Upcoming Professional Learning Events

  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Early Learning (PK-3) Educators Network

    Register here.

    Our early learning network has a new look! We will meet in person at the Center for Professional Learning and visit host schools to engage in learning walks focused on Early Learning.

    Join us for collaborative learning experiences with colleagues who are dedicated to enhancing the educational experiences of Early Learners (PK-3) across all content areas. Together we will explore best practices, theories, and innovative approaches to early childhood education. Members of the group will engage in activities including sharing resources, analyzing current research, developing curriculum strategies, and reflecting on their teaching methods. We welcome teams of teachers, administrators, instructional coaches, early learning specialists, department chairs, and all who support Early Learning.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    504 Chairperson Training

    Register here.

    Participants will learn to effectively facilitate 504 meetings by defining team roles, engaging parents in meaningful collaboration, and managing challenging conversations. Through practical strategies, participants will gain the skills to develop legally sound 504 Plans that align accommodations with student needs and ensure successful classroom implementation. They will explore methods for monitoring and reviewing 504 Plans, collaborating with educators to track progress, and making data-informed adjustments. Finally, participants will examine the intersection of 504 Plans with other school support systems, applying principles of cultural competence and equity to ensure fair and effective student access to accommodations.

    This professional learning is focused on the facilitation of 504 meetings and the implementation of 504 plans for those who serve as Chairpersons for 504 Committee Meetings.

    Professional learning will include the following areas:

    1. Legal Foundations and Compliance Overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
    2. Roles and Responsibilities
    3. 504 Plan Development
    4. Meeting Facilitation and Parent Engagement
    5. Monitoring and Review
    6. Intersection with Other School Supports
    7. Cultural Competence and Equity
    8. Resource Review

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    SLS- Discovery Education BTS Bootcamp

    Register here.

    Discovery Education continues to empower educators with resources, strategies and tools for creating quality lessons using multi-modal digital resources. For Back-to-School 2025-26, we are combining all that teachers and students love about the DE ecosystem with new content, including Career Connect and the AI Assessment Generator!

    Join us this Fall at Southern Westchester BOCES to learn about the best ways to utilize all that Discovery Education has to offer as well as exciting updated features, synchronous and asynchronous activities, assignment templates, background builder lessons and much more:

    *Ready-to-Use Activities & Video Quizzes
    *Supports for NYS Science Investigations
    *AI Assessment Generator *Career Connect
    *Core 4 Focus & Supplemental Supports
    *Spotlight on Strategies for All Subjects and Grade Levels RECOMMENDED 

    Lunch will be provided by Discovery Education.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • via Zoom

    Supporting Reading Proficiency & the Science of Reading Across Content Areas (Virtual Series)

    Register here.

    While students are often expected to comprehend complex texts in their middle and high school classes, even students who can name every word may not be reading actively or making sense of the texts they're given. How can we improve students' reading proficiency across content areas in secondary classrooms? How can we build skills connected to the components of "The Big 6” of the Science of Reading emphasized in New York State's Literacy Initiative? This virtual series will build educators' toolkits for integrating attention to vocabulary (coupled with phonemic awareness and phonics), fluency, comprehension, and oral language within content area instruction.

     

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Growing Student Learning & Literacy in Secondary Classrooms Day 2: Engaging & Responsive Curriculum

    Register here.

    Participants can register for one or both sessions of this two-day series focused on attending to key elements of instruction (Day 1) and curriculum (Day 2) to support students' learning and improve their literacy skills in secondary classrooms. Educators are encouraged to attend in teams to plan collaboratively for launching 2025-26 with the greatest impact and will receive a 10% credit for attending with at least two other district colleagues.

    Day 2: Engaging & Responsive Curriculum: How can we adjust our curriculum to embody the Science of Learning and the Science of Reading to support students' success? How can our lessons, units, and materials support students' engagement and literacy skill development across content areas in secondary classrooms? This session will share frameworks for curriculum development to help students improve their skills as learners, thinkers, readers, and communicators. Participants will apply key concepts and use the curriculum frameworks to write or revise existing units for the upcoming school year.

