Events and Workshops

Assistive Technology for Secondary Students with SLD/Dyslexia (Canvas Course)

ON GOING REGISTRATION (closes 1/8/2023) - Asynchronous - Assistive technology can be a powerful way to help children with reading issues, however, with so many tools available, it’s not easy to know which one will work for your student. Students with dyslexia require appropriate instructional accommodations to allow them to be successful in the general education curriculum. This asynchronous online professional learning course explores assistive technology options across a variety of platforms and will demonstrate how to determine the best option for each student. This course can be completed in up to 4 hours. Participants have 2 months to complete all of the activities in the course. Participants will be given a certificate of completion at the end of the course. Release of Materials on 9/30/2022.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Test Preparation Class

CREC is now offering 2-hour test preparation classes for individuals who need to take the ETS ParaPro Assessment. As an official testing site, we are committed to providing services that will help you prepare for, and ultimately pass the test.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Paraeducators serve in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

English Language Learners Council (Title III)

English Learner district coordinators and educators in the CREC region are invited to attend 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. No cost to attend.

Coaches Council

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. No cost to attend this workshop.

Early Childhood Directors Council

Early Childhood Directors of community programs in CREC districts meet bi-monthly throughout the year. The mission of the Early Childhood Directors Council is to improve leadership and practice through opportunities to network with colleagues, share solutions around problems of practice, and build professional capacity. The Council meets from 9:30-10:30 and is followed by an optional book study from 10:30-11:00. Topics and book selections are developed by the group. No cost to attend.

Science Council

Science educators, coaches and administrators are invited to attend council meetings to share best practices, engage in new thinking about science education, and continue to proactively respond to the demands of the Next Generation Science Standards. No cost to attend!

Language Arts Council

CREC’s Language Arts Council provides Language Arts teachers opportunities to share best practices and engage in new thinking about literacy instruction. Kindergarten to grade 12 Language Arts educators including teachers, literacy coaches, literacy coordinators, directors and department heads are encouraged to attend the quarterly meetings. Input from participants regarding topic selections will be encouraged in order to best meet the needs of the council membership. No cost to attend this event.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Paraeducators serve in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Assistive Technology Consortium - Workshop 2: Implementing AAC in the Schools

Assistive Technology consortium workshops are scheduled four times a year and cover a variety of topics.

Small Group Instruction for Multilingual Learners (ELs)

This workshop is geared towards new ML/EL teachers and other educators who work with Multilingual Learners (ELs) in small groups but have limited knowledge about language acquisition, including interventionists, coaches and tutors. In this session, participants will explore strategies, linguistic supports and effective ways to structure small group instruction to support language development. Participants will gain an understanding of how to determine student language needs in order to create language goals and targets and monitor language growth.

Supporting Newcomer and Beginner Multilingual Learners (ELs)

Supporting multilingual learners with little to no English is especially challenging. Participants will explore ways that educators can effectively support these students with strategies and linguisitc supports in any educational setting.

A Roadmap for the AAC Journey (Canvas Course)

**ONGOING REGISTRATION - Closes 5/15/2023** Are you working with a nonspeaking child for the first time? Do you have a student using AAC inconsistently or in ineffective ways? You might be wondering where to begin, or where to go from here! In this asynchronous self-paced session, participants will begin to explore, build, and refine practical knowledge of the best practices in alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). Participants will explore relevant evidence based practice, resources, tools, and strategies to become better communication partners and facilitators of meaningful and functional communication. Participants will be given a certificate of completion at the end of the course. Coursework must be completed by 6/2/2023.

Introduction to Becoming Anti-Racist Educator: Creating Change in Your Self, Profession, Community, and Beyond

In this four session series, participants will engage in their growth and development around identity, deficit thinking, culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogy, and anti-racism. This development will enable participants to make change at the individual, professional, and community levels from all positions in an educational organization. Recommended Prerequisites: a growth mindset, desire to learn from / about others, and self-reflective attitude. All Sessions are virtual, with asynchronous content available in-between sessions.

