huge potential to improve learning outcomes for all students. AI can be used to streamline educators’ workloads as well as the ability to create personalized learning experiences for students that are culturally relevant. By analyzing student data, AI algorithms can identify a student’s strengths, weaknesses and learning style. Based on this information, the AI can provide customized learning experiences that are culturally relevant to the student’s background, interests and learning preferences. The best part is - this is fun, creative and engaging for both educators and students. During this in-person workshop, participants will learn steps to take to ensure the use of AI in a pedagogically sound way.

October 30, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Jane Kachmar-Desonne

This in-person workshop will provide an overview of the basic components of what it really means to be a case manager. Between the New Jersey Administrative Code and a caseload of students, how do you balance the tasks, timelines and the day-to-day requirements of your position to ensure student needs are being addressed through IEP implementation?

October 31, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $150 Member / $150 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Sandra Jacques

During this in-person workshop, participants will learn about major changes of state and federal statutes, regulations, guidance and case law that have a major impact on implementing New Jersey's Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights. This will include a review of a new case law regarding parental, student and staff rights. Participants will also learn about the intersection of bullying and special education. Participants will also consider how to respond to growing trends regarding hate crimes and emerging forms of discrimination. Finally, participants will gain an understanding of the ever-evolving use of social media to engage in cyberbullying, and the need for students and staff members to understand social media boundaries.

November 1, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Toby Karten

Turn technology into your ally in your inclusive classroom and use it to plan, instruct, assess, collaborate and nurture the potential of your students. During this in-person workshop, participants will explore an array of tools, including voice recognition programs, slant boards, online visual dictionaries, and virtual manipulatives. Participants will learn how to use technology to set up lessons that allow students to critically think, create, connect and collaborate. Participants will see how to digitally increase students’ academic, social and communication skills. Participants will also learn how to be more efficient teachers by using technology to organize, research and document.

November 2, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Michelle Nutter

As schools work to successfully prevent and intervene in acts of bullying, they are often challenged by bullying behaviors that cross the line into civil rights or criminal law violations. Guidance from The United States Department of Education and United States Department of Justice will be viewed and discussed during this online workshop. Participants will examine federal statutes that prohibit bullying and harassment based on protected classes, such as race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation and disability. Participants will also receive information relative to possible criminal law implications when bullying behaviors cause mental or physical injury to targeted students. Finally, this workshop will examine the legal ramifications of "deliberate indifference" regarding failure to address bullying in their schools.

November 6, 2023 & November 7, 2023 & November 8, 2023; 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day - In Person
Registration: Registration and payments are being processed by the PROMPT Institute. Enroll online at www.promptinstitute.com or contact the PROMPT Institute directly at 844-977-6678. Please register for the dates listed above at the Morris-Union Jointure Commission location. Cost: The PROMPT inservice cost is $875* for three days. The inservice cost includes three full days of training and educational materials. This program is offered for 1.8 CEUs (intermediate level, professional area) by the PROMPT Institute upon completion. * $100 discount if registration received by 10/6/23.
Presenter(s): PROMPT Consultant

Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) is based on a philosophy that embodies neuromotor principles. This in-person workshop focuses on technique and learning the four levels (Parameter, Syllable, Complex and Surface) of prompting.

November 7, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $75 Member / $75 Non-Member with Subscription / $95 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Christie Schutz Vincelli

The implementation of an NJTSS/MTSS model can be overwhelming and time consuming. In fact, many can identify NJTSS/MTSS as best practice, yet ask the question, but now what? This online workshop will focus on the “now what, need to know” aspects of implementing the NJTSS/MTSS process and how to design your implementation process from beginning to end.

November 8, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Jennifer Williams

Ready to use technology to connect your students to the world? Join this online workshop to find ways to use technology to partner with a global classroom to take action for the planet. Participants will explore different tools and projects and then will have an opportunity to engage in a real virtual exchange with an international school. Come see how virtual exchange can be used with project-based learning to take on climate change and meet the New Jersey Student Learning Standards calling for climate change education across all content areas in K-12 classrooms.

November 13, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Kristine Gibson

Research shows that the frequency of writing is directly correlated to student growth in writing. However, finding time for writing and providing students with meaningful feedback on their writing is a challenge in the primary grades. During this in-person workshop, participants will learn practical strategies and techniques to help their students gain writing fluency, become comfortable thinking on paper, and develop the essential writing skills they need for future academic success, starting as early as kindergarten. Strategies addressed align with the NJ Student Learning Standards and are compatible with any existing ELA program.

November 14, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $150 Member / $150 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): David Nash & Cindy Assini

During this in-person workshop, the heated debates happening in New Jersey and across the country related to how schools address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in the curriculum and beyond will be reviewed. Participants will receive an overview of recently revised legal requirements, resources, and strategies for addressing misinformation and disinformation regarding what is being taught in our schools. Participants will learn about specific resources related to the social studies and health standards and strategies for infusing issues of equity throughout the curriculum. Participants will also learn about broader issues that are arising related to hate speech and the parameters of staff and student First Amendment rights, as well as the legal issues surrounding equity issues that arise at school functions and school board meetings.

November 14, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $115 Member / $115 Non-Member with Subscription / $145 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Jennifer Williams

This in-person workshop will support classrooms to meet the New Jersey Climate Change Standards requiring K-12 climate education across all content areas. Discussion will include using your local area and the interests of students to connect to global issues. The presenter will guide participants to use a place based approach prioritizing school-to-home, school-to-community and school-to-nature experiences. Participants will engage in a mini challenge and will then follow the steps to create their own. Everyone will leave with a ready-to-go project with lessons to implement in the K-12 class setting. This workshop supports educators in addressing the New Jersey Student Learning Standards calling for climate change education across all content areas in K-12 classrooms.

November 15, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Jane Kachmar-Desonne

This in-person workshop will engage participants in an overview of common pitfalls that can interfere with successful case management. Effective communication strategies, how to consider parent provided evaluations, what actual monitoring of student progress entails, how to approach decisions regarding change in placement, whether school or parent initiated and the over communicative parent will be discussed.

