Events and Workshops

A Roadmap for the AAC Journey (Canvas Course)

**ONGOING REGISTRATION - Closes 5/16/2025** Are you working with a nonspeaking child for the first time? Do you have a student using AAC inconsistently or in ineffective ways? You might be wondering where to begin, or where to go from here! In this asynchronous self-paced session, participants will begin to explore, build, and refine practical knowledge of the best practices in alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). Participants will explore relevant evidence based practice, resources, tools, and strategies to become better communication partners and facilitators of meaningful and functional communication. Participants will be given a certificate of completion at the end of the course. Coursework must be completed by 6/6/2025.

English Language Learners Council (Title III)

English Learner district coordinators and educators in the CREC region are invited to attend meetings to share best practices and emerging research on improving outcomes for EL students. Members will engage in new thinking about instructional practices and collaborate to proactively respond to EL needs in their district. No cost to attend.

MTSS for SEL and Behavior Systems

Participants will learn how to embed Social, Emotional and Behavioral strategies into a MTSS framework to support positive behavior and classroom climate.

Humanities Council

The CREC Resource Group provides Kindergarten to grade 12 Language Arts and Social Studies educators, district leaders, instructional coaches, department heads and coordinators the opportunity to come together to share best practices and exchange ideas around ELA and Social Studies. Input from participants regarding topic selection will be encouraged in order to best meet the needs of the council membership. No cost to attend.

Math Council

CREC’s Mathematics Council provides new thinking about mathematics instruction for K-12 math teachers, coaches, and district leaders in an open forum type setting. Agenda topics are determined by district participants in order to serve the group’s needs. Meeting includes state updates. No cost to attend.

MTSS Council

MTSS facilitators and educators are invited to attend meetings to share best practices and emerging research related to MTSS. Members will engage in new thinking about levels of tiered support including academics, behavior and SEL interventions. Free to attend

Science Council

Science educators, coaches and administrators are invited to attend council meetings to share best practices, engage in new thinking about science education, and continue to proactively respond to the demands of the Next Generation Science Standards. Meeting includes state updates. No cost to attend!

Early Childhood Directors Council

The Early Childhood Directors Council is a professional network dedicated to fostering best practices and innovative strategies for early childhood administrators. Our primary objective is to empower leaders in the field by providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development.

Supporting Newcomer and Beginner Multilingual Learners (ELs)

Supporting multilingual learners with little to no English is especially challenging. Participants will explore ways that educators can effectively support these students with strategies and linguistic supports in any educational setting. NOTE: This workshop is technology heavy.

Amplifying Voices: Using Storytelling for Social Change

This 6-part learning series welcomes all people who are interested in deepening their understanding of foundational concepts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and exploring more complex topics of intersectionality and racial literacy. Through the use of storytelling, the sessions will provide a context for readers to develop a deep understanding of and empathy for the lived experiences of individuals from a variety of racial, linguistic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds within the text “Tell Me Who You Are: Sharing Our Stories of Race, Culture, & Identity” (Winona Guo and Priya Vulchi ). Within each session, facilitators will work with participants to bring to life the shared stories to personalize the experiences and challenges that many people in our society are confronted with. Recommended Prerequisite: Open minded attitude. Participants must purchase book.

RESC Alliance and CSDE Assistive Technology Community of Practice (CoP)

This CoP is for anyone working in the schools who is interested in AT or who works with students who require AT. The purpose of the AT CoP is to network and collaborate with CT district personnel providing AT services and supports to build capacity and share ideas. This initiative is brought to you by the Connecticut State Department of Education in partnership with the RESC Alliance.

Small Group Instruction for Multilingual Learners (ELs) (Canvas Course)

**ONGOING REGISTRATION - Closes 4/15/2025** In order to support multilingual learner’s English development, we need to effectively plan and structure small group instruction to best meet their needs and foster language development. To do this, we need to know what our students are able to do and what their next steps in development are. In this course, participants will conduct an in-depth analysis of their students’ language capabilities and development and use this information to plan and structure effective, focused instruction. This course covers all topics needed to understand MLs/ELs language development, making it appropriate for new ML/EL educators or those with little knowledge about working with these students. It is also highly beneficial for more experienced ML/EL educators in that it provides a process and structure to delve deep into students’ language profiles and design effective, focused small group instruction. Coursework must be completed by 6/1/2025.