LRE/Inclusive Practices for Students with Significant Learning Disabilities

The session will provide educators (special education, general education, related services providers and administrators) with evidenced based practices and curriculum frameworks to support learners with significant disabilities access the curriculum to demonstrate success.

Open Choice Leadership for Equity Institute

These sessions are designed for administrators and educators who work with students enrolled in their suburban school districts. This interactive professional learning opportunity is a half-day format that takes place once a month via Zoom and is designed for a team representing either a school district or a school.• Learn strategies to productively push back against critical race theory accusations, book banning campaigns and more.• Learn the role institutional racism, white fragility, white privilege, color blindness and redlining play in supporting a structural racism framework within education.• Hear one school leader’s description of the implementation of culturally responsive practices and racially equitable policies in her school, the analysis done, tools used, and the outcomes six years later.• Hear students and their advisors describe student-led equity efforts within their schools, along with the growth and development of those efforts over a five-year span.• Hear parents from Hartford who send their children to suburban school districts describe their experiences and how educator actions and/or inactions increased trust or mistrust. Q & A opportunity.•Share with other school district educators' effective strategies and potential approaches to addressing ongoing challenges.

Bridge to Kindergarten Series: STEAM

This workshop will explore the various ways early childhood teachers can integrate play-based discovery and creative art experiences throughout the day. The focus will be on sharing engaging strategies for incorporating the program’s goals in developmentally appropriate ways. Intended audience: Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers.

Creating a Culture for Writing for Multilingual Learners (ELs)

Writing can be intimidating for any student; that anxiety is heightened in Multilingual Learners (ELs). Participants in this workshop will learn how to create a safe place for writing as well as many instructional strategies for engaging Multilingual Learners in the writing process.

Digging into the 8 Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs): Students as “Social Do-ers” in the Post Pandemic Classroom - Session 1. Asking Questions & Defining Problems

The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for students and educators alike. Social interactions that used to be normal in a classroom have become a challenge for even the veteran educator. This workshop series repositions the Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs) at the forefront of instructional design to reconnect students in the science classroom as “social do-ers.” Each workshop is a standalone (register for each session individually) and will focus on the SEP described in the subtitle. Teachers, coaches, and administrators will walk away with newly designed instructional plans to implement in the classroom. Sessions include: 1.Asking Questions & Defining Problems; 2. Developing and Using Models; 3. Planning and Carrying out Investigations; 4. Analyzing and Interpreting Data; 5. Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking; 6. Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions; 7. Engaging in Argument from Evidence; and 8. Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information.

Instructional Coaching Professional Learning Series

This series of trainings is for new instructional coaches who have been in their role for less than two years. Over the course of four sessions, you will identify the skills and techniques required to transition from teacher to instructional coach, explore different coaching models, learn about coaching cycles, discuss adult learning theory, and reflect on strategies to be successful in the role.

The Anti-Racism Handbook Book Club

This book group welcomes all people who are interested in understanding foundational concepts while cultivating an antiracist mindset that can be used to make sustainable changes within their communities. Through the sessions, participants will use this workbook-style text to explore complex topics of racial injustice and empower individuals with strategies and skills for confronting racism in personal, professional, and community spaces. Recommended Prerequisite: Open minded attitude. Required: The Anti-Racism Handbook:Practical Tools to Shift Your Mindset and Uproot Racism in Your Life and Community (The Social Justice Handbook Series) - by Edith G. Arrington and Thema Bryant-Davis (purchase on own).

Digging into the 8 Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs): Students as “Social Do-ers” in the Post Pandemic Classroom - Session 2. Developing and Using Models

The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for students and educators alike. Social interactions that used to be normal in a classroom have become a challenge for even the veteran educator. This workshop series repositions the Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs) at the forefront of instructional design to reconnect students in the science classroom as “social do-ers.” Each workshop is a standalone (register for each session individually) and will focus on the SEP described in the subtitle. Teachers, coaches, and administrators will walk away with newly designed instructional plans to implement in the classroom. Sessions include: 1.Asking Questions & Defining Problems; 2. Developing and Using Models; 3. Planning and Carrying out Investigations; 4. Analyzing and Interpreting Data; 5. Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking; 6. Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions; 7. Engaging in Argument from Evidence; and 8. Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information.

