› 2024-2025 Fall/Winter PL Sessions for Educators and Families

Check our website for current professional learning opportunities and on-demand videos highlighting an array of educational topics from leading voices in the field.

› Universal Design for Learning for Secondary Special Area Teachers with Casey Woodfield, PhD & Katherine Vroman, PhD

Live Webinar | Thursday, February 6, 2025 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

This session will focus on exploring updated Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines and implementing comprehensive design strategies for special area teachers at the secondary level. So often, important opportunities occur in classes such as art, music, technology and physical education. Special area teachers need the tools to design comprehensive learning experiences, and plan interdisciplinary lessons to foster connections with other content areas. UDL offers strategies to proactively and flexibly plan for the different range of student needs and strengths. This session will include an interactive overview of newly updated UDL guidelines, highlight examples of lessons, and offer structured work time for teachers to apply strategies within their own practice.

Registeration is now closed. 

› 2024 Summer PL Sessions for Educators and Families

› Navigating the Intersection of ADHD and Anxiety: A Parent Workshop with Cathy Brant, PhD and Kara Ieva, PhD

This workshop aims to provide parents with valuable insights into understanding and supporting children who experience both ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and anxiety. ADHD and anxiety often coexist, presenting unique challenges for both children and their caregivers. Through this workshop, parents will gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between ADHD and anxiety, learn practical strategies to support their child's well-being, and discover resources for further assistance.

View prerecorded series on our website - Watch Now

› Inclusion 101 for Families with Kerry Cormier, Ph.D. & Johari Sykes-Ratliff, M.A.

The LRC-South Online Video Module Series, Inclusion 101 for Families is a multi-part series that provides foundational knowledge defining inclusion and an overview of the legal requirements in place to support children with disabilities. Key concepts that will be discussed include: the ways in which inclusive efforts for students with disabilities can be strengthened through collaborative school, family, and community partnerships, the parent’s rights in special education, and what to expect when engaging in the evaluation process. While the series is designed for the parents and families of children with disabilities, the learning modules provide information that all participants, regardless of role, can use within their position. Participants are invited to engage with the entire series or learning modules of the greatest interest to them. 

View Recorded Series

› Integrating AI in the Classroom: Strategies, Support and Critical Literacies with Judi Kibelstis, MA

Tuesday, August 6, 2024 | 9:00AM to 12:00PM 

› 2024 Winter PD Sessions

As we head into 2024, we would like to share new professional learning opportunities and family activities with our LRC community. 

To view the Winter 2024 LRC-South Events Calendar - click here. 

Please share our one-page flyer with your colleagues and families! 

Explore additional information below. 

› Decision-making for School Leaders: Selecting Co-teaching Teams

with Michelle Damiani, Ph.D. & Taija Haller, M.A.

Recorded Video Session | View Here

• Follow-up Virtual Discussion | Jan. 18, 2024, 3:00 - 4:00 pm  

Administrators have the crucial task of selecting co-teachers; their approach to this decision sets the trajectory for professional growth and student success in co-taught classes. This pre-recorded session discusses research-based considerations for pairing co-teachers and how to collaboratively approach the decision-making process. A reflection tool is provided. The follow up virtual discussion will provide participants with an opportunity to reflect on and discuss their decision-making process, as well as begin planning for new processes and co-teaching teams for next school year. School leaders are encouraged to attend with other members of their collaborative leadership team.

› Building Mathematical Routines

with Jill Perry, Ph.D & Robert Wieman, Ph.D.

This series is designed for current and future math teachers, special education teachers who teach math in all settings, educators who work with math teachers, supervisors, and administrators. Co-teachers are encouraged to attend as a pair. 

Mathematical Routines that Encourage Discourse for Skillbuilding

• In-Person Session | January 31, 2024, 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
• Follow-up Virtual Session | TBD

How do we engage students in meaningful discussion about mathematical skills and techniques? In this workshop, participants will engage in, learn about, and plan instructional routines that support students in developing fluency through reasoning and communicating about mathematical skills and techniques. Participants will also leave the workshop having planned a routine for use in their own classrooms, which they will share with peers in a virtual follow-up session.

