Are you looking for fun ways to engage your emergent or early readers and writers? This
course focuses on emergent literacy skills for grades PreK-3. The instructional strategies
focus on early reading and writing strategies for teachers to incorporate into their
curriculum, the connection to oral language, the development of reading fluency,
vocabulary, and comprehension. Assessment strategies and techniques will be thoroughly
discussed. Strategies for working with struggling readers are also included.
*NEW* A Primary Grade Teacher's Guide to Positive Discipline (K-3)
What are the first thoughts that come into your head when you hear the word discipline? Students
that don’t follow rules, students who constantly misbehave, your overall troublemakers, right? You
think of discipline as how you manage the problem students. This course helps teachers to learn
new and innovative ways for managing and controlling behavior using traditional and
non-traditional, positive methods for discipline and order. Teachers will be provided with
many resources and ideas to effectively manage their primary grade classrooms and student
behavior while proactively promoting organization, communication, safety, structure, and a
positive classroom environment that supports learning.
* NEW* Positive Discipline: A Powerful Approach to Classroom Management (4-12)
What are the first thoughts that come into your head when you hear the word discipline? Students that don’t
follow rules, students who constantly misbehave, your overall troublemakers, right? You think of discipline
as how you manage the problem students. This course helps teachers to learn new and innovative ways for
managing and controlling behavior using traditional and non-traditional, positive methods for discipline
and order. Teachers will be provided with many resources and ideas to effectively manage their classrooms
and student behavior while proactively promoting organization, communication, safety, structure, and a
positive classroom environment that supports learning.
Classroom Management Survival Course (K-12)
How many times have you thought that you could accomplish a great deal more in the classroom if
the children would behave? Classroom management is key to an effective teaching environment. In
this course you will learn practical strategies for establishing rules, routines, and a discipline
plan that really works!
Comprehension: The Key to Successful Reading (K-3)
Do you have students who read all the words correctly and then have no idea what they just
read? This course focuses on improving students’ comprehension skills. The course begins
by offering three different options for assessing comprehension. Then, you are introduced
to a wealth of strategies that can improve and support a reader’s comprehension. Strategies
presented include: anticipation guides, DRTA, questioning techniques, text structure, guided
reading and reciprocal teaching.
Comprehension Strategies for Middle and Upper Grades (4-12)
Content area reading becomes more difficult as students enter the middle grades. Typically
students are not prepared to approach this type of text and need specific skills and
strategies to aid their comprehension. This course focuses on improving students’ comprehension
skills. Strategies presented include: anticipation guides, DRTA, SQ3R, SEARCH, cloze procedure,
maze technique, questioning techniques, text structure, guided comprehension and self-assessment.
Designing and Creating a Virtual Field Trip (K-12)
Take your students anywhere in the world! This course will teach you how to develop a
Virtual Field Trip based on any content area. Participants will learn how to locate
relevant resources and develop an effective Virtual Field Trip. Internet search
strategies will be emphasized along with practical approaches to incorporating
standards into the development of the Virtual Field Trip.
Note: You must have access to PowerPoint software to design your virtual field trip
Designing and Creating a WebQuest (3-12)
A WebQuest is an excellent way to integrate content curriculum with technology and the Internet.
This course focuses on how to develop a WebQuest based on any content area. You will begin with
content standards and then develop the WebQuest based on a theme or topic that addresses the
standards. Effective Internet search strategies will be emphasized in order to find WebQuest
resources efficiently.
Developing Phonemic Awareness in Emergent Readers (PreK-2)
This course focuses on developing a child’s phonemic awareness to prepare him or her to be a
successful reader. The course begins with phonemic awareness assessment options. Based on the
assessment results, you can determine which strategies are most appropriate for each student.
Instructional strategies presented in the course include: rhyming, alliteration, onset and
rime, syllable segmentation, and many more.
Diagnostic and Prescriptive Teaching of Reading (K-3)
As teachers we know that assessment is important, but how do we link the assessment to the
curriculum and instructional strategies? In this course, you will learn how to diagnose
reading difficulties and make accommodations for those difficulties in the classroom. You
will also learn how to work with individual students to improve their reading skills by
selecting, modifying, and preparing appropriate instructional materials.
Differentiated Instruction: One Size Does Not Fit All (K-6)
Are you struggling with how to meet the needs of the varied ability levels of your students?
This online training course helps teachers effectively analyze the learning styles and
readiness of students and effectively develop a differentiated curriculum to meet the needs
of a diverse population. You will gain a clear understanding of multilingual, special
education, and academically diverse classrooms and understand how to adjust their
lessons to accommodate the different needs and learning styles of your students.
Effective Internet Search Strategies (K-12)
Have you ever searched for hours on the Internet and still not found exactly what you need? In
this course, you will learn how to quickly and effectively search the Internet. You will
explore the search engines available and determine which is best for your needs. You will
also practice narrowing topics and using Boolean search terms to get the best possible
results from a search.