November 20, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $120 Member / $120 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Elevate Educators Consultant

Students arrive in classrooms with different skills, experiences and levels of readiness for learning. These differences make for an exciting and unique learning community. However, they also pose challenges as teachers work to ensure that, regardless of these varied needs, all students meet with high levels of academic success. During this in-person workshop, participants will learn that the most effective way to reach all learners is through the use of differentiated instruction.

November 20, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $170 Member / $170 Non-Member with Subscription / $215 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Shannon Nish

During this in-person workshop, participants will learn the essentials of Google Workspace for Education with a focus on the skills and techniques needed to complete the online exam to achieve “Google Educator Level 2” status. The presenter will guide participants through various activities and classroom examples using media rich content, web based tutorials and video learning libraries. After completing Level 1 Certification Boot Camp*, participants in this session will be prepared in topics for Level 2 Certification.

November 21, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $115 Member / $115 Non-Member with Subscription / $145 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Sharon McCarthy

Regardless of our culture, we all become more effective as learners when we become aware of our learning processes and learn to manage how we think to learn. A culturally relevant educator supports dependent learners to become independent learners by doing more higher-order thinking and problem solving. During this in-person workshop, participants will learn how to continue the quest to reach each student where they are and build up classrooms of transformative justice. The focus will be on learning routines: research based and grounded in the day-to-day work of teachers and administrators.

November 21, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Christie Schutz Vincelli

When working as a Tier 2 or Tier 3 provider, the most commonly asked questions are: how do we provide interventions and what are the core components of an intervention plan? This in-person workshop will provide tips and tricks for providing intervention in an NJTSS/MTSS framework. The presenter will provide participants with an understanding of the core components of intervention plans and a toolbox of resources to locate research based interventions.

November 27, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $120 Member / $120 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Elevate Educators Consultant

During this in-person workshop, the basics of a classroom management system will be explored. Participants will learn how to set up their classroom and communicate expectations, while fostering a community of learners based on respect and rapport, focusing on positive interactions between students and educators. SEL activities that promote positive relationships and a culture of learning in the classroom will be identified.

November 27, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $100 Member / $100 Non-Member with Subscription / $125 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Elizabeth Kenny-Foggin

This in-person workshop will address specific concepts, multisensory strategies and hands-on activities to support struggling writers. Concepts presented will include basic writing strategies to support sentence types and paragraph development, the parts of speech, and the reading/writing connection.

November 27, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Rebecca Schulman

Challenging symptoms of children who experience traumatic events included in the diagnostic criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), such as re-experiencing the event, avoiding various reminders and changes in thoughts and mood, serve to shape expectations of how children may respond to a potentially traumatic event. This online workshop will discuss the common facts related to trauma, the diversity of “traumatic” events, key factors related to resiliency that can be promoted by professionals and best practices for developing a trauma informed classroom. Participants will learn how to promote a physically and psychologically safe environment to foster student growth and help maximize students' academic and social emotional potential.

November 28, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Barry Haines

Charged with creating tomorrow’s leaders, it’s important for us to be aware of large national issues that impact our daily classroom instruction. Such is the instructional impact of Generative AI for creating text, images, video, and music compositions. Whether you are a teacher or an administrator grappling with how to implement AI practices in educating students, come to this in-person workshop to learn about cutting edge Generative AI tools and their impact on society. The presenter will explore popular AI interfaces such as ChatGPT, Dall-E and Bard. Please bring your laptop to this workshop.

November 28, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $100 Member / $100 Non-Member with Subscription / $125 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Michelle Lockwood

In a typical classroom, approximately 5 - 10 percent of students will not respond to traditional classroom management and disciplinary interventions, leaving teachers at a loss for how to handle their behavior. Participants of this in-person workshop will leave with access to materials and resources for developing and implementing behavior strategies with their students.

November 29, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $120 Member / $120 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Elevate Educators Consultant

We want students to develop self-agency, communication and social awareness skills. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) should be interwoven into our teaching and learning organically and systemically. During this in-person workshop, participants will learn how to integrate the five SEL sub-competencies across reading and writing. SEL competencies in supporting students’ wellbeing and increasing academic success will be explored. Participants will learn ways to move from direct instruction to shared practice to guided group work to independent practice in writing.

November 30, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration: Registration and payments are being processed directly by FEA. CLICK HERE to register through FEA or contact FEA directly at ddonkor@njpsa.org. The FEA inservice registration fee is $125 for FEA Members/$150 for Non-FEA Members.
Presenter(s): Susan Breton

Students are not able to process and retain information when they are feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the world around them. In the current climate of COVID-19, racial unrest and economic instability, students are often plagued with deep anxiety that affects learning. When schools embed Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies into the curriculum and train staff on trauma informed strategies, students benefit by ensuring that they connect with their peers and have supportive relationships. During this in-person workshop Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma informed practices and social emotional learning for educators will be explored.

November 30, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $120 Member / $120 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Elevate Educators Consultant

Examining and making sense of student data requires following a process involving all stakeholders. A deeper dig into results from the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA), formative and district benchmarks reap a bounty of information for reflection and action. Participants of this in-person workshop will learn how to objectively reflect on assessment data to collaboratively plan curriculum and instructional units with direct impact on student learning. The presenter will discuss how to use research based strategies to expose gaps in learning, recognizing the need and benefits of targeted professional development.

December 1, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $120 Member / $120 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Elevate Educators Consultant

This in-person workshop will provide an overview of using reading assessment to create effective guided reading groups in your classroom. How to structure the English Language Arts (ELA) block to efficiently implement guided reading groups will be discussed.

December 1, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $100 Member / $100 Non-Member with Subscription / $125 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Jamie Saponaro

Blended learning comes in all shapes and sizes. This approach includes a combination of instructional strategies where the outcome is personalized learning. The goal is to engage students with interactive and meaningful digital and traditional learning experiences while simultaneously collecting formative data that informs instructional decisions. Educators will then be informed as they work with students in small groups or one-on-one, providing the differentiation, SEL and relationship building, and personalized learning. Please bring your own device to this in-person workshop. A website of all referenced resources will be provided.

