January 26, 2026 (ongoing)

Virtually from 3:15-4:15

March 10, 2026

Virtually from 4 – 5:00 pm 

The Place of World Languages in the School Curriculum – Part 1

[OBEWL Webinar]

Presenters: Dr. Joanne O’Toole, Bill Heller, and Dr. Lori de Ramirez

Engaging and vibrant instruction aligned with the NYS Learning Standards for World Languages is at the heart of the overall school curriculum. In the first part of a two-part webinar series, the presenters will illustrate how the process of developing proficiency in a world language integrally aligns with the goals of nearly every component of the school curriculum. This webinar will focus on the alignment between the Learning Standards for World Lanugages and the traits outlined in the NYS Portrait of a Graduate. In addition, participants will see how the standards map to the Next Generation ELA Standards as well as standards of other instructional disciplines. Understanding these connections will enable teachers to engage in compelling advocacy for sustaining and growing our programs in world languages.

*Pre-register by March 6th!*

March 11, 2026

Virtually from 3:15-4:15

Formative and Summative Assessments for Progress Monitoring ELLs

This one-hour professional development equips educators with practical tools to track English language learners’ growth through both formative and summative assessments. Participants will learn how to use informal measures to guide instruction, provide timely feedback, and make data-informed decisions that support language development and academic achievement.

March 12, 2026

Virtually from 12 pm – 3 pm 

NYSESLAT Administration Training

Participants will learn about the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT), the structure and administration. We will walk trhough and practice scoring sample speaking and writing responses. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the NYSESLAT exam. 

March 13, 2026

[Virtually from 9:30 – 10:30 am]

Scaffolding for Multilingual Learners (ELLs) in Tier 1 Instructional Part 1: Foundations & Practical Strategies

In this interactive virtual session, participants will build a strong foundation in Tier 1 scaffolding for multilingual learners (ELLs) and other diverse students. Rather than viewing supports as “add-ons” or the responsibility of specialists alone, this session centers scaffolding as an essential part of high-quality core instruction for all students. Participants will explore and compare multiple types of scaffolding-including instructional, verbal, procedural, graphic, sensory, interactive, and environmental scaffolds-and examine when, why, and how each type supports access to grade-level curriculum without lowering expectation. Through real classroom examples, discussion, and quick reflection activities, educators will leave with concrete strategies they can implement immediately across content areas and grade levels. Key Topics Include: *What Tier 1 scaffolding is (and is not) for ELLs and diverse learners, *Types of scaffolding and how they work together in effective lessons, *Matching scaffolds to student proficiency levels, tasks and content demands, *Participation in Part 2 is not required to attend Part 1. Educators are welcome to attend either or both session. 

March 13, 2026

[Virtually from 9:30 – 10:30 am]

Clarifying Needs, Aligning Supports: Effective Practices for Dually Identified Learners

This professional development session supports educators in strengthening their practice with students who are both English language learners and recipients of special education services. Participants will analyze classroom-based evidence to better distinguish between language acquision differecnes and learning disabilities. The session also emphasizes collaborative, cross-discplinary approaches, guiding educators in leveraging the shared expertise of general education, ENL, and special education teams. Through practical examples and reflective discussion, participants will learn how to develop and implement instruction and supports that promote equitable access, academic progress, and language development for dually identified learners across classroom settings. 

March 13, 2026

[Virtually from 10:45-11:45 am]

Observing ENL Instruction: What Admin Should Look For

This professional development session is designed to support school administrators in strengthening their observation and feedback practices for English as a New Language (ENL) instruction. Participants will learn what effective, high-quality ENL teaching looks like in action and how it aligns with language acquisition principles, content standards, and equitable instructional practices. Administrators will explore key “look-fors” during classroom observations, including language objectives, scaffolding strategies, student language output, culturally responsive practices, and meaningful integration of language and content. The session will also address common misconceptions about ENL instruction and provide guidance on offering targeted, constructive feedback that supports both teacher growth and multilingual learner success. By the end of the session, administrators will feel more confident and informed when observing ENL classrooms and evaluating instruction through a language-development lens.

March 13, 2026

[Virtually from 10:45-11:45 am]

AI Enhanced Differentiation: Universal Design Strategies for All Learners

Participants will walk away having used practical, AI-enhanced differentiation tools and UDL-aligned strategies they can implement the next day in their current role. Teachers may bring an upcoming lesson they can modify using AI. General education, ENL/MLL, and special education teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators seeking AI-enhanced differentiation strategies aligned to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to support ELLs, students with disabilities, and all learners in Tier 1 instruction. Innovating Teaching Through Technology & AI: Responsible, Meaningful, and Transformative Use of Instructional Technology

March 13, 2026

[Virtually from 12:45-1:45 pm]

Scaffolding for Multilingual Learners (ELLs) in Tier 1 Instruction Part 2: Hands-On AI Workshop for Lesson Planning

This hands-on, workshop-style session moves from theory to practice as participants actively apply scaffolding strategies using AI tools such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Diffit, Magic School AI, and NotebookLM. Using an I Do – We Do – You Do instructional sequence, participants will see scaffolding modeled, collaborate with colleagues, and then independently design scaffolds for their own upcoming lessons. Educators will work with realistic student scenarios, analyze language and task demands, and practice generating scaffolds that preserve grade-level rigor while increasing access for multilingual learners. Dedicated work time is built in so participants leave with ready-to-use scaffolds aligned to their curriculum and students. Key Topics Include: *Modeling how to analyze lessons for language demands *Using AI tools to generate and refine Tier 1 scaffolds *Designing scaffolds for reading, writing, math, and content instruction *Participation in Part 1 is not required to attend Part 2. Educators are welcome to attend either or both sessions.

