The Western New York region of the NYSMTP provides professional learning opportunities for all WNY teachers as part of our outreach program. CTLE credit vouchers are available upon request.
Participants have said...
“I am so thankful for the time the instructor put into this course and her willingness to share her knowledge! I have not attended a coding PD as amazing as this, ever!”
“The presenters are masters of content and pedagogy.”
“I love the energy that is cultivated among educational peers as we learn from each other with shared practices and resources.”
Upcoming Professional Development
Contact Thea Keppel at keppeltm01@buffalostate.edu with any questions or concerns regarding event registration
Physics Teacher Outreach
Teachers will share their experiences from STANYS Conference and will provide a Physics Olympics event update. Then, we have invited Dave Fish, PI Facilitates Quantum Dots, as our guest speaker. Quantum Technology provides a concrete and engaging introduction to the basic ideas of quantum mechanics. This resource features a variety of quantum technologies, and includes a video on quantum computers designed to bring quantum to your classroom. Lastly, Photon Energy Make and take use LED finger lights to excite glow in the dark vinyl.
Dates: Saturday, December 13th, 9am-12pm
Location: Buffalo State University, Science & Math Complex 357
Physics Teacher Outreach Registration
Physics Teacher Outreach Flyer
Adventuring with Arduinos
Jessie Perison
Dates: Tuesday and Thursday, January 13th and 15th; 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Buffalo State University, Science & Math Complex 357
Computational Thinking & AI Literacy: Physical Computing
Christina O'Malley
From there, teachers explore simple physical computing challenges that connect directly to P–8 math concepts such as operations, measurement, geometry, and data. Participants will also learn practical ways to integrate age-appropriate AI literacy—such as checking AI outputs, discussing bias, and using AI to support brainstorming—while maintaining a focus on critical thinking and student agency.
All activities align with the NYS Computer Science & Digital Fluency Standards, including Computational Thinking, Digital Literacy, Impacts of Computing, and Networks and System design. The course maintains a low-floor, high-ceiling approach, offering accessible entry points for beginners and meaningful extensions for more experienced teachers.
No prior experience is required. Participants will need a laptop for this course.
Dates: Tuesday and Thursday, January 13th and 15th; 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Buffalo State University, Science & Math Complex 260
Computational Thinking Minicourse Flyer
Mathematical Landscapes in Practice: Number Sense, Addition & Subtraction - Pedagogical Moves to Create a Learning Community in Grades K-8
Denea Czapla and Rachael Burke
The Western Region of the New York State Master Teacher Program is excited to offer an extension of our mathematical landscapes of learning series that focuses on the pedagogical moves teachers make to nurture a community of mathematicians across the elementary and middle school grades. The mathematical content will be situated within Cathy Fosnot’s landscape of learning framework and will explore the coherent development of topics along the K – 8 spectrum. Video case studies across the grade levels of classroom practice will be analyzed and discussed using the TRU Framework, from Dr. Alan Shoenfeld at the University of California, Berkeley. These video cases provide opportunities for participants to share their grade level expertise and to enhance our understanding of the content connections across the landscape.
January’s sessions will highlight building a welcoming math community for learners to take risks, gain confidence, and take charge of their learning with a focus on the landscape of number sense, addition and subtraction throughout grades K-8. Sessions will feature mathematical models and tools for thinking, including number bonds, number lines, Building Thinking Classroom principles, number strings, and more. Real world contexts and situations will be used as we consider how to best develop students’ conceptual understanding, mathematical identity, and a supportive, nurturing classroom community.
Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 13th, 15th, 20th, and 22nd; 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Buffalo State University, Science & Math Complex 259
Mathematical Landscapes Registration
Preparing for NYSSLS Assessments and Required Investigations
As teachers begin to shift their instructional practice to meet the NYS Science Learning Standards, an important focus should also be on assessing student achievement of those standards. This workshop will provide teachers and administrators with insight into best practices for 9-12 classroom- level assessment as well as updates on state-level assessments.
Participants will explore the newly released Chemistry & Physics Investigations designed to provide multiple measures of student performance throughout the 9-12 grade band. Participants will also collaborate to determine best practices for implementing the investigations.
Date: Saturday, January 17th, 9am-2pm
Location: Buffalo State University, SAMC 259
Preparing for NYSSLS Assessments and Required Investigations
As teachers begin to shift their instructional practice to meet the NYS Science Learning Standards, an important focus should also be on assessing student achievement of those standards. This workshop will provide teachers and administrators with insight into best practices for 9-12 classroom- level assessment as well as updates on state-level assessments.
Participants will explore the newly released Chemistry & Physics Investigations designed to provide multiple measures of student performance throughout the 9-12 grade band. Participants will also collaborate to determine best practices for implementing the investigations.
Date: Saturday, January 31st, 9am-2pm
Location: SUNY Fredonia, E114 Thompson Hall
Introduction to Building Thinking Classrooms
Annette Rouleau
This session focuses on the importance of collaboration, discourse, and hands-on experiences in creating rich learning opportunities in math. Whether learning new vocabulary or exploring new concepts, students need opportunities to empower themselves and each other in a productive struggle.
Using my own experience in implementing the Building Thinking Classrooms framework in my classroom, the objective is to overcome the norms that have fostered a culture of teaching and learning often devoid of student thinking. In the session, I’ll model strategies that help maintain the flow of a Thinking Classroom, where the focus is on the process of learning rather than the product. Participants will experience the joy of working in collaboration on rich math tasks at vertical, non-permanent surfaces.
Date: Wednesday, February 4th, 5:00pm-7:00pm
Location: Buffalo State University, SAMC 259
Introduction to BTC Registration
Developing and Using Models to Explore Systems in Biology
HHMI BioInteractive
Using the phenomenon of lactase persistence, participants will engage in a series of BioInteractive activities aimed at helping students understand the connection between genetic inheritance and metabolic function. We will explore how developing and using models allows students to understand a biological system from multiple scales. Educators will explore a variety of data analysis and literacy strategies to support student learning.
This workshop is for teachers who teach any level of high school biology (introductory, AP/IB, etc.). Middle school teachers, particularly 8th grade life science teachers, are also welcome to attend. Participants should bring laptops or tablets to fully engage in the workshop. All HHMI BioInteractive resources are free to students, teachers, and districts.
Date: Saturday, February 7th, 9am-3pm
Location: Buffalo State University, SAMC 257