December 4, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $120 Member / $120 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Elevate Educators Consultant

Positively mindful social emotional learning for students actively introduces and explores developmentally appropriate social emotional competencies, mindfulness practices, positive psychology principles and self-care strategies to enhance student wellbeing and to support their academic learning and growth. During this in-person workshop, participants will gain information on mindfulness, which is the ability to pay attention, on purpose, non-judgmentally, in the present moment. It is a powerful tool that supports children in calming themselves, focusing their attention and interacting effectively with others – all critical skills for functioning well in school and in life.

December 5, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $75 Member / $75 Non-Member with Subscription / $95 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Staci Kaplan

Literacy instruction is now a hot topic around the world. The science of reading is featured in daily reports, blog posts, podcasts, and state-level legislation. Educators ask, “How will this impact my curriculum and instruction?” This in-person workshop is designed to help teachers understand reading research and how children learn to read, including research-based recommendations on instructional practices necessary for decoding, fluency, and comprehension.

December 6, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Michael Selbst

Students face a variety of challenges, including navigating social relationships, peer pressure, school demands, independence, exposure to alcohol and drugs, family stressors, contemplating their future career, physical changes, etc. One’s emotional wellbeing is dependent upon their ability to manage through these challenges. The elementary through high school years are the time when many students experience the onset of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. It is important for educators, parents and students to understand the continuum of symptoms, which may signal mental illness. During this online workshop, the presenter will provide concrete strategies to help participants provide support to students proactively and know when intervention is necessary.

December 8, 2023; 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $75 Member / $75 Non-Member with Subscription / $95 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Melissa McCart & Melaney Grenz

During this online presentation, the presenters will address mild to severe head injury symptomatology and the school team approach to dealing with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)/Concussions. The presenters will address the challenges schools face dealing with students, parents and other outside community agencies. The presenters will describe and define Immediate Temporary Accommodations Plans, 504 Plans, and IEPs as they relate to students diagnosed with a TBI. This presentation will address how teams can deduce the most appropriate accommodations to utilize with students. Presenters will also address how schools can set up a Concussion Management Team in each building to adequately, effectively, and legally meet the needs of students.

December 11, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Elevate Educators Consultant

During this online workshop, participants will learn about the benefits of writing in math class, including informative, argumentative and creative writing. Participants will be provided with activities that educators can implement into any math class at any level.

December 11, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Jennifer Ferraioli

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science that is used every day. Teachers in both general education and special education can use these principles to meet their most challenging students’ needs. This in-person workshop will provide a basic/general overview of ABA strategies and principles. During this first of three in-person workshop sessions, principles of ABA and demonstrations of its applicability to a myriad of students will be presented.

December 11, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $170 Member / $170 Non-Member with Subscription / $215 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Shannon Nish

The Kiker Learning team of Google for Education Certified Coaches and Trainers believes in the value of a team to guide, nurture and inspire educators. During this in-person workshop, future coaches will experience the same values as we guide you through what it takes to become a Google for Education Certified Coach, empowering an entire community for growth and setting a culture of evolving opportunity for students. During this workshop, participants will be immersed in ways to strengthen skills in all five areas of the coaching model so that you can connect, calibrate and create pathways for all educators in your organization to grow. Join us to construct a dynamic application to pursue your Google Certified Coach Certification.

December 12, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $150 Member / $150 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Sandra Jacques

Affirmative Action Officers (AAO) and school leaders must be diligent in protecting the rights of all students and staff members regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation or disability. This in-person workshop will provide an overview of the broad scope of the role of AAO through the lens of the Comprehensive Equity Plan (CEP), including the AAO's role in ensuring nondiscrimination in all aspects of school district operations, from human resources to facilities to curriculum and athletics.

December 13, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Mary Fowler

The turbulence of the past few years has led to significant stress and anxiety levels throughout school communities. During this online workshop, principles and practices that strengthen resilience and foster wellbeing for staff and students will be examined. These social-emotional practices combine compassionate approaches with cognitive-behavioral strategies to build personal capacities that help nurture wellbeing, decrease stress and anxiety and improve performance.

December 13, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Christie Schutz Vincelli

When developing an NJTSS process, there are many questions surrounding the tiers of intervention. How do you define Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3? This in-person workshop will support participants in defining the tiers of instruction and provide research based methods that align with each tier of instruction.

December 14, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $115 Member / $115 Non-Member with Subscription / $145 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Sharon McCarthy

Research shows that specific Social Emotional Learning (SEL) skills and supports correlate strongly with attendance, behavior and course performance. During this in-person workshop, participants will consider Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) processes of intervention planning and progress monitoring with SEL data. Additionally, discussions will focus on SEL interventions to help those struggling with the necessary competencies. Many of the SEL interventions in this workshop are kinesthetically based - using the embodiment theory to get students to use their bodies to gain insights into themselves and their change work. Discussions regarding how educators influence others ethically, easily and respectfully will be explored.

December 14, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $75 Member / $75 Non-Member with Subscription / $95 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Kristine Gibson

Peer editing need not be painful! With proper training, students can learn to be effective peer editors and improve their own writing skills at the same time. This online workshop will help you rethink your approach to editing so students assume more of the responsibility for editing and have tangible evidence to show for it. Rebalance the equation as you guide students to practice the sophisticated skills of peer review and revision.

December 15, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Kristine Gibson

How can you push students to write well-organized, elaborated multi-paragraph essays and responses? The key is taking one step at a time and breaking writing tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. During this in-person workshop, participants will learn how to plan, teach and assess writing assignments that significantly impact student achievement, align with most state performance tasks and are easily modified to meet individual classroom and subject-area curricula.

December 15, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Jane Kachmar-Desonne

This in-person workshop will highlight some of the most prevalent issues that can lead to a lack of agreement from parents. The number of speech sessions, whether to provide OT consult versus direct service, the method of reading instruction, aide support or a dedicated aide, transportation, in-class support or replacement instruction are issues that can stop an IEP meeting before consensus is reached.