Strengthening Communities Series: Educational Equity in Changing Times

In this four-session series, participants will continue their growth beyond the foundations of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and move deeper into addressing current misunderstandings and pushback related to equity initiatives within schools and districts. The sessions will ground individuals in a process of self-reflection and social awareness while also equipping them with the language and tools that they can use to address staff members and respond to community members. Topics to explore include decolonization and the use of restorative practices, responding to discriminatory language and creating a culture of inclusion, and addressing privilege and managing equity detours. There will be opportunity for participants to work with policies and practices relative to their own educational organizations at a variety of levels including classroom, school, department, or district in order to gain meaningful feedback for making intentional change at the individual, professional, and community level. All Sessions are virtual, with asynchronous content available in-between sessions.

6-12 Mathematics - Community of Practice

Join us for a Community of Practice focused on Secondary Mathematics. This collaborative network of math leaders will come together to share expertise, resources, and experiences to improve teaching and learning outcomes in secondary mathematics education.

Creating a Culture for Writing for Multilingual Learners (ELs)

Writing can be intimidating for any student; that anxiety is heightened in Multilingual Learners (ELs). Participants in this workshop will learn how to create a safe place for writing as well as many instructional strategies for engaging Multilingual Learners in the writing process.

OpenSciEd - Community of Practice

Join us for a Community of Practice focused on supporting districts and schools who are: -Interested in transitioning to OpenSciEd (all levels); -Have begun the transition to OpenSciEd (all levels); or -Are experienced with OpenSciEd and want to share and learn more!

Secondary Instructional Coaches - Community of Practice

Join us for a Community of Practice for secondary Instructional Coaches! This collaborative network of coaches will come together to share expertise, resources, and experiences to improve teaching and learning outcomes in secondary education.

RESC Alliance and CSDE Assistive Technology Community of Practice (CoP)

This CoP is for anyone working in the schools who is interested in AT or who works with students who require AT. The purpose of the AT CoP is to network and collaborate with CT district personnel providing AT services and supports to build capacity and share ideas. This initiative is brought to you by the Connecticut State Department of Education in partnership with the RESC Alliance.

CREC Curriculum Council Meeting

Join other educational leaders for time to problem-solve, plan, share, and collaborate with colleagues. The morning will be the virtual RESC Alliance Curriculum Council. The remaining time will be allocated to topic-specific work sessions and/or team-based work time. Come alone or with your team to use designated space and time around topics such as statewide mandates, district initiatives, or collaborating on problems of practice. Free to attend.

TEAM Mentor Initial Support Training

This training for prospective mentors and cooperating teachers is available for individuals selected by the district (or volunteered) to serve in one of these roles. Following sessions, there will be an additional time for follow up offered for more in-depth work on the modules or the process chosen by your districts. The training prepares participants to lead beginning teachers through the TEAM module process and a successful completion of the five mentoring modules. In addition, participants are prepared to support a student teacher while developing effective coaching strategies to assist both beginning and student teachers. Participants must attend all sessions. At the end of the training, participants qualify to work with either a new teacher or a student teacher. Pre work is required. The instructor will send information to participants prior to the session. No cost to attend this event.

Early Childhood Education Council

Early Childhood Educators in CREC districts meet during the school year. The mission of the Early Childhood Educators Council is to embrace collaboration, improve teaching and learning, and promote excellence and equity in early childhood education through opportunities to network with colleagues, share solutions around problems of practice, and build professional capacity.

