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
Curriculum & Instruction | DASA Trainings | Evaluation | Equity | Leadership | NY Inspires | Safety | Science | Social Emotional Learning | Special Education
Professional Development MATTERS: Curriculum & Instruction
Preparing for Personal Finance Instruction
Join Capital Region BOCES for a day of professional learning and planning related to New York State’s new instructional requirement in personal finance education. During this training, participants will: Review the new grade-band objectives for personal finance Crosswalk personal finance objectives with existing NYS Learning Standards Pinpoint objectives that require curriculum planning and lesson design Explore instructional resources to support personal finance education Collaborate to design instructional materials By the end of the session, participants will leave with a fuller understanding of the new requirement along with practical strategies to support student learning in personal finance.
Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: July 21, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Price: $0
Register for Preparing for Personal Finance Instruction
Manageable and Meaningful Feedback
Providing meaningful feedback is one of the most powerful ways to improve student learning-but it can also become one of the most time-consuming parts of teaching. In this webinar, educators will explore practical, sustainable feedback systems that support student growth while staying realistic within the constraints of a busy school day. Participants will learn strategies for streamlining feedback, building student ownership, leveraging routines and technology, and prioritizing high-impact responses over time-consuming grading practices. Walk away with ready-to-use approaches that improve learning outcomes without increasing teacher burnout.
Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: July 16, 2026 | 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Price: $25/$0 for subscribers
Register for Manageable and Meaningful Feedback
From Terminology to Understanding: Vocabulary Instruction for Adolescent Learners
Secondary students are expected to navigate increasingly complex academic language across every subject area-but many need explicit support to do so successfully. This webinar highlights practical, research-based approaches for teaching academic vocabulary in content-area classrooms using Science of Reading-aligned practices. Discover strategies that help students move beyond memorization to deeper understanding and authentic application of academic language. Participants will leave with ready-to-use tools that improve comprehension, classroom discourse, and student confidence across disciplines.
Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: July 22, 2026 | 10-11 a.m.
Price: $25/$0 for subscribers
Register for From Terminology to Understanding: Vocabulary Instruction for Adolescent Learners
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: July 10, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Price: $80/$0 for subscribers
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, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Price: $80/$0 for subscribers
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. There will be a one-hour lunch break; lunch will be on your own. Participants paying by check can mail payment in advance or bring a check made out to Capital Region BOCES to the session. This staff development offering is provided at no additional cost to Capital Region BOCES districts participating in BOCES’ Value Add service.
Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: Sept. 17, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Price: $80/$0 for subscribers
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. There will be a one-hour lunch break; lunch will be on your own. Participants paying by check can mail payment in advance or bring a check made out to Capital Region BOCES to the session. This staff development offering is provided at no additional cost to Capital Region BOCES districts participating in BOCES’ Value Add service.
Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: Oct. 16, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Price: $80/$0 for subscribers
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. There will be a one-hour lunch break; lunch will be on your own. Participants paying by check can mail payment in advance or bring a check made out to Capital Region BOCES to the session. This staff development offering is provided at no additional cost to Capital Region BOCES districts participating in BOCES’ Value Add service.
Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: Jan. 15, 2027 | 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Price: $80/$0 for subscribers
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. There will be a one-hour lunch break; lunch will be on your own. Participants paying by check can mail payment in advance or bring a check made out to Capital Region BOCES to the session. This staff development offering is provided at no additional cost to Capital Region BOCES districts participating in BOCES’ Value Add service.
Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: April 16, 2027 | 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Price: $80/$0 for subscribers
DASA Coordinator Training
Join us for a targeted professional development workshop for District DASA Coordinators and Building Teams. This workshop will fulfill the training requirements for Dignity Act Coordinators (DAC) as required by the Dignity for All Students Act and the New York State Education Department Board of Regents. The workshop is designed for those who will be serving in the role of Dignity Act Coordinator in their school, as well as other school-based professionals interested in learning more about the Dignity Act. Please note this training does not meet the six hour training certification requirement for teachers, teacher assistants or coaches.
Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: Oct. 23, 2026 | 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Price: $50
DASA Coordinator Training
Join us for a targeted professional development workshop for District DASA Coordinators and Building Teams. This workshop will fulfill the training requirements for Dignity Act Coordinators (DAC) as required by the Dignity for All Students Act and the New York State Education Department Board of Regents. The workshop is designed for those who will be serving in the role of Dignity Act Coordinator in their school, as well as other school-based professionals interested in learning more about the Dignity Act. Please note this training does not meet the six hour training certification requirement for teachers, teacher assistants or coaches.
Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: Feb. 26, 2027 | 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Price: $50
Professional Development MATTERS: Evaluation
New Lead Evaluator Training
This session is designed for new Lead Evaluators of Teachers and is aligned with the requirements of Education Law 3012-D. The training focuses on the New York State Teaching Standards; the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL); the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE) Framework; and state-approved professional practice rubrics used to anchor effective evidence collection and meaningful feedback. For more information, please email sharon.swain@neric.org.
Presenter: Sharon Swain
Date/Time: July 16, 2026 | 8:30-2:30 p.m.
Price: $200/$175 for subscribers
Register for New Lead Evaluator Training
New Lead Evaluator Training
This session is designed for new Lead Evaluators of Teachers and is aligned with the requirements of Education Law 3012-D. The training focuses on the New York State Teaching Standards; the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL); the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE) Framework; and state-approved professional practice rubrics used to anchor effective evidence collection and meaningful feedback. For more information, please email sharon.swain@neric.org.
Presenter: Sharon Swain
Date/Time: Aug. 13, 2026 | 8:30-2:30 p.m.
Price: $200/$175 for subscribers
Register for New Lead Evaluator Training
New Lead Evaluator Training
This session is designed for new Lead Evaluators of Teachers and is aligned with the requirements of Education Law 3012-D. The training focuses on the New York State Teaching Standards; the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL); the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE) Framework; and state-approved professional practice rubrics used to anchor effective evidence collection and meaningful feedback. For more information, please email sharon.swain@neric.org.
Presenter: Sharon Swain
Date/Time: Oct. 15, 2026 | 8:30-2:30 p.m.
Price: $200/$175 for subscribers
Register for New Lead Evaluator Training
Lead Evaluator Refresher Training
The session is designed as a refresher for veteran Lead Evaluators of Teachers in compliance with Education law 3012-D. The training focuses on the New York State Teaching Standards; the Professional Standards for Educational Evaluators (PSEL); the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE) Framework; and state-approved professional practice rubrics used to anchor effective evidence collection and meaningful feedback. For more information, please email Sharon Swain at sharon.swain@neric.org.
Presenter: Sharon Swain
Date/Time: July 23, 2026 | 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Price: $110/$90 for subscribers
Register for Lead Evaluator Refresher Training
Lead Evaluator Refresher Training
The session is designed as a refresher for veteran Lead Evaluators of Teachers in compliance with Education law 3012-D. The training focuses on the New York State Teaching Standards; the Professional Standards for Educational Evaluators (PSEL); the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE) Framework; and state-approved professional practice rubrics used to anchor effective evidence collection and meaningful feedback. For more information, please email Sharon Swain at sharon.swain@neric.org.
Presenter: Sharon Swain
Date/Time: Aug. 20, 2026 | 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Price: $110/$90 for subscribers
Register for Lead Evaluator Refresher Training
Lead Evaluator Refresher Training
The session is designed as a refresher for veteran Lead Evaluators of Teachers in compliance with Education law 3012-D. The training focuses on the New York State Teaching Standards; the Professional Standards for Educational Evaluators (PSEL); the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE) Framework; and state-approved professional practice rubrics used to anchor effective evidence collection and meaningful feedback. For more information, please email Sharon Swain at sharon.swain@neric.org.
Presenter: Sharon Swain
Date/Time: Oct. 22, 2026 | 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Price: $110/$90 for subscribers
Register for Lead Evaluator Refresher Training
Recertification Training for Lead Evaluators of Principals
This half-day, in-person workshop is for those who have previously attended the Certification for Lead Evaluators of Principals Workshop and will focus on the evaluation process as it relates to principals. Participants will:
- review the Standards for Educational Leadership and recommended NYS rubric
- review qualities that make for a highly effective school principal
- review the process and best practices for site visits
- discuss how to support principals, best practices, rubric thoughts and future considerations
Presenter: Marie Wiles
Date/Time: July 14, 2026 | 9a.m.-12 p.m.