Effective Strategies for Emergent and Early Writers (PreK-3)
Are you looking for effective ways to encourage your young writers? Do you need strategies
for teaching students the foundations for writing success? This online course presents a
thorough review of the writing process. You will learn how to address spelling and grammar
in student writing. Assessment strategies, including rubrics, will also be shared.
Effective Strategies to Improve Student Writing (4-12)
Do your students have trouble writing expository text such as persuasive essays, research papers,
and analytical essays? Are you always asking them to be more descriptive in their narrative
essays? This online course focuses on key writing skills. Details and strategies for every
writing domain will be shared including graphic organizers, prompts, and rubrics for scoring.
Each step of the writing process will also be explored.
Effective Strategies for New Teachers (K-12)
This online course is specifically designed for teachers in their first few years of teaching.
Topics addressed include engaging curriculum ideas, writing quality lesson plans, assessment
techniques, themes and literature ideas, management techniques, and discipline strategies.
Expository Writing: Focus on Persuasive Essays (4-12)
Do your students struggle when they have to write anything other than a narrative essay or story?
This online course focuses on helping students learn how to write expository essays with an emphasis
on persuasive writing. The focus will be on teaching students organizational patterns for writing,
as well as how to develop an outline, thesis statement, and strong argument. Revision techniques,
including the use of technology, will also be presented.
Expository Writing: Focus on Research Reports (4-12)
Do your students struggle when they have to write anything other than a narrative essay or story?
This online course focuses on helping students learn how to write research reports. The focus will
be on teaching students organizational patterns, as well as how to develop an outline, and thesis
statement. Teaching students how to do research and then read and paraphrase for writing will also
be emphasized. Teachers will gain assessment strategies as well.
Focus on Phonics (K-3)
This course focuses on effective ways to teach children to decode unknown words. Phonics basics
will be emphasized along with specific ways to help students who are struggling in this area.
Using context clues and structural analysis as a means of decoding will also be introduced. You
will also learn how to use the Making Words strategy and how to use Reader’s Workshop.
Hands-On Learning with Math Manipulatives (K-3)
Do you have students who find it difficult to understand certain math concepts? In this online
course you will learn how to use math manipulatives to teach important math concepts. You will
learn what manipulatives are and why to use them, how they connect to math standards, how to
successfully teach lessons using manipulatives and how to manage them in the classroom.
How to Manage Your Classroom for Student Success (K-12)
This online training course will help you become a highly effective teacher. Topics addressed in this
course include engaging curriculum ideas, writing quality lesson plans (with clear objectives that
address key standards), assessment techniques (including authentic assessment such as rubrics and
portfolios as well as standardized tests), themes and literature ideas, management techniques,
discipline strategies (rewards and consequences), ELD techniques, and, of course, technology integration.
Improving Your Student's Test Taking Skills (2-12)
This online course will help you understand concepts related to standardized testing.
In addition, it will help you work with students on test preparation and test taking
skills. You will learn how to develop instructional strategies that facilitate students
as they aim for success in testing situations. Emphasis is on testing theory, helping
students learn how to prepare for tests, and strategies that students can utilize while
taking a test.
Instructional Strategies for ELD and SDAIE (K-12)
If you have English Language Learners in your classroom, this course will help you tremendously. You
will learn how to use the into/through/beyond approach, which is a proven effective model for working
with ELLs. Attention will be given to ELD and SDAIE strategies such as scaffolding, schema building, a
nd reformatting text. Both formal and informal assessment methods will also be shared.
Integrating the Internet and Multimedia (K-12)
Do you want to learn how to create basic multimedia presentations to use in your classroom?
Do you want to know how to find great sources on the Internet for presentation content? This
course will introduce you to the basics of using the Internet and creating a multimedia
presentation. You will even learn how to help students create their own multimedia presentations.
The possibilities are endless in this great, fun class!
Note: You must have access to PowerPoint
or HyperStudio software to design your multimedia project.
Managing and Integrating Technology into the Curriculum (K-12)
Do you have computers in your classroom that are not being used to their full potential? This
course will focus on the management and integration issues teachers are struggling with such
as: scheduling students for computer time, how to train students to use software, writing
lessons that integrate technology, managing a technological classroom, finding excellent
software and websites, and getting the most out of the one-computer classroom.
Managing and Integrating Technology into the Special Education Classroom (K-12)
Do you have computers in your classroom that are not being used to their full potential? This course will
focus on the management and integration issues teachers are struggling with such as: scheduling students
for computer time, how to train students to use software, writing lessons that integrate technology,
managing a technological classroom, finding excellent software and websites, and getting the most out
of the one-computer classroom. This course will focus on the using technology in the special education
classroom, specifically addressing assistive technology.
Reaching Students Through Character Education (K-12)
Do you have students who just won't behave? Do you notice a lack of manners and respect? In this
online course, you will learn the six building blocks of character and how to explore them with
students through discussions, activities, and projects. You will learn how to teach students to
make the right choices in problem situations and help build their awareness of accountability for
their actions.
