Learn with the MTA and Earn PDPs

Format: Asynchronous course from September 30 to November 4. Must participate in activities each week. Participants must procure their own copy of Inclusive Learning 365 before the course begins.

This asynchronous book study will consist of reading the exceptionally organized and resource-packed text Inclusive Learning 365: EdTech Strategies for Every Day of The Year by Christopher Bugaj, Karen Janowski, Mike Marotta, and Beth Poss. 

The workbook can be purchased on Amazon, Bookshop.org or ISTE.org.

As we explore the text, we will develop an inclusive learning mindset and replace traditional instructional methods with strategies that engage all learners in your classroom. We will also discover and explore educational technology strategies to support foundations, as multiple components of the curriculum will follow. 

Using Google Classroom, participants will complete weekly reading assignments, participate in discussion boards, and complete the culminating final project to demonstrate key take-aways and ideas for implementing the course’s learning into your classroom.  The final project may be a reflection essay/blog/journal, video, interactive slideshow, or curated collection of resources for embedding UDL and educational technology strategies throughout the learning experiences of your classroom.

This program meets DESE requirements for 15 PDPs in Special Education during each 5-year Professional License Renewal cycle.

Format: In-person at Westfield State University October 19 and 26 from 9 am to 3:30 pm, completion of additional work.

The good news is that we are in the midst of the opportunity to hone the process of creating a culture in our own classrooms. Cultures that aim to embrace all students as we teach them to find value in their own learning, goals and development. We can guide them through this journey by creating classroom environments of peace and respect, providing opportunities for social skill development and instilling a sense of their own power in finding happiness and success in the world. 

In this workshop, we will look at specific techniques to create peaceful classroom environments, ideas to develop expectations/communication for students, ways to integrate social/emotional skills into our classroom routines and to embrace the management of challenging behaviors/attitudes as people struggle. 

This will be a highly interactive workshop with lectures and videos, participation in selected technique practice, small group discussions, and planning sessions with other participants. We will learn from each other and design what will work in your unique classroom and fit the students you work with every day. You will be equipped and ready to implement these additions to your practice from the first day of the school year.

This program meets DESE requirements for 15 PDPs in Special Education during each 5-year Professional License Renewal cycle.

Format: Zoom meetings on Wednesdays 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/13, & 11/20 from 4pm-530pm. Completion of additional work.

This professional development course is designed to empower educators with the tools to enhance their robust practice by creating cohesive and inclusive learning environments through the strategic use of language. Participants will explore a variety of differentiated vocabulary strategies to deepen all students' connections with words, including those with diverse learning needs, enhance vocabulary acquisition and retention, and strengthen their ability to engage with texts. 

The course will emphasize the importance of classroom culture, focusing on methods that seamlessly scaffold learning to ensure content accessibility for all students. Educators will be introduced to multi-sensory approaches, visual supports, and assistive technology to make vocabulary and reading strategies more accessible to students with learning differences.

Additionally, educators will bolster their existing management techniques, fostering strong relationships while maintaining clear and firm classroom expectations, with an emphasis on positive behavior supports and social-emotional learning strategies that promote an inclusive atmosphere. 

Through this course, teachers will develop modified documents to use for current and future students. Participants will gain practical skills to enhance writing instruction and conferencing, incorporating individualized learning plans and modifications for students who need additional support.

Associated reading and coursework will take place between Zoom classes.

Participants will receive 15 PDPs in Special Education.

Format: In-person at Westfeld State University October 19 and 25 from 9 am to 3:30 pm, completion of additional work.

The good news is that we are in the midst of the opportunity to hone the process of creating a culture in our own classrooms. Cultures that aim to embrace all students as we teach them to find value in their own learning, goals and development. We can guide them through this journey by creating classroom environments of peace and respect, providing opportunities for social skill development and instilling a sense of their own power in finding happiness and success in the world. In this workshop, we will look at specific techniques to create peaceful classroom environments, ideas to develop expectations/communication for students, ways to integrate social/emotional skills into our classroom routines and to embrace the management of challenging behaviors/attitudes as people struggle. This will be a highly interactive workshop with lectures and videos, participation in selected technique practice, small group discussions, and planning sessions with other participants. We will learn from each other and design what will work in your unique classroom and fit the students you work with every day. You will be equipped and ready to implement these additions to your practice from the first day of the school year.

This program meets DESE requirements for 15 PDPs in Special Education during each 5-year Professional License Renewal cycle.