Upcoming Professional Learning Events

  • Rochambeau School, 228 Fisher Avenue, White Plains

    For SWBOCES Staff: Lead Evaluator Recertification Training

    Register here.

    Consistency in how we observe, analyze, and support instruction is foundational to strong instructional leadership. This immersive, practice-based session is designed to deepen participants' understanding of inter-rater reliability (IRR) using the Danielson Framework for Teaching, with a specific focus on Domain 2 (The Classroom Environment) and Domain 3 (Instruction).

    Through guided classroom learning walks, collaborative debriefs, and evidence-based observation writing, participants will develop a shared vision for high-quality teaching and learning. They will practice applying low-inference language, identify and mitigate common rater biases, and engage in professional dialogue that promotes calibration, instructional clarity, and consistency.

    This in-district, on-site experience helps leadership teams build a common lens for evaluating and supporting instructional practice-strengthening both the reliability of evaluations and the culture of continuous growth in schools.

     

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • Rochambeau School, 228 Fisher Avenue, White Plains

    For SWBOCES Staff: Lead Evaluator Recertification Training

    Register here.

    Consistency in how we observe, analyze, and support instruction is foundational to strong instructional leadership. This immersive, practice-based session is designed to deepen participants' understanding of inter-rater reliability (IRR) using the Danielson Framework for Teaching, with a specific focus on Domain 2 (The Classroom Environment) and Domain 3 (Instruction).

    Through guided classroom learning walks, collaborative debriefs, and evidence-based observation writing, participants will develop a shared vision for high-quality teaching and learning. They will practice applying low-inference language, identify and mitigate common rater biases, and engage in professional dialogue that promotes calibration, instructional clarity, and consistency.

    This in-district, on-site experience helps leadership teams build a common lens for evaluating and supporting instructional practice-strengthening both the reliability of evaluations and the culture of continuous growth in schools.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • via Zoom

    Last Call! Virtual P-3 Science of Reading Education Law §818 Attestation Guidance

    Register here.

    As per Education Law §818, by September 2025, districts must reflect on the instructional best practices and literacy curriculum for students in prekindergarten through third grade, ensuring literacy instruction and interventions align with the Commissioner's requirement of literacy instruction to be based on the body of research known as the Science of Reading. This professional learning session provides essential, time-sensitive guidance on meeting the Science of Reading (SoR) requirements outlined in EdLaw 818. As districts approach final deadlines, this "Last Call" workshop will clarify attestation procedures, ensure understanding of compliance expectations, and support educators and administrators in their commitment to support PK-3 classrooms. Participants will review key components of the Science of Reading, explore best practices for implementation, and review resources aligned with Education Law §818. Special focus will be placed on the attestation process.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • via Zoom

    NYSED Lead Evaluator Training (APPR) - MTSS/MTSS-I Framework (Virtual)

    Register here.

    This professional learning experience focuses on integrating key educational standards and frameworks, including the 9 NYSED Required Elements of Evaluator Professional Learning Programs (APPR), PSEL standards, MPPR, and the Danielson Framework, within the context of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Participants will review the core components of MTSS, examine the NYSED MTSSi Pilot, and identify and organize existing academic and social-emotional learning (SEL) practices within the MTSS framework. Additionally, they will develop actionable steps to enhance MTSS/MTSSi practices from the perspectives of both School Leaders and District Leaders within their schools.

    *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

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

    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

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

    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
  • Hybrid event. In person at 450 Mamaroneck Avenue or via Zoom

    Leading Teams & Teaming Practices to Improve Instruction & Achievement (part of our Leadership Suite)

    Register here.

    Teacher collaboration has been shown to have the greatest impact on student achievement. Such teamwork is known as "collective teacher efficacy.” In this session come explore how to lead and leverage teacher teams to optimize their potential. We will consider ideas and resources from Elena Aguilar's The Art of Coaching Teams and assorted resources connected to PLCs (Professional Learning Communities). Participants will then have time to plan how they will apply their learning to launch teacher collaboration in the 2025-26 school year with power and purpose. (This session is part of the PLCS Leadership Suite.)

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • Hybrid event. In person at 450 Mamaroneck Avenue or via Zoom

    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.

    SWBOCES RECOVS Mental Health Consortium districts may attend at no cost. 

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • via Zoom

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

    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
  • via Zoom

    NYSED Lead Evaluator Training (APPR) - Implementing the NYSED Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework (Virtual)

    Register here.

