Professional Learning

Small Group Instruction for Multilingual Learners (Hybrid/Canvas Course)

To support multilingual learners' English development, we must effectively plan and structure small group instruction that meets their needs and fosters language growth. This requires a clear understanding of what our students can currently do and what their next steps are in language development.In this course, participants will conduct an in-depth analysis of their students’ language capabilities and use this information to plan and deliver effective, focused small group instruction. The course covers essential topics related to multilingual learners’ language development, making it ideal for educators who are new to working with MLs/ELs or who are seeking foundational knowledge. It also offers experienced educators a structured process to dive deeper into student language profiles and refine their small group instruction.Participants will have 9 weeks to complete the asynchronous coursework. In addition, they are invited to attend three live, virtual sessions—a course kickoff, a mid-course check-in, and a wrap-up session. Each session includes 30 minutes of collaborative activities followed by an optional 30-minute Q&A.

Assistive Technology Community of Practice (COP)

This CoP is for anyone working in the schools who is interested in AT or who works with students who require AT. The purpose of the AT CoP is to network and collaborate with CT district personnel providing AT services and supports to build capacity and share ideas. This initiative is brought to you by the Connecticut State Department of Education in partnership with the RESC Alliance.

Deaf Education Council

Teachers of the Deaf, SLPs, and any educators working with students who have hearing loss are invited to attend our Deaf Education Council. Participants will engage in discussing current topics in deaf education, share best practices, and engage in new thinking about deaf education in today's educational environments. This is a great opportunity to network, refine practices and stay current. No cost to attend this event.

Coaches Council - AM Session

Instructional Coaches in the CREC region are invited to attend bi-monthly council meetings to share best practices and engage in new thinking about coaching. Topics will be determined based on participant interests. NEW THIS YEAR: Participants can choose either an AM or PM session, and the content will be identical in both sessions. There is no cost to attend.

Coaches Council - PM Session

Instructional Coaches in the CREC region are invited to attend bi-monthly council meetings to share best practices and engage in new thinking about coaching. Topics will be determined based on participant interests. NEW THIS YEAR: Participants can choose either an AM or PM session, and the content will be identical in both sessions. There is no cost to attend.

English Language Learners Council (Title III) - AM Session

English Learner district coordinators and educators in the CREC region are invited to meetings to share best practices and emerging research on improving outcomes for EL students. Members will engage in new thinking about instructional practices and collaborate to proactively respond to EL needs in their district. NEW THIS YEAR: Participants can choose either an AM or PM session, and the content will be identical in both sessions. There is no cost to attend.

English Language Learners Council (Title III) - PM Session

English Learner district coordinators and educators in the CREC region are invited to meetings to share best practices and emerging research on improving outcomes for EL students. Members will engage in new thinking about instructional practices and collaborate to proactively respond to EL needs in their district. NEW THIS YEAR: Participants can choose either an AM or PM session, and the content will be identical in both sessions. There is no cost to attend.

Humanities Council

The CREC Resource Group provides Kindergarten to grade 12 Language Arts and Social Studies educators, district leaders, instructional coaches, department heads, and coordinators the opportunity to come together to share best practices and exchange ideas around ELA and Social Studies. Input from participants regarding topic selection will be encouraged to best meet the needs of the council membership. There is no cost to attend.

Math Council - AM Session

CREC’s Mathematics Council provides new thinking about mathematics instruction for K-12 math teachers, coaches, and district leaders in an open forum-type setting. Agenda topics are determined by district participants to serve the group’s needs. The meeting includes state updates. NEW THIS YEAR: Participants can choose either an AM or PM session, and the content will be identical in both sessions. There is no cost to attend.

Math Council - PM Session

CREC’s Mathematics Council provides new thinking about mathematics instruction for K-12 math teachers, coaches, and district leaders in an open forum-type setting. Agenda topics are determined by district participants to serve the group’s needs. The meeting includes state updates. NEW THIS YEAR: Participants can choose either an AM or PM session, and the content will be identical in both sessions. There is no cost to attend.