    The full day session/s will be followed by optional Zoom sessions in the following months focused on classroom application.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Key Points Refresher Recertification

    Register here.

    The Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® Key Points Refresher is designed to help improve your understanding of key program concepts, enhance your skills and provide strategies to apply the information to workplace realities. Only participants who have completed the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training in the last 12-18 months are eligible to participate in the Refresher Training. In addition, we are asking that individuals attend in pairs or trios so that they can perform the physical interventions with a partner. All participants must complete the physical interventions in order to receive certification.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    2025-26 DEI Leaders' Action Network: Advancing Equity Through the NYSED Portrait of a Graduate

    Register here.

    Join a powerful network of school district teams committed to advancing equity, and access in ways that transform classrooms and communities. This year, we will ground our work in Liz Kleinrock's Start Here, Start Now and connect its practical strategies directly to the New York State Portrait of a Graduate.

    Over five full-day sessions, district teams will:

    1.Engage in deep professional learning on equity-centered leadership and culturally responsive-sustaining practices.

    2. Participate in guided book study discussions and collaborative activities that link Start Here, Start Now to Portrait of a Graduate attributes.

    3. Design and refine a district-specific DEI initiative anchored to one of the six Portrait attributes.

    4. Receive targeted support and coaching to move from concept to actionable implementation.

    5. Showcase their work and leave with a clear action plan for 2026-2027.

    By the end of the year, each team will have:

    -Selected a Portrait of a Graduate attribute to anchor their DEI work.
    -Designed and tested a district-specific initiative that advances equity and belonging in their school community.
    -Developed stakeholder engagement and sustainability strategies to ensure lasting impact.
    -Built strong cross-district connections to share resources, successes, and lessons learned.

    Each participating district is strongly encouraged to register as a team of at least two members and up to 5.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Integrating Social-Emotional Learning to Improve Student Achievement

    Register here.

    Even when educators believe in the value of social-emotional learning (SEL), SEL can feel like something "extra.” This session will ground educators in how SEL is integral to academic achievement (and success in the world at large). Then, we will explore strategies for embedding attention to social-emotional learning in academic instruction, and participants will apply their learning to plan for the 2025-26 school year.
    Participants will be able to:

    • Understand and articulate how social-emotional learning (SEL) is essential-not additional-to academic success and lifelong achievement, drawing connections to the New York State SEL Benchmarks, CASEL Core Competencies, and the New York State Portrait of a Graduate.

    • Identify and analyze how the integration of SEL within academic instruction supports student engagement, motivation, and achievement across content areas.

    • Explore and apply evidence-based strategies to embed SEL into instructional practices using tools such as the CASEL 3 Signature Practices and the CASEL Frame Coach Reflect framework.

    • Design actionable plans to integrate SEL intentionally into classroom instruction and school-wide practices for the 2025-26 school year, with a focus on sustainable impact and alignment with district and state priorities.

    • Reflect on current practices and identify opportunities to strengthen SEL integration at the classroom, school, and systems levels.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Launching the Seal of Civic Readiness

    Register here.

    New York State's Civic Readiness Initiative embodies what we value most about our students' learning and development - that they're prepared with the skills, knowledge, mindsets, and experiences to participate meaningfully in the communities they're a part of in their lives. Further, the Seal of Civic Readiness is both a graduation pathway and a reflection of attributes of the Portrait of a Graduate that aims to define our priorities for when our students complete high school.

    In this session, come learn about the components of the Civic Readiness Initiative and the Seal of Civic Readiness. Then, consider what's needed to offer the Seal of Civic Readiness in your high school. Participants will then be guided to apply these ideas to their own context and come away with clear next steps for launching the Seal of Civic Readiness.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    SLS Council Meeting

    Register here.

    The School Library Council is responsible for developing and approving the Plan of Service; is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Plan of Service; recommends for approval the annual budget prior to submission to the District Superintendent for his signature; and supports the activities of the School Library System, through service on a committee. 

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SLS Communication Coordinators Meeting

    Register here.

