Upcoming Workshops
Participants must get program manager permission before registering for any workshop. No walk-ins.
Magic School AI - AM
Capacity: Limited to 30 attendees. 25 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, December 06, 2025 8:30AM – 11:30AM
Location: Holtsville, NY
Instructor(s): Ed Barry
This professional development workshop introduces Adult Education instructors to Magic
School, an AI-powered instructional tool designed to support lesson planning, differentiated
instruction, and learner engagement. Participants will explore practical strategies for integrating
AI applications into Adult Literacy classrooms to enhance instruction.
The session focuses on how Magic School can help educators efficiently design standardsbased lesson plans aligned with the College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS), create
individualized learning activities, and provide contextualized instruction that supports English
language learners and adult basic education students. Participants will also examine best
practices and ethical considerations for using AI in educational settings, ensuring that
technology is used responsibly and equitably to promote measurable student learning gains.
Format: Interactive workshop including hands-on technology demonstrations. Please bring your
own device, Laptop, iPad, or Chromebook.
3 hours PD
Get On Your Feet! Using Physical Movement to Improve ESL Student Learning
Sorry, this workshop is full and is no longer accepting new registrations.
Capacity: Limited to 40 attendees. 0 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, December 06, 2025 8:30AM – 11:30AM
Location: Holtsville, NY
Instructor(s): Sara Izquierdo
In this workshop we will participate in activities that incorporate movement. Physical activity can improve recall, boost mood and decrease stress level in the classroom. We will find ways to incorporate movement into listening, speaking, reading and writing activities to improve outcomes for English Language Learners.
3 hours PD.
Program Administrator approval is needed in order to take this workshop.
Supporting English Language Learners with Technology and Inclusive Strategies
Capacity: Limited to 30 attendees. 30 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, December 06, 2025 8:30AM – 11:30AM
Location: Holtsville, NY
Instructor(s): Richard Miller
This professional development session addresses the instructional challenges faced by English
Language Learners (ELLs) in adult education classrooms. Through video and guided
discussion, participants will examine effective teaching practices that foster empathy and
support learner achievement. The session will introduce practical technology tools—including
Google Translate, live captioning, and speech-to-text applications—that enhance
communication with families and increase classroom accessibility. Participants will also explore
the use of visual supports and digital resources to strengthen engagement, promote
persistence, and build inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments.
Learning Objectives
1. Identify common challenges ELLs face in adult education programs and apply strategies
to build empathy and cultural responsiveness.
2. Demonstrate the use of technology tools (Google Translate, live captioning, speech-totext) to enhance accessibility and improve communication with families.
3. Integrate visual supports and digital resources into lesson planning to promote
engagement and learner persistence.
4. Connect inclusive instructional strategies to NRS core indicators and statewide
performance benchmarks.
Format: Interactive workshop including video-based reflection, group discussion, and hands-on
technology demonstrations. Laptops are not required, but can be helpful. Please, bring your
own.
3 hrs. PD
BEST Plus 3.0 Test Administrator Training
Capacity: Limited to 20 attendees. 12 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, December 06, 2025 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Location: Great Neck, NY
Instructor(s): Phyllis Trautman
Please bring a Test Administrator Guide (TAG), which should be provided by your program administrator to this training. TAGs should be available to share among administrators.
If you have completed the certification process, you CANNOT repeat this course for PD credit.
BEST Plus 3.0 Administrator Training is the initial training necessary to be certified to give the BEST Plus 3.0 assessment. Once certified, Administrators are required to take a Refresher Training every year thereafter.
BEST Plus 3.0 replaced BEST Plus 2.0 beginning FY26 (July 1, 2025).
The BEST Plus, developed by Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL), is an individually administered face-to-face scripted oral interview designed to assess the English language proficiency of adult English learners. The BEST Plus is intended to assess interpersonal communication using everyday language. It integrates current knowledge in the assessment of speaking and listening skills with the latest knowledge and practice in educational measurement to present a precise, updated, and flexible oral assessment.
This training satisfies the NYSED requirement for all NYS BEST Plus 3.0 administrators in adult literacy programs. This training must be completed once, followed by a BEST Plus Refresher Training every year thereafter.
This 10 hour training counts toward the 14 hours of professional development requirement for all NYSED funded program staff. The training workshop is 6 hours, and 4 additional hours of asynchronous work watching the videos and completing the BEST Plus 3.0 Final Requirements mini-course on Moodle will be credited. After completing the mini-course, individuals will be issued their BEST Plus 3.0 Test Administrator digital certificate. These should be sent to LI-RAEN, vsindone@li-raen.org, for credit.