Early Childhood Education Council

Early Childhood educators (Pre-K) in CREC districts meet bi-monthly during the school year. The mission of the Early Childhood Educators Council is to improve teaching and learning through opportunities to network with colleagues, share solutions around problems of practice, and build professional capacity. The Council meets from 1:00-2:00 and is followed by an optional book study from 2:00-2:30. Topics and book selections are developed by the group. No cost to attend.

Transition 101 for Middle School Teams- 2 part series

High Quality Transition Planning is essential not only in high school, but in middle school as well. This 2 part series is designed for middle school special education teachers, case managers and special education teams. Pursuant to state statute, effective July 1, 2021, transition services are required for each child requiring special education beginning no later than the first individualized education program (IEP) to be in effect when such child turns 14 years of age, or younger if determined appropriate by the planning and placement team (PPT), and updated annually thereafter. Now, more than ever, it is best practice to begin transition planning as early as possible. This workshop will provide middle school teachers and teams will with a detailed scope and sequence of how to transition plan from the exit of elementary school up to the transition to high school.

English Language Learners Council (Title III)

English Learner district coordinators and educators in the CREC region are invited to attend 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. No cost to attend.

Introduction: Charting the LifeCourse/Person Centered Planning

Participants in this workshop will become familiar with the Charting the LifeCourse materials and learn how to utilize them for futures planning. You must attend both am and pm sessions. No cost to attend.

Continuing to Become an Anti-Racist Educator: Transforming Policies and Practices for Justice

In this four session series, participants will continue their efforts beyond the foundations of equity, diversity and inclusion and move deeper into different types of racism, white supremacy, education policy, and education reform vs. transformative education. There will be opportunity for participants to work with policies and practices relative to their own educational organizations at a variety of levels including classroom, school, department, or district. This continued development will enable participants to make change at the individual, professional, and community levels for educators from all positions in an organization. Recommended prerequisites: General understanding of some/all of the topics included in the “Becoming an Anti-Racist Educator: Creating Change in Your Self, Classroom, Community, and Beyond”. Such as social identity, privilege, equity vs equality, deficit thinking, culturally relevant pedagogy, and culturally responsive teaching. All Sessions are virtual, with asynchronous content available in-between sessions.

Supporting Multilingual Learners (ELs) in the General Education Classroom

This workshop will build the capacity of general education teachers to understand and support the multilingual learners (ELs) in thier classrooms. Teachers who attend this workshop may be looking for ways to support ML/EL students in all content areas of the regular education classroom. The session will give educators various ways to build their “bag of tricks” while learning about how multilingual learners learn and develop language.

Digging into the 8 Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs): Students as “Social Do-ers” in the Post Pandemic Classroom - Session 3. Planning and Carrying out Investigations

The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for students and educators alike. Social interactions that used to be normal in a classroom have become a challenge for even the veteran educator. This workshop series repositions the Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs) at the forefront of instructional design to reconnect students in the science classroom as “social do-ers.” Each workshop is a standalone (register for each session individually) and will focus on the SEP described in the subtitle. Teachers, coaches, and administrators will walk away with newly designed instructional plans to implement in the classroom. Sessions include: 1.Asking Questions & Defining Problems; 2. Developing and Using Models; 3. Planning and Carrying out Investigations; 4. Analyzing and Interpreting Data; 5. Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking; 6. Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions; 7. Engaging in Argument from Evidence; and 8. Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information.

IM 3–5 Math Winter Module: Planning with a Focus on Student Thinking

How can planning based on what students know support us in instructional decision-making? In this session, teachers will explore a variety of strategies for attending to student thinking in order to support lesson planning. They will use student work to help inform decisions both before the lesson while they are planning and during the lesson while they are instructing. Teachers will reflect on how to support student thinking from all students in the classroom, and not just a select few.