Price: $150/$125 for subscribers
Register for Recertification Training for Lead Evaluators of Principals
NYS Certification for “New” Lead Evaluators of Principals
This one-day, in-person training will focus on the lead evaluation process as it relates to principals. Participants will review and discuss:
- NYS’s required components of APPR 3012-d
- Professional Standards for Educational Leadership
- Recommended NYS rubrics that are available to lead evaluators
- Best practices for conducting site visits and supporting principals
- Principal’s role as lead evaluator of teachers.
Presenter: Marie Wiles
Date/Time: July 23, 2026 | 9a.m.-3 p.m.
Price: $275/$250 for subscribers
Register for NYS Certification for “New” Lead Evaluators of Principals
Recertification Training for Lead Evaluators of Principals
This half-day, in-person workshop is for those who have previously attended the Certification for Lead Evaluators of Principals Workshop and will focus on the evaluation process as it relates to principals. Participants will:
- Review the Standards for Educational Leadership and recommended NYS rubrics that are available
- Review qualities that make for a highly effective school principal
- Review the process and best practices for site visits
- Discuss how to support principals, best practices, rubric thoughts and future considerations
Presenter: Marie Wiles
Date/Time: Aug. 13, 2026 | 9a.m.-12 p.m.
Price: $150/$125 for subscribers
Register for Recertification Training for Lead Evaluators of Principals
Professional Development MATTERS: Equity
Grading for Opportunity – New 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 the opportunities to explore this issue in more depth. Throughout the year, you will:
- Gain an understanding of inequitable grading practices in the context of culturally responsive practices
- Reflect upon current teacher grading and grade reporting practices to determine the degree to which students receive meaningful feedback and their knowledge and skills are accurately reported
- Hear from teachers and leaders regarding their process toward systemic change, policy revision, professional learning and building
- Develop a plan for effective and long-term change specific to the needs of your school
Presenter: Dr. Eva Jones
Date/Time: Aug. 12, 2026 | 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; Oct. 8, 2026 | 8:30-11:00 a.m.; Jan. 14, 2027 | 8:30-11:00 a.m.; Mar. 25, 2027 | 8:30-11:00 a.m.; May 6, 2027 | 8:30-11:00 a.m.
Price: $350
Register for Grading for Opportunity – New Cohort
Grading for Opportunity – Continuing Cohort
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 grading policies and practices in greater depth. This program provides an important chance for educators to build on the knowledge and skills developed during the 2024-25 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: Oct. 8, 2026 | 12:00 -2:30 p.m.; Jan 14, 2027 | 12:00 -2:30 p.m.; Mar. 25, 2027 | 12:00 -2:30 p.m.
Price: $225
Register for Grading for Opportunity – Continuing Cohort
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
Professional Development MATTERS: Leadership
Thought Leadership Meetings for Principals & Assistant Principals Series
This series of meetings will provide an opportunity for principals and assistant principals to collaborate and share ideas with peers. Participants will receive updates on key issues affecting their roles while engaging in timely discussions on topics such as NY Inspires, the Portrait of a Graduate, curriculum and instruction, and strategies for fostering a supportive school culture. Additional topics will be shaped by the interests of the group.
These sessions offer a valuable opportunity to share perspectives, gain insights, and receive feedback in a collaborative, professional environment. Meetings will be facilitated by Capital Region BOCES in partnership with participating colleagues and will be held in person with a virtual participation option available. This staff development offering is provided at no additional cost for Capital Region BOCES districts participating in the BOCES Value Add service. The cost for all other participants is $180.
Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: Oct. 22, 2026 | 8:15-9:30 a.m.; Jan. 21 , 2027 | 8:15-9:30 a.m.; March 11, 2027 | 8:15-9:30 a.m.; May 20 | 8:15-9:30 a.m.