MTSS Council - AM Session

MTSS facilitators and educators are invited to join our MTSS Council to collaborate with fellow facilitators and educators in sharing best practices and emerging research. Members will engage in discussions on tiered supports across academics, behavior, and social-emotional learning. This is a valuable opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and enhance your MTSS strategies. NEW THIS YEAR: Participants can choose and AM or PM session, and the content will be identical in both sessions. There is no cost to attend.

MTSS Council - PM Session

MTSS facilitators and educators are invited to join our MTSS Council to collaborate with fellow facilitators and educators in sharing best practices and emerging research. Members will engage in discussions on tiered supports across academics, behavior, and social-emotional learning. This is a valuable opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and enhance your MTSS strategies. NEW THIS YEAR: Participants can choose either an AM or PM session, the content will be identical in both sessions. There is no cost to attend.

Assistive Technology Community of Practice (COP)

This CoP is for anyone working in the schools who is interested in AT or who works with students who require AT. The purpose of the AT CoP is to network and collaborate with CT district personnel providing AT services and supports to build capacity and share ideas. This initiative is brought to you by the Connecticut State Department of Education in partnership with the RESC Alliance.

2026 Bridging Pre-K and Kindergarten Practices Symposium: Deepening Practice, Partnership, and Play Across the Pre-K to Kindergarten Continuum

Join early childhood educators, kindergarten teachers, support staff, and administrators from across Connecticut for a full day of collaboration, practical learning, and shared leadership.

This year's symposium builds on the foundation of developmentally appropriate, play-based teaching—and takes it further. Together, we’ll deepen our understanding of how to align practice, pedagogy, and partnerships to support every child’s smooth and joyful transition from Pre-K to Kindergarten.

By the end of the symposium, participants will be able to:

1. Apply developmentally appropriate strategies to deepen continuity of learning across Pre-K and Kindergarten.
2. Design play-based environments and routines that support executive function and aligned academic goals.
3. Use authentic, observation-based assessment practices to document learning through play.
4. Collaborate with colleagues to build stronger partnerships across roles and grade levels.

Whether you're just beginning to explore Pre-K to K alignment or deepening work already underway, this symposium offers inspiration, connection, and tools to take your next step.

Early Childhood Directors Council

The Early Childhood Directors Council is a professional network dedicated to fostering best practices and innovative strategies for early childhood administrators. Our primary objective is to empower leaders in the field by providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development. No cost to attend.

Special Area Teachers Council

This Council is designed specifically for teachers of non-core subjects—such as the arts, physical education, and career/technical education. Participants will engage in rich discussions around problems of practice, share strategies that enhance student engagement and learning, and build a supportive professional network. Each session provides space for reflection, collaboration, and continuous growth within and across disciplines. There is no cost to attend.

TEAM District Facilitator Meeting - Spring 2026

TEAM District Facilitator Meetings occur twice each school year and provide program updates. The mission of the TEAM Program is to promote excellence, equity, and high achievement for Connecticut students by engaging teachers in the purposeful exploration of professional practice through guided support and personal reflection.

CREC Curriculum Council Meeting

Join other educational leaders for time to problem-solve, plan, share, and collaborate with colleagues. The morning will be the virtual RESC Alliance Curriculum Council. The remaining time will be allocated to topic-specific work sessions and/or team-based work time. Come alone or with your team to use designated space and time around topics such as statewide mandates, district initiatives, or collaborating on problems of practice. No cost to attend.

Play-Based Learning in Kindergarten

Are you ready to take play-based learning to the next level in your Kindergarten classroom? This interactive professional learning workshop is designed for educators who already understand the "why" of play and are ready to dive into the "how." Join us as we explore concrete strategies for designing developmentally appropriate classroom environments, integrating academic standards through purposeful play, supporting prosocial behavior, and engaging families as partners in play-based learning.