December 18, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Jennifer Ferraioli

Behavioral challenges can occur in any classroom setting. The key to changing these behaviors is to understand why they are occurring and then implementing interventions that address that function. This in-person workshop will provide a basic/general overview of ABA strategies and principles and will present how to identify the function of an inappropriate social behavior and then discuss interventions that can be used based on the different functions.

December 18, 2023 & December 19, 2023 & December 20, 2023; 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day - In Person
Registration: Registration and payments are being processed by the PROMPT Institute. Enroll online at www.promptinstitute.com or contact the PROMPT Institute directly at 844-977-6678. Please register for the dates listed above at the Morris-Union Jointure Commission location. Cost: The PROMPT inservice cost is $875* for three days. The inservice cost includes three full days of training and educational materials. This program is offered for 1.8 CEUs (intermediate level, professional area) by the PROMPT Institute upon completion. * $100 discount if registration received by 11/18/23.
Presenter(s): PROMPT Consultant

Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) is based on a philosophy that embodies neuromotor principles. This in-person workshop focuses on technique and learning the four levels (parameter, syllable, complex and surface) of prompting.

December 19, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Christie Schutz Vincelli

In order to design a Tiered NJTSS/MTSS model and provide students with individualized support, districts must have established data teams at the district and building levels. To facilitate data teams, districts need an assessment plan, an assessment calendar and use appropriate data to make data-based decisions to design tiered intervention plans. This in-person workshop will focus on the fundamentals of a data team, determining what assessments best meet the districts’ needs, designing an assessment calendar as well as learning how to use data to develop intervention plans.

December 20, 2023; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Jennifer Ferraioli

Strategies that are based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) can be used to enhance the skill development of various individuals. Implementing interventions to increase appropriate social and academic skills can increase student achievement in other areas. This in- person workshop will provide a basic/general overview of ABA strategies and principles and will present various interventions that can increase appropriate social and academic behaviors/skills.

January 8, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration: Registration and payments are being processed directly by FEA. CLICK HERE to register through FEA or contact FEA directly at ddonkor@njpsa.org. The FEA inservice registration fee is $125 for FEA Members/$150 for Non-FEA Members.
Presenter(s): Emil Carafa & Vicki Duff & Heather Moran

A culturally responsive audit has become a buzzword term in education in the last several years and, while it has a great deal of merit in many instances, the question becomes, “Is it enough?” This in-person workshop will allow leaders from the classroom, the school and the district level to leave with the skills necessary to move this work forward.

January 10, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $100 Member / $100 Non-Member with Subscription / $125 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Elizabeth Kenny-Foggin

This in-person workshop will address morphology – the study of the smallest meaningful units of language – and methods to use to support student instruction. Participants will develop knowledge of morphological methods and engage in hands-on activities to use with students that support decoding multisyllabic words, reading fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and spelling development.

January 11, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Online
Registration: Registration and payments are being processed directly by FEA. CLICK HERE to register through FEA or contact FEA directly at ddonkor@njpsa.org. The FEA inservice registration fee is: $75 for FEA Members/$100 for Non-FEA Members.
Presenter(s): Dr. Bobbie Downs

Fostering student mental wellness is a complex and multi-faceted process that is most effective when educators and families work together. During this online workshop, participants will understand the signs and symptoms of mental health concerns in order to identify when additional resources may be needed.

January 16, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Toby Karten

Co-teaching involves collaboration, which includes a variety of models for planning, instruction, accommodations, accountability and assessments. Having equal roles and responsibilities help assist all students achieve academic and social successes. Co-teachers support each other and students. During this in-person workshop, participants will learn the differentiated co-teaching practices and instructional models.

January 16, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Jennifer Williams

Looking for ways to inspire your students to become instruments of positive change? Join us for this inspired online workshop to discover how to fuel the collaborative classroom and empower students to take action for the planet and its people. Participants will examine top projects, top tools and resources and K-12 examples. Latest research and trends around climate action education with practical ideas for all levels will be provided. Participants will leave with a ready-to-go toolkit for joining and creating a school/class project. This workshop supports educators in addressing the New Jersey Student Learning Standards calling for climate change education across all content areas in K-12 classrooms.

January 17, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Toby Karten

This in-person workshop will provide the “Do’s,” “Don’ts” and “Do Betters” of inclusion techniques and strategies. Offering differentiated instructional strategies that connect to the characteristics and struggles that students with specific disabilities and their staff encounter in inclusive classrooms will be discussed. Adapting instructional units with lessons that infuse evidence based interventions for core planning, instruction and assessment in literacy, mathematics and across disciplines will be shared. Methods to replace teacher anxieties and apprehensions with tangible mindsets and responsive inclusive interventions that promote positive attitudes and multi-tiered systems of collaborative support will be presented.

January 17, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Ashley Zultanky

Procrastination is a common response to challenging or unpleasant tasks that can bring up uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. Students may develop poor habits and avoidance behaviors as they learn that the procrastination cycle affords them the ability to put off a task for as long as possible. Difficulties with procrastination significantly affect students diagnosed with ADHD and/or anxiety, most notably because of difficulty initiating and engaging in challenging tasks. This online workshop will review procrastination pitfalls and strategies to maintain productivity and engagement on assignments and other tasks. Educators will develop skills in assisting their students with managing expectations.

January 18, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Bianca Coleman

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) experience significant developmental delays, especially in the areas of social relationships, communication, daily living skills, play interaction, emotional regulation and behavior. This online workshop provides an overview of evidence-based interventions to appropriately support students with autism spectrum disorders, including key factors to increase skills toward mastery, manage challenging behaviors and foster independence, collaboration and generalization.

January 19, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $115 Member / $115 Non-Member with Subscription / $145 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Sharon McCarthy

During this in-person workshop, participants will gain practical skills for identifying and responding to student trauma, building positive relationships with students and promoting student engagement and empowerment. The presenter will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to create a trauma informed school that benefits each student, regardless of their experiences. The presenter will provide participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to create a trauma-sensitive school culture that fosters resilience, academic success, and overall wellbeing for all students because students need trauma-sensitive schools, not just trauma-informed educators.