    Through the eyes of leaders, we will explore Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within our current educational settings. In this module we will examine the CR-SE framework to gain an understanding of how it can guide instruction and operations within your school/district. We will explore each of the four principles of Culturally Responsive Sustaining Education: Welcoming and affirming environment, High expectations and rigorous instruction, Inclusive curriculum and assessment, and On-going professional learning. By using different protocols and strategies, we will identify areas of opportunity and create pathways to improve the student and staff experience overall through the CR-SE lens.*

    *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
  • Sleepy Hollow High School Library

    RECOVS Youth Mental Health First Aid

    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.


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

    MTSS Illuminated: From Theory to Practice

    Register here.

    MTSS Illuminated: From Theory to Practice is a full-day, interactive workshop designed for building and district leaders looking to strengthen their Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). This session moves beyond theory, guiding participants through the essential components of MTSS, data-driven decision-making, and effective implementation strategies. Through hands-on problem-solving, case studies, and collaborative discussions, leaders will leave with actionable steps to enhance student support systems in their schools and districts. Whether you're building MTSS from the ground up or refining existing structures, this workshop provides the tools and insights needed for success.

    Understand the Core Principles of MTSS - Define MTSS and its role in improving student outcomes across academics, behavior, and social-emotional learning.

    Establish a Strong MTSS Framework - Learn how to develop and sustain a tiered system of support at the school or district level.

    Use Data-Driven Decision-Making - Explore assessment tools, progress monitoring strategies, and data collection methods to drive interventions.

    Clarify Roles & Responsibilities - Identify the key responsibilities of leaders, teachers, and support staff in the MTSS process.

    Create an Actionable Implementation Plan - Develop next steps for strengthening or launching an effective MTSS system in participants' schools or districts.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • Port Chester Public Schools

    District Specific (Portchester) 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 during the 2022-2023 school year are eligible to participate in the Refresher Training. You must attend all sessions. 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 Center for Career Services, 65 Grasslands Rd. Valhalla, NY

    Regional Crisis Response Team (RCRT): Kickoff Meeting!

    Register here.

    We're excited to kick off the 2025-2026 school year with our first Regional Crisis Response Team (RCRT) meeting!

    Join us on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 8:00-10:00 AM for a morning of connection, collaboration, and inspiration. Enjoy breakfast with colleagues, take a campus tour to see students in action, and hear from team members who have recently deployed in the field. Together, we'll reflect on our experiences and begin planning for a strong year of crisis support across our districts.

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

    The Science of Reading Essentials: What every educator should know

    Register here.

    This session introduces educators to the foundational principles of the Science of Reading (SoR). Participants will explore the core components, dispel common myths, and identify evidence-based instructional practices. Participants will have the opportunity to take a more focused look and deeper dive into the NYSED frameworks including the 7 Literacy briefs and the NYS best practices guide. Participants will engage in strengthening their core knowledge base, while creating a plan of action for their work towards the implementation of strategic literacy instruction.

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

    The Leadership Studio: A Strategic & Proactive Professional Learning Experience for School Leaders

    Register here.

    Effective school leadership requires more than managing day-to-day operations-it calls for vision, courage, and a proactive approach to navigating the evolving needs of students, staff, and communities. The Leadership Studio is a dynamic professional learning series designed to inspire, empower, and support principals and assistant principals in leading with purpose, clarity, and impact.

    Grounded in research and real-world practice, this series blends structured learning with responsive coaching and peer collaboration. Participants will engage in a sequence of high-leverage sessions focused on the most pressing topics in education today: MTSS implementation, culturally responsive leadership, social-emotional learning, instructional excellence, discipline reform, and authentic community engagement.

    Each session is designed to not only build knowledge but also strengthen capacity-equipping leaders with practical tools, strategic frameworks, and a supportive network to foster innovation, equity, and sustainable school improvement. Whether you're building foundational systems or driving next-level growth, The Leadership Studio offers a space to think boldly, lead collaboratively, and create meaningful, lasting change.

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

    2025-26 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

    SLS-5 Ways to Get Social with TeachingBooks! (Secondary) Virtual

    Register here.

    Increase your social media presence with ready-to-go resources. Engage your students with book trailers and other videos on the platforms they use most. Create opportunities to involve students in the selection and promotion of books they most love. Keep your community informed about titles they'll want to discuss in their own homes.

    Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
  • via Zoom

    SLS-Ready for Reading: Before, During, & After with TeachingBooks (Elementary) Virtual

    Register here.

    Join us to discover time saving ideas to use before, during, and after reading a book. TeachingBooks offers a collection of resources to incorporate into any read aloud, literature lesson , or book group. 

    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
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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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