Location: LRC-South at Rowan's College of Education, James Hall Rm 1119, 445 N Campus Dr, Glassboro NJ 08028

› Universal Design for Learning in Pre-school

with Alicia Drelick, Ed.D. & Lindsay Hastings, M.A.

The following professional development videos, available in both English and Spanish versions, provide a clear overview of UDL's key principles and how they can make classrooms a more inclusive space for students with disabilities. These videos have been developed for early childhood educators, to explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL) specific to the early childhood setting. This professional development session concludes with a challenge for early childhood educators to adopt and integrate new UDL strategies into their classrooms. Viewers are encouraged to join us for a live, virtual discussion on Wednesday, February 7^th from 3:00 – 4:00 pm to engage with our facilitators and other early childhood educators in meaningful ways to support using UDL with your preschoolers!

• Recorded Video Session | English & Spanish Versions - View Here
• Follow-up Virtual Session | February 7, 2024

› Meeting the Standards through Interdisciplinary Lesson Planning

with Brianne Morettini, Ph.D.

This session will provide preservice teachers the opportunity to develop high-quality interdisciplinary lesson plans under the guidance of facilitators.

• In-person Session | March 22, 2024, 10 am - 2:00 pm

  Location: Rowan University, Glassboro Campus, James Hall Rm 1119

› Virtual Book Study | Fair Isn't Always Equal: Assessment & Grading in the Differentiated Classroom

with Jill Perry, Ph.D. & Beth Wassell, Ed.D.

Assessments can do more than just provide grades. They can be powerful and fair ways to engage and motivate students, differentiate instruction, and support student agency, particularly in differentiated classroom contexts. Fair Isn't Always Equal: Assessing & Grading in the Differentiated Classroom (2nd Ed.) offers an approach to assessment and grading practices that prioritizes fairness for all students.

Wormeli’s emphasis on differentiation provides teachers with practical techniques for adapting their instruction and assessments and his strategies for incorporating accommodations and modifications directly address the unique strengths and needs of all students, including students with disabilities.

Join Our Live Virtual Discussions

This free professional learning opportunity is designed to equip educators with practical strategies for creating welcoming environments where all students, including students with identified disabilities, actively participate, think critically, and experience genuine learning.

To make the most of this valuable opportunity, participants will be required to attend each meeting of the book study. Books may be borrowed from the LRC-South or purchased independently.

Virtual Meeting Dates & Times

• 12/07/2023, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• 01/25/2024, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• 02/29/2024, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• 03/28/2024, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

PLEASE NOTE: These events are live, interactive presentations and will not be recorded. 

› Working Together Effectively: Administrators Managing and Supporting Educational Teams

with Brent Elder, Ph.D., Michelle Damiani Ph.D., & Casey Woodfield, Ph.D.

Live Webinar | April 9^th, 2 - 3 pm

Schools are dynamic spaces that involve many educational professionals working together. This session will address content and collaboration needs of P-12 administrators supporting educators who are responsible for managing and supporting paraprofessionals and other professionals in classrooms in their schools.

› 2023 Fall PD Sessions

› Including Students with Chronic Illnesses in Physical Education and Sport

with Maria Lepore-Stevens, Ph.D. | Live Webinar with Interactive Breakout Sessions | Oct. 4^th, 3 pm

This session discussed best practices for supporting students (PreK- 12) with chronic illnesses or other health impairments in PE, after school sports, and health education. It will provide opportunities to practice adapting sport and physical activity scenarios, and educate teachers on common chronic illnesses their students may have.

› Building Mathematical Routines

with Jill Perry, Ph.D & Robert Wieman, Ph.D.

This series is designed for current and future math teachers, special education teachers, educators who work with math teachers, supervisors, and administrators. Co-teachers are encouraged to attend as a pair. 