March 13, 2026

[Virtually from 2 – 3:00 pm]

AI Enhanced Differentiation: Universal Design Strategies for All Learners

Participants will walk away having used practical, AI-enhanced differentiation tools and UDL-aligned strategies they can implement the next day in their current role. Teachers may bring an upcoming lesson they can modify using AI. General education, ENL/MLL, and special education teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators seeking AI-enhanced differentiation strategies aligned to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to support ELLs, students with disabilities, and all learners in Tier 1 instruction. Innovating Teaching Through Technology & AI: Responsible, Meaningful, and Transformative Use of Instructional Technology

Ongoing Series starting March 17, 2026

[Virtually from 3:15 – 4:15 pm]

MLs with Disabilities: Professional Learning Community

This ML with Disabilities Professional Learning Community (PLC), “The Dual-Access Classroom,” is designed to help New York State educators navigate the complex intersection of Part 154 (ELL services) and Part 200 (Special Education). The series shifts the focus from a “double-deficit” model to a strength-based approach, ensuring that a student’s multilingualism is treated as an asset rather than a barrier to their specialized instruction. Overview of Sessions Session 1: Difference vs. Disorder Session 2: The Collaborative Service Model Session 3: Writing Linguistically Responsive IEPs Session 4: Scaffolding for Cognitive & Language Access Session 5: Multilingual Family Partnership & Advocacy.

Series Dates: March 17, March 31, April 21, May 18, June 15

April 14, 2026

Virtually from 4 – 5:00 pm

Voices Across Time – Using AI in Classical Language Classrooms

[OBEWL Webinar]

Presenter: Maureen Lamb

How can artificial intelligence help Latin and Ancient Greek students not just translate, but communicate meaningfully? In this webinar, the presenter will demonstrate how AI tools can support and enhance Presentational and Interpersonal Communication aligned to the NYS Learning Standards for Classical Languages. Participants will explore classroom-tested strategies using AI to help learners present ideas to describe, narrate, explain and persuade, while also exchanging information, negotiating meaning, and expressing opinions in authentic communicative tasks. These approaches connect directly to performance indicators such as creating simple sentences, strings of sentences, and connected paragraphs. practical classroom models include AI-powered dialogues, interactive storytelling, persona-based roleplay, cultural comparisons, and scaffolded interpretive-to-interpersonal tasks using authentic texts. Educators will leave with adaptable templates, AI-prompting strategies, and clear alignment to NYSED standards and themes for Classical Languages. The concepts and techniques presented can be adapted and applied by teachers of modern languages as well.

*Pre-register by April 10th*

April 15, 2026

[Virtually from 3:15 – 4:15 pm]

Co-Teaching to Support Our ELLS

This one-hour professional development explores effective co-teaching models for classroom and content-area teachers partnering with English language learner (ENL) teachers. Participants will learn strategies for collaborative planning, shared instruction, and integrated support that ensures all students have access to rigorous content while developing language proficiency.

April 21, 2026

Virtually from 4 – 5:00 pm 

The Place of World Languages in the School Curriculum – Part II

[OBEWL Webinar]

Presenters: Dr. Joanne O’Toole, Bill Heller, and Dr. Lori Langer de Ramirez

Engaging and vibrant instruction aligned with the NYS Learning Standards for World Languges is at the heart of the overall school curriculum. In the second part of the two-part webinar series, the presenters will illustrate how the process of developing proficiency in a world language integrally aligns with the goals of nearly every component of the school curriculum. This webinar will focus on the ways that World Language curricula intimately align with the goals of the NYS Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Framework (2021). In addition, the presenters will demonstrate alignment of the Learning Standards for World Languages with the NYS Social-Emotional Learning Benchmarks (2022) and the SPLC Social Justice Standards (2022). Understanding these connections will enable teachers to engage in compelling advocacy for sustaining and growing our programs in world languages.

*Pre-register by April 17th!*

April 29, 2026

In Person at Questar III Boces

[9:00 am to 3:00 pm]

Part II: Deepening Learning on Dually Identified/Twice-Exceptional ELLS

This full day, in-person workshop, builds on and is a follow-up to the December 16th workshop, offering educators an opportunity to take a deeper dive into understanding and supporting dually identified / twice-exceptional ELLs. Participants will: Explore complex intersections between language acquisition and special education needs. Examine advanced instructional strategies, interventions, and supports for Special Education ELLs. Engage in interactive discussions and problem-solving to address real classroom challenges. Reflect on implementation experiences and clarify lingering questions from prior sessions. This session is designed to help educators solidify knowledge, refine practices, and build confidence in supporting ELLs with diverse and overlapping learning profiles.

