Events and Workshops

Teachers Academy 2025 - Year 1 Certified Staff

FOR CREC STAFF ONLY: When registering (clicking "Enroll" button), you will be prompted to log into Protraxx with your username and password. If you do not have a Protraxx account, please select "Register” under the ‘New Users’ section on the right of the screen and follow the prompts to create an account. Please note that the “Organization Type” must be set to RESC in order to select a CREC school or program under the “Organization” field. If you have trouble creating an account, call our Protraxx support at pdsupport@crec.org.

To register for the Teachers Academy 2025 Year 1 track, after clicking the "Enroll" button and signing in, you must select (check the checkboxes) the Day 1 Year 1 session and the Day 2 and Day 3 sessions that aligns with your position/assignment.

All teachers entering their first year at CREC are required to attend Teachers Academy. Sessions will encourage meaningful, collegial conversations, inspire collaborative problem solving and innovative thinking, and result in resources for immediate classroom application.

Session Schedule here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PkRR2S-RsSnhKyzxSFn0lkmvDVBdz0fid0Rre1QW_PQ/edit?usp=sharing

Teachers Academy 2025 - Years 2/3+

FOR CREC STAFF ONLY: All CREC teachers are welcome to attend this annual event! Sessions will encourage meaningful collegial conversations; inspire collaborative problem solving and innovative thinking; and result in resources for immediate classroom application. Year 2/3 teachers are asked to register here for sessions that are outlined in the Teachers Academy catalog.

A Roadmap for the AAC Journey (Canvas Course)

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. Coursework must be completed by 12/31/2025.

TEAM District Facilitator Meeting - Fall 2025

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.

Connecting the Standards: How Does Addition and Subtraction Fluency Develop?

Join us for an in-depth, hands-on professional learning experience designed to deepen your understanding of how the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) support the development of students’ conceptual and procedural understanding of addition and subtraction across the elementary grades. In this interactive workshop, participants will examine the progression of addition and subtraction standards from Kindergarten through Grade 4, focusing on how the standards are intentionally structured to build a coherent understanding of place value, number sense, and algorithmic thinking. Using sample tasks and grade-level resources, educators will explore how students move from concrete representations and strategies to increasingly efficient, generalizable algorithms.

Connecting the Standards: How Does Multiplication and Division Fluency Develop?

Dive into the rich mathematical progression of multiplication and division as outlined by the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). This dynamic workshop invites educators to explore how multiplication and division concepts are developed across the elementary grades, supporting students in building deep conceptual understanding alongside procedural fluency. Participants will trace the trajectory of learning from early equal groups and array models to the development of standard algorithms, all while emphasizing the importance of reasoning, place value understanding, and the properties of operations. Through engaging tasks, classroom-ready tools, and collaborative discussions, this session will empower educators to make purposeful instructional decisions that align with the standards' intent.

New to Instructional Coaching? Navigating the Path as a New Instructional Coach

This series of trainings is for new instructional coaches who have been in their role for less than two years. Over the course of five 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.

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.

IEP/504 Development for Students with Hearing Loss

This virtual 5 session learning series is designed to take an in depth approach to IEP/504 development for students with hearing loss that is data driven. Participants will identify the unique needs of students with hearing loss and align them with skills for the general education setting. Participants will gain an understanding of specific requirements for these students under the IDEA and Connecticut regulations. Participants will gain confidence in aligning the Language and Communication Plan with the IEP; develop data-drive and individualized goals and objectives specific to deaf education; identify accommodations and modifications that match the student's needs. All sessions will be captioned. Sign Language Interpreter available upon request. Requests need to be made no later than 2 weeks prior to session one. Participants will receive a 14, 7, 3 day reminder; in those reminders is a link to receive the Zoom link.

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.

