Upcoming Professional Learning Events

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

    Social and Emotional Learning in Physical Education PE/HE CONSORTIUM & RECOVS GRANT CONSORTIUM

    Register here.

    This professional development session equips Physical Education teachers with a comprehensive understanding of how Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has evolved within Physical Education and provides practical, hands-on strategies for implementation. We'll explore the historical context of SEL in Physical Education, from early character-building exercises to modern approaches focused on self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Attendees will participate in interactive activities and learn techniques to seamlessly integrate SEL competencies into their PE classes. By the end, Physical Education teachers will leave with tools and insights to create a supportive, inclusive environment that nurtures both the physical and emotional well-being of students. This session is ideal for educators seeking to foster resilience, empathy, and personal growth in students while meeting both physical and emotional development goals.

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

    Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Initial Certification Training

    Register here.

    Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® provides your staff with the skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations that may involve more challenging behaviors. NCI™ training is designed to help you achieve compliance with current legislative initiatives and best practices.

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

    Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Initial Certification Training

    Register here.

    Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® provides your staff with the skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations that may involve more challenging behaviors. NCI™ training is designed to help you achieve compliance with current legislative initiatives and best practices.

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

    Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Initial Certification Training

    Register here.

    Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® provides your staff with the skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations that may involve more challenging behaviors. NCI™ training is designed to help you achieve compliance with current legislative initiatives and best practices.

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

    Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Initial Certification Training

    Register here.

    Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® provides your staff with the skills to safely recognize and respond to everyday crisis situations that may involve more challenging behaviors. NCI™ training is designed to help you achieve compliance with current legislative initiatives and best practices.

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

    SLS Collection Development Collegial Circle

    Register here.

    Join us for five sessions focused on a different area of diverse collection development. Each session will be two hours in length. The first part of the session will be educational in nature with participants learning about new books that have been published, how to find high-quality engaging literature, and identifying ways to continue to identify diverse books. Time will also be spent developing cultural competence with a critical eye towards eliminating problematic titles from current collections. The second part of the workshop will give participants time to create booklists, develop promotional plans, and work on their collection development with colleagues.

    Areas of focus:

    Session 1 - Native American
    Session 2 - Black/African American
    Session 3 - AAPI
    Session 4 - LGBTQ
    Session 5 - Hispanic/Latino

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

    PK-12 Literacy Study Group: Bringing NYSED's Literacy Initiative and SOR into Practice

    Register here

    In response to NYSED'S Literacy Initiative, the Science of Reading and meeting students' academic needs, this study group will provide a recurring opportunity to convene with colleagues to collaborate around leading for literacy and the systemic and classroom-based practices that will support all students' literacy development. As schools and districts pursue similar aims and navigate similar obstacles, space for reflecting on and sharing practices and navigating challenges can serve as a forum for mutual support. During the sessions, time for grade level focus work groups (Elementary and Secondary) will be built in.

    We welcome teams of teachers, administrators, instructional coaches, reading specialists, department chairs, and all for whom literacy instruction is integral, to join us as leaders of literacy.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • via Zoom

    RCRT: Extending Best Practices in Trauma Responsiveness

    Register here.

    As a crisis responder, one is always working across difference in a multitude of dynamic ways. RCRT members are already equipped with foundational knowledge on understanding the stress response, the opportunity to generally intervene and shape the experience of an individual or group following a crisis event that promotes healing.

    This session honors that prior learning while deepening and extending the knowledgebase to incorporate the nuance of experience related to an individual's prior history of trauma, envelops understanding of population-specific historical trauma, and broadens crisis approach options that stem from an equity-focused, culturally responsive lens.

     

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

    Engaging Health Curriculum Unit Planning PE/HE CONSORTIUM

    Register here.

    During this day long training, participants will engage in activities to increase skills-based, and student-centered health education based on the needs of your population. This will include actively learning about student engagement strategies, determinants of health, data to inform instruction, as well as time to work on a unit plan for your district.

     

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

    Mitigating Negligence and Liability in Physical Education - PE/HE CONSORTIUM

    Register here.

    Students will learn fundamental legal vocabulary such as Negligence and Liability and understand the Legal Duties they have as PE teachers. I will use examples of law suits that I have been involved as an expert witness to emphasize their responsibilities.

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

    Advancing Inclusive School Communities

    Register here.

    The Advancing Inclusive School Communities learning series is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to create environments where all students feel valued, respected, and supported. Throughout the series, participants will explore strategies for integrating diverse perspectives to create welcome and affirming environments, implement culturally responsive teaching methods, and develop an Equity Lens approach to teaching and leadership.