Magic School AI - PM
Capacity: Limited to 30 attendees. 28 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, December 06, 2025 12:00PM – 3:00PM
Location: Holtsville, NY
Instructor(s): Ed Barry
This professional development workshop introduces Adult Education instructors to Magic
School, an AI-powered instructional tool designed to support lesson planning, differentiated
instruction, and learner engagement. Participants will explore practical strategies for integrating
AI applications into Adult Literacy classrooms to enhance instruction.
The session focuses on how Magic School can help educators efficiently design standardsbased lesson plans aligned with the College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS), create
individualized learning activities, and provide contextualized instruction that supports English
language learners and adult basic education students. Participants will also examine best
practices and ethical considerations for using AI in educational settings, ensuring that
technology is used responsibly and equitably to promote measurable student learning gains.
Format: Interactive workshop including hands-on technology demonstrations. Please bring your
own device, Laptop, iPad, or Chromebook.
3 hours PD
Social, Academic and Emotional Language in the ESL Classroom
Sorry, this workshop is full and is no longer accepting new registrations.
Capacity: Limited to 40 attendees. 0 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, December 06, 2025 12:00PM – 3:00PM
Location: Holtsville, NY
Instructor(s): Sara Izquierdo
English Language Learners need different types of language. Students need informal language to socialize and participate in the world around them, academic language for school and the workplace, and emotional language to fully experience life in their new country. In the ESL classroom, students need all of these. In this workshop we will explore ways to teach social, academic and emotional language.
3 hours PD.
Program Administrator approval is needed in order to take this workshop.
Supporting English Language Learners with Technology and Inclusive Strategies PM
Capacity: Limited to 30 attendees. 27 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, December 06, 2025 12:00PM – 3:00PM
Location: Holtsville, NY
Instructor(s): Richard Miller
This professional development session addresses the instructional challenges faced by English
Language Learners (ELLs) in adult education classrooms. Through video and guided
discussion, participants will examine effective teaching practices that foster empathy and
support learner achievement. The session will introduce practical technology tools—including
Google Translate, live captioning, and speech-to-text applications—that enhance
communication with families and increase classroom accessibility. Participants will also explore
the use of visual supports and digital resources to strengthen engagement, promote
persistence, and build inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments.
Learning Objectives
1. Identify common challenges ELLs face in adult education programs and apply strategies
to build empathy and cultural responsiveness.
2. Demonstrate the use of technology tools (Google Translate, live captioning, speech-totext) to enhance accessibility and improve communication with families.
3. Integrate visual supports and digital resources into lesson planning to promote
engagement and learner persistence.
4. Connect inclusive instructional strategies to NRS core indicators and statewide
performance benchmarks.
Format: Interactive workshop including video-based reflection, group discussion, and hands-on
technology demonstrations. Laptops are not required, but can be helpful. Please, bring your
own.
3 hrs. PD
BEST Literacy 2.0
Sorry, this workshop is full and is no longer accepting new registrations.
Capacity: Limited to 25 attendees. 0 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Tuesday, December 09, 2025 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Location: Bellport, NY
Instructor(s): Susan Shiloni
Best Literacy 2.0 is an assessment used to measure adult English language learners’ ability to read and write in English. In this workshop, we will look at how the Best Literacy 2.0 is used in our NYSED funded programs, what the content looks like, what’s expected from our students, and how to administer and score the test. This is a 2-hour workshop.
2 hours PD
DIRECTIONS FROM THE WEST: Via the Long Island Expressway (495) Proceed east on the Long Island Expressway to exit 66, turn right (south) onto County Road 101. Continue south about three miles moving into the left lane after passing Woodside Avenue (County Road 99). At the light before the overpass at Route 27 (Sunrise Highway), make a left onto North Sunrise Service Road. SCLS is on your left. Go past the building to the east SCLS parking field. Via Sunrise Highway (27) Proceed east on Sunrise Highway to exit 55. After exiting, at the light make a left onto County Road 101. Move immediately to the right lane while on the overpass. At the base of the overpass make a right hand turn onto North Sunrise Service Road. SCLS will be on your left. Go past the building to the east SCLS parking field. FROM THE EAST: Via the Long Island Expressway (495) Proceed west on the Long Island Expressway to exit 66. After exiting, at the light make a left (south) onto County Road 101. Continue south on 101 for about three miles, moving into the left-hand lane after passing Woodside Avenue (County Road 99). At the light before the overpass at Route 27 (Sunrise Highway), make a left onto North Sunrise Service Road. SCLS is on your left. Go past the building to the east SCLS parking field. Via Sunrise Highway (27) Proceed west on Sunrise Highway to exit 55. After exiting, turn right at the stop sign onto the North Sunrise Service Road where you will see the SCLS building. Go past the building to the east SCLS parking field.
