Professional Learning Academy

Professional Development courses and workshops offered through the Brookdale Community College Alternate Route Teacher Training Program and Career & Technical Education are essential for educators seeking to enhance their professional and academic growth.

Engaging in these professional development opportunities will broaden the participant’s skill set and enrich one’s “Teacher Toolkit,” equipping the participants with the necessary resources to commence one’s career and manage the daily and semester responsibilities effectively.

The professional development program is designed to be context-focused, incorporating active learning principles grounded in adult learning theory. Facilitators support collaboration within a job-embedded context and employ models and methodologies of effective teaching practices. They provide the coaching and expertise expected from a high-quality professional development program, offering constructive feedback and opportunities for reflection.

Professional Development as defined by the New Jersey Department of Education

High quality, relevant and timely professional learning experienced, both individualized and collaborative, are integral to the educator life cycle and necessary for continued professional growth. Educators engaged in sustained and professional learning t refine and expand their practice to help students perform at higher levels. Professional development policy and programs are developed in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:9C and other regulations aimed at supporting high-quality-professional development, educator effectiveness, and equitable outcomes. For more information visit https://www.nj.gov/education/profdev.

Course information for the Fall 2024

All Courses Are Taught Virtually.
The facilitator will send the ZOOM link to you in advance of the course being offered.

All courses for Fall 2024 are $149.00/ 3 hour workshop, 3 CEUs

Participants will receive a Professional Development Certificate for their attendance.

To enroll or for more information contact: Rachael Goldman, Program Administrator, by email: rgoldman@brookdalecc.edu or call: 732-224-2371.

Using Assessments Effectively
XCTEP-006

Wednesday, September 18, 2024
4:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Dr. James Fiasconaro

Learn to identify and select from the vast array of assessments.
Discuss how and when to use a specific type of assessment.
How to prepare, use and quantify assessments.
Demonstrate the ways to use the results of assessments.

Routines Administrivia You and Students (RAYS)
XCTEP-016

Tuesday, September 24, 2024
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Pamela Major

In this workshop, teachers learn the importance of developing the “personality” of the room and how they best organize themselves to meet the needs of students, families, administration, and themselves

Classroom Management: Putting out Fire Before They Start
XCTEP-002

Thursday, September 26, 2024
4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Facilitator: Sara Grbic

Creating systems/routines for all grade levels
Dealing with challenging students
Creating a calm environment

Engaging Families
XCTEP-017

Tuesday, October 1, 2024
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Pamela Major

Parents are chief partners in education. In this workshop, parents learn effective ways to have general, informative, and challenging conversations with parents.

Mastering Standards-Aligned Assessments: From Formative to Summative
XCTEP-010

Tuesday, October 1, 2024
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
OR Thursday November 7, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Dr. Oscar Diaz

This workshop is designed to provide educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to create and implement formative and summative assessments that are aligned with educational standards.
Participants will explore the importance of these assessments in enhancing student learning, ensuring accountability, and guiding instruction.
The workshop will include a mix of theoretical background, practical strategies, and hands-on activities to ensure participants leave with actionable insights and tools.

Addressing Technology Standards Across the Curriculum
XCTEP-008

Wednesday, October 2, 2024
3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Facilitator: Dr. Marc Natangara

This session will address the following standards established by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE):

Educators- Designer 2.5a: Use technology to create, adapt and personalize learning experiences that foster independent learning and accommodate learner differences and needs.
Educators- Designer 2.5b: Design authentic learning activities that align with content area standards and use digital tools and resources to maximize active, deep learning.
Students- Innovative Designer 1.4a: Students know and use a deliberate design process for generating ideas, testing theories, creating innovative artifacts or solving authentic problems.

Mindfulness/Meditation For a Better Learning Environment and Stress Relief
XCTEP-004

Monday, October 7, 2024
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Julie Egbert

Learn the what, why and how of mindfulness and meditation and how to apply it to the classroom.
The goal is to take away some strategies for both teacher and student in an effort to create a better and less stressful learning environment for the children.
Improve mental health by practicing techniques to bring cortisol level down.
Includes a guided meditation!

Intro to APA Formatting
XCTEP-007

Tuesday, October 8, 2024
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Dr. James Fiasconaro

Demonstrate competence in formatting citations, references, and sources.
Learn how to accurately format books, journals, articles, Internet sites, social Media and interviews.

Embracing the Future: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Economic and Educational Transformation
XCTEP-011

Wednesday, October 9, 2024
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
OR Thursday November 7, 2024
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Dr. Oscar Diaz

This workshop is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the impact of artificial intelligence on the economy and education.
Participants will explore how AI is transforming industries, reshaping job markets, and revolutionizing educational practice.
The workshop will cover a range of topics including AI-driven instructional planning, assessment development, college and career readiness, and the ethical implications of AI.
Through a mix of theoretical insights, practical strategies, and hands-on activities, participants will gain the skills needed to harness AI for economic and educational transformation.

Nutrition and How it Affects the Brain. Using Food for Fuel
XCTEP-005

Tuesday, October 15, 2024
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Julie Egbert

Learn how food/nutrition affects the brain and the ability to learn.
Simple applicable tools will be discussed for both teacher and student.
Eliminating myths and keeping it simple to motivate the students.
How to empower the students to take matters into their own hands so that they can ask for support from family, friends and others.
Includes a food demo!