Professional Learning Community: Strategies for Multilingual Learners Series

Join a professional learning community that will explore a variety of ways to support Multilingual Learners (ELs/MLs) and foster language development in a six-session series! This PLC will meet virtually once a month for an hour and a half to delve deep into a language support strategy topic. Participants will have the opportunity to implement the strategy in practice in between sessions. As part of the PLC, they will network and collaborate with each other as they reflect on and fine-tune strategy implementation. PLC Schedule: September 26- Facilitate Comprehension; October 24-Student Talk and Interaction; November 21- Vocabulary; January 30- Build and Activate Background Knowledge; March 13 - Translanguaging; May 8 - Check for Understanding

Joy in Action: High-Impact Partnerships for Meaningful Learning Conference

We are thrilled to announce the 2025 Family & Community Engagement Conference—Joy in Action: High-Impact Partnerships for Meaningful Learning. This bi-annual event is dedicated to promoting and advancing effective family and community engagement practices that lead to student academic success.This year’s theme celebrates the joy that emerges when families, educators, and communities come together in authentic partnership to support meaningful learning. The conference will bring together educators, family-facing professionals, community leaders, and parents for a dynamic day of learning, connection, and inspiration.Attendees will experience research-based strategies, expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and hands-on professional development—designed to deepen collaboration and enhance engagement across all learning environments. Don’t miss this powerful opportunity to connect, grow, and lead joyful, high-impact change in your community.

Working with Students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing: An Introduction

This full-day, in-person opportunity is designed as an introduction to working with students who are deaf/hard of hearing with a focus on communication through listening and spoken language. During this interactive session, participants will explore a broad range of topics that impact students with hearing loss and apply effective strategies and best practices into their educational environment.

AI Amplified: Empowering 5–8 Classrooms with Bold, Responsible Innovation

This full-day, in-person workshop is designed for educators of grades 5 through 8 who are ready to bring artificial intelligence into their classrooms in responsible, engaging, and student-centered ways. Participants will receive immersive, hands-on training in AI tools that support creativity, productivity, and collaboration. The workshop will follow a Learn-Do-Reflect model with direct tool demonstrations, guided lesson design, and strategic planning time built in. Attendees will leave with ready-to-implement AI-infused lessons, ethical guidelines, and strategies for engaging students and families in their AI journey.

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.

Autism Toolbox

Meaningful inclusion for students on the autism spectrum contributes to improved outcomes and equitable education. Participants will learn strategies to include students on the autism spectrum into general education classrooms. Participants will also develop strategies to help students with ASD navigate all environments in the school.

AI for Impact: Leading Schools into the Future with Confidence and Clarity

This full-day, in-person workshop is designed to guide school and district leaders through the powerful possibilities of artificial intelligence to improve systems, support staff, and lead innovation with care and confidence. Using a Lead-Learn-Launch model, participants will engage in real-world simulations, explore administrative use cases of AI, design draft policies, and plan actionable strategies to support their staff with safe, effective AI classroom implementation.

Igniting Change - RESC Alliance (Fall 2025)

The Fall 2025 Igniting Change Conference offers an opportunity for educational leaders to engage with nationally recognized experts on equity-centered topics including culturally sustaining systems and structures, equitable teaching and learning, equity-centered leadership, and support for linguistically diverse students. This conference is designed for districts seeking to advance and sustain equity-centered practices in education through transformative dialogue, practical strategies, and systems-level planning. Featured keynote speakers include Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz and Dr. Gholdy Muhammad. Breakfast and lunch will be served.

Empowerment Through Perspective: Reframing Deficit Mindsets and Moving to an Asset-Based Mindset

In this two-part series, participants will be introduced to the concept of deficit based thinking and how harmful and pervasive it is in education spaces. They will engage in an unpacking exercise to better understand the different harmful outcomes of deficit based thinking. Then they will learn to reframe deficit thinking and co-create asset based responses. Part 2 will help you understand the ways society does not value the capital that marginalized students bring to educational spaces. Using Yosso's (2005) community cultural wealth model participants will reflect and reframe how their students are viewed in deficit ways to more asset based descriptions.

Understanding and Supporting Auditory Development in Children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing

This full-day, in-person opportunity, designed for Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Speech Language Pathologists working with students who who are deaf/hard of hearing and use listening and spoken language. Participants will gain a deep understanding of auditory development and hierarchy, equipping them with essential knowledge and practical strategies to support their students' auditory learning journey.