    Quarterly meetings for SLS Communication Coordinators as mandated in NY State Education Law 90.18. Communication Coordinators are informed on topics such as New York State Education Department updates, technology, and Information Fluency Skills. Professional development is provided on current issues with the expectation that it is shared with other school librarians in district.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Science Investigation (Biology). Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: For the Birds -Designing Solutions

    Register here.

    This one-day session focuses on Science Investigation (Biology). Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems: For the Birds -Designing Solutions. This Investigation is a hands-on laboratory experience that prepares teachers to ready students for the new Biology Regents Examination. (This is 3 of 3 Science Investigations: Biology).

    Participants in this one-day session will:

    - experience this Investigation both as a teacher and student.

    - simulate the collision between a bird in flight with a glass window.

    - collaborate to design, evaluate, and refine a window screen that could be used to reduce the force of this impact and bird mortality.

    - construct a data table(s) that will be used to organize the data collected.

    - evaluate the results of this simulation and determine the effectiveness of the solution.

    - refine the solution to further optimize its effectiveness.

    - deepen their understanding of NYSED's expectations for the new Regents' exam in Life Science: Biology.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    2nd Annual Literacy Symposium: Research in Practice

    Register here.

    Our 2nd Annual Literacy Symposium: Research in Practice is designed for educators, instructional leaders, and literacy advocates committed to equity and excellence in literacy instruction. This year's symposium brings together nationally recognized literacy experts and passionate educators like you to explore research-based practices grounded in the Science of Reading. Together, we'll deepen our understanding of literacy instruction-and how to apply it across the curriculum in systematic and explicit ways that meet the needs of all learners. Through engaging learning sessions, hands-on workshops, and collaborative planning time, you'll leave with actionable tools and strategies to drive real change in your classroom or school.

    Sessions led by literacy experts from:
    - LEXIA
    - The Writing Revolution
    - PAF
    - Generation Ready
    - iReady Curriculum Associates

    LUNCH will be provided and all attendees will be entered into a raffle for a seat in our 25-26 Science of Reading study group

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Restorative Practices Educator Training for RECOVS Mental Health Grant Consortium

    Register here.

    Please note that this training is limited to personnel from districts who are part of SWBOCES's RECOVS Mental Health Grant Consortium.

    Lori DeCarlo of Restorative Edge Consulting will lead this interactive series to provide training to educators in the use of restorative practices designed to support social-emotional learning and mental health.
    The training will focus on restorative practices as a trauma-informed approach for creating a culture of belonging, safety, and inclusion

    • Responsive restorative practices, including Affective Communication/Non-Violent Communication, Tier 2 Whole Group Responsive Circles, and Tier 2 Restorative Circles to respond to specific incidents of harm.
    Restorative Discipline: how to embed restorative practices into discipline, including:
    ---Creating a restorative classroom as an alternative to out of school suspension,
    ---Exploring how to use a restorative intervention known as the 5 Step Plan,
    ---Learning how to facilitate a Tier 3 Restorative Conferences for serious disciplinary incidents,
    ---Learning how to facilitate a Welcome Back & Re-Entry Circle for students returning from an out of school suspension.

    A highly engaging Restorative Pedagogy will be utilized for the delivery of in-person instruction.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    SLS- The Power of Immersion Learning: A Workshop for Leaders

    Register here.

    In this interactive workshop, led by Finnish educator Petteri Elo, discover the power of immersion and phenomenon- based learning and the impacts they make on students. Walk away with an understanding of how Finland has led the way in educational innovation and how to implement similar pedagogy in your schools. About Petteri: Finnish Educator Petteri Elo has an extensive career in teaching, training, and curriculum development. He turns his innovative and experimental practices with his students into engaging and thought- provoking training concepts for educators worldwide. 

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • via Zoom

    SLS- OverDrive/ Sora User Group (VIRTUAL)

    Register here.

    Join fellow librarians and instructional leaders for a dynamic OverDrive/Sora User Group session focused on maximizing the impact of your district's digital collection. Whether you're a seasoned Sora user or just getting started, this session will provide a space to share best practices, explores new features, and troubleshoot challenges together. Participants will engage in collaborative discussions around collection development, equitable access, student engagement strategies, and integrating Sora into instruction. Bring your questions, your wins, and your ideas as we learn from each other and strengthen our collective digital literacy efforts. ideal for school librarians, tech integrators, and curriculum leaders looking to elevate their Sora usage and make digital reading more accessible and impactful for all students. 