Utilizing AI to Enhance Your Teaching
Sorry, this workshop is full and is no longer accepting new registrations.
Capacity: Limited to 20 attendees. 0 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 1:00PM – 4:00PM
Location: Smithtown, NY
Instructor(s): Jessica Lund
Discover practical ways to utilize AI tools to make lesson planning and prep more efficient. Learn how to save time while still creating engaging, personalized experiences for your students. We will be using and exploring ChatGPT and Magic School platforms.
3 hours PD.
AEPP Case Manager Training
Sorry, this workshop is full and is no longer accepting new registrations.
Capacity: Limited to 20 attendees. 0 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Friday, December 12, 2025 9:00AM – 1:00PM
Location: Smithtown, NY
Instructor(s): Karen Micciche
This case management training has been designed by NYSED's Office of ACCES-Adult Education Program and Policy (AEPP) for all case managers in adult education programs funded under Employment Preparation Education (EPE) State aid, Welfare Education Program (WEP), WIOA Title II, and Adult Literacy Education (ALE) Funding. Case managers will learn the ACCES-AEPP priorities and be able to share them with their students. Topic areas such as the 4 pathways to a NYS High School Equivalency Diploma, the adult education intake process, and identification of the barriers to employment will be covered. It is expected that case managers will also become very familiar with quality resources within their own community and actively support their students by referring students to these resources.
4 hours PD.
BEST Plus 3.0 Test Administrator Training
Capacity: Limited to 20 attendees. 4 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, December 20, 2025 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Location: Garden City, NY
Instructor(s): Phyllis Trautman
Please bring a Test Administrator Guide (TAG), which should be provided by your program administrator to this training. TAGs should be available to share among administrators.
If you have completed the certification process, you CANNOT repeat this course for PD credit.
BEST Plus 3.0 Administrator Training is the initial training necessary to be certified to give the BEST Plus 3.0 assessment. Once certified, Administrators are required to take a Refresher Training every year thereafter.
BEST Plus 3.0 replaced BEST Plus 2.0 beginning FY26 (July 1, 2025).
The BEST Plus, developed by Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL), is an individually administered face-to-face scripted oral interview designed to assess the English language proficiency of adult English learners. The BEST Plus is intended to assess interpersonal communication using everyday language. It integrates current knowledge in the assessment of speaking and listening skills with the latest knowledge and practice in educational measurement to present a precise, updated, and flexible oral assessment.
This training satisfies the NYSED requirement for all NYS BEST Plus 3.0 administrators in adult literacy programs. This training must be completed once, followed by a BEST Plus Refresher Training every year thereafter.
This 10 hour training counts toward the 14 hours of professional development requirement for all NYSED funded program staff. The training workshop is 6 hours, and 4 additional hours of asynchronous work watching the videos and completing the BEST Plus 3.0 Final Requirements mini-course on Moodle will be credited. After completing the mini-course, individuals will be issued their BEST Plus 3.0 Test Administrator digital certificate. These should be sent to LI-RAEN, vsindone@li-raen.org, for credit.
Get on Your Feet! Using Physical Movement to Improve ESL Student Learning
Sorry, this workshop is full and is no longer accepting new registrations.
Capacity: Limited to 20 attendees. 0 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Friday, January 23, 2026 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Location: Smithtown, NY
Instructor(s): Sara Izquierdo
In this workshop we will participate in activities that incorporate movement. Physical activity can improve recall, boost mood and decrease stress level in the classroom. We will find ways to incorporate movement into listening, speaking, reading and writing activities to improve outcomes for English Language Learners.
3 hours PD.
Program Administrator approval is needed in order to take this workshop.
Social, Academic and Emotional Language in the ESL Classroom
Sorry, this workshop is full and is no longer accepting new registrations.
Capacity: Limited to 20 attendees. 0 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Friday, January 23, 2026 12:30PM – 3:30PM
Location: Smithtown, NY
Instructor(s): Sara Izquierdo
English Language Learners need different types of language. Students need informal language to socialize and participate in the world around them, academic language for school and the workplace, and emotional language to fully experience life in their new country. In the ESL classroom, students need all of these. In this workshop we will explore ways to teach social, academic and emotional language.
3 hours PD.
Program Administrator approval is needed in order to take this workshop.
Utilizing AI to Enhance Your Teaching (computers needed) AM
Sorry, this workshop is full and is no longer accepting new registrations.