Bridging PreK and Kindergarten Learning Cohort, Session 1: Addressing Learning Standards Through Play in PreK and Kindergarten

Are you a Pre-K or Kindergarten educator, support staff member, or administrator working to strengthen transitions and align developmentally appropriate practices across the early years? Join us for a series of professional learning sessions designed to build meaningful connections between preschool and kindergarten educators. Each session will offer collaborative dialogue, practical tools, and real-world strategies you can take back to your school community. Session 1 Description: How can early childhood educators uphold academic standards while preserving the power and purpose of play? In this session, preschool and kindergarten teachers will explore strategies for integrating learning standards into child-directed, open-ended play. Drawing on examples from real-world classrooms, participants will learn how play can serve as a powerful context for achieving developmental and academic outcomes. Through collaborative discussion and reflection, educators will gain tools to plan, observe, and document standards-based learning in ways that honor children's agency and developmental needs. Sign-up for one or all three. Those attending all 3 sessions will receive a discounted rate for the March 2026 Symposium. Space is limited to 20 for this discount offer. Register for each session separately: Session 1-10/30/2025; Session 2-12/4/2025; Session 3-1/29/2026.

Supporting Newcomer and Beginner Multilingual Learners

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.

Try It Tomorrow! Fast-Track AI Tools for Today’s Middle School Classroom

This engaging 3-hour, in-person workshop is designed for middle school teachers (grades 5–8) who are eager to integrate AI tools into their classrooms but need an efficient, focused path forward. Participants will receive hands-on exposure to 3–4 practical AI tools that can immediately enhance instruction, simplify planning, and promote student engagement. Using a Show-Try-Apply model, participants will observe demonstrations, try tools live, and apply them directly to their existing instructional goals with guided support.

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.

Enhancing Academic Success: A Workshop on Implementing Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

Join us for an insightful workshop designed to empower educators and administrators with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively implement a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in the area of academics. This session will provide an overview of MTSS, including its foundational principles, practical strategies and techniques, and best practices for supporting all students in achieving academic success.

Office Reimagined: AI Skills for Smarter, Smoother School Operations

This full-day, in-person workshop is designed specifically for administrative assistants, secretaries, and other front office staff in school settings. It provides hands-on experience with AI tools that simplify daily responsibilities such as communication, document creation, scheduling, transcription, and information organization. The training follows a Learn-Test-Build model with individual and team-based practice. Participants will leave with ready-to-use templates, time-saving strategies, and increased confidence in using AI to reduce stress and streamline operations.

Supporting Multilingual Learners in the General Education Classroom

This full-day workshop is designed to build the capacity of general education teachers to effectively support multilingual learners (MLs/ELs) in their classrooms. Educators will explore how multilingual learners acquire language and how to integrate research-based strategies that promote both language development and content learning. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your “toolkit,” this session will provide practical, classroom-ready approaches for scaffolding instruction and making learning more accessible across all content areas.

Creating a Culture for Writing for Multilingual Learners

Writing can be intimidating for any student—and even more so for Multilingual Learners. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore a range of strategies to support and promote writing among ELs/MLs. We’ll focus on incorporating meaningful activities, scaffolds, language models, and opportunities to leverage students’ home languages. As part of this work, participants will also have the opportunity to practice creating writing-focused goals that reflect students’ strengths, needs, and stages of language development.

AI for School Leaders: Smarter Systems, Stronger Support

This half-day, 3-hour in-person workshop is tailored for school leaders looking for practical ways to incorporate artificial intelligence into their day-to-day leadership roles. The session follows a Learn-Streamline-Support model, giving leaders hands-on experience with AI tools that help with tasks like communication, scheduling, documentation, and instructional support. Participants will explore real-life use cases, practice tool integration, and draft an AI-infused leadership routine they can apply immediately.