January 19, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Christie Schutz Vincelli

The process of progress monitoring is an essential part of any intervention plan. How do you know if what you are providing a student is working? This in-person workshop will outline the process of progress monitoring supporting participants with writing observable and measurable SMART goals along with graphing of student progress.

January 22, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $75 Member / $75 Non-Member with Subscription / $95 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Kristine Gibson

Graphics have great versatility when it comes to building math skills, and quizzing is proven to deepen understanding and increase retention. This online workshop guides teachers in using just a few key graphics to build math vocabulary, help students identify “givens,” and anticipate test questions. Combined with a manageable system for grading writing in the math classroom, teachers will see greatly improved math performance.

January 23, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Rory Panter

The ability to display appropriate social, emotional and behavioral skills across multiple situations and settings is critical for students with autism spectrum disorder. However, students with developmental delays typically have significant difficulty in the areas of problem solving, play skills, pragmatic language, turn-taking, sharing, self-control, anger management, appropriate expression of feelings and needs and making friends. This online workshop will include practical strategies aligned with best practices, including social problem solving curricula, video modeling, reinforcement systems, carryover strategies for parents and various other positive supports.

January 25, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $100 Member / $100 Non-Member with Subscription / $125 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Mary Fowler

Teaching students with ADHD can be hard, frustrating and disheartening. “Once and done” solutions for ADHD problems in the classroom simply do not exist. The good news is there are many great strategies and tools to help you reach and teach your students with ADHD. These strategies also help students help themselves to manage their daily difficulties. This in-person workshop focuses on what to do and which strategies to use under what circumstances.

January 25, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $150 Member / $150 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Sandra Jacques

This in-person workshop will address the most important changes in state and federal law that occurred during the 2022-2023 school year and what is needed to address these changes moving forward. Changes in state law regarding employee due process rights; changing legal requirements related to diversity, equity and inclusion, student health and safety and mental health will also be explored. The presenter will discuss the needs of transgender students; changing federal law requirements and guidance from the U.S. Department of Education; the latest state and federal case law regarding HIB, IDEA, tenure, discrimination law, First Amendment rights and more. Recent developments regarding employee, student and parent rights will also be addressed.

January 29, 2024 & January 30, 2024 & January 31, 2024; 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day - In Person
Registration: Registration Process: Registration and payments are being processed directly by the PROMPT Institute. Enroll online at www.promptinstitute.com or contact the PROMPT Institute directly at 844-977-6678. Please register for the dates listed above at the Morris-Union Jointure Commission location. Cost: The PROMPT inservice cost is $875* for three days. The inservice cost includes three full days of training and educational materials. This program is offered for 1.8 CEUs (intermediate level, professional area) by the PROMPT Institute upon completion. * $100 discount if registration is received by 12/29/23
Presenter(s): PROMPT Consultant

This in-person workshop will cover a brief review of technique, especially vowels, and help the participants more thoroughly understand and apply Parameter, Syllable, Complex and Surface Prompting with different motor systems and conditions. A major focus of the workshop will be on understanding planes of movement (vertical, horizontal, anterior-posterior) and how these apply to lexicon development and word choices.

January 31, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. - Online
Registration Fees: Free Member / Free Non-Member with Subscription / Free Non-Member
Presenter(s): Adam Lesser

The Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) screening tool identifies high risk youth and guidance for next steps and helps schools avoid unnecessary emergency department referrals expediting care delivery to those at highest risk. Because this screen can be delivered by all (teachers, coaches, nurses, counselors), numerous school systems have moved toward system wide implementation enabling blanket coverage and linking of systems (e.g., schools, first responders, corrections, hospitals/behavioral health, crisis assessment) which foster prevention. This screening tool has the potential to identify at-risk youth before a tragedy occurs. Participants of this online workshop will learn about how to administer the screening and full versions of the tool, how to customize the tool and how to interpret results, which students should have emergency assessment, and ways to streamline triage and care delivery.

February 1, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $120 Member / $120 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Elevate Educators Consultant

Get ready to transform your students into confident, independent learners with skills they will use for life! This in-person workshop will equip participants’ teams with the latest strategies for strengthening and growing the executive functioning skills of all students, including organization, planning, prioritizing, time management, attention, perseverance and self-monitoring. By mastering these critical skills, students will be better equipped to succeed, not only in school, but also in life, with improved mental health, self-esteem and independence.

February 1, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Jennifer Ferraioli

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science that is used every day. Teachers in both general education and special education can use these principles to meet their most challenging students’ needs. This in-person workshop will provide a basic/general overview of ABA strategies and principles. During this first of three in-person workshop series, principles of ABA and demonstrations of its applicability to a myriad of students will be presented.

February 5, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Kristine Gibson

We have all seen more than our fair share of student writing—the good, the bad and the ugly. During this in-person workshop, the presenter will explore how to use some of these pieces—including the flawed ones—to improve students’ writing skills. Past student writing samples are a high-impact (but much underused!) resource that can be used to model well-executed strategies, help students identify and correct common errors, and build revising and editing skills. When used routinely, they also provide a tool for increasing student’s accountability and for tracking and assessing student progress.

February 5, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Barry Haines

With implications such as cheating, fraud, bias, privacy and data security issues, Generative AI calls on our districts to invoke practices, protocols, policies, and regulations. Educators must provide professional development for staff, while mitigating risks through trusted resources and practices. During this in-person workshop, the presenter will discuss how educators can harness Generative AI to support the best practices in providing students with ever-expanding educational opportunities, while also providing appropriate guardrails for use. The topic of how to strike a balance that encourages student creativity while leveraging AI as a valuable tool will be discussed.

February 6, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $75 Member / $75 Non-Member with Subscription / $95 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Rachel Ishak

From strokes and infections to traumatic injuries and concussions, brain injury impacts thousands of children each year. Understanding how this unique and complex injury affects students in the classroom can help educators and administrators better support students. The presenter will discuss many aspects of traumatic brain injury during this in-person workshop.

