Montclair State University Network for Educational Renewal
Fall 2009 Professional Development Series
17 Great Mini-Courses
9 Convenient Locations
Enrich your school year with Network colleagues at the
MSUNER Fall 2009 Professional Development Series
Celebrate, learn, share, enjoy! Sign up today!
Mini-courses will be held in Bloomfield, Caldwell/West Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Clifton, Glen Ridge, Newark, The Newark Museum, Randolph, Tenafly
Registration: Online at
Registrations are processed in the order they are received.
Waiting Lists
If a mini course is full, you will be put on a waiting list and advised if space becomes available.
Confirmation of Enrollment
To receive a confirmation email, please provide a current school email address when you register. Confirmation emails will be sent 1-2 weeks prior to the start of the mini course.
The dates and times for the sessions vary so pay close attention to each course description.
Light refreshments will be available at all locations.
All new Clinical Faculty should take the three mini-courses that meet the requirements for Teaching for Critical Thinking, Mentoring/Coaching Strategies, and Culturally Responsive Teachingduring their first three years of membership.
If at any time you have questions, please contact the MSUNER office and we will be happy to assist you, 973-655-5231.
MSUNER is a registered provider of Professional Development for the state's 100-hour requirement. You must attend a mini course in its entirety to receive recognition of professional development hours* toward the state requirement. MSUNER regrets that it cannot grant any professional development hours if you are absent from any portion of the mini-course. If you realize you will not be able to attend after you have sent in your registration, please call Sue Kwolek, MSUNER Assistant, at 973-655-5231 so someone else can have your place.
*PD hours will be granted based on length of session.
Tel (973) 655-5231 * Fax (973) 655-5227
MSUNER, Suite 1180, University Hall, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043
Fall 2009 Mini Course Offerings
BLOOMFIELD LOCATIONS
Formative Assessment: Implementing the 5 Key Strategies in the Classroom
Jacqueline Sicari Frangis, River Vale Public Schools
Dates: November 24 and December 15, 2009, 4:00 to 7:00 pm
Location: BLOOMFIELD HIGH SCHOOL, MEDIA CENTER, 160 BROAD ST., BLOOMFIELD, NJ 07003
This six-hour mini course is geared to teachers and administrators of all grade levels. It will give participants a clear understanding of what formative assessment looks like in the classroom as well as its importance in the overall context of student learning. Participants will:
- Learn the five key areas of formative assessment.
- Importance of stating the day’s learning objectives
- Questioning for understanding
- Eliciting feedback to monitor and adjust instruction
- Developing the self-directed learner
- Cooperative assessments
- Experience and practice formative assessment techniques
- Gain an understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of formative assessments
- Learn the difference between formative and summative assessments
Having Fun with the Math/Art Connection
Jean Ann Slusarczyk and Patricia Miller, Bloomfield School District
Date: December 3, 2009, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: BLOOMFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL, MEDIA CENTER, 60 HUCK RD., BLOOMFIELD, NJ 07003
This hands-on, make and take workshop explores the use of art activities to enhance and facilitate math learning. Participants will engage in activities that will help differentiate instruction and assist in teaching non-linguistic, highly visual and kinesthetic learners. A literature connection will be incorporated for many activities.
*Appropriate for teachers of grades 2-5, Instructional Support, ELL and Resource Room.
CALDWELL/WEST CALDWELL LOCATIONS
“I Didn’t Know Google Could Do That!”
Barry Bachenheimer, Caldwell/West Caldwell School District
Dates: November 23 and 30, 2009, 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Location: JAMES CALDWELL HIGH SCHOOL, ROOM 102-COMPUTER LAB,
265 WESTVILLE AVE., WEST CALDWELL, NJ 07006
Google is the most popular search engine on the planet with over 91 million queries a day being “Googled”. Did you know that Google is more than a search engine? In this hands-on course you will learn how to use many of the free tools google offers with exciting classroom applications for expanded learning. You will learn about collaborative writing with Google Docs, Collaborative Blogging with Blogger, best practices for search strategies, personalized google pages and feeds, and much much more! Participants should at a minimum be comfortable with basic internet navigation. Limited to 18 participants.
Teaching for Critical Thinking
C.R. Williams and Linda Mouravieff, Caldwell/West Caldwell School District
Dates: January 5 and 19, 2010, 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Location: HARRISON SCHOOL, 104 GRAY ST., WEST CALDWELL, NJ 07006
This course will focus on creating an environment and developing strategies for promoting critical thinking in the classroom. We will work on developmentally appropriate methods for modeling thinking, questioning strategies, problem-solving, metacognition, listening skills, and classroom interaction. Participants will be encouraged to examine their own lessons and units to infuse critical thinking throughout the curriculum. Suggested grade levels: P-12 *Fulfills the MSUNER requirement for Teaching for Critical Thinking.
