Teach on: Hot topics and practical strategies for today’s classroom
Topics for this free series were based on a survey of nearly 700 teachers, administrators, and other education professionals in May 2022 that asked what professional development topics were most desired in the current educational environment.
Watch Recorded Webinars Playlist
Webinar Details
Surviving the Mental Health Crisis: A Toolkit for Teachers
February 7 | 3:30 to 5 p.m. via Zoom
Practical strategies for educators, school counselors, school administrators, and other school professionals to support mental health of students and staff.
Presenter
Dr. Steve Hoff is an associate professor of school psychology at Saint Rose, a licensed psychologist in New York and Massachusetts, and a licensed school psychologist in New York City, who has presented nationally and internationally on the topic of youth mental health. He is co-founder of Barrington Psychology Inc. in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, which specializes in child and adolescent mental health issues and provides consultation to schools and agencies. Previously, Hoff spent several years as a school psychologist and crisis response trainer in the New York City public schools. He has published articles in the journals Psychology in the Schools and Perspectives and in the National Association of School Psychologists monthly publication.
Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Practices
March 14 | 3:30 to 5 p.m. via Zoom
In this interactive training, educators and leaders will engage with the principles and strategies of culturally responsive and sustaining practices to create learning environments in which all students feel valued, included, and have a sense of belonging. Participants will receive strategies to cultivate safe spaces for individuals to thrive and succeed socially and academically or professionally.
Presenters
In 2021, Dr. Tonya Breland partnered with Erika Leak to relaunch TESO Consulting Group with a new expanded purpose and commitment to addressing systemic inequities. Their vision is to drive sustainable system change for the historically marginalized. They focus on building the capacity of leaders and teams to ensure all individuals, notwithstanding their background, have access to equitable, socially just, culturally responsive learning and work environments. They specialize in identifying systemic barriers to access and opportunities for marginalized populations.
Dr. Tonya Breland, specialist in diversity, equity, and inclusion at TESO: Dr. Breland is a national Milken Educator Award recipient for her work as a teacher and has served as an elementary school principal, curriculum supervisor, and deputy assistant commissioner in the Division of Academics and Performance at the New Jersey Department of Education. She has authored two books, “Fight to Make It Happen: 6 Power Principles to Fulfilling Your Purpose & Living Your Dreams” and “Mykayla Mitchell Moves Away”, a children’s chapter book.
Erika Leak, specialist in culturally responsive curriculum and instruction at TESO: Leak is highly regarded for her service in education on both the state and local levels. Whether ensuring an equitable review of policy for students statewide in her former role as a state director or ensuring that all of her students receive high quality, culturally relevant instruction as a classroom teacher, she has always placed the diverse needs of students in the center of her work. In her current role, she serves as the English language arts and literacy coordinator for the New Jersey Department of Education.
Strategies for Successfully Working with Language Learners in the K-12 Classroom
April 25 | 3:30 to 5 p.m. via Zoom
Teachers in grades K-12 will gain practical strategies for working with and supporting language learners. Teachers will learn tips for teaching their content and ways to develop positive relationships with children and families.
Moderator
Monte Brown III, assistant principal of the English as a New Language and World Language Departments at Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School in Brooklyn, New York: Among Brown’s interests are the study of world languages as well as English language acquisition. He is bilingual (English/Spanish); serves as a student advocate; and has been involved in community service projects in New York City and Michigan Hispanic communities for almost 30 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Master of Science in Education specializing in TESOL, and both School Business and District Leadership Certifications from The College of Saint Rose). He believes: “If you want to go fast, go alone, If you want to go far go as a team.”
Presenters
Dana Kowalchyk, certified TESOL teacher at Watervliet High School and Middle School: Kowalchyk earned undergraduate degrees in arts management and studio art from the College of Charleston, an MPA from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs at University at Albany, and a master of education from Lesley College. She has 10 years of experience in fundraising and development at educational institutions and almost 12 years of experience teaching ENL. She has taught grades four through 12, in both public and charter schools, and has worked with students from more than 15 countries.
Aja LaDuke, associate professor and interim department chair in the Department of Literacy Studies and Elementary Education at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, California: LaDuke’s teaching, research, and service activities focus on the intersections of language, literacy, culture, and identity in schools and teaching for social justice at all grade levels. She is currently partnering with the largest school district in her region to develop and implement a comprehensive and transformative K-12 Ethnic Studies program.
Sophia Paljevic, second-grade teacher at P.S. 204 in Bronx, New York and adjunct instructor at The College of Saint Rose: Paljevic’s scholarly interests include teacher professional development and mentoring. She is the K-12 board member for the Association of Teacher Educators and a board member of the New York State Association of Teacher Educators. She has presented her work at over 20 national, state, and local conferences.