IM K–2 Math Winter Module: Planning with a Focus on Student Thinking

How can planning based on what students know support us in instructional decision-making? In this session, teachers will explore a variety of strategies for attending to student thinking in order to support lesson planning. They will use student work to help inform decisions both before the lesson while they are planning and during the lesson while they are instructing. Teachers will reflect on how to support student thinking from all students in the classroom, and not just a select few.

Digging into the 8 Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs): Students as “Social Do-ers” in the Post Pandemic Classroom - Session 4. Analyzing and Interpreting Data

The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for students and educators alike. Social interactions that used to be normal in a classroom have become a challenge for even the veteran educator. This workshop series repositions the Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs) at the forefront of instructional design to reconnect students in the science classroom as “social do-ers.” Each workshop is a standalone (register for each session individually) and will focus on the SEP described in the subtitle. Teachers, coaches, and administrators will walk away with newly designed instructional plans to implement in the classroom. Sessions include: 1.Asking Questions & Defining Problems; 2. Developing and Using Models; 3. Planning and Carrying out Investigations; 4. Analyzing and Interpreting Data; 5. Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking; 6. Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions; 7. Engaging in Argument from Evidence; and 8. Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information.

TEAM Initial Reviewer Training

Successful completion of the TEAM Initial Reviewer Training will enable participants to review TEAM reflection papers and projects to determine if there is sufficient evidence to successfully meet the TEAM module criteria. The training will consist of 3 two-hour facilitated online sessions and pre-work for each session. IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION: In order to successfully complete the training, participants must complete all pre-work and session activities in the order of presentation. That means that if participants are unable to complete any of the pre-work or sessions, they will have to finish the training by registering for and attending the missed sessions and completing the pre-work at another training. Therefore, it is important that participants only register for a training where they know that they will be able to attend each of the three sessions and complete the pre-work. No cost to attend this event.

Autism Toolbox

Participants and/or teams in this workshop will learn strategies to support students on the autism spectrum in all environments of the school. Teachers, paraprofessionals and related service providers will leave with a toolbox of strategies to support inclusivity in the general education classroom and special education settings that they can bring back to their classrooms the very next day.

Coaches Council

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. No cost to attend this workshop.

TEAM Mentor Initial Support Training

This training for prospective mentors and cooperating teachers is available for individuals selected by the district (or volunteered) to serve in one of these roles. Following sessions, there will be an additional time for follow up offered for more in-depth work on the modules or the process chosen by your districts. The training prepares participants to lead beginning teachers through the TEAM module process and a successful completion of the five mentoring modules. In addition, participants are prepared to support a student teacher while developing effective coaching strategies to assist both beginning and student teachers. Participants must attend all sessions. At the end of the training, participants qualify to work with either a new teacher or a student teacher. Pre work is required. The instructor will send information to participants prior to the session. No cost to attend this event.

Science Council

Science educators, coaches and administrators are invited to attend council meetings to share best practices, engage in new thinking about science education, and continue to proactively respond to the demands of the Next Generation Science Standards. No cost to attend!

Digging into the 8 Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs): Students as “Social Do-ers” in the Post Pandemic Classroom - Session 5. Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for students and educators alike. Social interactions that used to be normal in a classroom have become a challenge for even the veteran educator. This workshop series repositions the Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs) at the forefront of instructional design to reconnect students in the science classroom as “social do-ers.” Each workshop is a standalone (register for each session individually) and will focus on the SEP described in the subtitle. Teachers, coaches, and administrators will walk away with newly designed instructional plans to implement in the classroom. Sessions include: 1.Asking Questions & Defining Problems; 2. Developing and Using Models; 3. Planning and Carrying out Investigations; 4. Analyzing and Interpreting Data; 5. Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking; 6. Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions; 7. Engaging in Argument from Evidence; and 8. Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information.

AARC and AARC TVI Open House Informational Session

The AARC program is a comprehensive program geared toward general education teachers who would like a special education cross endorsement (165) added to their certification. The AARC Teachers of the Blind and Visually Impaired (TVI) program is a comprehensive program geared towards special educators who hold a current 065 or 165 certifications. Qualifications: • Current special education teaching certificate ( TVI certification program) • Must be a certified teacher in an approved area for AARC program (e.g. elementary education, mathematics) • Have three years teaching experience (substitute experience will be considered)•Have a desire to work with students with disabilities.