Student-led Conferences
Jacqueline Sicari Frangis, River Vale School District
Date: December 8, 2009, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: HARRISON SCHOOL, 104 GRAY ST., WEST CALDWELL, NJ 07006
Within the broad spectrum of strategies associated with formativeassessment is the goal of helping students become independent learnerswho share responsibility for their own progress. Students at all gradelevels can and should learn to assess their own work and the work oftheir peers. One powerful strategy for helping students becomeindependent learners is student-led conferences in which the studentslead the conference with the parents. In a student-led conference,students facilitate a discussion of their work, often organized in aportfolio collection, and share with parents goals they have set fortheir future learning.
This presentation will address the following questions about student-ledconferences:
* What are the benefits of student-led conferences? For students?For parents? For teachers?
* What is an effective model for student-led conferences?
* What does a student-led conference look like?
* How do teachers and students prepare for student-ledconferences?
* How are showcase portfolios used during a student-ledconference?
* How can the teacher evaluate the effectiveness of student-ledconferences?
Workshop participants will receive a packet of tools that can be usedto begin the process of student-led conferences in their schools.
CEDAR GROVE LOCATIONS
Literature Through Art!
Cynthia Martin, Elementary Art Teacher, Cedar Grove School District
Date: October 27, 2009, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: SOUTH END SCHOOL, ROOM 109, 116 HARPER TERRACE (RT. 23 TO HARPER TERRACE), CEDAR GROVE, NJ 07009
Have you ever read a story that you wished could last forever? Did you ever read a story to your class that touched their hearts? If so, this mini-course is for you! In “Literature through Art” we will explore different pieces of literature and create products to bring these stories to life! We will utilize a variety of art materials found in your classrooms to create art projects that you may take back to your classrooms to create with your students. This class is geared towards elementary and early middle school teachers. Bring a smock and enthusiasm …art is for everyone!! This class is open to teachers who have previously taken this course as we will explore all new titles and projects! Limited to 24 participants.
Writing an Analytical Rubric
Sheila Salka, Cedar Grove School District
Dates: November 10 and 17, 2009, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: CEDAR GROVE HIGH SCHOOL, ROOM B-109, 90 RUGBY RD., CEDAR GROVE, NJ 07009
Analytical rubrics are powerful assessment tools that can be conveniently divided into criteria, qualities and grading. Participants will learn and use descriptive, positive language to explain what is expected for each assignment. Though a rubric's construction is easy, its creation can be difficult, especially for teachers who have never used a rubric. This course is designed primarily for secondary school teachers, but all can gain powerful rubric writing skills. Limited to 15 participants.
CLIFTON LOCATION
Culturally Responsive Teaching: Examining Class, Race, and Gender in the Classroom
Kersy Corporan and Jacqueline Lubitz, Montclair School District
Dates: October 20 and 27, 2009, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOOL ANNEX, MEDIA CENTER, 290 BRIGHTON RD., CLIFTON, NJ 07012, 973-470-2064
Together we will explore the concepts and techniques of culturally responsive classroom practices. Through hands-on activities and inquiry, teachers will acquire strategies for addressing issues concerning class, race and gender in the classroom. Projects may include the Equality Mobile, Dialogue Groups, Silent Conversations, Gallery Writing and the Circle of Power. Readings will be drawn from expert sourcesin thefield including LisaDelpit, Peggy McIntosh, Beverly Daniel Tatum, and Bill Ayers. Suggested grade levels: P-12.
*Fulfills the MSUNER requirement for Culturally Responsive Teaching.
Beginning Power Point, Beginning Publisher and Introduction to Basic SmartBoard
Pat Bender, Clifton School District
Dates: October 22 and 29, 2009, 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Location: CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOOL ANNEX, MEDIA CENTER, 290 BRIGHTON RD., CLIFTON, NJ 07012, 973-470-2064
This 6-hour mini course will give participants an introduction to Microsoft Power Point, Publisher and an introduction to basic SmartBoard along with tips on how to incorporate these tools into the classroom.
GLEN RIDGE LOCATION
Introduction to SmartBoard Notebook Software: Beginner Course
Tracy Leigh, Clifton School District
Date: November 18, 2009, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: RIDGEWOOD AVENUE SCHOOL, 235 RIDGEWOOD AVE., GLEN RIDGE, NJ 07028, 973-429-8306
Interested in learning about Smart Notebook Software? Then take this introduction mini course on how to start using Notebook Software! Develop lessons using the program and make them come to life on your Interactive Whiteboard. Participants will have the chance to work with Smart Notebook Software, Smart Board gallery and tools, and learn how to transfer all of your MS office applications onto Notebook. Please bring a flash drive or CD to save work.