Mathematical Routines that Support Rich Thinking and Learning

• In-Person Session | Oct. 18^th, 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
• Follow-up Virtual Session | Nov. 1^st, 6:30 - 7:30 pm

It’s never too late for teachers to start building routines that engage students in active mathematical thinking and learning. In this workshop, participants will have opportunities to experience high-leverage mathematics routines that provide support for students in stating their ideas, listening to the ideas of others, and reasoning about mathematics and others’ ideas. Participants will leave the workshop also having planned a routine for use in their own classrooms, which they will share with peers in a virtual follow-up session.

Location: LRC-South at Rowan's College of Education, James Hall Rm 1119, 445 N Campus Dr, Glassboro NJ 08028

Mathematical Routines that Encourage Discourse for Skillbuilding

• In-Person Session
• Follow-up Virtual Session 

How do we engage students in meaningful discussion about mathematical skills and techniques? In this workshop, participants will engage in, learn about, and plan instructional routines that support students in developing fluency through reasoning and communicating about mathematical skills and techniques. Participants will also leave the workshop having planned a routine for use in their own classrooms, which they will share with peers in a virtual follow-up session.

Location: LRC-South at Rowan's College of Education, James Hall Rm 1119, 445 N Campus Dr, Glassboro NJ 08028

› Establishing Sustained Collaborative Co-teaching Relationships 

with Michelle Damiani, Ph.D. & Alicia Drelick, Ed.D.

• Recorded Video Session | View Here
• Follow-up Virtual Session | Oct. 24^th, 3 - 4 pm

Parity is essential to successful working co-teaching partnerships that support personal and professional needs and strengths of both partners. This recorded session discusses features of successful co-teaching relationships and how to establish parity. An example of a co-teaching constitution is provided by the co-teaching team leading this presentation. The follow up virtual discussion will provide participants an opportunity to discuss and create their own co-teaching constitution, as well as, explore additional resources to support building and sustaining your professional partnership.

Registration is closed. To watch the pre-corded video session click here!

› Working Together Effectively Managing an Educational Team

with Brent Elder, Ph.D., Michelle Damiani Ph.D., & Casey Woodfield, Ph.D. | Live Webinar | Nov. 15^th, 3 - 4 pm

Schools are dynamic spaces that involve many educational professionals working together. This session will address content and collaboration needs of P-12 educators who are responsible for managing and supporting paraprofessionals and other professionals in their inclusive classrooms.

› 2023 Spring PD Sessions

› Access to World Language Education in NJ: Challenges and Opportunities

with Beth Wassell, Ed.D. | January 12, 2023 | Live Webinar

The academic, cognitive, and social benefits of learning an additional language have been well-documented in the research literature, yet not all NJ students have the opportunity to engage in high-quality, sustained language study. World language programs in NJ experience a number of issues that often go unnoticed. Some issues are a result of programmatic structures, while others are related to school, district, or state structures and policies. This session provides educators and administrators an overview of current issues and tools to make systemic change to ensure that all learners can benefit from the outcomes of learning another language: becoming bilingual, biliterate, and interculturally competent.

› Universal Design for Learning for Special Area Teachers

with Casey Woodfield & Ph.D. Katherine Vroman, Ph.D. | January 18, 2023 | Live Webinar

This session will focus on understanding Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and implementing comprehensive design strategies for special area teachers. So often, important learning opportunities occur in classes such as art, music, technology and physical education, and special area teachers need the tools to faciliate these learning experiences. UDL offers strategies to proactively and flexibly plan for the differing range of student needs and strengths. This session will include an interactive overview of UDL, highlight examples of lessons, and offer structured work time for teachers to apply strategies within their own practice. Attendees are encouraged to bring an upcoming lesson plan or topic to the workshop.

› Building an Inclusive Classroom Multi-Part Series

The LRC-South Online Video Module Series, Building an Inclusive Classroom is a yearlong, multi-part series that provides key classroom strategies that promote inclusive practices for students in the least restrictive environment and support all educators. Key topics include collaboration, relationship building, and differentiated & universally designed instruction. While the series is designed as a yearlong learning experience, each learning module can stand alone as an individual learning opportunity. Participants are invited to engage with the entire series or learning modules of the greatest interest to them. 