Language Arts Council

CREC’s Language Arts Council provides Language Arts teachers opportunities to share best practices and engage in new thinking about literacy instruction. Kindergarten to grade 12 Language Arts educators including teachers, literacy coaches, literacy coordinators, directors and department heads are encouraged to attend the quarterly meetings. Input from participants regarding topic selections will be encouraged in order to best meet the needs of the council membership. No cost to attend this event.

Social Studies Council

Social Studies teachers and district coordinators are invited to attend council meetings to share best practices, engage in new thinking about Social Studies instruction, and proactively respond to the instructional shifts demanded by the Connecticut Elementary and Secondary Social Studies Frameworks, Connecticut Core Standards, the SAT and Smarter Balanced Assessments. In addition, input from participants regarding additional topic selections will be encouraged in order to best meet the needs of the council membership. No cost to attend.

Digging into the 8 Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs): Students as “Social Do-ers” in the Post Pandemic Classroom - Session 6. Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for students and educators alike. Social interactions that used to be normal in a classroom have become a challenge for even the veteran educator. This workshop series repositions the Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs) at the forefront of instructional design to reconnect students in the science classroom as “social do-ers.” Each workshop is a standalone (register for each session individually) and will focus on the SEP described in the subtitle. Teachers, coaches, and administrators will walk away with newly designed instructional plans to implement in the classroom. Sessions include: 1.Asking Questions & Defining Problems; 2. Developing and Using Models; 3. Planning and Carrying out Investigations; 4. Analyzing and Interpreting Data; 5. Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking; 6. Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions; 7. Engaging in Argument from Evidence; and 8. Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information.

Early Childhood Directors Council

Early Childhood Directors of community programs in CREC districts meet bi-monthly throughout the year. The mission of the Early Childhood Directors Council is to improve leadership and practice through opportunities to network with colleagues, share solutions around problems of practice, and build professional capacity. The Council meets from 9:30-10:30 and is followed by an optional book study from 10:30-11:00. Topics and book selections are developed by the group. No cost to attend.

Assistive Technology Consortium - Workshop 3: Topic to be determined

Assistive Technology consortium workshops are scheduled four times a year and cover a variety of topics.

Social & Emotional Learning / Mindfulness Council

This council will focus on current trends, research, and interventions related to Social and Emotional Learning. Participants will be able to network with staff from other districts, access resources, and learn the most current developments in the field. We will also engage in Mindfulness and yoga practices and will share expertise, valuable resources, and activities that can be used in any setting. No cost to attend.

TEAM Mentor Initial Support Training

This training for prospective mentors and cooperating teachers is available for individuals selected by the district (or volunteered) to serve in one of these roles. Following sessions, there will be an additional time for follow up offered for more in-depth work on the modules or the process chosen by your districts. The training prepares participants to lead beginning teachers through the TEAM module process and a successful completion of the five mentoring modules. In addition, participants are prepared to support a student teacher while developing effective coaching strategies to assist both beginning and student teachers. Participants must attend all sessions. At the end of the training, participants qualify to work with either a new teacher or a student teacher. Pre work is required. The instructor will send information to participants prior to the session. No cost to attend this event.

Digging into the 8 Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs): Students as “Social Do-ers” in the Post Pandemic Classroom - 7. Engaging in Argument from Evidence

The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for students and educators alike. Social interactions that used to be normal in a classroom have become a challenge for even the veteran educator. This workshop series repositions the Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs) at the forefront of instructional design to reconnect students in the science classroom as “social do-ers.” Each workshop is a standalone (register for each session individually) and will focus on the SEP described in the subtitle. Teachers, coaches, and administrators will walk away with newly designed instructional plans to implement in the classroom. Sessions include: 1.Asking Questions & Defining Problems; 2. Developing and Using Models; 3. Planning and Carrying out Investigations; 4. Analyzing and Interpreting Data; 5. Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking; 6. Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions; 7. Engaging in Argument from Evidence; and 8. Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information.

