Workshops
“Learning is an experience. Everything else is just information.”
--Albert Einstein
Our Workshops
At CMDI, we pride ourselves on being able to provide workshops that are interactive, hands-on, practical, and engaging. To facilitate this goal, we suggest a maximum of 40 participants in our workshops. While we can accommodate larger groups, this may result in more of a “lecture-style” workshop, which is not our recommendation. Additionally, workshops are best suited to locations with flexible seating, allowing for both large and small group activities.
New Workshops
AI in Action: Transforming Learning Experiences in the Classroom
This lively, hands-on workshop is designed to introduce educators to the practical applications of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning. This session will explore how AI can enhance student engagement, personalize learning, and streamline classroom management. Participants will learn about AI-powered tools for grading, content creation, and real-time feedback, as well as how AI can support differentiated instruction for diverse learners. The workshop will guide educators on how to integrate AI into daily lessons and activities. Attendees will also explore the ethical implications of AI in education and best practices for using AI responsibly. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a solid understanding of AI’s potential in transforming their classrooms, enabling them to create dynamic, efficient, and personalized learning experiences that foster student growth and success.
The Science of Reading: Unlocking the Secrets of Literacy
In this workshop, participants will delve deep into the core principles of how children learn to read. This workshop builds on foundational knowledge of phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, expanding into more advanced strategies and applications. Educators will explore the latest research in neuroscience and cognitive psychology, focusing on how the brain processes written language and the implications for effective teaching practices. Through hands-on activities, participants will learn how to refine their instructional techniques to support struggling readers, address diverse learning needs, and enhance overall literacy development. Additionally, the workshop will address how to implement evidence-based interventions and differentiate instruction, ensuring every student achieves reading success. This session is ideal for educators who are ready to deepen their understanding of the Science of Reading and take their instructional practices to the next level.
The Art of Co-Teaching (Level 1)
This interactive, hands-on workshop is perfect for first-time co-teaching partners. Participants will leave with a full understanding and experience of the six models of co-teaching. We will provide an overview of best practices in co-teaching, including pros and cons for each model, model implementation guidelines, and lesson examples. This workshop also explores easy-to-implement strategies for team communication and collaboration in co-taught classrooms.
The Art of Co-Teaching (Level 2)
This lively workshop is designed for teams who have been co-teaching together for two years. We will provide an opportunity for participants to build on their prior knowledge from Level 1 and take a deeper dive into the six co-teaching models, with variations for each. Co-teaching partners will create a collaboration plan while discussing four critical areas: communication, accountability, management, and preferences. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to use their own content materials for facilitated lesson planning.
The Art of Co-Teaching (Level 3)
This workshop is perfectly suited to teams who have co-taught together for more than two years. Teams will spend time reflecting on their current co-teaching practices based on the information learned from Level 1 and Level 2. Co-teaching partners will create realistic next steps for continued team growth by sharing their co-teaching challenges and successes. Participants will learn how to incorporate differentiated instruction into their co-teaching lesson planning and teaching by using specially designed instructional tools and strategies.
Dive Into Differentiation
Perfect for educators looking to learn new differentiation strategies that they can readily incorporate into their classrooms, this workshop will teach participants the tools to meet the needs, capacities, and skills of diverse learners in the classroom. Attendees will learn what differentiated instruction is and is not, explore strategies to differentiate the four quadrants of differentiation, and plan lessons that incorporate the strategies and information presented.
Interact to Impact: Mastering Questioning and Discussion in Teaching
This workshop will dive into the world of dynamic teaching, helping educators transform their classrooms into hubs of interactive learning where every interaction becomes a steppingstone to meaningful educational impact. Participants will discover innovative techniques that empower them to craft compelling questions, stimulate vibrant discussions, and foster critical thinking. Additionally, we will explore strategies to guide students towards deeper understanding and engagement.
Best Practices in Co-Teaching for ENL Partnerships
This interactive, engaging workshop provides strategies for utilizing co-teaching models while employing Marilyn Friend's and Honigsfeld's & Dove's frameworks for collaborative instruction. We will explore strategies for providing a language-rich classroom environment that will lead to student success at all levels. Participants will learn how to create a positive, professional relationship by building a foundation for welcoming the strengths and contributions each teacher brings to the partnership and exploring ways to establish parity.
Differentiation Strategies for General Education Teachers of English Language Learners
This lively, informative, and strategy-based workshop provides participants with differentiation strategies and instructional ideas tailored to meeting the needs of English language learners. The increase of English language learners (ELLs) in our schools has required all educators to assess their current teaching practices through a different lens. While general education teachers have faced the challenge of effectively teaching the ELL students in their classrooms, it has also provided an opportunity for educators to grow and learn. Participants will come away with a deeper understanding of the needs of ELLs while filling their teaching toolbox with strategies they can implement right away!
Putting the Pieces Together: Differentiation-Accommodations Modifications
In this engaging workshop, we will clarify the differences between differentiated instruction strategies, accommodations, and modifications, and offer ways to combine all three within a classroom to support a wide range of learners. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of differentiated instruction and specially designed instruction components. The workshop will explore the implementation of accommodations and teach a paradigm for understanding and creating modifications. In addition, attendees will spend time planning lessons that incorporate the information presented.