Learn More

› Short on time? Believe It or Not, Science is the Answer for our Youngest Students, Too!"

with Michelle Damiani, Ph.D. & Heather Waymouth, Ph.D. | March 30, 2023 | In-Person Session 

Young children ask scientific questions all the time. Why is the sky blue? How do seeds become flowers? This hands-on workshop will engage participants in inquiry based learning centered around young childrens’ scientific wonderings. We will engage in and discuss sensemaking, science talk, and text use through comprehensive practices. Ultimately, participants will walk away with an understanding of how weaving literacy and science together can enhance learning in and across both domains.

› Space Play: Geometry through Artistic Exploration in High School Settings

with Jill Perry, Ph.D. & Jane Graziano, Ed.D. | May 2, 2023 | In-Person Session

In this full-day, hands-on workshop, participants will explore ways to create playful, supportive experiences where high school students learn geometry through artistic exploration. If you’re looking for interdisciplinary and engaging activities and ideas that could be used in classrooms, family nights, and after school programs, please join us!

› Social Studies - Using Primary Source Documents to Provide Access to All P-12 Social Studies Teachers

with Cathy Brant, Ph.D. | June 2, 2023 | In-Person Session

In this workshop we will highlight the use of primary source documents to teach Social Studies content. Participants will be shown how to find appropriate primary source documents and tools for engaging in primary source document analysis.

› Honoring Students with Sensory, Movement and Communication Differences

with Casey Woodfield; Ph.D. | June 7, 2023 | Live Webinar

This presentation will discuss different practices grounded in the neurodiversity paradigm, with a focus on multimodal, augmentative and alternative communication access and sensory-movement supports. We will explore best practices in incorporating communication opportunities that do not rely solely on speaking in grade level curriculum, and the elements of classrooms that reduce sensory and movement barriers. Participants will identify proactive steps to creating a classroom that moves beyond accommodating to actively centering the differences that neurodivergent students bring to the classroom.

› 2022 Fall PD Sessions

› Disability Studies for Paraprofessionals

with Brent Elder, Ph.D. | November 3, 2022 | In-person session

Participants will be provided with research and best practices related to paraprofessionals supporting students with disabilities in welcoming classrooms including information related to disability studies and belonging education, presuming competence, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), fairness, the historical and legal foundations and new ways of thinking about disability in schools. The first part of the session will be discussion-based and interactive with the second part providing a structured work time for participants to explore and apply the content to their own practices. 

› Neuroeducation: An Introduction to Sensory Wellness

with Kara Ieva, Ph.D. | December 1, 2022 | Live Webinar

Neuroeducation is an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the brain and its effect on optimal learning. This workshop will focus on examining Sensory Wellness as a beginning process to understanding how the brain processes sensory input and output that contributes to our overall physical and social emotional wellness. Centering our senses allows us to reflect on our own personal and professional wellness, and translate into the classroom for promoting students' overall academic and social emotional wellness.

› Supporting Students with Visual Impairments

with Maria Lepore Stevens, Ed.D. | December 9, 2022 | In-Person Session 

This workshop will present ways to support students with visual impairments in school, including physical ease of access, emotional support, and physical support students may need.

› 2022 Summer PD Sessions & Other Events

 

› Educator Prep Week - August 22nd-25th

In preparation for back-to-school, LRC-S held an Educator Prep Week during the month of August. Educators were invited to get a head start on all their classroom needs by visiting the center, and were also provided with a collaborative working space for colleagues and co-teachers for common planning time. The week was filled with giveaways, creative recommendations, low cost production services and resources for professional learning and student engagement.

 

---

 

› Families First: Partnering with Multilingual Families with Beth Wassell, Ed.D. - August 31st

During this live webinar participants explored concrete tools to build authentic partnerships with students' families from the first day of the school year. Research has overwhelmingly emphasized the positive impacts of family engagement on K-12 student academic success. The session also emphasized strategies for connecting with multilingual families.