Bridging PreK and Kindergarten Learning Cohort, Session 2: Curriculum Continuity Through Play-Based Learning

Are you a Pre-K or Kindergarten educator, support staff member, or administrator working to strengthen transitions and align developmentally appropriate practices across the early years? Join us for a series of professional learning sessions designed to build meaningful connections between preschool and kindergarten educators. Each session will offer collaborative dialogue, practical tools, and real-world strategies you can take back to your school community. Session 2 Description: This session explores how to sustain high-quality, play-based learning as children move from Pre-K into Kindergarten. Participants will analyze where and how play fits within academic standards and explore ways to meet the demands of both CT ELDS and Kindergarten curriculum frameworks without compromising the integrity of play. Educators will work together to design meaningful, playful activities that promote skill development, exploration, and joy. Sign-up for one or all three. Those attending all 3 sessions will receive a discounted rate for the March 2026 Symposium. Space is limited to 20 for this discount offer. Register for each session separately: Session 1-10/30/2025; Session 2-12/4/2025; Session 3-1/29/2026.

Listen up! Embedding Auditory Strategies into Your Classroom

This 1-hour virtual workshop equips educators and support professionals with effective strategies and best practices to support development of auditory skills in students with hearing loss, with a focus on communication through listening and spoken language. Participants will learn to implement techniques that improve auditory skills, enhance auditory learning, and support the students’ overall academic success.

AI at the Front Desk: Simple Tools for Maximum Office Impact

This 3-hour, in-person workshop is designed for front office staff—including secretaries, clerks, and administrative assistants—who are eager to learn how AI can simplify daily operations and improve communication. The training follows a See-Try-Apply model, with hands-on exploration of easy-to-use tools, guided creation of real documents, and small-group collaboration to personalize ideas for immediate office use.

AI Workflow Wonders: Tools That Tidy Your To-Do List

This 2-part virtual workshop series (2 hours each) is designed for school office professionals—administrative assistants, clerks, and support staff—who want to explore how AI can be used to streamline their daily work. The sessions follow a Learn-Practice-Personalize model: Session 1 introduces practical tools for drafting communication, organizing tasks, and managing basic data entry. Session 2 focuses on creating personalized workflows using templates and checklists, with opportunities for real-time collaboration and sharing.

Supporting Multilingual Learners in the General Education Classroom

This full-day workshop is designed to build the capacity of general education teachers to effectively support multilingual learners (MLs/ELs) in their classrooms. Educators will explore how multilingual learners acquire language and how to integrate research-based strategies that promote both language development and content learning. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your “toolkit,” this session will provide practical, classroom-ready approaches for scaffolding instruction and making learning more accessible across all content areas.

AARC Open House Informational Session

The AARC program is a cross-endorsement program for general education teachers who are seeking special education certification (165). Qualifications: 1) Valid teaching certification in the State of Connecticut (school social worker, school psychologist, speech-language pathologist not applicable). 2) Three (3) years of successful teaching experience in the last eight (8) years. Note: Successful substitute teaching and paraeducator experience will be considered. 3) Completion and submission of application and related materials (including application fee) by application deadline, generally March 31 of any year. 4) GPA of 3.0. Candidates with GPAs between 2.5 and 3.0 may petition, in writing, for consideration of a waiver based on a history of exceptional professional experience or recent academic excellence. (Undergraduate coursework GPA of 3.0 is accepted if not enrolled in graduate coursework). 5) Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. A master’s degree is encouraged, but not required.

MTSS for SEL and Behavior Systems

Join our comprehensive workshop designed to enhance your understanding and application of social-emotional and behavioral supports within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. This hands-on workshop will delve into how to embed social-emotional and behavioral strategies in order to support positive behavior and classroom climate at any grade level. SNOW DATE: 1/16/2026

Empowering Every Learner: Free AI Tools to Support Students with Low-Incidence Disabilities

In today's educational landscape, artificial intelligence is reshaping what is possible — especially for students with complex learning needs. In this engaging and practical session, special educators, therapists, administrators, and assistive technology practitioners will explore a range of free AI-powered tools that can be immediately leveraged in the schools. Participants will learn how to create custom curriculum materials, design visual supports including video modeling and digital storytelling, generate adapted content, and build symbols and communication tools tailored for students with low-incidence disabilities. This hands-on session will not only demonstrate the tools but will also offer strategies for implementing them ethically, creatively, and effectively to promote student engagement, communication, independence, and access. SNOW DATE: 1/27/2026