    Session 1: Framing DEI in Prek-12 Setting- Getting to the WHY?
    Session 2: Unpacking Identity and Its Impact on Interpersonal Relationships
    Session 3: Introduction to Restorative Practices: A Tool to Build Community
    Session 4: Utilizing NYSED Tools to Create Welcoming and Affirming Environments

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • via Zoom

    NYSED Lead Evaluator Training (APPR) - Science of Reading: Leading for Literacy

    Register here.

    Supporting literacy across the curriculum is essential to building the skills students need for success. NYSED's Literacy Initiative, Literacy Briefs, and Advanced Literacy Briefs provide valuable anchors to inform instruction and instructional leadership. This module will support educational leaders in leveraging the Science of Reading and the needs of our linguistically diverse students to support instructional improvement and student achievement.*

    *PLCS, in conversation with NYSED and in response to changes to APPR, has redesigned our Lead Evaluator Training Program. We have designed half-day three hour sessions that you can choose from to design your own Lead Evaluator program. These sessions meet NYSED expectations for APPR Lead Evaluator recertification.

    All leaders new to their district or role will need to attend our Foundations in Leading Leaders session to meet the requirements for NYSED's Lead Evaluator Training. Please check your district's APPR plan to determine the number of days/hours approved by NYSED for your district's Lead Evaluator Training.

    Participants: School leaders who evaluate teachers. District leaders who evaluate principals.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • via Zoom

    Youth Mental Health First Aid for RECOVS Mental Health Grant Consortium

    Register here.

    Please note that this training is free for personnel from districts who are part of SWBOCES's RECOVS Mental Health Grant Consortium. If you have questions about whether you are eligible to attend for free, please contact Adam Weinstock (aweinstock@swboces.org).

    Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to adolescents (ages 12-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care. Participants are taught an action plan that they can apply to non-crisis and crisis situations.

    The course includes 2 hours of self-paced (asynchronous) remote learning, which will be emailed to participants to complete in advance of the scheduled session, which consists of 4.5 hours of synchronous real-time learning via Zoom, plus a 30-minute break.

    By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
    • Describe the purpose of Youth Mental Health First Aid and the role of the Youth Mental Health First Aider.
    • Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may impact youth.
    • Explain the impact of traumatic experiences and the role of resilience on adolescent development.
    • Apply the appropriate steps of the YMHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to non-crisis situations.
    • Apply the appropriate steps of the YMHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to crisis situations.
    • Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of Youth Mental Health First Aid in a crisis or non-crisis situation.

     

     

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • via Zoom

    Youth Mental Health First Aid for RECOVS Mental Health Grant Consortium

    Register here.

    Please note that this training is free for personnel from districts who are part of SWBOCES's RECOVS Mental Health Grant Consortium. If you have questions about whether you are eligible to attend for free, please contact Adam Weinstock (aweinstock@swboces.org).

    Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to adolescents (ages 12-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care. Participants are taught an action plan that they can apply to non-crisis and crisis situations.

     

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

    Orton Gillingham Educator Course

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • via Zoom

    NYSED Lead Evaluator Training - Foundations in Leading Educators - Virtual (required for APPR Initial Certification)

    Register here.

    This professional learning experience is designed for school and/or district leaders who are new to their role. Together we will explore NYSED APPR evaluation requirements for school and district leaders. Specific emphasis will be on aligning your APPR process to your school/district strategic goal, mission/vision, and 2024-25 initiatives, cross-team calibration, and feedback.*

    *PLCS, in conversation with NYSED and in response to changes to APPR, has redesigned our Lead Evaluator Training Program. We have designed half-day three hour sessions that you can choose from to design your own Lead Evaluator program. These sessions meet NYSED expectations for APPR Lead Evaluator recertification.

    All leaders new to their district or role will need to attend our Foundations in Leading Leaders session to meet the requirements for NYSED's Lead Evaluator Training. Please check your district's APPR plan to determine the number of days/hours approved by NYSED for your district's Lead Evaluator Training.

    Participants: School leaders who evaluate teachers and are new to their role, school, and/or district. District leaders who evaluate principals and are new to their role, school, and/or district.

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

    Culturally Responsive Instructional Leadership: Using the Lens of Our Local History to Bring the NYS CRSEF to Life

    Register here.

    Join us for an engaging & dynamic professional learning session focused on bringing the NYS Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE) Framework to life through the lens of Our Local History. Our Local History's mission is to support & empower students, teachers, & communities with the tools to engage with & own their local history of civil rights through inquiry, equity, & civic action.

