Professional Development

Capital Region BOCES is your partner in professional learning. We help educators meet daily challenges by providing trainings and workshops that expand knowledge and support students. Our courses are offered year-round, both in-person and online, and cover a variety of topics from state-mandated trainings to safety refreshers.

Capital Region BOCES is a state-approved Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) provider.

New trainings are regularly added; please check back frequently.

Current Professional Development Offerings

DASA Trainings | ELA/Literacy | ENLEquity | Instructional Coaching | Leadership | Project Based Learning | Safety | Social Emotional Learning| Special Education 

Professional Development MATTERS: DASA Trainings

DASA

This workshop will fulfill the training requirements for the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) as required by the New York State Education Department Board of Regents. The workshop is designed for those who are seeking a New York State Certification. New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) seeks to provide the State’s public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function.

Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: April 24 | 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Price: $80/$0 for subscribers

Register for DASA

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DASA

This workshop will fulfill the training requirements for the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) as required by the New York State Education Department Board of Regents. The workshop is designed for those who are seeking a New York State Certification. New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) seeks to provide the State’s public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function.

Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: May 7 | 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Price: $80/$0 for subscribers

Register for DASA

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DASA

This workshop will fulfill the training requirements for the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) as required by the New York State Education Department Board of Regents. The workshop is designed for those who are seeking a New York State Certification. New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) seeks to provide the State’s public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function.

Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: July 10 | 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Price: $80/$0 for subscribers

Register for DASA

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DASA

This workshop will fulfill the training requirements for the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) as required by the New York State Education Department Board of Regents. The workshop is designed for those who are seeking a New York State Certification. New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) seeks to provide the State’s public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function.

Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: Aug. 17 | 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Price: $80/$0 for subscribers

Register for DASA

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Professional Development MATTERS: ELA/Literacy

Lifting Literacy: Applying the Science of Reading in Middle and High School

Functional literacy is integral to New York’s Portrait of a Graduate (PoG) . Although the shift from learning to read to reading to learn ideally happens in third grade, for many intermediate and high school learners, reading continues to be a struggle. Simple decoding, deciphering multisyllabic content area words, basic comprehension and fluency present serious barriers to graduation. In this interactive session presented by Lexia Learning, participants will focus on the relationship between evidence-based literacy instruction Science of Reading (SoR) and the development of future-ready skills.

Presenter: Lexia Panelists
Date/Time: Apr. 28 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Price: $0 

Register for Lifting Literacy: Applying the Science of Reading in Middle and High School 

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Professional Development MATTERS: ENL

ENL 101, 2025-26 Cohort

The ENL Cohort 101 is designed to support both dedicated ENL teachers and all educators who work English Language Learners (ELLs) across all grade levels and content areas. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from experts, discuss strategies for overcoming barriers, and build a strong network of professionals. The cohort aims to help educators network with peers, collaboratively problem-solve challenges, and strengthen best practices for effectively supporting their ELLs.

Presenter: Laura McDaniel
Date/Time: Oct. 2, 2025, Nov. 6, 2025, Jan. 8, 2026, Mar. 12, 2026, May 5, 2026 
Price: $650

Register for ENL 101, 2025-26 Cohort

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Professional Development MATTERS: Equity

Grading for Opportunity: Year Two

Research indicates that grading practices often disproportionately favor privileged students, while disadvantaging those from less privileged backgrounds. This includes students of color, those from low-income families, students receiving special education services, and English learners (Feldman, 2019). These inequities in grading systems can contribute to gaps in academic achievement and perpetuate systemic disadvantages for historically marginalized groups. As educators, it is essential to explore and address how grading policies and practices can either reinforce or reduce these disparities. Capital Region BOCES is pleased to offer a continued opportunity for educators to engage in a second-year program focused on exploring these inequities in greater depth. This program provides an important chance for educators to build on the knowledge and skills developed during the 2024-2025 Grading for Opportunity sessions. In this second-year cohort, participants will further develop their understanding of standards-based instruction and assessment. The program will focus on classroom and school practices and policies that ensure accurate communication of student progress, allowing for more equitable outcomes. Through guided action planning, participants will identify specific steps to implement in their classrooms and schools, taking into account the unique needs of their students. Together, they will work to foster a more inclusive and fair educational environment that supports all students in reaching their full potential.