AARC Open House Informational Session

The AARC program is a cross-endorsement program for general education teachers who are seeking special education certification (165). Qualifications: 1) Valid teaching certification in the State of Connecticut (school social worker, school psychologist, speech-language pathologist not applicable). 2) Three (3) years of successful teaching experience in the last eight (8) years. Note: Successful substitute teaching and paraeducator experience will be considered. 3) Completion and submission of application and related materials (including application fee) by application deadline, generally March 31 of any year. 4) GPA of 3.0. Candidates with GPAs between 2.5 and 3.0 may petition, in writing, for consideration of a waiver based on a history of exceptional professional experience or recent academic excellence. (Undergraduate coursework GPA of 3.0 is accepted if not enrolled in graduate coursework). 5) Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. A master’s degree is encouraged, but not required.

TEAM Initial Reviewer Training

Successful completion of the TEAM Initial Reviewer Training will enable participants to review TEAM reflection papers and projects to determine if there is sufficient evidence to successfully meet the TEAM module criteria. The training will consist of 3 two-hour facilitated online sessions and pre-work for each session. IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION: In order to successfully complete the training, participants must complete all pre-work and session activities in the order of presentation. That means that if participants are unable to complete any of the pre-work or sessions, they will have to finish the training by registering for and attending the missed sessions and completing the pre-work at another training. Therefore, it is important that participants only register for a training where they know that they will be able to attend each of the three sessions and complete the pre-work. No cost to attend this event.

Early Childhood Directors Council

The Early Childhood Directors Council is a professional network dedicated to fostering best practices and innovative strategies for early childhood administrators. Our primary objective is to empower leaders in the field by providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development.

Elementary Instructional Coaches - Community of Practice

Join us for a Community of Practice for elementary Instructional Coaches! This collaborative network of coaches will come together to share expertise, resources, and experiences to improve teaching and learning outcomes in elementary education.

K-5 Mathematics - Community of Practice

Join us for a Community of Practice focused on Elementary Mathematics. This collaborative network of math leaders will come together to share expertise, resources, and experiences to improve teaching and learning outcomes in elementary mathematics education.

OpenSciEd - Community of Practice

Join us for a Community of Practice focused on supporting districts and schools who are: -Interested in transitioning to OpenSciEd (all levels); -Have begun the transition to OpenSciEd (all levels); or -Are experienced with OpenSciEd and want to share and learn more!

Supporting Multilingual Learners (ELs) in the General Education Classroom

This workshop will build the capacity of general education teachers to understand and support the multilingual learners (ELs) in thier classrooms. Teachers who attend this workshop may be looking for ways to support ML/EL students in all content areas of the regular education classroom. The session will give educators various ways to build their “bag of tricks” while learning about how multilingual learners learn and develop language.

RESC Alliance and CSDE Assistive Technology Community of Practice (CoP)

This CoP is for anyone working in the schools who is interested in AT or who works with students who require AT. The purpose of the AT CoP is to network and collaborate with CT district personnel providing AT services and supports to build capacity and share ideas. This initiative is brought to you by the Connecticut State Department of Education in partnership with the RESC Alliance.

Equity in the Age of AI: Exploring ChatGPT's Biases in Pursuit of Cultural Responsiveness

Join us for a thought-provoking workshop aimed at unraveling the limitations and biases inherent in ChatGPT's engagement with topics of social identity and cultural responsiveness. In this interactive session, participants will explore how AI tools like ChatGPT can perpetuate biases and hinder efforts towards equity and inclusion. We welcome individuals from all professions including equity advocates, AI developers, policymakers, educators, students and anyone committed to advancing equity in the digital age.

Empowering Special Education with AI: Innovative Assistive Technology Strategies for Schools

This professional learning session is designed to provide educators, administrators, special educators and related service staff with the latest insights into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing special education and assistive technology in schools. Participants will explore cutting-edge AI tools and strategies to enhance instruction, personalize learning experiences, and improve accessibility for students with diverse needs. The session will feature practical demonstrations, case studies, and collaborative discussions to ensure participants gain actionable knowledge for integrating AI solutions into their educational settings.

Coaches Council

Instructional Coaches in the CREC region are invited to attend bi-monthly council meetings to share best practices and engage in new thinking about coaching. Topics will be determined based on participant interests. Council will meet from 9-11 and an optional book club from 11-11:30. No cost to attend this workshop.