Dr. Tammy Schillinger, ENL teacher for the City School District of Albany: Dr. Schillinger has been a teacher in urban schools for the past 20 years and has taught second and third grades. She also works as an adjunct professor at The College of Saint Rose, teaching future and current teachers. The foundation of her educational philosophy is rooted in the beliefs of developing future leaders (her ELL students) and future teachers (her college students). Her focus is to participate in evidence-based best practices and understand connections between education and the social and cultural factors that impact learning.
Social Emotional Learning: From theory to everyday practice in schools
May 24 | 3:30 to 5 p.m. via Zoom
According the CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning), Social Emotional Learning (SEL) “is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.”
Schools may vary in how they implement SEL, but ultimately the goal is to build positive relationships, provide dedicated time to learn social and emotional skills and to weave these practices into the academic curriculum. Community involvement is also a core practice in SEL. This session will provide a framework of best practices for SEL. A panel of teachers and administrators who have implemented SEL in their schools will discuss the outcomes and challenges they have experienced.
Moderator
Dr. Susan DeLuke, associate professor at The College of Saint Rose: DeLuke been teaching at the College since 1992, and before that, she taught students with autism and social, emotional, and behavioral challenges in Brooklyn, NY. She is the founder and director of the Social Intervention Programs at Rose, which serves children with autism. The program includes the Friday Knights Recreation and Family Support Program, Social Intervention Groups, Fishes Swim Program, and Summer Days Recreation. DeLuke has participated in extensive professional development and learning over the past 20 years, specifically to address the social needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. She has conducted social groups and mentored graduate students in delivering varied models and methods of social learning using cognitive and behavioral approaches
Presenters
Polly Benjamin, assistant principal and middle school program coordinator in Duanesburg Central School District: Her work has spanned grades K-12 and focuses on meeting the needs of students in the middle grades. She recently graduated from The College of Saint Rose’s School Leadership program.
Olaiya Curtis, sixth-grade science teacher in The Albany City School District: Curtis has been a faculty member in the Albany City School District for twenty-six years. She’s a previous adjunct and alum at The College of Saint Rose. Curtis received her master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Teachers College, Columbia University. She advises anyone working on their degree to extend themselves as much as possible, join professional organizations, participate in speaking engagements, and make as many professional connections as possible.
Natalie Eick, special education teacher at Shaker Middle School in the North Colonie School District: Eick is also a certified trainer for Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Schools with 18 years of experience teaching students with identified behavioral disabilities. She’s also an adjunct faculty member of The College of Saint Rose, teaching a graduate course on students with behavioral and emotional disorders. Eick’s passion is teaching and working with students with behavioral needs.
Renee Kingsley, site director/curriculum and IEP coordinator at the Neil Hellman Preschool: Kingsley oversees operational and managerial responsibilities for a multiservice early childhood center for children ages three to five, which includes preschool, preschool special education, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work services, psychological services, daycare, and universal prekindergarten. She has extensive teaching and supervisory experience and has worked for Northern Rivers Family of Services for the past seven years. In addition to her current position, she was a site director, preschool special education teacher, early intervention teacher, tutor, and habilitation specialist, and she owned and operated a home daycare. Kingsley earned a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in special education with a minor in math and computer science, and a Master’s of Science in Education from The College of Saint Rose. She also holds a New York Public School teacher certificate in Special Education.
Navigating parent communication
June 7 | 3:30 to 5 p.m. via Zoom
Teachers and administrators share their most effective strategies for conversations and communication with students’ parents and caregivers – the good, the bad, and the complicated.
Presenters
Drey Martone, fifth-grade teacher at Eagle Elementary in the Bethlehem Central School District and former Saint Rose professor of teacher education: Dr. Martone taught for over 10 years at Saint Rose and is now enjoying applying this work in her second year as a fifth-grade teacher. In addition to teaching her class, she is working with her colleagues to analyze what makes teaching so hard and the different facets of the teaching experience. An important part of the teaching process is the connection with families, and Martone uses a range of methods to support this relationship.
Erin Reeve, special education teacher at Albany High School: Reeve has been a teacher for 27 years at all levels of the special education continuum, including self-contained, co-teach/inclusion, consultant teacher, and resource room teacher. She has presented at New York State conferences on inclusive education best practices, and has served as a representative in the Albany Public School Teachers Association, a student advocate through representation on Response to Intervention, child study, and Multi-Tier System of Supports teams, and a building leader through Supported Decision-Making and Building Leadership Teams. Throughout her career, she has assisted other teachers’ development by serving as a mentor to graduate-level interns, undergraduate student teachers, and new teachers in her district.
Vincenzo Rosignano, early childhood director for Community School District 9 and principal of Garden of Learning & Discovery in New York City: Rosignano is in his 10th year with the NYC Department of Education. He graduated from The College of Saint Rose in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Adolescence Education 7-12, earned a master’s degree from St. John’s University in TESOL , and a master’s in educational leadership from Brooklyn College in 2019.