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • via Zoom

    Supporting Reading Proficiency & the Science of Reading Across Content Areas (Virtual Series)

    Register here.

    While students are often expected to comprehend complex texts in their middle and high school classes, even students who can name every word may not be reading actively or making sense of the texts they're given. How can we improve students' reading proficiency across content areas in secondary classrooms? How can we build skills connected to the components of "The Big 6” of the Science of Reading emphasized in New York State's Literacy Initiative? This virtual series will build educators' toolkits for integrating attention to vocabulary (coupled with phonemic awareness and phonics), fluency, comprehension, and oral language within content area instruction.

     

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    RECOVS Restorative Practices Implementation/Action Planning Workshop

    Register here.

    Please note that this training is limited to leaders from districts who are part of SWBOCES's RECOVS Mental Health Grant Consortium.

    Lori DeCarlo of Restorative Edge Consulting will lead this interactive training, which is essential for leaders who are bringing restorative practices to their schools/districts - to understand key principles of restorative practices and conditions for systemic implementation designed to support social-emotional learning and mental health.

    This facilitated workshop utilizes the Implementation Science Framework to create a doable Action Plan for Implementing Restorative Practices for Systemic, Whole School Change

    Objectives:

    • Understand the four stages of implementation science as it applies to systemic implementation of restorative practices.
    • Learn what the research has identified as common "mis-implementation" errors and how to avoiding these pitfalls.
    • Explore evidence based practices that support sustainable implementation of restorative practices.
    • Conduct a self-assessment of current practices to establish a baseline and identify up to 5 priorities for action.
    • Learn about high impact activities for early implementation.
    • Plan for Professional Learning sessions at the building level. Write explicit action plans utilizing a template.
    • Develop key messaging to support the roll-out & enhance buy-in.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    The IDEA Exchange (Inspired by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)

    Register here.

    Special education leadership comes with unique challenges, requiring collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion. The I.D.E.A. Exchange is responsively designed for special education leaders to engage in open, guided discussions on the most pressing topics in the field. Each session will center around a key theme-ranging from MTSS integration to family partnerships-while allowing participants to share experiences, problem-solve, and build a network of support. Whether you're a director, coordinator, or instructional leader, this space will empower you with fresh insights, practical strategies, and a collaborative professional community.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • SWBOCES - 450 Mamaroneck Avenue, 3rd floor, Harrison, NY

    Teaching About Enslavement & Resistance in the Context of Local Westchester History

    Register here.

    This session will introduce participants to Our Local History's Enslavement & Resistance unit, as we explore how we can effectively teach about the complexities of enslavement and resistance, while embracing inquiry-based learning, emphasizing our local Westchester context, and adopting an asset-based educational approach.

    The content supports the study of local communities, the transatlantic slave trade, and 18th/early 19th century United States history. The session integrates culturally responsive teaching practices and social-emotional learning (SEL), allowing educators to analyze best practices for fostering a safe and empowering classroom environment, while analyzing primary sources and engaging in the New York State Social Studies Practices. The full day session will be followed by optional Zoom sessions in the following months focused on classroom application.

     

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
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Ways to Learn with Us

 group of teachers in a learning session

Whether you learn with us on-site at the Center, in your district, or virtually, our programs are led by the Center’s core team and an extended team of educators from the region, consultants, professors from higher education, and industry partners.We invite you to explore the many ways we can partner with you, your school, and/or your districts on your learning journey. 

Learning Journey Snapshots

Teaching in Remote/Hybrid Learning Environments (TRLE) Grant

TRLE Grant Graphic

The Rethink K-12 Education Models Grant was developed to support educators in creating innovative practices to respond to and address the challenges created by the COVID-19 crisis.  New York State was one of 11 states awarded funds under this grant competition.  Southern Westchester BOCES, in partnership with LHRIC, Rockland BOCES, and Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES applied for funding through the Rethink K-12 Education Models Grant with the plan to provide educators professional learning opportunities to support in implementing high-quality and effective practices in remote/hybrid teaching and learning in order to lead to success for all students.