Reading to Learn: Developing Strategic Reading Skills (4-12)
Why do excellent early readers often begin to struggle when they hit the middle grades?
Students tend to approach content text the same way they approach literature. Students
need to learn how to read content material. In this online course you will learn how to
develop active instructional strategies that facilitate student acquisition and
development of reading skills in a variety of disciplines. Emphasis is on vocabulary
development and comprehension strategies.
Reading in the Primary Grades: A Balanced Approach (K-3)
Are you trying to find a balanced approach to reading that focuses both on skills and using
literature in the classroom? This online course focuses on key skills as well as an emphasis
on teaching students an explicit, systematic approach to phonics. Connections between word
attack skills and comprehension as well as using quality literature to inspire young
readers will also be shared.
Six Traits of Writing (K-6)
You've heard about the six traits of writing and want to know more about it. You want
to understand how to successfully teach the traits to your students so they can be
better writers. This course will teach you all the basics you need to get started.
Solving Math Word Problems: Strategies Your Students Need (4-8)
Do your students do fine on math computation tests but struggle with word problems? Are they
lost when they approach a word problem? Do they need strategies to help them solve word
problems? All of these issues are addressed in this course. Specific strategies are
presented with sample problems for each.
Study Smarter Not Harder: Study Skills for Students (K-8)
Do your students need study skills training to help them become better students and test takers?
This course will provide techniques, ideas and resources for helping students to develop their
study skills such as the use of mnemonics, time management and note-taking skills, and the
ability to establish a good study environment. With the use of visual aids, innovative
strategies, and helpful worksheets, teachers will be able to develop their students’ study
skills and help take the fear out of test-taking.
Teaching Reading in Grades PreK-3: Putting Research into Action (PreK-3)
NCLB has made reading success for students a national initiative. Find out about the five key areas
of reading as detailed in the current research. Each of the five key areas will be explored in depth
including best practices, practical strategies, and assessment options.
Teaching Real World Math (K-3)
Interested in showing your students how math connects to everyday life? This online
training course will focus on appropriate instructional tools and techniques to help
you connect math standards to instructional practice using real world scenarios. Ideas
for connecting math to literature and technology will also be shared.
Teaching Struggling Readers: Identification, Intervention, and Remediation (K-3)
The focus of this online course is on initial and early identification of these students and then specific
intervention strategies to try based on the specific skill deficit. Information includes strategies for
English Language Learners and Special Education students. All five key elements are addressed in the
courses: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary.
Teaching Themes Through the Year/Three Units (K-6)
Do you love to teach with themes? Are you looking for some new ideas and resources?
This online course will provide you with new and exciting theme ideas. You will
receive excellent activities and projects for the kids to do. You will also get
new ideas to breathe life into the themes you have been teaching for years.
Suggestions for integrating technology and literature into themes will also be
offered.
Technology-Based Projects (3-12)
This fun and exciting course will introduce you to the world of multimedia projects for students.
You will learn the basics of HyperStudio and PowerPoint as well as how to use them as a teaching
tool. You will also learn how to create student-based multimedia projects. Simple word processing
projects as well as Internet-based projects will also be shared.
Using Children's Literature in the Classroom (K-12)
Do you love using children’s books in your classroom? Do you want to find out about excellent
new books and fun ways to use them in your classroom? Get prepared for the next school year!
This online course will focus on the best children’s books available to use in all four content
areas. Fun and educational ideas for using children’s literature will be shared. If you love
children’s books….don’t miss this class!
Vocabulary Instruction for Improved Reading Skills (4-12)
This course focuses on how to improve student’s vocabulary in the middle and upper grades. The
course begins with options for vocabulary assessment. The results of the assessment will be used
to guide instruction and select appropriate and effective instructional strategies. Strategies
presented include word roots, semantic feature analysis, categorization, analogies, concept
maps, traditional resources, and cloze procedure to name just a few.
Word Play: Vocabulary Instruction in the Primary Grades (K-3)
This course focuses on how to improve student’s vocabulary in the primary grades. The
course begins with options for vocabulary assessment. The results of the assessment will
be used to guide instruction and select appropriate and effective instructional strategies.
Strategies presented include word roots, semantic feature analysis, categorization, analogies,
concept maps, traditional resources, and cloze procedure to name just a few.
Writer's Workshop in the Elementary Classroom (K-6)
Have you always wanted to start a writer's workshop program in your classroom but were
not sure how to begin? This course gives you all the basics including management tips
and suggestions. Writing domains and the writing process are also emphasized.
Young Adult Literature in the Classroom (4-12)
This online course focuses on strategies for teaching literary elements using young adult novels.
Specific definitions, strategies, and activities will be shared for teaching critical literary
techniques such as character development, setting, plot, symbolism, point of view, and style.
Resources for selecting quality young adult novels will also be shared.