Math Council

CREC’s Mathematics Council provides new thinking about mathematics instruction for K-12 math teachers, coaches, and district leaders in an open forum type setting. Agenda topics are determined by district participants in order to serve the group’s needs. Meeting includes state updates. No cost to attend.

MTSS Council

MTSS facilitators and educators are invited to attend meetings to share best practices and emerging research related to MTSS. Members will engage in new thinking about levels of tiered support including academics, behavior and SEL interventions. Free to attend

Science Council

Science educators, coaches and administrators are invited to attend council meetings to share best practices, engage in new thinking about science education, and continue to proactively respond to the demands of the Next Generation Science Standards. Meeting includes state updates. No cost to attend!

English Language Learners Council (Title III)

English Learner district coordinators and educators in the CREC region are invited to attend meetings to share best practices and emerging research on improving outcomes for EL students. Members will engage in new thinking about instructional practices and collaborate to proactively respond to EL needs in their district. No cost to attend.

TEAM Mentor Initial Support Training

This training for prospective mentors and cooperating teachers is available for individuals selected by the district (or volunteered) to serve in one of these roles. Following sessions, there will be an additional time for follow up offered for more in-depth work on the modules or the process chosen by your districts. The training prepares participants to lead beginning teachers through the TEAM module process and a successful completion of the five mentoring modules. In addition, participants are prepared to support a student teacher while developing effective coaching strategies to assist both beginning and student teachers. Participants must attend all sessions. At the end of the training, participants qualify to work with either a new teacher or a student teacher. Pre work is required. The instructor will send information to participants prior to the session. No cost to attend this event.

Early Childhood Education Council

Early Childhood Educators in CREC districts meet during the school year. The mission of the Early Childhood Educators Council is to embrace collaboration, improve teaching and learning, and promote excellence and equity in early childhood education through opportunities to network with colleagues, share solutions around problems of practice, and build professional capacity.

CREC Curriculum Council Meeting

Join other educational leaders for time to problem-solve, plan, share, and collaborate with colleagues. The morning will be the virtual RESC Alliance Curriculum Council. The remaining time will be allocated to topic-specific work sessions and/or team-based work time. Come alone or with your team to use designated space and time around topics such as statewide mandates, district initiatives, or collaborating on problems of practice. Free to attend.

RESC Alliance and CSDE Assistive Technology Community of Practice (CoP)

This CoP is for anyone working in the schools who is interested in AT or who works with students who require AT. The purpose of the AT CoP is to network and collaborate with CT district personnel providing AT services and supports to build capacity and share ideas. This initiative is brought to you by the Connecticut State Department of Education in partnership with the RESC Alliance.

6-12 Mathematics - Community of Practice

Join us for a Community of Practice focused on Secondary Mathematics. This collaborative network of math leaders will come together to share expertise, resources, and experiences to improve teaching and learning outcomes in secondary mathematics education.

OpenSciEd - Community of Practice

Join us for a Community of Practice focused on supporting districts and schools who are: -Interested in transitioning to OpenSciEd (all levels); -Have begun the transition to OpenSciEd (all levels); or -Are experienced with OpenSciEd and want to share and learn more!

Secondary Instructional Coaches - Community of Practice

Join us for a Community of Practice for secondary Instructional Coaches! This collaborative network of coaches will come together to share expertise, resources, and experiences to improve teaching and learning outcomes in secondary education.

Early Childhood Directors Council

The Early Childhood Directors Council is a professional network dedicated to fostering best practices and innovative strategies for early childhood administrators. Our primary objective is to empower leaders in the field by providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development.

Coaches Council

Instructional Coaches in the CREC region are invited to attend bi-monthly council meetings to share best practices and engage in new thinking about coaching. Topics will be determined based on participant interests. Council will meet from 9-11 and an optional book club from 11-11:30. No cost to attend this workshop.

Humanities Council

The CREC Resource Group provides Kindergarten to grade 12 Language Arts and Social Studies educators, district leaders, instructional coaches, department heads and coordinators the opportunity to come together to share best practices and exchange ideas around ELA and Social Studies. Input from participants regarding topic selection will be encouraged in order to best meet the needs of the council membership. No cost to attend.