Tamara Thorpe-Odom, special education academic administrator at Shenendehowa Central School District: Thorpe-Odom is entering her 25th year in the field of education. She currently oversees special education preschool and outside-district placements.
Additional Professional Development Opportunities
The Science of Reading: Specific Classroom Strategies and Interventions
March 24 | 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The College of Saint Rose, 1009 Madison Avenue, Albany, New York
A full-day, in-person workshop that features Faith Borkowsky, author and certified Dyslexia practitioner. The event is co-sponsored by the New York Association of School Psychologists Chapter J and The College of Saint Rose School Psychology program.
Practical Strategies and Tips for All Educators Working with Language Learners
October 19 | 4 – 5:30 p.m. via Zoom
Educators attending this session will leave with multiple practical and real-life strategies they can implement with their students who are language learners. Panelists are all k-12 educators working with language learners and will share their strategies and tips for success to help other educators.
Moderator
Sophia Paljevic has ten years of experience as an elementary teacher in New York City Public Schools. Her current work engages her in working directly with teachers on their professional development. She is also an adjunct instructor at The College of Saint Rose teaching elementary and early childhood courses. Sophia holds a bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education and a master’s degree in Literacy from The College of Saint Rose. Sophia’s scholarly interests include teacher professional development, mentoring, and career experiences of education professionals. Her last project culminated in the publication of a research article describing results of a study on supporting pre-service teachers. Sophia is frequently asked to share her work and has presented sessions at over twenty national, state, and local conferences. She is the K-12 board member for the Association of Teacher Educators and a board member of the New York State Association of Teacher Educators.
Presenters
John Hart is a 7th Grade Social Studies teacher at Farnsworth Middle School in the Guilderland Central School District. John is also a recent graduate of the College of Saint Rose and graduated in 2023 with a degree in Adolescence Education: Social Studies. John completed his undergraduate coursework at University at Albany, SUNY earning a bachelor’s degree in History. During his tenure at the College of Saint Rose, John’s commitment to education shone brightly. He undertook the role of Graduate Assistant with the New York State Archives Partnership Trust, an organization dedicated to preserving the rich history of New York. In this role, John worked to provide teachers across the state diverse lesson plans and captivating primary sources to be used all over New York via considerthesourceny.org. John is dedicated to providing an equitable and well-represented classroom environment.
Sarah Hendry is an ENL teacher in Bronx, NY. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Childhood Special Education from The College of Saint Rose, a Master’s of Science in Teaching English Language Learners from Syracuse University, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Educational Leadership from The College of Saint Rose. Sarah has a passion for making sure English Language Learners have an equitable learning experience.
Jessica Maclasco related services teacher for the Shenendehowa Central School District. She has been teaching for eight years and enjoys her role as the English as a New Language teacher for grades K-5. Her position allows her the flexibility to meet students’ needs through both pushing into classrooms and pulling students out for individualized instruction. More recently Jessica has taken on the role as the ENL summer coordinator at her school and is interested in pursuing opportunities to present at faculty conferences to share her knowledge to assist other teachers. Jessica is a graduate of The College of Saint Rose and Canisius College.
Nadia Rubino, Special Educator at Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls: Nadia holds dual certification in Special Education and Childhood Education, servicing grades 1 through 6. As a proud alum of the College of Saint Rose, Nadia has maintained her passion of education through many roles, including mentorship, distance instruction, and most recently as a Special Educator. Nadia is entering her 5th year in education and has served with Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls, sharing the initiatives of building future leaders through strong social emotional education and highly effective practices to both maximize learning and engagement. Nadia aims to create a positive impact through collaboration with families and building positive, empowering relationships with her scholars.
Jada Settle is a teaching assistant at Pine Hills Elementary School in Albany NY working primarily with kindergarten and first grade. Jada holds a bachelor’s degree in African Studies and English from the University at Albany. She is currently working toward her Master of Science in Education degree in Birth to Grade 6 Education at The College of Saint Rose. Jada brings a wealth of experience in the education field having worked as a teaching assistant for the Fresh Air Fund, a childcare specialist at St. Catherine’s Children’s Center, and a program facilitator for the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club. Jada is originally from the New York City area.
Incorporating the Science of Reading in Your Classroom at the Primary and Secondary levels
October 26 | 3:30 – 5 p.m. via Zoom
Presenter
Dr. Andrew Shanock has been teaching at The College of Saint Rose since 2005 and is the chair of the School Psychology/Educational Psychology Department. He specializes in cognitive and academic assessment. He brings to the classroom his years of experience as a school psychologist in public, parochial, and charter schools within urban, suburban, and rural districts.