Amplifying Voices: Using Storytelling for Social Change

This 6-part learning series welcomes all people who are interested in deepening their understanding of foundational concepts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and exploring more complex topics of intersectionality and racial literacy. Through the use of storytelling, the sessions will provide a context for readers to develop a deep understanding of and empathy for the lived experiences of individuals from a variety of racial, linguistic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds within the text “Tell Me Who You Are: Sharing Our Stories of Race, Culture, & Identity” (Winona Guo and Priya Vulchi ). Within each session, facilitators will work with participants to bring to life the shared stories to personalize the experiences and challenges that many people in our society are confronted with. Recommended Prerequisite: Open minded attitude. Participants must purchase book.

AI in Action: A Virtual Educator Exploration for Grades 5–8

This two-part, virtual professional learning experience (2 hours per session) is designed to support grades 5–8 educators in exploring and implementing AI in their classrooms in a safe, responsible, and empowering way. Using a Discover-Design-Reflect model, session one introduces key AI tools and ethical considerations for use with students. Session two allows educators to co-create lesson activities and digital routines that promote engagement, equity, and creativity through AI. Participants will work collaboratively in virtual breakout groups and access ready-to-use resources.

Strengthening Communities Series: Educational Equity in Changing Times

In this four-session series, participants will continue their growth beyond the foundations of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and move deeper into addressing current misunderstandings and pushback related to equity initiatives within schools and districts. The sessions will ground individuals in a process of self-reflection and social awareness while also equipping them with the language and tools that they can use to address staff members and respond to community members. Topics to explore include decolonization and the use of restorative practices, responding to discriminatory language and creating a culture of inclusion, and addressing privilege and managing equity detours. 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 in order to gain meaningful feedback for making intentional change at the individual, professional, and community level. All Sessions are virtual, with asynchronous content available in-between sessions.

Post-Secondary Transition Topics for Students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing

This will be a series of three (3) half-day, virtual workshops for school professionals who support transition-age students who are deaf/hard of hearing. Each individual workshop in the series will do a deep dive into a specific transition-related topic to increase participants’ ability to support their students’ future preparedness in these areas.

Beyond Asking for Repetition: Advocacy Skills for Students who are D/HH

This 1-hour virtual workshop empowers educators and support professionals to cultivate advanced self-advocacy skills in students with hearing loss, with a focus on communication through listening and spoken language. Building beyond basic strategies, participants will learn to nurture a holistic approach to self-advocacy that prepares D/HH students for independence in academic and real-world settings.

Bridging PreK and Kindergarten Learning Cohort, Session 3: Families at the Center: Building Trust and Consistency Through Transitions

Are you a Pre-K or Kindergarten educator, support staff member, or administrator working to strengthen transitions and align developmentally appropriate practices across the early years? Join us for a series of professional learning sessions designed to build meaningful connections between preschool and kindergarten educators. Each session will offer collaborative dialogue, practical tools, and real-world strategies you can take back to your school community. Session 3 Description: Families are a child’s first and most enduring teachers—and critical partners in the PreK–K transition process. This session focuses on building inclusive, culturally responsive, and effective family engagement practices that reduce stress, increase confidence, and promote positive outcomes during school transitions. Educators will examine barriers to engagement, share real-world strategies, and design communication and event plans that honor families' voices and needs. Sign-up for one or all three. Those attending all 3 sessions will receive a discounted rate for the March 2026 Symposium. Space is limited to 20 for this discount offer. Register for each session separately: Session 1-10/30/2025; Session 2-12/4/2025; Session 3-1/29/2026.

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.

Beyond the Prompt: Mastering the Art & Strategy of Advanced AI Use in Education

This full-day, in-person workshop is designed for educators, specialists, and staff who are already using AI and ready to level up their strategy and creativity. Through a Think-Build-Transform model, participants will explore advanced prompt engineering, AI tool stacking, multi-modal content generation, and student-centered project design. The session includes hands-on exploration, real-world scenarios, peer feedback, and curated access to emerging AI tools that go beyond basic chat functionality.