› Winter Learning Institute 2025: Reaching the Edges

The Office of Special Education is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Winter Learning Institute 2025 (WLI 2025)! To register, review the offerings on the NJDOE's Office of Special Education's website!

Learn More  

› 2024 Summer Learning Institute: Progress Through Partnerships

The New Jersey Department of Education’s (NJDOE) Office of Special Education will be hosting the 2nd Annual Summer Learning Institute through the Learning Resource Centers (LRC) to empower educators and families with the knowledge and support they need to meet the needs of our learners.

The theme for this year is “Progress through Partnership.” Each IDEA-funded project, in collaboration with an Office of Special Education specialist, will host a three-week learning series.

Schedule of Events and Registration Process

Professional learning opportunities will take place between July 8th and July 26th.

Sessions were held in-person from 9AM to 12PM and virtually from 10:30AM to 12PM. 

For more information, please visit https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/summerlearninginstitute.shtml

› Academic Year 2024-2025 Family Events

› If You Take A Mouse To the LRC-South

He’ll ask for a back-to-school storytime adventure

Saturday, September 28, 2024 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Join us for a fun and interactive back-to-school family event (ages PreK-2nd) as we read Laura Numeroff’s beloved story, If You Take a Mouse to School. We will engage in play-based learning activities across content areas.

› Catch Us If You Can: Family Fun with The Gingerbread Man

Saturday, December 7, 2024 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Join us for an adventurous family event as we participate in STEM and play-based learning activities around the beloved folk tale of The Gingerbread Man. Families will build a trap to catch the gingerbread man, make sweet cinnamon applesauce ornaments, and engage in other content-based activities that promise a sweet time for all!

› A Day At The LRC Museum

Saturday, January 25, 2025 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

We are all artists and have many creative talents! This family event will focus on the many types of art mediums that we find in some of our most beloved children’s books. Families will participate in process-based art techniques including collage, painting, and sculpture. Your refrigerator is the best museum for highlighting your children’s masterpieces!

Registration is now closed. 

› Let's Build and Create: Using Blocks to Learn and Play

Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Block play is one of the most open-ended types of play in the learning environment. This family event will look at how blocks can be infused in all the interdisciplinary subject areas such as math, science and literacy. Don’t miss the chance to build, create and have fun!

Registration is now closed. 

› M is for Motion

Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Join us for some family fun as we look at how motion and movement are forces in the world around us and in everything we do from art experiences, using ramps and pathways as well as gross motor experiences. Don’t miss the fun that will keep us moving!

Mark your calendars - follow us on social media for a release date!

Registration is now closed. 

› Summer 2024 Family Events

Celebrating YOU and all the Wonderful Things YOU Are!

› 2023-2024 Winter/Spring Family Events

› Sweet Gingerbread Family Fun

Saturday, December 2, 2023 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Run, run to the LRC as fast as you can so you can catch the gingerbread man! Join us for a FREE Family Event for all things adventurous and fun.  We'll explore the principles of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) as we share stories, construct and decorate our own gingerbread houses, and make cinnamon applesauce ornaments. Don’t miss all the sweet fun! (Children ages 3-7)

› Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?

Saturday, January 27, 2024 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Calling all polar bears! Join us for some frosty family fun as we explore the beloved story Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You See by Eric Carle. We will share the story and then create our own polar bear facts big book, paint with marshmallows, play in the “snow” and other fun surprises! (Children ages 3-7)

› Love Is All Around Us!

Saturday, February 10, 2024 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

It may be cold outside, but it is warm and caring inside the LRC! Come explore Valentine’s Day with Pete the Cat and all of his friends. We will decorate Valentine's card boxes, design stamps, and create a special heart canvas. We are sure you will have a lovely time! (Children ages 3-7)

› Goldilocks and The Three Bears Explore STEAM!