February 6, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Debra Salzman

With the challenges of this past couple of years, there has been an increase in anxiety disorders. Children and adolescents are struggling with the changes to schools, learning styles, sports and the increased difficulty of socializing with peers. This online workshop will identify various triggers for anxiety. Some of the topics discussed will include social anxiety, separation anxiety, anxiety over working independently, test and performance anxiety and ritualistic and compulsive behaviors. Participants will learn how to recognize the symptoms of anxiety and will learn strategies to help students better manage their anxious symptoms.

February 7, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Jennifer Ferraioli

Behavioral challenges can occur in any classroom setting. The key to changing these behaviors is to understand why they are occurring and then implementing interventions that address that function. This in-person workshop will provide a basic/general overview of ABA strategies and principles and will present how to identify the function of an inappropriate social behavior and then discuss interventions that can be used based on the different functions.

February 8, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Online
Registration: Registration and payments are being processed directly by FEA. CLICK HERE to register through FEA or contact FEA directly at ddonkor@njpsa.org. The FEA inservice registration fee is $75 for FEA Members/$100 for Non-FEA Members.
Presenter(s): Pat O’Keefe & Patricia Wright

Problems with adult-to-adult relationships in school are often swept under the carpet. This set of relationships can make or break your school's goals of creating a positive learning environment for students and a collegial environment for staff. Improved communication, collaboration and clear professional expectations can help to reduce stress and build resilience. Adult interactions greatly impact a school's capacity to promote the highest levels of student academic success. During this online workshop, adult relationships within the school and exploring the causes of toxic adult-to-adult relationships will be explored.

February 12, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Jennifer Ferraioli

Strategies based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) can be used to enhance the skill development of various individuals. Implementing interventions to increase appropriate social and academic skills can increase student achievement in other areas. This in- person workshop will provide a basic/general overview of ABA strategies and principles and will present various interventions that can increase appropriate social and academic behaviors/skills.

February 12, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $100 Member / $100 Non-Member with Subscription / $125 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Elizabeth Kenny-Foggin

This in-person workshop will address concepts and strategies supported by the National Reading Panel (2000) to support struggling adolescent students with below reading skills in content areas. Additionally, the use of content area study guides to support development of below-level reading skills will be discussed. Participants will engage in hands-on activities that can be used to develop struggling adolescent readers’ skills.

February 13, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $75 Member / $75 Non-Member with Subscription / $95 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Christie Schutz Vincelli

Once a student is identified as in need of intervention, a meeting should be held. However, meetings are often unproductive and not results driven. Staff leave without a clear action plan, assignments, or next steps. This online workshop will discuss the fundamentals of having a strategic meeting that is data driven and results oriented.

February 26, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Jane Kachmar-Desonne

This in-person workshop will provide an overview of the basic components of what it really means to be a case manager. With the New Jersey Administrative Code and a caseload of students, how do you balance the tasks, timelines and the day-to-day requirements of your position to ensure student needs are being addressed through IEP implementation?

February 27, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Evan Abramson

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world, and education is no exception. AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we teach and learn and school administrators are in a unique position to help make this happen. During this in-person workshop, participants will learn about the latest advances in AI and how they can be used to improve student achievement, increase teacher productivity, and streamline administrative tasks. This interactive and engaging workshop is designed for school administrators of all levels, from principals to superintendents. The presenter is a leading expert in AI and education who will provide useful methods for administrators new to AI and those looking for ways to take the school’s use of AI to the next level.

February 27, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $150 Member / $150 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Sandra Jacques

This in-person workshop will provide participants with a variety of tools that can be employed to assist educators in getting to the truth in staff and student investigations, including tips for conducting in-person and virtual investigations. The presenter will review lessons learned from a number of high profile criminal and civil cases. A review of the due process rights available to students and staff, and strategies for addressing unique circumstances related to students or staff with disabilities, dealing with allegations of criminal conduct, responding in cases involving potential claims of discrimination will be addressed.

February 28, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Evan Abramson

During this in-person workshop, participants will learn about the latest advances in AI and how they can be used to improve teaching and learning. Participants will have the opportunity to explore a variety of AI-powered tools and resources that can be used in the classroom. This interactive and engaging workshop is designed for all educators, regardless of the level of experience with AI. The presenter is a leading expert in AI and education who will provide methods for new educators looking for ways to use AI to get ahead as well as ways for seasoned educators looking for new ways to improve teaching methods.

February 29, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Mary Fowler

Teaching students with ADHD can be hard, frustrating and disheartening. “Once and done” solutions for ADHD problems in the classroom simply do not exist. The good news is there are many great strategies and tools to help you reach and teach your students with ADHD. These strategies also help students help themselves to manage their daily difficulties. This online workshop focuses on what to do and which strategies to use under what circumstances.

February 29, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $115 Member / $115 Non-Member with Subscription / $145 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Sharon McCarthy

Educators know that helping students build strong social and emotional skills is essential to their success both in and out of the classroom. This in-person workshop is designed to provide participants with practical tools and strategies to help students develop responsible decision-making skills necessary to action conflict resolution techniques. Participants will be provided with the latest research-based practices for promoting responsible decision-making and positive conflict resolution. Participants will learn how to create a safe and supportive classroom environment that encourages students to take ownership of their actions and work collaboratively to resolve conflicts. The presenter will addresses NJDOE SEL sub-competencies, the NJ Career Ready Practices, as well as PSEL#3.

March 1, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Elevate Educators Consultant

Nationally, we have been in a mental health crisis with students of all ages experiencing increasing rates of anxiety, depression and disruptive behavior with rising numbers, intensity and at much younger ages than previously seen. During this online workshop, the presenter will provide an overview of the functions of behavior, explore how trauma affects learning and will provide strategies to address challenging behavior in the classroom with a trauma-informed lens.

March 4, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Jane Kachmar-Desonne

This in-person workshop will engage participants in an overview of common pitfalls that can interfere with successful case management. Effective communication strategies, how to consider parent provided evaluations, what actual monitoring of student progress entails, how to approach decisions regarding change in placement, whether school or parent initiated and the over-communicative parent will be discussed.