Presenter: Dr. Eva Jones
Date/Time: Ongoing throughout the 2025-26 school year
Price: $225

Register for Grading for Opportunity: Year Two

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Grading for Opportunity – Full Year Cohort

Research shows that grading practices often favor privileged students and disadvantage those with less privilege, including students of color, those from low-income families, students receiving special education services, and English learners (Feldman, 2019). Capital Region BOCES is pleased to offer two opportunities to explore this issue in more depth. The first is a one-day overview session. For those interested in furthering their understanding, there is also an option to continue as part of a cohort for the remainder of the academic year.

Presenter: Dr. Eva Jones
Date/Time: July 24, 2025; Oct. 15, 2025; Jan. 14, 2026; March 25, 2026; May 12, 2026
Price: $350

Register for Grading for Opportunity – Full Year Cohort

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Capital Region Global Majority Educators Affinity Group

Capital Region BOCES is proud to host the Capital Region Global Educators Majority Affinity Group as they lead a program for individuals in the field of education. As stated in the Capital Region BOCES Mission Statement, “It is our commitment that the diverse experiences and perspectives of each of our students, families, and staff will be recognized, reflected, and embraced in our schools, educational programs, and practices.” Participants will gather for four two-hour sessions to connect, engage, and support one another.

Presenter: N/A
Date/Time: Nov. 5, 2025 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Jan 8, 2026 | 8:30-10:30 a.m.; Mar. 12, 2026 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; May 14, 2026 | 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Price: $0

Register for Capital Region Global Majority Educators Affinity Group

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Professional Development MATTERS: Instructional Coaching

Instructional Coaching Academy 25-26

In our third annual Coaching Academy series, instructional coaches will choose from a variety of tailored, year-long clubs to meet the distinct needs of districts, buildings, and individuals. Once registered, individual coaches will sign up for one club that will run for the 2025-2026 school year. Every session will also include whole-group time, as well as time to share out between clubs. Year-long Clubs include:

  • Datawise Protocol Club
  • Coaching Podcast Club
  • Measuring High Impact Teaching Strategy (HITs) Club
  • Foundations of Coaching Club

Presenter: CRB Instructional Coaches
Date/Time: Ongoing throughout 2025-26 school year
Price: $440 ($360 for Subscribers)

Register for Instructional Coaching Academy 2025-26

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Professional Development MATTERS: Leadership

Thought Leadership for Principals

Capital Region BOCES is pleased to host a series of meetings to provide the opportunity for principals to collaborate and share ideas with peers. Assistant principals are also encouraged to attend. Receive updates on important issues that impact your role as principal and discuss topics such as social emotional learning, curriculum and instruction, and others determined by the group.
To share a topic of interest, please complete this Google form.

Presenter: Laura McDaniel
Date/Time: Oct. 9, 2025; Jan 15, 2026; March 26, 2026; May 28, 2026
Price: $0 for subscribers, $180 for non-subscribers

Register for Thought Leadership for Principals

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Professional Development MATTERS: Project Based Learning

PBLA Cohort 25-26

Empower your students to actively create, innovate, and own their learning through Project Based Learning and Assessment (PBLA). Join the 2025-26 Cohort for an immersive workshop-model experience designed to help you launch and refine PBL in your classroom. Work alongside forward-thinking educators to learn, build, implement, and refine a captivating project tailored to your students and subject, regardless of grade or discipline. Gain practical strategies and unwavering support to bring PBL to life!

Presenter: Laura McDaniel
Date/Time: Ongoing throughout 2025-26 school year
Price: $550

Register for PBLA Cohort 25-26

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Performance-Based Learning and Assessment in Middle & High School

This event, which will be a hybrid webinar with in-person discussions and presentations, will provide New York State administrators and school leaders with an opportunity to engage in regional discussions about approaches to performances-based learning and assessment (PBLA) that support local implementation of NY Inspires and NY’s Educational Assessment Strategy in middle and high school.

Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: April 30 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Price: $0

Register for Performance-Based Learning and Assessment in Middle & High School

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Professional Development MATTERS: Safety

Asbestos Inspector Refresher

The annual refresher shall be a minimum of one-half (1/2) training day and include the following topics: 1. Review and update of state and federal regulations 2. Review of key aspects of the inspection function 3. Case studies to highlight important considerations 4. Any other topic specified in writing by the Department of Health.

Presenter: Micki Jones
Date/Time: May 12 | 8 a.m.- 12 p.m. 
Price: $150/person (participating); $175/person (non-participating)

Register for Asbestos Inspector Refresher

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Asbestos Management Planner Refresher

The annual refresher training program for Management Planner shall include the Inspector refresher training course and an additional half-day on management planning which will include at a minimum: 1. Review and update of key functions performed 2. Any other topic specified in writing by the Department of Health.