Special Education 101
Navigating the world of special education can be overwhelming due to the abundance of information needed to effectively educate and support students with disabilities in the classroom. This interactive workshop will explore the history of special education and the laws educators need to understand. Participants will gain knowledge about a variety of disabilities and come away with practical strategies for supporting students with IEPs.
Social Emotional Learning: Nurturing Hearts and Minds
This workshop will provide information and strategies that promote the well-being, connectedness, and success of all students. We will address supporting students around topics such as self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness skills.
Motivate to Elevate: Strategies for Inspiring Student Success
This workshop will uncover the art of motivating students for academic excellence. Attendees will explore proven strategies that ignite enthusiasm, encourage active participation, and drive positive learning outcomes. Participants will discover how to create a motivational classroom culture, inspire intrinsic curiosity, and propel students towards achieving their highest potential. We will help educators elevate their teaching with techniques that foster a lifelong love for learning.
Making Peace with Goal Writing, Data Collection and Progress Monitoring for Students with Disabilities
Goal writing, data collection and progress monitoring are vital to meeting the needs of students with disabilities. However, all of these can be challenging for even the most seasoned educator. This workshop will provide attendees with guidance, examples, useful tools, and strategies for creating goals, taking data, and monitoring student progress.
Specially Designed Instruction: Putting the “Special” Back in Special Education
This engaging workshop explores the meaning of specially designed instruction and teaches participants how to provide the unique types of instructional services needed by students with disabilities. We will share effective strategies for implementing accommodations and altering, modifying, and/or adapting instructional methods materials, techniques, and learning environments for supporting students with diverse learning abilities and needs. Participants will learn a three-tiered approach for making modifications that help students accomplish IEP goals and objectives while supporting the achievement of the general curriculum standards.
Unlocking Success with 504 Plans: Navigating Education Equality
This comprehensive workshop demystifies the intricacies of 504 plans, a vital tool for ensuring equal educational opportunities. Participants will learn how to craft effective plans that accommodate diverse learning needs, from disabilities to medical conditions. We will share practical skills in collaboration between educators, parents, and students, helping attendees foster an inclusive classroom environment. Attendees will understand legal frameworks, documentation, and implementation strategies that empower students to thrive. Through case studies and interactive discussions, we will empower participants to champion every student's right to an equitable education. Participants will elevate their expertise and contribute to a more accessible and supportive learning landscape.
Making Sense of Manifestation Determination
Determining whether a behavior is a manifestation of the student’s disability can be a very difficult endeavor! In this workshop, participants will learn both the legal and practical components of this very complex topic. Attendees will explore scenarios and brainstorm next steps. This workshop will allow for lively discussions that will lead to a consistent approach among committee members.
Supporting Students Who Struggle with Anxiety, Frustration, Stress, and OCD
Often, teachers have questions about how best to support their students who struggle with anxiety, frustration, stress, and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder. This engaging workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to add new strategies to their tool kits, as well as brainstorm ideas they can share with other educators regarding common classroom scenarios.
Classroom Strategies for Supporting Students with Executive Functioning Challenges
This lively, informative, and strategy-based workshop will provide participants with an understanding of the eight domains of executive functioning. For each domain, we will share strategies that educators can readily implement in the classroom. Attendees will learn ways to address challenges such as organization, transitions, and emotional regulation.
Autism Spectrum Disorders: Addressing Needs, Supporting Outcomes, Developing Skills
This workshop will provide participants with current information and strategies for effectively supporting students with ASD. We will discuss current research and strategies for addressing challenging behaviors, meeting social needs, and providing dynamic academic supports for students with ASD.
Demystifying Dyslexia
This interactive, practical workshop will provide educators with a deep understanding of what dyslexia is and is not. We will share common myths around dyslexia and provide information to debunk these misconceptions. Participants will gain a greater understanding of how dyslexia affects the brain and learn common characteristics associated with dyslexia. We will also share strategies for supporting students with dyslexia in the classroom.
Making the Most of Teacher Aide and Assistant Support
This lively, interactive workshop provides teacher aides and assistants with practical, easy-to-implement strategies for developing their own “bag of tricks.” We will address topics including roles and responsibilities, academic support strategies during small group and large group instruction, positive behavior interventions and supports, data collection methodologies, team collaboration skills, and techniques for fostering independence. Participants will problem-solve real classroom scenarios and create strategies to implement in different situations.
Pathways to Impact: Empowering Special Area and Elective Teachers
Participants will elevate their teaching prowess through a specialized workshop focused on innovative teaching strategies, curriculum enhancement, and student engagement ideas tailored to special area and elective educators. Attendees will be immersed in techniques to help meet the needs of diverse learners in a community of peers. We will enable educators to unleash their potential and leave them with a tool kit of skills to transform their classrooms and enhance learning experiences for their students.
NEW WORKSHOP:
Effective CSE/CPSE Chairperson Leadership
This engaging workshop will enhance your understanding of the special education process in compliance with educational laws and regulations. Participants will delve deeply into the pivotal role they play in ensuring students receive the best possible education tailored to their unique needs. Attendees will gain invaluable knowledge and skills to excel in the role of a chairperson and leave with practical skills to navigate complex decision-making scenarios. This training is designed as four full days but can be customized to meet the specific needs of any group.