Learn more about the TRLE Grant.

 

PLCS NEWS

  • PLCS Insights: Q&A with SLS Supervisor Catherine Graybosch

    PLCS Insights: Q&A with SLS Supervisor Catherine Graybosch

    "School librarians are the heart and soul of their schools.  They are the people who teachers and students flock to for important information, great books, research projects and more.  As today’s education landscape changes, school librarians are having to adjust in order to remain a vital part of the school community."

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
  • Catherine Graybosch Appointed Supervisor of the School Library System at Southern Westchester BOCES

    Catherine Graybosch Appointed Supervisor of the School Library System at Southern Westchester BOCES

    The Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support (PLCS) at Southern Westchester BOCES is excited to announce the appointment of Catherine Graybosch as the new Supervisor of the School Library System. Catherine brings a wealth of experience as an educator and leader, having served as a Library Media Specialist and Department Head of Media and Information Technology at Great Neck Public Schools. Most recently, she held roles as a Staff Developer, District Curriculum Integration Leader, and Assistant Principal at Katonah-Lewisboro School District. Her commitment to fostering inquiry-based learning, integrating technology, and supporting educator development makes her a valuable addition to our team.

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
  • Transformative Leadership: Deepening Equity and Inclusion Through Hofstra’s Inclusive Leadership Program

    Transformative Leadership: Deepening Equity and Inclusion Through Hofstra’s Inclusive Leadership Program

    Supervisor of Community, Culture, and Wellness, and SWBOCES DEI Coordinator Sadika Clarke reflects on how attending Hofstra University’s Certificate in Inclusive Leadership Program has deepened her approach to fostering equity, inclusion, and belonging. This transformative experience, aligned with the New York State Board of Regents' vision for educational institutions, provided hands-on work, case studies, and collaboration with a diverse cohort of leaders. Equipped with practical strategies and a sharpened equity lens, she is now focused on creating lasting systems that embrace diversity and inclusion, driving sustainable impact in schools and beyond.

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
  • PLCS Welcomes Michael Setaro as Supervisor of Teaching, Learning and Student Support

    PLCS Welcomes Michael Setaro

    The Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support (PLCS) at Southern Westchester BOCES is excited to announce the appointment of Michael Setaro as Supervisor of Teaching, Learning, and Student Support. With over 20 years of experience in education, including expertise in special education, social studies, and intensive reading, Mike is dedicated to enhancing the connection between educator development and student success. In his new role, he will focus on leading the Center’s approach to NYSED’s Initial/Recert program for Lead Evaluators, leveraging Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), utilizing data to improve teaching and learning, and co-leading the RECOVS grant to promote wellness and mental health in schools. Mike expressed his honor in serving the region and looks forward to collaborating with educators and community partners to ensure equitable, high-quality education for all students. He holds New York State School Building Leader and School District Leader certifications and is pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Instructional Leadership.

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
  • An Equity Lens: Sadika Clarke puts spotlight on factors that impact learning

    An Equity Lens: Sadika Clarke puts spotlight on factors that impact learning

    Southern Westchester BOCES (SWBOCES) educators at Irvington High School participated in a workshop focused on viewing education through an equity lens, led by Sadika Clarke, Supervisor of Community, Culture, and Wellness at the Center for Professional Learning & Curriculum Support. The session, titled An Equity Lens, encouraged two dozen educators to engage in courageous conversations about educational disparities, opportunity gaps, and systemic racism. Clarke highlighted the importance of addressing factors such as racial discrimination and trauma, emphasizing the role of educators in promoting equitable outcomes. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of personal biases, foster understanding of the Culturally Responsive Sustaining Education (CR-SE) framework, and equip educators with strategies to create more inclusive classrooms.