Price: $180/$0 for subscribers
Register for Thought Leadership Meetings for Principals & Assistant Principals Series
Professional Development MATTERS: NY Inspires
Using the Portrait as an Instructional Planning Lens
This professional development session invites teachers to explore instructional planning through the lens of the New York State Portrait of a Graduate. Participants will reflect on their current curriculum to identify where key portrait attributes, such as critical thinking, communication and global citizenship, are already embedded. Through guided discussion and collaborative planning, teachers will consider opportunities to strengthen and intentionally align these attributes within their lessons.
Presenter: Karen Swain & Jennifer Case
Date/Time: Aug. 4, 2026 | 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Price: $50 for subscribers, $75 for non-subscribers
Register for Using the Portrait as an Instructional Planning Lens
Leading Together: Strategies for Launching the Portrait of a Graduate
This session focuses on strategies for district administrators to lead the rollout of the New York State Portrait of a Graduate. Participants will discuss how to clearly communicate the purpose and value of the framework, build awareness across stakeholder groups and strengthen internal alignment to increase buy-in. The session will also guide leaders in identifying concrete next steps for implementation, including planning, messaging and integration into existing district priorities.
Presenter: Karen Swain & Jennifer Case
Date/Time: July 15, 2026 | 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Price: $50
Register for Leading Together: Strategies for Launching the Portrait of a Graduate
Professional Development MATTERS: Safety
SRO & School Safety Personnel Professional Learning Day
SRO’s and school safety professionals in the greater Capital Region are invited to join Capital Region BOCES for a collaborative and informative forum focused on advancing school safety best practices
Presenter: Jennifer Bennett
Date/Time: June 30, 2026 | 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Price: $0
Register for SRO & School Safety Personnel Professional Learning Day
Professional Development MATTERS: Science
Summer Science Unconference 3.0
Presented by STANYS, CASSA, Capital Region BOCES and NYS Master Teachers Unconferences throw away the rule book and allow for empowered conversations, voice, choice, and autonomy in learning. An unconference is a bottom-up approach where participants drive the agenda and propose and lead sessions, dictating the schedule and content to be shared based on their interests and expertise. Join science teachers from across the region in another great opportunity to grow our practice as we shift toward full NYSSLS implementation! Gain insights from each other in ways to integrate the cross-cutting concepts, science and engineering practices, and disciplinary core ideas seamlessly to your practice, evaluate and develop 3-dimensional assessments, and more! Together we will work to answer questions related to curriculum and instruction, assessment item writing, NYS science investigations, Climate Education, and Portrait of a Graduate.
Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: July 28-29, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Price: $0
Register for Summer Science Unconference 3.0
Professional Development MATTERS: Social Emotional Learning
The First 20 Days: Classroom Management Foundations for Success
A strong start can make all the difference. This webinar provides educators with proactive classroom management techniques that support consistency, student accountability, and a positive classroom culture. Learn effective strategies for routines, transitions, expectations, and relationship-building that help classrooms run smoothly all year long.
Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: Aug. 11, 2026 | 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Price: $25/$0 for subscribers
Register for The First 20 Days: Classroom Management Foundations for Success
Professional Development MATTERS: Special Education
Teaching Assistant Cohort
This multi-day professional development series is designed to equip teaching assistants with the foundational knowledge and practical strategies needed to effectively support students and collaborate within school teams. Participants will explore the role of the TA, including common responsibilities such as data collection, test accommodations, and the use of prompting and fading techniques. Sessions include:
- Aug. 25: Exploring the Role of the TA; De-escalation and Crisis Management
- Sept. 29: Foundations of Classroom Management
- Nov. 3: Intro to IEPs and 504s; Understanding Common Diagnosis
- Jan. 12: Social Emotional Learning Strategies
- Mar. 16: Prompting and Fading
The cohort will meet through a hybrid mix of in person and virtual sessions.
Presenter: Jennifer Case
Date/Time: Aug. 25, 2026 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sept. 29, 2026 | 3:30-4:30 p.m.; Nov. 3, 2026 | 12:30-3 p.m.; Jan. 12, 2027 | 3:30-4:30 p.m.; Mar. 16, 2027 | 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Price: $350
Register for Teaching Assistant Cohort
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, 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, 2026 | 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Price: $2450
Register for Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training of Trainers Program for Schools