Digging into the 8 Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs): Students as “Social Do-ers” in the Post Pandemic Classroom - 8. Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for students and educators alike. Social interactions that used to be normal in a classroom have become a challenge for even the veteran educator. This workshop series repositions the Scientific and Engineering Practices (SEPs) at the forefront of instructional design to reconnect students in the science classroom as “social do-ers.” Each workshop is a standalone (register for each session individually) and will focus on the SEP described in the subtitle. Teachers, coaches, and administrators will walk away with newly designed instructional plans to implement in the classroom. Sessions include: 1.Asking Questions & Defining Problems; 2. Developing and Using Models; 3. Planning and Carrying out Investigations; 4. Analyzing and Interpreting Data; 5. Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking; 6. Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions; 7. Engaging in Argument from Evidence; and 8. Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information.

English Language Learners Council (Title III)

English Learner district coordinators and educators in the CREC region are invited to attend 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. No cost to attend.

Defining, Understanding, and Supporting Neurodiversity in the Public Schools

In today’s diverse classroom, the need to both understand and create opportunities for success for neurodiverse learners is greater than ever. Students arrive in schools with varying levels of experience, self awareness, abilities, and preferences, which are not always best supported by the neurotypical way of doing things. In this virtual workshop, participants will explore the history and present day principles of neurodiversity through a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) lens. Participants will identify and explore ways of delivering and differentiating instruction in mindful, culturally relevant ways that ensure each learner is given equitable opportunities to grow and advocate for their needs. Through analysis of case studies, resources, and discussion, participants will have opportunities to reflect on their own practices and discuss future implications.

Implementation: Charting the LifeCourse/Person Centered Planning

This workshop is a follow up the the Introduction: Charting the LifeCourse series. Participants will become more well versed in the implementation of Charting the LifeCourse using real examples. Participants must have participated in the introduction course to enroll.

Early Childhood Education Council

Early Childhood Educators in CREC districts meet bi-monthly during the school year. The mission of the Early Childhood Educators Council is to embrace collaboration, improve teaching and learning, and promote excellence and equity in early childhood education through opportunities to network with colleagues, share solutions around problems of practice, and build professional capacity.

A Roadmap for the AAC Journey

Are you working with a nonspeaking child for the first time? Do you have a student using AAC inconsistently or in ineffective ways? You might be wondering where to begin, or where to go from here! In this asynchronous self-paced session, participants will begin to explore, build, and refine practical knowledge of the best practices in alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). Participants will explore relevant evidence based practice, resources, tools, and strategies to become better communication partners and facilitators of meaningful and functional communication. Participants will be given a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

Wilson Reading Training

This workshop provides an overview of the Wilson Reading System.

IM 3–5 Math Spring Module: Planning with a Focus on Mathematical Progressions

How does understanding the progression of mathematical ideas in a unit support us in planning and teaching lessons across the unit? In this session, teachers will learn a process to help them understand the mathematical progression of ideas in an upcoming unit through the use of unit narratives and assessments. They will use these understandings to support them in planning with the mathematical goal in mind.

IM K–2 Math Spring Module: Planning with a Focus on Mathematical Progressions

How does understanding the progression of mathematical ideas in a unit support us in planning and teaching lessons across the unit? In this session, teachers will learn a process to help them understand the mathematical progression of ideas in an upcoming unit through the use of unit narratives and assessments. They will use these understandings to support them in planning with the mathematical goal in mind.

Science Council

Science educators, coaches and administrators are invited to attend council meetings to share best practices, engage in new thinking about science education, and continue to proactively respond to the demands of the Next Generation Science Standards. No cost to attend!

Igniting Change - CT RESC Alliance (Spring)

The Spring 2023 Igniting Change conference is an opportunity to engage with nationally-recognized experts and other educational leaders on the equity-centered topics of: Grading Reform, Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Inclusive School Culture, and Equity-Centered Leadership. Nationally-recognized keynote speakers include Lorena German and Thomas Gusky. Participants are not required to have attended any previous Igniting Change activities. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

Regional Transition Network: Transition Talks

This session is intended to be a networking opportunity for teachers and transition coordinators to ask questions, network and learn from one another about topics related to transition. Come to this "Transition Talk" with questions, your best practices to share, or just come and learn something new to take back to your classroom or program.