March 5, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $115 Member / $115 Non-Member with Subscription / $145 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Jennifer Williams

Data visualization, storytelling, expression of ideas will be discussed during this in-person workshop designed to fuel the creative classroom and empower your class of change makers. Let’s jump in to design, create, experiment and invent as we use the arts and sciences to address climate change and other social causes. Participants will explore examples of K-12 projects and will use inquiry and human-centered design to make a lesson plan built with choice of activities for the classroom–just in time for Earth Day 2024! This session supports educators in addressing the New Jersey Student Learning Standards calling for climate change education across all content areas in K-12 classrooms.

March 6, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $120 Member / $120 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Elevate Educators Consultant

During this in-person workshop, the presenter will discuss the 14 New Jersey Special Education Categories (IDEIA), specific characteristics of students with this classification, the 7 steps of the IEP process, implementation of right to intervention and research-based strategies to support all learning. The presenter will also stress that as long as educators encourage students to learn, it should not matter how quickly they learn.

March 12, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Kristine Gibson

During this in-person workshop, participants will learn how to plan, teach and assess four key assignments that significantly impact student achievement. How to teach the four essential writing assignments — vocabulary cards, the 10% summary, the compare and contrast essay and the argument essay — will be discussed.

March 13, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Toby Karten

This in-person workshop identifies the impact that social and emotional behaviors have on academic performance. Learn how to implement responsive interventions. Explore how to achieve healthy classroom environments within supportive school climates.

March 13, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $75 Member / $75 Non-Member with Subscription / $95 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Christie Schutz Vincelli

As a district develops a structure of NJTSS, providers and administrators want to know how you interpret the Tier 3 data. When does a student remain in NJTSS vs. move to evaluation for special education? This online workshop will outline general guidelines on how to determine next steps for struggling learners at the Tier 3 level.

March 14, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Jane Kachmar-Desonne

This in-person workshop will highlight some of the most prevalent issues that can lead to a lack of agreement from parents. The number of speech sessions, whether to provide OT consult versus direct service, the method of reading instruction, aide support or a dedicated aide, transportation, in-class support or replacement instruction are issues that can stop an IEP meeting before consensus is reached.

March 15, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $75 Member / $75 Non-Member with Subscription / $95 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Meredith Thomas

This in-person workshop is designed to guide educators and administrators in implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) that is specifically designed for gifted students. Participants will learn how to differentiate instruction within this framework, develop data-driven strategies for gifted and talented instruction, and provide social-emotional support that caters to the unique needs of gifted students. This workshop will also address potential challenges in implementing this system and offer practical solutions. Participants will have a clear plan for implementing or refining a gifted MTSS in their own school or district.

March 19, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $150 Member / $150 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Sandra Jacques & Diahann DeRuggierio MSW

This in-person workshop will provide information about the legal requirements pertaining to student attendance, residency and homelessness issues — including what constitutes excused absences, legally required steps for developing attendance improvement plans and when to involve the court system. Participants will gain an understanding of how to properly determine residency, including forms of documentation to be considered, the rights of students not residing with their parents or legal guardians, and the due process involved when there is a dispute over student residency. Legal issues including eligibility, resources and services available to homeless students will also be addressed. Participants will be provided with resources and best practices for addressing chronic absenteeism and strategies for conducting residency investigations.

March 22, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $100 Member / $100 Non-Member with Subscription / $125 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Jamie Saponaro

Waiting until the end of the unit to test summatively is too late. Quizzing along the way without taking understanding, or lack thereof, into consideration defeats the purpose of giving a quiz. It’s important to "take a temperature" of student learning throughout the learning process in order to better drive instruction. During this in-person workshop participants will “explore, pair, and share” a variety of formative tech tools to help the assessment process. Please bring your own device to this workshop. A website of all referenced resources will be provided.

March 22, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $75 Member / $75 Non-Member with Subscription / $95 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Meredith Thomas

During this interactive in-person workshop, participants will explore the importance and functionality of Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound (SMART) goals within the realm of gifted education. Participants will gain a better understanding of how SMART goals can be adapted and leveraged to support the unique needs of gifted learners, facilitating their academic growth and personal development.

April 8, 2024 & April 9, 2024 & April 10, 2024; 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day - In Person
Registration: Registration and payments are being processed by the PROMPT Institute. Enroll online at www.promptinstitute.com or contact the PROMPT Institute directly at 844-977-6678. Please register for the dates listed above at the Morris-Union Jointure Commission location. Cost: The PROMPT inservice cost is $875* for three days. The inservice cost includes three full days of training and educational materials. This program is offered for 1.8 CEUs (intermediate level, professional area) by the PROMPT Institute upon completion. * $100 discount if registration received by 3/8/24
Presenter(s): PROMPT Consultant

Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) is based on a philosophy that embodies neuromotor principles. This in-person workshop focuses on technique and learning the four levels (parameter, syllable, complex and surface) of prompting.

April 22, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $100 Member / $100 Non-Member with Subscription / $125 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Mary Fowler

Difficult, challenging behaviors tend to be rooted in trauma and adverse childhood experience. The reactive behaviors that disrupt learning generally stem from poor self-regulation and self-management skills. During this in-person workshop, participants will learn practical strategies and a "show, don't tell" approach for helping students develop the social emotional skills necessary for learning and performance.

April 23, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Kristine Gibson

How much time do you spend annotating student work with thoughtful feedback, only to find those papers quickly tossed in the trash upon return? What does a rubric score really mean to the typical student? During this in-person workshop, participants will learn to prioritize writing skills and use clear criteria to set and model expectations before writing and use these same criteria after writing to provide streamlined, usable feedback to students. This skill-based system raises student accountability while decreasing teacher workloads—win, win!

April 23, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $150 Member / $150 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Sandra Jacques

This in-person workshop will empower school leaders to effectively address various aspects of progressive supervision. Participants will learn about legal requirements and best practices related to the development and implementation of Corrective Action, conducting evaluations and post-observation conferences, doing midyear CAP reviews, addressing insubordination, and writing effective CAPs for a wide range of employees.