Saturday, March 23, 2024 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Goldilocks and three bears who were interested in exploring STEAM together! This FREE family event at the LRC will provide opportunities for families to engage in activities and explore engineering and design principles that promote critical thinking and creativity. (Children ages 3-7)

› 2023 SEL Summer Series

› It's a Summer SEL-A-BRATION at the LRC-South!

Each Tuesday families were invited to join the LRC-South staff for engaging stories and activities designed to inspire young learners (PreK-5th) to keep striding toward their goals while developing the self-awareness, self-control and interpersonal skills that are vital for success!

June 20^th | Let's Be Ourselves

June 27^th | Let's Make Good Choices

July 11^th | Let's Be Kind

July 18^th | Let's Be Problem Solvers

July 25^th | Let's Be Fantastic Friends

View Photo Galleries

› 2023 Winter/Spring Spring Family Events

› Frosty Family Fun

with the Jason Verdone | Saturday, January 21, 2023 

Brrrr, it sure is cold outside, but warm inside the LRC! Calling all penquins, polar bears and winter friends (Grades: PreK-2nd) join us for a free family event focused on all the fun things that winter offers, such as reading stories, building snowmen and talking about animals tracks and hibernation. 

› Physical Activity Participation for Students with Disabilities - Parent & Guardian Info Session

with the Maria Lepore-Stevens, Ed.D. | January 14, 2023 | Live Webinar

This webinar will focus on how parents of K-12 students can support and advocate for community and school based adapted physical activity for their children and young adults with disabilities.

› Promoting Social Emotional Learning (SEL) at Home and in the Community - Parent & Guardian Info Session

with Kara Ieva, Ph.D. | February 11, 2023

Schools and families play essential roles in promoting children’s learning, development, and overall well-being. When educators and caregivers work together as partners, they create important opportunities for children to develop life skills. This event provides an introduction to the video series that provides common language, strategies, and tools for families to promote children's social emotional learning (SEL) and academic development at home and together in the community.

› Fantastic Fairy Tales

with the Jason Verdone | Saturday, March 25, 2023 

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! All little knights, unicorns and dragons (PreK-2nd) are hereby summoned for a free family-friendly event. Enjoy an enchanted twist on traditional fairy tales and explore hands-on magical activities.

› Spring is Popping Up All Over

with the Jason Verdone | Saturday, April 22, 2023

Spring has sprung at the LRC-South! Inviting all of our peeps (PreK-2nd) to shake off the winter blues! Join us this Earth Day as we explore all of the wonders that spring brings while engaging in learning activities about the natural world around us.

› 2022 Summer Family Programming 

• June 22, 2022 | We Are All Alike, We Are All Different!
• June 29, 2022 | Let’s Stop, Think and Make Good Choices!
• July 6, 2022 | K is for Kindness!
• July 13, 2022 | Dear Boys and Girls We’re Glad You’re Here!
• July 20, 2022 | Who is On Your String and in Your Heart?
• July 27, 2022 | Fabulous Friends!

View Photo Galleries

› 2024 New Teacher Summer Academy

The LRC-South New Teacher Academy (NTA) provides high-quality professional learning experiences to support the professional growth of new teachers during their first years in the profession. The NTA curriculum will address research-based high leverage practices and include engaging activities that will be beneficial to all new teachers.

All first through third year teachers are encouraged to apply to this FREE professional development opportunity to explore strategies that promote the success of all learners. Membership in Cohort 5 of this Professional Learning Community (PLC) begins with a three-day summer academy and continues with monthly meetings throughout the academic year to support your professional growth.

The 2024 summer academy will be in person at Rowan University on Tuesday, August 13th, Wednesday, August 14th; and Thursday, August 15th from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, with a virtual orientation on Tuesday, August 6th at 6:30 pm.

Learn More

Each year we represent the Learning Resource Network at the NJEA Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey. For information on the resources shared during these events, please explore the links below.  

› NJEA Convention 2024

› NJEA Convention 2023

› NJEA Convention 2022

› NJEA Convention 2021