SWBOCES School Library System

Center for Professional Learning & Curriculum Support - Upcoming Programs

• Mar 23 12:30 PM 03:30 PM

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

  PE/HE Consortium:Lesson Rx - Project based Prescriptions for Health Ed

  Register here.

  This workshop equips health educators with ready-to-use, project-based learning experiences designed to engage students and deepen their understanding of key health topics. Drawing from years of classroom practice, participants will explore a variety of innovative projects that aim to promote student voice, critical thinking, and real-world application. Educators will leave with practical tools and adaptable projects to energize their health ed curriculum.

  Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
• Mar 24 Mar 25 01:00 PM 07:00 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
• Mar 25 12:30 PM 03:30 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
• Mar 25 01:00 PM 02:00 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
• Mar 26 01:00 PM 07:00 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
• Mar 26 01:00 PM 04:00 PM

  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.*
  
  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
• Mar 26 05:00 PM 06:30 PM

  via Zoom

  Northwell Mental Health PD - Psychopharmacology 101 [Virtual]

  Register here.

  This session will provide educators and school mental health staff with a foundational understanding of common psychotropic medications prescribed to students, their potential benefits and side effects, and the importance of collaboration between school staff, families, and healthcare providers in medication management.

  Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
• Apr 8 12:30 PM 07:30 PM

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

  LETRS for Elementary Educators- Volume 1

  Register here.

  LETRS is professional learning for elementary educators that invests in teachers' literacy knowledge and professional practice. Teachers gain essential knowledge to master the fundamentals of literacy instruction required to transform student learning. This program is recommended for educators with kindergarten through third- grade students and educators with students working toward proficiency in fourth and fifth grade. LETRS fills gaps in teacher preparation education by covering all layers of language organization (phonology, orthography, morphology, syntax, semantics) and their relevance for teaching reading, spelling, writing, and oral language. All participant materials are included. This course is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association ®

  Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
• Apr 8 12:30 PM 03:30 PM

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

  Supporting Diverse Learners: Understanding Disabilities and Building Inclusive Schools

  Register here.

  This professional development session is designed to deepen the understanding of school social workers, counselors, and psychologists regarding diverse learning needs and strengthen their ability to create truly inclusive, supportive learning environments for all students. Participants will explore practical, evidence-based strategies to address the complex academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students with disabilities, focusing on collaboration with teachers, families, and administrators to promote belonging, equity, and success in the classroom and school community.

  Through interactive discussion, analysis of case studies, and collaborative reflection, participants will:

  1. Build Foundational Knowledge of Diverse Learners

  2. Address Complex Needs

  3. Facilitate Inclusive Social-Emotional Growth

  4. Promote Collaboration and Family Partnership

  Participants will leave with a toolkit of resources and communication strategies to champion the needs of diverse learners and build inclusive, compassionate school settings where all students, regardless of ability, can thrive.

  CEU available for school social workers, school psychologist and speech therapist

  Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
• Apr 9 01:00 PM 04:00 PM

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

  SLS- OPALS User Group

  Register here.

  Join fellow librarians for an engaging OPALS User Group session designed to foster collaboration, share best practices, and explore new features and updates in the OPALS library automation system. Whether you're a seasoned OPALS user or getting started, this session offers a space to connect with peers, troubleshoot challenges, and maximize the impact of your library program. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, showcase creative uses of OPALS in their schools, and contribute to a growing community of support and innovatio

  Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
• Apr 14 12:30 PM 07:00 PM

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

  PE/HE Consortium:Star Themes and Theatrics: Using Thematics and Theatrics in Units in Adapted or Elementary Physical Education

  Register here.

  1. Create Theme based Units or events in Elementary Physical Education to bring a school community together

  2. Set up a Physical Education space for safety so students can engage in the activities

  3. Identify Resources or Props that they can use to different skills and adapt them to different student based stations Why Important? In Schools Teachers need to reinforce Physical Education with themes such as literacy, storytelling, health concepts or sports in putting together special events or themes. Teachers can develop strategies to help students learn as well as help bring about community involvement and parent engagement.

  Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
• Apr 14 02:00 PM 03:30 PM

  via Zoom

  Northwell Mental Health PD - Adjustment Disorders for ENL Students [Virtual]

  Register here.

  This session will provide a comprehensive understanding of adjustment disorders in English as a New Language (ENL) students, a challenge that arises from the cultural, linguistic, and social transitions experienced by students newly arrived, affecting their emotional well-being, academic performance, and social integration. Learn strategies to identify the manifestations of adjustment difficulties in ENL students, implement culturally responsive interventions, and facilitate their successful integration into the school community.

  Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
• Apr 15 12:30 PM 03:30 PM

  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
• Apr 15 12:30 PM 03:30 PM

  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
• Apr 15 12:30 PM 01:45 PM

  via Zoom

  Northwell Mental Health PD - Project ECHO - ADHD [Virtual]

  Register here.

  Using the Project ECHO model these sessions will provide expert guidance and review of cases (deidentified) and focus on facilitating open discussions and fostering collaborative team learning, sharing expertise and a teach all learn all model.

  Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
• Apr 15 01:00 PM 07:00 PM

  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
• Apr 16 12:30 PM 07:00 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
• Apr 16 01:00 PM 03:00 PM

  via Zoom

  SLS- Follett User Group (VIRTUAL)

  Register here.

  Join fellow school librarians and library staff for collaborative and informative Follett User Group sessions designed to keep you up to date empowered in your use of Destiny Library Manager. We'll dive into the latest updates in Destiny 23.0, explore the current roadmap and what Follett is working on for upcoming releases, and share tips for getting the most out of Destiny Discover. We'll provide a short overview of Resource Manager and discuss updates on the Professional Learning Pathways platform, including opportunities to enhance your skills and support staff development. Whether you're new to Destiny or a long-time user, this session offers practical takeaways, space for questions, and opportunities to connect with colleagues using the same tools.

  Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support
• Apr 16 01:00 PM 04:00 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
• Apr 17 12:00 PM 07:00 PM

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

  SLS Annual Joint Conference-Empire Educators: School Libraries & Instructional Excellence

  Register here.

  The SLS Annual Joint Conference, Empire Educators: School Libraries & Instructional Excellence, is a dynamic professional learning conference dedicated to elevating librarianship and teaching practice. We are honored to feature renowned keynote speaker Olga Nesi, who will share innovative strategies for integrating digital literacy, curriculum alignment, and instructional partnerships in today's diverse school communities. Participants will engage in hands-on workshops, collaborative planning sessions, and expert-led discussions designed to strengthen library programming and foster student success. This invigorating event offers school librarians, instructional coaches, and curriculum leaders the opportunity to grow their practice, build professional networks, and champion instructional excellence across their schools. 

  Center for Professional Learning and Curriculum Support