Presenter: Micki Jones
Date/Time: May 12 | 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Price: $125/person (participating); $150/person (non-participating); if taken with Inspector refresher: $200/person (participating); $250/person (non-participating) for both

Register for Asbestos Management Planner Refresher

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Asbestos Management Planner Refresher

The annual refresher training program for Management Planner shall include the Inspector refresher training course and an additional half-day on management planning which will include at a minimum: 1. Review and update of key functions performed 2. Any other topic specified in writing by the Department of Health.

Presenter: Micki Jones
Date/Time: May 12 | 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Price:$125/person (participating); $150/person (non-participating); if taken with Inspector refresher: $200/person (participating); $250/person (non-participating) for both

Register for Asbestos Management Planner Refresher

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Professional Development MATTERS: Social Emotional Learning

Critical Conversations for School Counselors 2025-26

A series of virtual meetings for school counselors. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with colleagues, learn about state updates related to school counseling, and engage in ongoing professional development. Topics covered will include chronic absenteeism, supporting students in emotional regulation, critical care teams, and other areas of focus determined based on group feedback.

Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: 
Jan. 27, 8:30-9:45 a.m. | Mar. 31, 8:30-9:45 a.m. | May 5, 8:30-9:45 a.m.
Price: $0 for subscribers/$50 for non-subscribers

Register for Critical Conversations for School Counselors 2025-26

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SEL Book Club: Big Kids, Bigger Feelings

Our spring SEL book club is Big Kids, Bigger Feelings, a compassionate and practical guide to supporting students in developing emotional regulation and social-emotional skills. Together, we’ll discuss how to help children navigate peer conflict, anxiety, school refusal, and the increasing demands of academics, all while fostering emotional awareness and resilience. Join us to deepen your understanding of students’ emotional needs and gain practical tools to help every child thrive, socially, emotionally, and academically.

Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: 
Feb. 11, March 25, April 14, 2026 | all sessions 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Price: $0 for subscribers/$50 for non-subscribers

Register for SEL Book Club: Big Kids, Bigger Feelings

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Professional Development MATTERS: Special Education

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training of Trainers Program for Schools

This intensive five-day Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training (TCIS) train-the-trainer certification course provides organizations with the opportunity to develop an in-house training capacity in the TCIS curriculum. Participants will develop knowledge, skills and attitudes in the TCIS curriculum necessary to deliver the training to staff in their organizations. Participants will have the chance to  practice and receive feedback in conducting activities to gain immediate training experience. Training techniques such as role playing, leading small group discussions, using guided fantasies, conducting practice sessions and using audiovisual aids will be demonstrated. Participants will receive all the necessary materials to conduct the TCIS training program in their agency. Participants will be able to: proactively prevent and/or de-escalate a potential crisis situation with a child or young person, manage a crisis situation in a therapeutic manner, and, if necessary, intervene physically in a manner that reduces the risk of harm to children and staff, process the crisis event with children and young people to help improve their coping strategies and effectively deliver TCIS training in their agencies.

Presenter: Cornell TCIS Instructors
Date/Time: 
Aug. 10 | 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Price: $2450

Register for Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training of Trainers Program for Schools


TCIS 2-Day Update: Complex Needs and Neurodiversity

This is the two-day Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training (TCIS) train-the-trainer competency-based certification update course. Participants will develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes in the TCIS curriculum necessary to deliver the training to staff in their schools. Participants will have the chance to participate, practice, and receive feedback in conducting activities to gain immediate training experience. Training techniques such as role plays, small group discussions, reflective exercises, conducting practice sessions, and using audiovisual aids will be demonstrated. The curriculum is evidence informed and trauma-sensitive. Participants will receive all the necessary materials to conduct the TCIS training program for their school district. Program objectives are listed below. Participants will be able to: proactively prevent and/or de-escalate potential crisis situations with students; manage a crisis situation in a therapeutic manner and, if necessary, intervene physically in a manner that reduces the risk of harm to students and staff; process the crisis event with students to help improve their coping strategies and effectively deliver TCIS training in their schools.

Presenter: Cornell TCIS Trainers
Date/Time:
May 18-19 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Price: $825

Register for TCIS 2-Day Update: Complex Needs and Neurodiversity

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