Creativity in the Classroom
XCTEP-018

Tuesday, October 22, 2024
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Pamela Major

Making the classroom an environment of safety and wonder promotes participation and excitement about being in the room.
Instructors learn how to create this type of space and how to make changes without breaking their personal budget.

Effective Instructional Planning: From Standards to Student Success
XCTEP-009
Thursday, September 26, 2024
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

XCTEP-012
Thursday, October 24, 2024
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Dr. Oscar Diaz

This workshop is designed to provide educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to create and implement effect instructional plans that are aligned with educational standards and designed to enhance student achievement.
Participants will explore the importance of instructional planning in promoting student success, ensuring accountability, and guiding instruction.
The workshop will include a mix of theoretical background, practical strategies, and hands-on activities to ensure participants leave with actionable insights and tools.

Differentiation
XCTEP-019

Tuesday, October 29, 2024
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Pamela Major

Students learn differently.
In this workshop, teachers learn how to execute lessons using a variety of stimulating approaches.
They can also serve to help students learn how they study.

Integrating Technology Tools to Advance Standards- Aligned Instruction, Assessments, and Student Achievement
XCTEP-015

Friday, November 8, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Facilitator: Dr. Oscar Diaz

This workshop is designed to provide educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively integrate technology tools into their instructional practices, assessments, and strategies to enhance student achievement.
Participants will explore how technology can support standards-aligned instruction, facilitate formative and summative assessments, and increase student engagement.
The workshop will cover a range of technology tools, practical examples, and best practices for data analysis and instructional adjustment.
Through a combination of theoretical insights, practical demonstrations, and hands-on activities, participants will leave with actionable tools and strategies to advance their instructional practices using technology.

Certification to Teach

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Professional Development?

About Your Professional Development

Each school district has its own approach to professional development (PD) that every teacher must understand and follow. PD experiences typically include participation in workshops, conferences, webinars, courses, and training sessions arranged by your district or offered by an approved PD provider that focus on the application of a particular skill or strategy to will help you meet identified student learning needs.

Teachers must also be aware of New Jersey’s PD requirements, which are detailed at https://www.nj.gov/education/profdev.

On this site you will find that your professional learning responsibilities and commitment are defined through an individual Professional Development Plan (PDP) that you co-develop each year with a supervisor. Your PDP will always include:

at least one personal performance goal and one building- or district-supporting goal
clear alignment to the Professional Standards for Teachers
documentation of at least 20 hours per year of “qualifying experiences” (i.e. district approved) that support student achievement
evidence indicating how your professional learning has advanced your PDP goals (i.e. how you’ve applied your learning in the classroom)

For the purpose of your PDP, required staff, department, and PLC meetings, as well as state mandated PD (for example, on student health issues like blood-borne pathogens), usually do not count towards meeting state requirements, as they represent professional responsibilities, not improvements in skills, knowledge and understandings pertaining to student learning.

2. How do I register for workshops?

You must call Rachael Goldman, the Program Administrator, at 732-224-2371 or email her: rgoldman@brookdalecc.edu. From there she will register you and take payment over the phone. This will create a record in the system for you.

3. How much do the courses cost?

$149/ 3 hour virtual workshop

$199/ 3 hour in-person workshop

4. Are the courses refundable?

Please see the cancellation and refund policy:

https://www.brookdalecc.edu/continuinged/policies-procedures/

5. What if I miss a course, are the courses taped?

No. All courses are offered in a live format and are not taped. You may speak with the facilitator for more information

6. Can I pay for the courses myself?

Yes. Registration is handled regularly.

7. If someone other than myself pays for the courses, what is the process?

Yes, we would be processing a purchase order. Request a purchase order that your institution has approved. We would then need an invoice.

8. How can I learn more about the courses for Fall 2024?

We will be offering several information sessions that discuss the offering for the semester and any questions you may have. You can register for one of these sessions using this link:

https://forms.office.com/r/M7HAV2fVSS

The information sessions are scheduled for:

Monday, September 16, 2024 2:00pm
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 10:00am
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 3:30pm
Monday October 14, 2024, 10:00am, 1:00pm, and 4:00pm
November 4, 2024 10:00am 1:00pm and 4:00pm
November 4, 2024 10:00am, 1:00pm and 4:00pm
November 12, 2024 4:00pm
December 2, 2024 4:00pm
December 10, 2024 4:00pm

9. After I attend and complete the workshop, what can I expect?

You will receive a certificate of completion by email and a survey to complete.

We look forward to hearing about your experience.

10. What is the mode of learning for these courses?

For the Fall 2024, all workshops will be virtual. But it is the hope that the courses in Spring 2025 will follow a combination of virtual and in-person venues.

11. Will there be more courses in the Spring 2025?

Yes! We anticipate a robust line-up of courses that address the following topics:

Classroom management
Artificial Intelligence
Differentiation
Teaching Special Populations
Engaging Families
Meditation and Mindfulness
Nutrition
Creating Assessments
Social Emotional Learning

Professional Learning Academy