SWBOCES School Library System

Center for Professional Learning & Curriculum Support - Upcoming Programs

• Dec 16 01:30 PM 08:00 PM

  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
• Dec 17 01:30 PM 04:00 PM

  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
• Dec 17 02:00 PM 08:00 PM

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

  Embedding New York State's Portrait of Graduate in ELA & Social Studies

  Register here.

  What does it mean to prepare students not only for academic success, but for life as thoughtful, engaged, and future-ready citizens? This session supports secondary ELA and Social Studies educators in designing instruction aligned to New York State's Portrait of a Graduate, with a focus on authentic literacy, Project-Based Learning (PBL), and civic readiness.

  Participants will explore how ELA and Social Studies instruction can cultivate key attributes of the Portrait of a Graduate, including for students to be: Academically Prepared through engagement with NYS Learning Standards; Critical Thinkers who analyze and evaluate sources to make evidence-based arguments; Effective Communicators who express their ideas compellingly while listening actively and considering diverse perspectives; Global Citizens who apply civic knowledge and ethical reasoning to real-world issues; and Reflective and Future-Focused Learners who set goals, engage in self-reflection, and make decisions that support their success.

  Through collaborative planning, discussion, and models of PBL and civic learning, educators will develop strategies to integrate these competencies into unit and lesson design-positioning students as readers, writers, thinkers, and citizens who are motivated and prepared to thrive in college, career, and civic life.

  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
• Dec 17 02:00 PM 05:00 PM

  via Zoom

  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
• Dec 17 05:00 PM 08:00 PM

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

  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
• Jan 7 01:30 PM 04:30 PM

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

  PK-12 Literacy Study Group:Bridging the Science of Reading 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.

  Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
• Jan 8 01:30 PM 08:00 PM

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

  SLS- Navigating the Future: AI's Role in School Libraries

  Register here.

  Looking to find out more about how AI will impact libraries? This course will equip school librarians with essential knowledge and practical skills for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their library systems. Participants will explore the role of AI in enhancing research, information literacy, and library management while addressing ethical considerations and challenges. Through hands-on activities, attendees will gain experience with various AI tools and develop an action plan to implement AI responsibly in their libraries. This course aims to foster collaboration among educators and promote critical thinking about AI's impact on education, preparing librarians to navigate the evolving landscape of technology in support of student success. Join us in transforming school libraries into innovative learning environments!

  Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
• Jan 13 07:00 PM 08:00 PM

  via Zoom

  SLS- Quick and Easy Hooks from TeachingBooks (Secondary) ONLINE VIA ZOOM

  Register here.

  Enrich your learning space with quick and easy Book Hooks from TeachingBooks. Using QR Code shelf talkers, you can engage readers with author interviews, video book trailers, audio excerpts, and book-related games that bring books to life. Each activity covered in this session will be demonstrated in multiple ways, so that you are ready to implement them in your classrooms and libraries. 

  Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
• Jan 13 08:00 PM 09:00 PM

  via Zoom

  SLS- Quick and Easy Hooks from TeachingBooks (Elementary) ONLINE VIA ZOOM

  Register here.

  Enrich your learning space with quick and easy Book Hooks from TeachingBooks. Using QR Code shelf talkers, you can engage readers with author interviews, video book trailers, audio excerpts, and book-related games that bring books to life. Each activity covered in this session will be demonstrated in multiple ways, so that you are ready to implement them in your classrooms and libraries. 

  Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
• Jan 15 01:30 PM 04:30 PM

  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
• Jan 20 Jan 21 02:00 PM 08:00 PM

  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
• Jan 21 01:30 PM 04:30 PM

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

  RECOVS MHELP (Mental Health Education Leaders Partnership) Meetings

  Register Here

  Mental health leadership teams from SWBOCES's RECOVS Mental Health Grant Consortium will meet to discuss and collaborate around grant implementation, including:

  - Social-Emotional Learning
  - MTSS-i (including systems & structures and data & assessment)
  - professional learning
  - budget & logistics
  - other grant-related considerations

  Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
• Jan 21 02:00 PM 03:00 PM

  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
• Jan 22 02:00 PM 05:00 PM

  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
• Jan 28 02:00 PM 08:30 PM

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

  LEXIA: LETRS for Early Childhood Educators

  Register here.

  LETRS for Early Childhood Educators professional learning provides deep knowledge of literacy instruction for the youngest learners. The more children know about language and literacy before they begin kindergarten and first grade, the better equipped they are to succeed in literacy learning and beyond.

  This course will:

  -Define early literacy and language, the processes involved, and the developmental sequences by which these skills develop

  -Describe strategies and learning activities that are engaging, effective, and developmentally appropriate

  -Discuss how assessment procedures and data can be used to plan and implement instruction for the youngest learners

  Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
• Jan 29 02:00 PM 05:00 PM

  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
• Feb 2 Feb 4 01:30 PM 08:00 PM

  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. If you have questions about whether you are eligible to attend, please contact Maisha Campbell (mcampbell@swboces.org). 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.

  Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
• Feb 2 02:00 PM 05:00 PM

  via Zoom

  NYSED Lead Evaluator Training (APPR) - Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Restorative Practices, Via Zoom]

  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 alignment with New York State's Portrait of a Graduate. 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, optimize conditions for learning, and develop student competencies that reflect attributes of the Portrait of a Graduate.*

  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.

  Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
• Feb 4 01:30 PM 08:00 PM

  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
• Feb 4 02:00 PM 08:00 PM

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

  Westchester's Untold Stories: From Dehumanization & Discrimination to Determination & Resistance

  Register here.

  This session will introduce participants to two units customized for Westchester County by Our Local History: one focused on 18th/19th century enslavement and resistance, and the other focused on 20th century redlining, urban renewal policies, and the local fight for civil rights. We will explore how we can effectively teach about the complexities of these topics, while embracing inquiry-based learning, emphasizing our local Westchester context, and adopting an asset-based educational approach.

  The session integrates culturally responsive teaching practices and social-emotional learning, allowing educators to explore best practices for fostering a safe and empowering classroom environment, while analyzing primary sources and engaging in the New York State Social Studies Practices. Participants will experience the lessons firsthand, examining how local residents historically resisted and responded to dehumanization and discrimination.

  Both units support the study of local communities and United States history at different time periods, while the enslavement and resistance unit also connects to the study of the transatlantic slave trade, and the 20th century unit connects to the study of the Civil RIghts Movement and current Social Studies issues. 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