Creating a Culture for Writing for Multilingual Learners

Writing can be intimidating for any student—and even more so for Multilingual Learners. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore a range of strategies to support and promote writing among ELs/MLs. We’ll focus on incorporating meaningful activities, scaffolds, language models, and opportunities to leverage students’ home languages. As part of this work, participants will also have the opportunity to practice creating writing-focused goals that reflect students’ strengths, needs, and stages of language development.

The AI Leadership Lab: Exploring Efficiency & Empowerment from the Office to the Classroom

This two-part virtual workshop series (2 hours per session) is tailored specifically for school and district administrators looking to understand, apply, and support artificial intelligence within their school systems. Participants will explore real-use cases of AI to streamline communication, increase efficiency in leadership tasks, and support staff as they bring AI into the classroom. Each session uses a Learn-Plan-Support model: session one focuses on AI for school operations and leadership efficiency, while session two explores how to model and support responsible classroom integration.

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. Snow date is 3/5/2026.

Sound Judgements: Navigating Assessment for Students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing

This full-day, in-person course addresses the critical need for accurate and appropriate assessment of students who are deaf/hard of hearing who use listening and spoken language. Designed specifically for district staff responsible for these evaluations, the course focuses on enhancing knowledge and practical skills in conducting formal assessments of student language, vocabulary, and auditory abilities. Participants will learn strategies to ensure assessments are tailored to students’ unique needs and promote equitable educational outcomes. SNOW DATE: 3/24/2026

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.

AI Remix: Reinventing Routines with Purpose and Power

This 3-hour, in-person workshop is designed for educators who are already comfortable using AI and want to reimagine their routines with greater creativity and strategic layering of tools. Using an Explore-Remix-Refine model, participants will learn how to innovatively combine AI platforms to generate lesson materials, differentiate student supports, automate weekly tasks, and design smart systems that save time and amplify impact.

Job Coaching for Secondary Transition

In this engaging workshop, educators/paraeducators/job coaches, and support staff will gain knowledge and learn the strategies needed to guide transition-aged students toward meaningful employment and lifelong success. The workshop will provide participants with actionable tools and effective, individualized supports to successfully assist students on the job and with their transition from education to employment.

AI Unlocked: Redefining What’s Possible in Your Practice

This two-part virtual workshop series (2 hours each) is tailored for educators and school professionals already using AI tools who are ready to explore emerging platforms and redefine how they use AI in ways that are creative, ethical, and equity-centered. Using a Discover-Design-Share model, Part 1 introduces next-generation tools and practical applications across instructional and operational settings. Part 2 guides participants through collaborative case studies and planning, with an emphasis on redefining existing practices to increase impact and inclusion.

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.

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.

Supporting Newcomer and Beginner Multilingual Learners

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.

Working with Students who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing: An Introduction

This full-day, in-person opportunity is designed as an introduction to working with students who are deaf/hard of hearing with a focus on communication through listening and spoken language. During this interactive session, participants will explore a broad range of topics that impact students with hearing loss and apply effective strategies and best practices into their educational environment.

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.

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.

Connecting the Standards: How Does Multiplication and Division Fluency Develop?

Dive into the rich mathematical progression of multiplication and division as outlined by the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). This dynamic workshop invites educators to explore how multiplication and division concepts are developed across the elementary grades, supporting students in building deep conceptual understanding alongside procedural fluency. Participants will trace the trajectory of learning from early equal groups and array models to the development of standard algorithms, all while emphasizing the importance of reasoning, place value understanding, and the properties of operations. Through engaging tasks, classroom-ready tools, and collaborative discussions, this session will empower educators to make purposeful instructional decisions that align with the standards' intent.

Connecting the Standards: How Does Addition and Subtraction Fluency Develop?

Join us for an in-depth, hands-on professional learning experience designed to deepen your understanding of how the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) support the development of students’ conceptual and procedural understanding of addition and subtraction across the elementary grades. In this interactive workshop, participants will examine the progression of addition and subtraction standards from Kindergarten through Grade 4, focusing on how the standards are intentionally structured to build a coherent understanding of place value, number sense, and algorithmic thinking. Using sample tasks and grade-level resources, educators will explore how students move from concrete representations and strategies to increasingly efficient, generalizable algorithms.

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.

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.