Capacity: Limited to 30 attendees. 0 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, March 14, 2026 8:30AM – 11:30AM
Location: Garden City, NY
Instructor(s): Jessica Lund
Discover practical ways to utilize AI tools to make lesson planning and prep more efficient. Learn how to save time while still creating engaging, personalized experiences for your students. We will be using and exploring ChatGPT and Magic School platforms.
3 hours PD.
Case Manager Training
Sorry, this workshop is full and is no longer accepting new registrations.
Capacity: Limited to 30 attendees. 0 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, March 14, 2026 8:30AM – 12:00PM
Location: Garden City, NY
Instructor(s): Karen Micciche
This case management training has been designed by NYSED's Office of ACCES-Adult Education Program and Policy (AEPP) for all case managers in adult education programs funded under Employment Preparation Education (EPE) State aid, Welfare Education Program (WEP), WIOA Title II, and Adult Literacy Education (ALE) Funding. Case managers will learn the ACCES-AEPP priorities and be able to share them with their students. Topic areas such as the 4 pathways to a NYS High School Equivalency Diploma, the adult education intake process, and identification of the barriers to employment will be covered. It is expected that case managers will also become very familiar with quality resources within their own community and actively support their students by referring students to these resources.
3.5 hours PD.
Student Achievement in Reading (STAR) Training Series, Vocabulary Assessment
Sorry, this workshop is full and is no longer accepting new registrations.
Capacity: Limited to 30 attendees. 0 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, March 14, 2026 8:30AM – 11:30AM
Location: Garden City, NY
Instructor(s): Susan Giuliano
Background:
If you are teaching intermediate-level adult learners (grade level equivalent 4.0 – 8.9) and are interested in assisting your students in improving in reading, consider attending the Student Achievement in Reading (STAR) series of trainings. STAR is a national professional development initiative for adult reading instruction created by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE). Since 2001, STAR has supported more than 20 states and local programs in their efforts to improve adult reading achievement by implementing evidence-based reading instruction (EBRI).
The STAR Reading Program consists of Four Topic Area Modules covering Eight Components:
• Alphabetics Assessment and Instructional Strategies
• Fluency Assessment and Instructional Strategies
• Vocabulary Assessment and Instructional Strategies
• Comprehension Assessment and Instructional Strategies
The STAR certified trainer will begin each of the module trainings by giving educators a brief background in the program. You will be introduced to the four reading topic areas and given an overview of how these components interact. The trainer will introduce you to all the details of the assessment process and will guide you through hands-on practice. The knowledge you gain during the training will equip you with valuable tools and strategies to enhance your reading instructional planning, and lead your students toward reading and writing success.
Vocabulary Assessment
Vocabulary can affect alphabetics, fluency, and comprehension. The Vocabulary Assessment Training Module will provide you with the necessary tools to assess your adult education students’ skill in vocabulary. You will learn to conduct, score, and interpret the Word Meaning Test. You will practice using score results to select the most appropriate vocabulary activities for your intermediate students to best suit their skills level.
3 hours PD.
Utilizing AI to Enhance Your Teaching (computers needed) PM
Sorry, this workshop is full and is no longer accepting new registrations.
Capacity: Limited to 30 attendees. 0 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, March 14, 2026 12:00PM – 3:00PM
Location: Garden City, NY
Instructor(s): Jessica Lund
Discover practical ways to utilize AI tools to make lesson planning and prep more efficient. Learn how to save time while still creating engaging, personalized experiences for your students. We will be using and exploring ChatGPT and Magic School platforms.
3 hours PD.
Student Achievement in Reading (STAR) Training Series, Vocabulary Instruction
Sorry, this workshop is full and is no longer accepting new registrations.
Capacity: Limited to 30 attendees. 0 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, March 14, 2026 12:00PM – 3:00PM
Location: Garden City, NY
Instructor(s): Susan Giuliano
Background:
If you are teaching intermediate-level adult learners (grade level equivalent 4.0 – 8.9) and are interested in assisting your students in improving in reading, consider attending the Student Achievement in Reading (STAR) series of trainings. STAR is a national professional development initiative for adult reading instruction created by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE). Since 2001, STAR has supported more than 20 states and local programs in their efforts to improve adult reading achievement by implementing evidence-based reading instruction (EBRI).
The STAR Reading Program consists of Four Topic Area Modules covering Eight Components:
• Alphabetics Assessment and Instructional Strategies
• Fluency Assessment and Instructional Strategies
• Vocabulary Assessment and Instructional Strategies
• Comprehension Assessment and Instructional Strategies
The STAR certified trainer will begin each of the module trainings by giving educators a brief background in the program. You will be introduced to the four reading topic areas and given an overview of how these components interact. The trainer will introduce you to all the details of the assessment process and will guide you through hands-on practice. The knowledge you gain during the training will equip you with valuable tools and strategies to enhance your reading instructional planning, and lead your students toward reading and writing success.