Math Council

CREC’s Mathematics Council provides new thinking about mathematics instruction for K-12 math teachers, coaches, and district leaders in an open forum type setting. Agenda topics are determined by district participants in order to serve the group’s needs. Meeting includes state updates. No cost to attend.

MTSS Council

MTSS facilitators and educators are invited to attend meetings to share best practices and emerging research related to MTSS. Members will engage in new thinking about levels of tiered support including academics, behavior and SEL interventions. Free to attend

Science Council

Science educators, coaches and administrators are invited to attend council meetings to share best practices, engage in new thinking about science education, and continue to proactively respond to the demands of the Next Generation Science Standards. Meeting includes state updates. No cost to attend!

English Language Learners Council (Title III)

English Learner district coordinators and educators in the CREC region are invited to attend meetings to share best practices and emerging research on improving outcomes for EL students. Members will engage in new thinking about instructional practices and collaborate to proactively respond to EL needs in their district. No cost to attend.

TEAM Mentor Initial Support Training

This training for prospective mentors and cooperating teachers is available for individuals selected by the district (or volunteered) to serve in one of these roles. Following sessions, there will be an additional time for follow up offered for more in-depth work on the modules or the process chosen by your districts. The training prepares participants to lead beginning teachers through the TEAM module process and a successful completion of the five mentoring modules. In addition, participants are prepared to support a student teacher while developing effective coaching strategies to assist both beginning and student teachers. Participants must attend all sessions. At the end of the training, participants qualify to work with either a new teacher or a student teacher. Pre work is required. The instructor will send information to participants prior to the session. No cost to attend this event.

IM K-5 Math: Teach and Learn

What is a problem based curriculum and how do I implement it in my classroom? In this session, teachers will explore the design structure of the IM curriculum and lesson plan with a Certified IM Facilitator. They will experience a lesson, practice and rehearse content and language routines, explore various supports, understand assessment materials and begin to use student thinking as a vehicle for productive planning. After this training, teachers will be ready to begin using the IM K–5 Curriculum effectively in their classrooms.

RESC Alliance and CSDE Assistive Technology Community of Practice (CoP)

This CoP is for anyone working in the schools who is interested in AT or who works with students who require AT. The purpose of the AT CoP is to network and collaborate with CT district personnel providing AT services and supports to build capacity and share ideas. This initiative is brought to you by the Connecticut State Department of Education in partnership with the RESC Alliance.

CREC Curriculum Council Meeting

Join other educational leaders for time to problem-solve, plan, share, and collaborate with colleagues. The morning will be the virtual RESC Alliance Curriculum Council. The remaining time will be allocated to topic-specific work sessions and/or team-based work time. Come alone or with your team to use designated space and time around topics such as statewide mandates, district initiatives, or collaborating on problems of practice. Free to attend.

IM 6-12 Math: Teach and Learn

How can educators implement IM Math, a problem-based curriculum, building towards a world where all learners know, use, and enjoy mathematics? The purpose of this implementation series is to get educators ready to teach and learn within problem-based classrooms where student thinking is front and center. This series gives educators first-hand experience with and confidence in using the IM Math curriculum.

Early Childhood Education Council

Early Childhood Educators in CREC districts meet during the school year. The mission of the Early Childhood Educators Council is to embrace collaboration, improve teaching and learning, and promote excellence and equity in early childhood education through opportunities to network with colleagues, share solutions around problems of practice, and build professional capacity.

TEAM District Facilitator Meeting - Spring 2025

TEAM District Facilitator Meetings occur twice each school year and provide program updates. The mission of the TEAM Program is to promote excellence, equity, and high achievement for Connecticut students by engaging teachers in the purposeful exploration of professional practice through guided support and personal reflection.

Early Childhood Directors Council

The Early Childhood Directors Council is a professional network dedicated to fostering best practices and innovative strategies for early childhood administrators. Our primary objective is to empower leaders in the field by providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development.