Coaches Council

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. No cost to attend this workshop.

Early Childhood Directors Council

Early Childhood Directors of community programs in CREC districts meet bi-monthly throughout the year. The mission of the Early Childhood Directors Council is to improve leadership and practice through opportunities to network with colleagues, share solutions around problems of practice, and build professional capacity. The Council meets from 9:30-10:30 and is followed by an optional book study from 10:30-11:00. Topics and book selections are developed by the group. No cost to attend.

Assistive Technology Consortium - Workshop 4: Topic to be determined

Assistive Technology consortium workshops are scheduled four times a year and cover a variety of topics.

Implementation: Charting the LifeCourse/Person Centered Planning

This workshop is a follow up the the Introduction: Charting the LifeCourse series. Participants will become more well versed in the implementation of Charting the LifeCourse using real examples. Participants must have participated in the introduction course to enroll.

Spring TEAM District Facilitator Zoom Meeting

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.

TEAM Mentor Initial Support Training

This training for prospective mentors and cooperating teachers is available for individuals selected by the district (or volunteered) to serve in one of these roles. Following sessions, there will be an additional time for follow up offered for more in-depth work on the modules or the process chosen by your districts. The training prepares participants to lead beginning teachers through the TEAM module process and a successful completion of the five mentoring modules. In addition, participants are prepared to support a student teacher while developing effective coaching strategies to assist both beginning and student teachers. Participants must attend all sessions. At the end of the training, participants qualify to work with either a new teacher or a student teacher. Pre work is required. The instructor will send information to participants prior to the session. No cost to attend this event.

Language Arts Council

CREC’s Language Arts Council provides Language Arts teachers opportunities to share best practices and engage in new thinking about literacy instruction. Kindergarten to grade 12 Language Arts educators including teachers, literacy coaches, literacy coordinators, directors and department heads are encouraged to attend the quarterly meetings. Input from participants regarding topic selections will be encouraged in order to best meet the needs of the council membership. No cost to attend this event.

Social Studies Council

Social Studies teachers and district coordinators are invited to attend council meetings to share best practices, engage in new thinking about Social Studies instruction, and proactively respond to the instructional shifts demanded by the Connecticut Elementary and Secondary Social Studies Frameworks, Connecticut Core Standards, the SAT and Smarter Balanced Assessments. In addition, input from participants regarding additional topic selections will be encouraged in order to best meet the needs of the council membership. No cost to attend.

English Language Learners Council (Title III)

English Learner district coordinators and educators in the CREC region are invited to attend 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. No cost to attend.

Social & Emotional Learning / Mindfulness Council

This council will focus on current trends, research, and interventions related to Social and Emotional Learning. Participants will be able to network with staff from other districts, access resources, and learn the most current developments in the field. We will also engage in Mindfulness and yoga practices and will share expertise, valuable resources, and activities that can be used in any setting. No cost to attend.

Early Childhood Education Council

Early Childhood educators (Pre-K) in CREC districts meet bi-monthly during the school year. The mission of the Early Childhood Educators Council is to improve teaching and learning through opportunities to network with colleagues, share solutions around problems of practice, and build professional capacity. The Council meets from 1:00-2:00 and is followed by an optional book study from 2:00-2:30. Topics and book selections are developed by the group. No cost to attend.

Coaches Council

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. No cost to attend this workshop.

Science Council

Science educators, coaches and administrators are invited to attend council meetings to share best practices, engage in new thinking about science education, and continue to proactively respond to the demands of the Next Generation Science Standards. No cost to attend!

Early Childhood Directors Council

Early Childhood Directors of community programs in CREC districts meet bi-monthly throughout the year. The mission of the Early Childhood Directors Council is to improve leadership and practice through opportunities to network with colleagues, share solutions around problems of practice, and build professional capacity. The Council meets from 9:30-10:30 and is followed by an optional book study from 10:30-11:00. Topics and book selections are developed by the group. No cost to attend.