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
  • Empowering Change: Be the Thermostat, not the Thermometer - Lessons from the 5th Annual PLCS DEI Summer Institute

    Empowering Change: Be the Thermostat, not the Thermometer

    In July, the Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support (PLCS) hosted its 5th Annual Summer Institute for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This impactful event featured keynote speakers like Dr. Alexandria Connally, who addressed implicit bias, Keisha Bell, who discussed allyship in education, and Dr. Raymond Sanchez, who emphasized personal responsibility in advancing DEI. Attendees engaged in over 15 presentations covering various aspects of diversity, and for the first time, the event was recorded for future educational use. The final day included a screening of the award-winning documentary "The Right to Read," followed by a panel discussion on literacy education. The success of the Institute highlighted SWBOCES’s commitment to DEI, with key contributions from Sadika Clarke and other leaders. Clarke expressed gratitude for the shared learning experiences, emphasizing the importance of collective action in promoting educational equity.

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
  • Embracing Authentiity, Sadika Clarke

    Embracing Authenticity, Sadika Clarke

    In her new role as Supervisor of Community, Culture, and Wellness, as well as DEI Coordinator for Southern Westchester BOCES, Sadika Clarke expresses a deep sense of purpose and excitement. She is dedicated to creating inclusive environments where everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves, believing that authenticity leads to greater contributions within communities and organizations. Clarke's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is driven by both personal and professional experiences, particularly as a mother of two, inspiring her passion for equity and justice. She  aims to dismantle systemic barriers and foster spaces where people from all backgrounds are valued and heard. Through collaboration with colleagues, students, and community members, Clarke looks forward to making a lasting, positive impact, fostering a culture of belonging with authenticity, compassion, and integrity.

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
  • 50 School Districts and BOCES Receive Grants to Address Learning Loss and Support Mental Health Services

    50 School Districts and BOCES Receive Grants to Address Learning Loss and Support Mental Health Services

    Governor Kathy Hochul has awarded $100 million to 50 school districts and BOCES, including Southern Westchester BOCES, to address learning loss from the pandemic and enhance mental health support for students. This funding, part of the RECOVS grant program, will improve access to evidence-based interventions and provide resources to help school staff and students identify and respond to academic and mental health challenges. The initiative aligns with Governor Hochul's commitment to expanding mental health services in schools, ensuring that both student well-being and academic recovery are prioritized statewide. 

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
  • Igniting Equity

    Igniting Equity, Dr. Hope Weinberg

    In this blog, Dr. Hope Weinberg, Supervisor of Literacy and Learning, reflects on the powerful message of The Right to Read, a film advocating for literacy as a fundamental human right. She emphasizes that without the ability to read fluently, individuals are at a disadvantage, which deeply resonates with her as both an educator and a parent. Weinberg connects literacy and equity, highlighting the need for equitable literacy instruction to ensure all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed academically and socially.

    Dr. Weinberg's commitment to literacy equity is rooted in her lifelong involvement in equity work, advocating for social justice and the disruption of systemic inequities in schools. She stresses that achieving equity in literacy requires ongoing reflection, data analysis, and improvement of strategies. Drawing on Horace Mann's belief that "Reading is the great equalizer," she reaffirms the center’s dedication to this mission through initiatives like the Summer Literacy Symposium and continued collaboration with regional districts. For Weinberg, literacy is a critical tool for advancing equity, and she is passionate about supporting this important work.

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
  • What Would You Say if I Asked You Why?

    What Would You Say if I Asked You Why?

    Dr. Hope Weinberg reflects annually on her professional journey, drawing inspiration from Simon Sinek’s Start with Why. This tradition began ten years ago and focuses on understanding her "WHY" – the deeper purpose behind her work. Initially uncertain of her motivation, she now sees it clearly. Her regular reflection has profoundly shaped her professional development, especially in her role as Supervisor of Literacy and Learning at SWBOCES' Center for Professional Learning. As a leader, she encourages educators to examine their purpose and legacy, emphasizing that legacy-building happens daily through intentional actions in schools. As 2024 begins, Dr. Weinberg urges educators to reflect on their own "WHY," purpose, and impact, using these insights to drive meaningful work and shape their legacy in education.

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
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