Vocabulary Instruction
This module will provide you with numerous strategies and resources to create effective vocabulary instructional routines in your classroom.
3 hours PD.
Social, Academic and Emotional Language in the ESL Classroom
Sorry, this workshop is full and is no longer accepting new registrations.
Capacity: Limited to 30 attendees. 0 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, May 09, 2026 8:30AM – 11:30AM
Location: Garden City, NY
Instructor(s): Sara Izquierdo
English Language Learners need different types of language. Students need informal language to socialize and participate in the world around them, academic language for school and the workplace, and emotional language to fully experience life in their new country. In the ESL classroom, students need all of these. In this workshop we will explore ways to teach social, academic and emotional language.
3 hours PD.
Program Administrator approval is needed in order to take this workshop.
Getting the Most Out of Google Tools (computers needed) AM
Sorry, this workshop is full and is no longer accepting new registrations.
Capacity: Limited to 30 attendees. 0 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, May 09, 2026 8:30AM – 11:30AM
Location: Garden City, NY
Instructor(s): Jessica Lund
Discover practical ways to utilize AI tools to make lesson planning and prep more efficient. Learn how to save time while still creating engaging, personalized experiences for your students. We will be using and exploring ChatGPT and Magic School platforms.
3 hours PD.
Student Achievement in Reading (STAR) Training Series, Comprehension Assessment
Sorry, this workshop is full and is no longer accepting new registrations.
Capacity: Limited to 30 attendees. 0 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, May 09, 2026 8:30AM – 11:30AM
Location: Garden City, NY
Instructor(s): Susan Giuliano
The Comprehension Assessment and Instruction Training Module will provide you with the necessary tools to assess your adult education students’ skill in comprehension. You will learn to conduct, score, and interpret the Comprehension Assessment.
Case Manager Training
Capacity: Limited to 30 attendees. 6 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, May 09, 2026 8:30AM – 12:00PM
Location: Garden City, NY
Instructor(s): Karen Micciche
This case management training has been designed by NYSED's Office of ACCES-Adult Education Program and Policy (AEPP) for all case managers in adult education programs funded under Employment Preparation Education (EPE) State aid, Welfare Education Program (WEP), WIOA Title II, and Adult Literacy Education (ALE) Funding. Case managers will learn the ACCES-AEPP priorities and be able to share them with their students. Topic areas such as the 4 pathways to a NYS High School Equivalency Diploma, the adult education intake process, and identification of the barriers to employment will be covered. It is expected that case managers will also become very familiar with quality resources within their own community and actively support their students by referring students to these resources.
3.5 hours PD.
Get On Your Feet! Using Physical Movement to Improve ESL Student Learning
Sorry, this workshop is full and is no longer accepting new registrations.
Capacity: Limited to 30 attendees. 0 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, May 09, 2026 12:00PM – 3:00PM
Location: Garden City, NY
Instructor(s): Sara Izquierdo
In this workshop we will participate in activities that incorporate movement. Physical activity can improve recall, boost mood and decrease stress level in the classroom. We will find ways to incorporate movement into listening, speaking, reading and writing activities to improve outcomes for English Language Learners.
3 hours PD.
Program Administrator approval is needed in order to take this workshop.
Getting the Most Out of Google Tools (computers needed) PM
Sorry, this workshop is full and is no longer accepting new registrations.
Capacity: Limited to 30 attendees. 0 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, May 09, 2026 12:00PM – 3:00PM
Location: Garden City, NY
Instructor(s): Jessica Lund
Discover practical ways to utilize AI tools to make lesson planning and prep more efficient. Learn how to save time while still creating engaging, personalized experiences for your students. We will be using and exploring ChatGPT and Magic School platforms.
3 hours PD.
Student Achievement in Reading (STAR) Training Series, Comprehension Instruction
Sorry, this workshop is full and is no longer accepting new registrations.
Capacity: Limited to 30 attendees. 0 remaining registrations available.
Date/Time: Saturday, May 09, 2026 12:00PM – 3:00PM
Location: Garden City, NY
Instructor(s): Susan Giuliano
The trainer will review comprehension instructional areas including analyzing text and text structure, understanding an author’s purpose, identifying main ideas, finding supporting details, making inferences, and understanding figurative language. This module will provide you with the necessary tools to work with your adult education students on their comprehension needs in a classroom setting. You will learn how to incorporate the steps of explicit instruction and how to group students together for comprehension instruction.
3 hours PD.