April 24, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Barry Haines

Generative AI offers the power of bringing personalized student feedback into our classrooms. For example, through assignments such as providing individualized writing prompts, nurturing students to explore different writing genres and styles, generating ideas for essays and stories, and using AI tools to explore the creation of visual and performing arts pieces, students can indeed find personalized learning paths. This in-person workshop will provide models for both district administrators and classroom teachers.

April 25, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Jane Kachmar-Desonne

This in-person workshop will focus on the utilization of aides to support students as part of their school program as guaranteed by their IEPs. Information on when to assign an aide, under what conditions, for how long, for what specific purpose and when to consider fading the services of the aide will be discussed. The process by which to make the determination initially and continuously will be reviewed. The role of the aide will be highlighted and the relationship between the aide and the certificated teacher under whose direction the aide carries out the IEP supported duties will be examined.

April 25, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Dr. Christie Schutz Vincelli

Where does special education fit into a New Jersey Tiered System of Support (NJTSS) model? How do roles of the child study team members change? What about related service providers/therapists? When does a student leave Tier 3 and enter special education? What if a student is not determined eligible, but is still not making adequate progress in Tier 3? This in-person workshop will focus on the integration of Response to Integration (RTI) and special education processes.

April 26, 2024 & April 30, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day - In Person
Registration Fees: $340 Member / $340 Non-Member with Subscription / $425 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Shannon Nish

During this two-day, in-person workshop participants will learn the essentials of Google Workspace for Education with a focus on the skills and techniques needed to complete the online exam to achieve “Google Educator Level 1” status. This workshop will guide participants through various activities and classroom examples using media-rich content, responsive instruction techniques and design labs.

April 26, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $75 Member / $75 Non-Member with Subscription / $95 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Meredith Thomas
This in-person workshop focuses on promoting divergent thinking, a key aspect of creativity, for K-6 students. Participants will learn how to design lessons and activities that encourage curiosity, exploration and creative problem solving. This workshop will provide practical examples and hands-on activities that teachers can easily implement in their classrooms.

May 8, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $170 Member / $170 Non-Member with Subscription / $215 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Shannon Nish

During this in-person workshop, participants will learn the essentials of Google Workspace for Education with a focus on the skills and techniques needed to complete the online exam to achieve “Google Educator Level 2” status. The presenter will guide participants through various activities and classroom examples using media rich content, web based tutorials and video learning libraries. After completing Level 1 Certification Boot Camp*, participants in this session will be prepared in topics for Level 2 Certification.

May 13, 2024 & May 14, 2024 & May 15, 2024; 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day - In Person
Registration: Registration and payments are being processed by the PROMPT Institute. Enroll online at www.promptinstitute.com or contact the PROMPT Institute directly at 844-977-6678. Please register for the dates listed above at the Morris-Union Jointure Commission location. Cost: The PROMPT inservice cost is $875* for three days. The inservice cost includes three full days of training and educational materials. This program is offered for 1.8 CEUs (intermediate level, professional area) by the PROMPT Institute upon completion. * $100 discount if registration received by 4/13/24.
Presenter(s): PROMPT Consultant

Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets (PROMPT) is based on a philosophy that embodies neuromotor principles. This in-person workshop focuses on technique and learning the four levels (Parameter, Syllable, Complex and Surface) of prompting.

May 16, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Online
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Mary Fowler

Difficult, challenging behaviors tend to be rooted in trauma and adverse childhood experience. The reactive behaviors that disrupt learning generally stem from poor self-regulation and self-management skills. During this online workshop, participants will learn practical strategies and a "show, don't tell" approach for helping students develop the social emotional skills necessary for learning and performance.

May 16, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $90 Member / $90 Non-Member with Subscription / $115 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Kristine Gibson

Participants will learn how to incorporate quick, low risk, high reward writing and thinking tasks into daily instruction during this in-person workshop. These content rich “quickwrites” and ready to use exercises require little or no advanced planning, can be used in any subject area at any grade level. Participants will take away a bank of prompts and activities that can be used to increase student engagement and participation in class activities, encourage students to reflect on growth, feedback and build student accountability for the learning process.

May 21, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $150 Member / $150 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): Sandra Jacques & James J. Sarto

This in-person workshop is a refresher as well as a primer on new and emerging legal issues for novice, experienced and veteran principals, assistant principals and vice principals. How can we possibly remember everything? Students, staff, communities, processes, procedures, and most importantly, educational laws change. Tips, suggestions and time saving exercises will be discussed.

May 29, 2024 & May 30, 2024 & May 31, 2024; 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day - In Person
Registration: Registration and payments are being processed directly by the PROMPT Institute. Enroll online at www.promptinstitute.com or contact the PROMPT Institute directly at 844-977-6678. Please register for the dates listed above at the Morris-Union Jointure Commission location. Cost: The PROMPT inservice cost is $875* for three days. The inservice cost includes three full days of training and educational materials. This program is offered for 1.8 CEUs (intermediate level, professional area) by the PROMPT Institute upon completion. * $100 discount if registration is received by 4/29/24.
Presenter(s): PROMPT Consultant

This in-person workshop will cover a brief review of technique, especially vowels, and help the participants more thoroughly understand and apply Parameter, Syllable, Complex and Surface Prompting with different motor systems and conditions. A major focus of the workshop will be on understanding planes of movement (vertical, horizontal, anterior-posterior) and how these apply to lexicon development and word choices.

June 11, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - In Person
Registration Fees: $150 Member / $150 Non-Member with Subscription / $150 Non-Member
Presenter(s): John Worthington

This in-person workshop will include the latest legislation and guidance on determining the need for and extent of compensatory services for all students with disabilities, including those who graduated or transferred districts. The extension of eligibility for special education, related services, and transition services for students turning age 22 in 2021, 2022 and 2023 will be discussed. The presenter will address the key elements to consider including in IEPs moving forward, the supports that may be necessary for students, lessons learned from recent case law, key considerations related to disparities in identification and discipline rates for African American students, and the latest legislation and guidance from the U.S. and New Jersey Departments of Education. New and proposed legislation, and issues that have arisen or been exacerbated since the COVID-19 pandemic, including school avoidance, additional instruction and services, and virtual or home instruction options for students with disabilities will also be reviewed.