    During this session, participants will explore how to effectively implement the CRSE Framework by utilizing local stories of civil rights activism & resistance. We will provide tools & resources that highlight the rich history of civil rights movements in the Westchester County area & beyond. Participants will work with a range of primary & secondary sources, analyzing local history to understand the instructional design & culturally responsive practices embedded in our resources.

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

    Bringing CRSE to Life: Teaching About 20th Century Racial Discrimination & Resistance in the Context of Local History & Policy

    Register here.

    Join Kesha James of Our Local History (formerly the Antiracist Curriculum Project), to engage in an asset-based approach to understanding historical and ongoing inequities in Westchester County. Through inquiry and critical examination of federal and local policies like redlining, racially restrictive covenants, and urban renewal, educators will investigate how these practices segregated communities, built wealth for some and limited opportunities for others. Guided by the inquiry question, "How has racial discrimination impacted Westchester County, and how have people responded?” participants will experience the lessons firsthand, examining how local residents historically resisted and responded to these inequities. The content supports the study of local communities, 20th century United States history, and current Social Studies issues.

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

    RECOVS MTSSI Lab: Understanding, Designing, and Implementing MTSS-I systems and structures

    Register here.

    District MTSSi teams from SWBOCES's RECOVS Mental Health Grant Consortium will meet to discuss and collaborate around grant implementation through the lens of MTSS. Together, we will collaboratively explore the components of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports). Guided by the NYSED MTSS-I Pilot, we will investigate and design systems and structures. Our focus will be on exploring effective implementation strategies and utilizing data to enhance school and district practices. This group aims to share experiences, best practices, and develop tools to empower faculty and staff in meeting the unique needs of every student through the structures and guidelines provided by the RECOVS Mental Health Grant.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • via Zoom

    NYSED Lead Evaluator Training (APPR) - Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Restorative Practices

    Register here.

    Social and emotional well-being and skills are foundational to academic success, cultivating a culture of belonging, and nurturing our students' capacity for civic engagement and career readiness. In this module we will explore NYSED's Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Benchmarks and the tenets of Restorative Practices to anchor our thinking about and leadership of efforts to improve school culture, student competencies, and optimize conditions for learning.* *PLCS, in conversation with NYSED and in response to changes to APPR, has redesigned our Lead Evaluator Training Program. We have designed half-day three hour sessions that you can choose from to design your own Lead Evaluator program. These sessions meet NYSED expectations for APPR Lead Evaluator recertification. All leaders new to their district or role will need to attend our Foundations in Leading Leaders session to meet the requirements for NYSED's Lead Evaluator Training. Please check your district's APPR plan to determine the number of days/hours approved by NYSED for your district's Lead Evaluator Training. Participants: School leaders who evaluate teachers. District leaders who evaluate principals.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
View Monthly Calendar

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

  • 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
  • Sadika Clarke promoted to Supervisor of Community, Culture and Wellness for PLCS and appointed SWBOCES DEI Coordinator

    Sadika Clarke promoted to PLCS Supervisor of Community, Culture and Wellness and appointed SWBOCES DEI Coordinator

    The Center for Professional Learning & Curriculum Support (PLCS) at Southern Westchester BOCES is excited to announce the promotion of Sadika Clarke to Supervisor of Community, Culture, and Wellness. Clarke has a strong track record as Coordinator of Health, Safety, and Wellness, where she focused on social-emotional learning and trauma-informed education, fostering inclusive and supportive environments for students and educators. In her new role, Clarke oversees both internal and external initiatives, collaborating with PLCS leadership to develop professional development opportunities and implement the New York State RECOVS Mental Health grant. Additionally, she will serve as the SWBOCES Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) Coordinator, leading the development of the DEI Strategic Plan and advancing initiatives within the organization. With degrees in Communications and Speech and Language Pathology, along with an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership, Clarke is well-equipped to promote inclusivity and holistic well-being in the educational community.

    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
  • PLCS Welcomes Dr. Hope Weinberg

    PLCS Welcomes Dr. Hope Weinberg

    The Center for Professional Learning & Curriculum Support (PLCS) at Southern Westchester BOCES is pleased to announce Dr. Hope Weinberg as the new Supervisor of Literacy and Learning. With a strong background in instructional leadership, literacy, and fostering inclusive learning environments, Dr. Weinberg brings extensive experience from her previous roles, including Supervisor of Instruction in New Jersey and Assistant Principal in the Ardsley Union Free School District. She has actively contributed to BOCES initiatives, including facilitating the LGBTQ+ collaborative network and presenting at the PCS DEI Summer Institutes. Dr. Weinberg’s evidence-driven, pedagogically grounded leadership will be an asset as she collaborates with the PLCS team to enhance curriculum and instructional practices across the region.

    News Feed - Center for Professional Learning
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