April 29, 2026

Virtually from 3:15-4:15

AI Tools for Supporting ELLs

This one-hour professional development introduces educators to practical ways artificial intelligence can enhance instruction for English language learners. Participants will explore AI tools and strategies that support language development, scaffold academic content, personalize learning, and provide actionable feedback to accelerate student growth.

May 6, 2026

In Person at Questar III BOCES 9 am – 1 pm 

Teaching Content, Building Language: Writing Effective Lesson Objectives

This interactive extension session is designed to support educators in building students’ language development through crafting content-aligned language objectives. Building upon the “Function + Feature + Purpose” framework, participants will learn to use specialized tools-including the NYSED Academic Language Demands for ELA and the WIDA Language Functions & Features for Math, Science, and Social Studies-to uncover the unique disciplinary linguistic demands required in every content area. Through a hands-on modeling exercise, teachers will practice deconstructing exemplar exit ticket responses to identify the specific academic language structures students need for success. The session culminates in a collaborative workshop and station rotation where elementary and content-area teachers will design ready-to-use language objectives tailored to their specific curricula, ensuring that all students can successfully navigate the academic language of every lesson. Holding this session in May provides educators with time to apply what they learn to summer curriculum work and lesson planning, ensuring they begin the new school year with strong, intentional objectives already in place.

May 13, 2026

Virtually from 3:15-4:15

CTE for ELLs

This one-hour professional development explores strategies for supporting English language learners in career and technical education (CTE) programs. Participants will learn how to scaffold language, adapt instructional materials, and implement culturally responsive practices that promote both technical skill development and academic success for multilingual students.

May 19, 2026

Virtually from 4 – 5:00 pm

Implementing Standards-Based  Grading

[OBEWL Webinar]

Presenter: Sarah Woodward-Jones

What do grades represent in your class? Are you grading behaviors, abilities, effort, proficiency levels or some combination of these? How can grades align with students’ ability to clearly communicate with families, counselors, administration, etc? If you’re curious about equitable grading or standards-based-grading, whether you’ve incorporated these practices or are just starting out, this is the webinar for you! In this webinar, we will explore how standards-based grading shifts the focus from accumulating points to demonstrating proficiency in relation to specific learning standards. We will walk through how to design and implement a standards-aligned grade book, use proficiency scales, and develop assessments and feeback practices that reflect true student learning. Participants will examine concrete strategies for separating academic performace from behaviors, providing actionable feedback, and allowing students multiple opportunities to show growth over time. Whether you are piloting standards-based grading in a single classroom or moving toward district-level adoption, this session will offer practical guidance, sample rubrics, and tips to communicate the meaning of proficiency-based grades to students and families.

**Pre-register by May 15th!*

May 27, 2026

Virtually from 3:15-4:15

Modifications and Accommodations for Assessing and Grading ELLs

This one-hour professional development provides educators with strategies for fairly assessing and grading English language learners. Participants will explore effective modifications, accommodations, and assessment practices that ensure students’ language development is supported while accurately measuring academic growth and achievement.

June 9, 2026

Virtually from 4 – 5:00 pm

Teaching the Standards for Mixed Classes

Teaching the Standards for Mixed Second and Heritage Language Learner Second Language Classes: Strategies for Inclusive and Effective Standards-Aligned Instruction

[OBEWL Webinar]

Presenter: Dr. Kristen D’Alessandro Merii

In today’s linguistically diverse classrooms, second language educators must increasingly meet the needs of both second language (L2) and heritage language (HL) learners, a situation that presents both challenges and opportunities as HLs may bring vastly different linguistic and cultural experiences to the second language classroom. This webinar explores how the NYS World Language Standards can be effectively implemented in mixed-level classrooms to support equitable, rigorous, culturally and linguistically responsive instruction. Participants will examine the unique profiles, strengths, and challenges of a mixed L2 and HL classroom and gain a clear understanding of how the NYS World Language Standards can be implemented in mixed second language classrooms while exploring differentiated instructional strategies that align with the standards and ongoing research and honor students’ diverse language backgrounds. Whether you are new to teaching mixed classes or seeking to refine your approach, this session offers practical tools and insights to help you create inclusive, standards-aligned instruction that empowers every student to thrive.

*Pre-register by June 5th!*

June 10, 2026

Virtually from 3:15-4:15

Improving ELL Graduation Rates Via Supports in Assessments

This one-hour professional development explores strategies to help English language learners successfully meet high school graduation requirements. Participants will learn how to use assessments, accommodations, and targeted interventions to monitor progress, address learning gaps, and provide the supports necessary to promote academic success and timely graduation for multilingual students.