SmartBoard Notebook Software: Advanced Course
Tracy Leigh, Clifton School District
Date: November 19, 2009, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: RIDGEWOOD AVENUE SCHOOL, 235 RIDGEWOOD AVE., GLEN RIDGE, NJ, 07028, 973-429-8306
Do you know how to use Smart Notebook Software and want to take it to the next level? Learn how to incorporate video, sound, and animations into your lessons. Build on what you have already developed for your classroom and help make them more interactive. Make games, quizzes, and add movies to your lessons. Take this course if you already have a working knowledge of how Notebook Software works but want to learn more. Please bring a flash drive or CD to save work. Also, please bring any lessons you have already made with Notebook Software.
NEWARK LOCATION
Differentiation in Action: A Practical Approach
Genevieve Murray and Rosemary Cicalese, Newark Public Schools
Dates: November 2 and 23, 2009, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: FIRST AVENUE SCHOOL, 214 FIRST AVE., NEWARK, NJ 07107
This 6-hour mini course will focus on the practical implementation of Differentiated Instruction in grades K-8. The first session will discuss the philosophy and principles of Differentiated Instruction and the connection between assessment and instruction. Participants will be introduced to several DI strategies, invited to implement them in their classrooms and share their experiences with their colleagues. During the second session, participants will engage in a DI Think Tank, refine their DI practices and compile a repertoire of DI strategies from peer sharing.
NEWARK MUSEUM
Science Teaching and Learning with the Newark Museum
Each session (listed below) will introduce the participants to science teaching and learning that is object- based and focuses on inquiry/discussion using museum resources. Learn about the Museum’s on-site science programming and outreach services. The Museum’s experienced Science Educators will conduct the course.
Recommended for teachers of grades 4 through 8.Maximum enrollment: 25
Astronomy 101
Date: December 7, 2009, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Gain a better understanding of our Universe. Participants will tour the heavens in the Museum’s planetarium, explore the planets of the solar system, the phases of the Moon, and create their own dry-ice comets through hands-on activities, materials, and resources that bring the cosmos down to Earth.
Related NJ Core Curriculum Standards: Science 5.1, 5.7, 5.9, Language Arts Standards: 3.1, 3.3, 3.4
Change and Adaptation
Date: December 14, 2009, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07102
Explore how the earth has evolved over time and how life has adapted to these changes in a guided visit to the Museum’s core science exhibition, Dynamic Earth: Revealing Nature’s Secrets. Explore fossils, skulls, and bird beaks in a hands-on activity. The participants will also see these adaptations in action during a visit to the Museum’s Mini Zoo where they will meet live animals.
Related NJ Core Curriculum Standards: Science 5.5, 5.8, 5.10
RANDOLPH LOCATION
Strategies for the Coaching & Mentoring of MSU Student Teachers
Gail Ahnemann, Montclair State University, and Karen Massa, Parsippany/Troy Hills
Dates: October 19 and 26, 2009, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: RANDOLPH MIDDLE SCHOOL, 507 MILLBROOK RD., RANDOLPH 07869
This 6-hour mini course is designed for new Clinical Faculty members, but open to all who are interested. Topics include an overview of the MSU Teacher Education Program, the Portrait of a Teacher, exploration of the meaning of mentoring and coaching, an introduction to clinical supervision including feedback and conferencing, an examination of various dimensions of the cooperating teacher-student teacher relationship, co-teaching strategies, and sharing the wisdom of practice. *Fulfills the MSUNER requirement for Mentoring
TENAFLY LOCATION
Social Responsibility in Our Schools
The Tenafly Social Responsibility Group
Date: November 19, 2009, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: WALTER STILLMAN SCHOOL, 75 TENAFLY RD., TENAFLY, NJ 07670
This course will focus on the meaning of social responsibility, how it can be fostered in a school district, in the classroom, and in the lives of educators. The course will be led by members of the Tenafly Social Responsibility Group who have been active in promoting social responsibility in the Tenafly District and in workshops at Montclair State University. The group includes classroom teachers from elementary through high school levels, as well as educators who work outside the classroom: guidance counselors, social workers, a school psychologist, and the district SAC coordinator.
TBA LOCATION
Reading Comprehension Strategies: Learn How to Help Your Students Read It and Get It
Jacqueline Sicari Frangis, River Vale School District
Dates: January 13 and 27, 2010, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: TBA
Based on the book The 7 Keys to Comprehension by Susan Zimmerman, participants will learn about the seven reading comprehension strategies. The strategies include creating mental images, using background knowledge, asking questions, making inferences, determining most important ideas and themes, and using fix-up strategies for a deeper understanding of text. Teachers will learn how to model the strategies for students by using mentor texts. A host of decoding strategies will be shared with participants, so they may enable students to draw upon a toolkit of decoding strategies to help them read fluently, read with expression, and read with meaning.