Champlain Valley Educational Services

Collaborative Teaching Excellence: Strategies for Effective Co-Teaching
2026-02-10 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | CVES Conference Center – Plattsburgh, NY, 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States
Collaborative Teaching Excellence: Strategies for Effective Co-Teaching: 2/10
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: Beginning 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM (Registration begins at 8:00 AM) Lunch Provided*
Location: CVES Conference Center at 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh
Cost: Cost $200 per person billed through the CVES 506 School Improvement Co-Ser based on 15 participants
Presenter: Melissa Dudyak and Danielle Janisewski, CVES Facilitators
Description: Join us for an exciting workshop where educators will gain essential tools and strategies to successfully co-teach and integrate special education students into their classrooms. We’ll explore the rewards and hurdles of co-teaching, master the art of effective communication and collaboration, and dive into differentiated instruction. Discover how technology and other resources can enhance inclusion. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your teaching approach and create a more inclusive learning environment in a collaborative co-teaching classroom!
Please note: Participants should bring laptops and, if desired, hard copies of the materials sent out prior to the training. Also, bring any lessons or strategies currently used to share with the group. There will be time provided to apply workshop information to hands-on activities.
*If you have any special dietary restrictions, please reach out to workshops@cves.org
after registering for this event.
Intended For: Teachers who are involved in a co-teaching model at any level. (PreK-12)
Registration Link: 2025 – 2026 S3 Professional Development

Get to Know Copilot: A Practical Introduction
2026-02-24 09:00 - 11:30
Date: February 24, 2026
Session 1: 9:00-10:00
Session 2: 10:30-11:30
Location:   CVES Conference Center at 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh
Cost:   $30 per person, for districts participating in CVES 630 Staff Development Clerical Co-Ser. *If you are interested in attending but your district is not part of this this Co-Ser, please contact Wilson_Sue@cves.org
Presenter:  Sue Wilson, Director of School Support Services
Description: This one‑hour introductory workshop is designed to help participants understand what Microsoft Copilot is, how it works, and when it can be a meaningful time‑saver in day‑to‑day work.
The workshop will emphasize practical, real‑world examples, highlighting how Copilot can reduce time spent on routine work while supporting professional judgment rather than replacing it.
The session will also address important considerations, including appropriate use, accuracy, privacy, and when Copilot may not be the right tool for a task. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a foundational understanding of how Copilot works, increased confidence in experimenting with it, and clarity about where it can be most helpful in saving time and supporting productivity.
Link to Register in WinCap – 2025 – 2026 Staff Development Clerical

High School Principals Meeting
2026-02-25 11:30 - 15:00, 2026-03-25 11:30 - 15:00, 2026-05-14 11:30 - 16:00 | CV-TEC Culinary Lab, 1585 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, 12901, United States

Love Languages in Schools: Strengthening Connection to Strengthen Learning
2026-02-26 08:30 - 15:00 | CVES Conference Center – Plattsburgh, NY, 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM (Registration begins at 8:30 AM) Lunch Provided
Location: CVES Conference Center at 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh
Cost: $215 per person for billed through 506 School Improvement Co-Ser
Presenter: Melissa Dudyak, CVES Facilitator
Description: Every child expresses and receives love in unique ways- and understanding these emotional “languages” can transform classroom culture, student behavior, and academic engagement. Based on the book The 5 Love Languages of Children by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross. The training is grounded in neuroscience and behavioral psychology, and focuses on strengthening student–teacher relationships as a lever to improve behavior, engagement, and academic outcomes. Participants will learn how to identify each child’s primary “love language” — the way each student best receives affirmation, connection, and support — and how to translate those languages into daily classroom practices that are developmentally appropriate for PreK–12. The session breaks down the 5 Love Languages (Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch) and provides safe, clear, school-appropriate strategies for each. Teachers and staff will walk away with: an understanding of how to build relational trust proactively classroom routines that prevent dysregulation and behavior escalation simple, practical strategies to strengthen student belonging tools to differentiate connection (just like we differentiate instruction) The day includes content learning, small-group discussion, practice scenarios, and a “Connection Action Plan,” where every participant designs direct strategies they can implement immediately to better support specific students in their care. This PD supports trauma-informed schools, social-emotional learning, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), restorative practices, and positive school climate initiatives. It directly supports improved behavior, fewer power struggles, and increased student buy-in — which results in more time for teaching and learning.
Intended For: K-12 Teachers, Teaching Assistants, and Administrators
Registration Link: 2025 – 2026 S3 Professional Development

Elementary/Middle School Principals Meeting
2026-03-03 11:30 - 14:30 | CVES Conference Center – Plattsburgh, NY, 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States

Model Schools: Quarterly Meeting
2026-03-10 08:30 - 15:00
Please use the following link to register in WinCap.

2025 – 2026 Model Schools

Math Learning Community Session 2
2026-03-17 09:00 - 14:00 | CVES Conference Center – Plattsburgh, NY, 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Registration begins at 8:30 AM) Lunch Provided
Location: CVES Conference Center at 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh
Cost: $150 per person for schools participating in the CVES 506 School Improvement Co-Ser based on 20 participants
Presenter: Melissa Dudyak, CVES Facilitator
Description: The Math Learning Community is a time for math leaders of the schools in our region to come together to discuss current trends in mathematics education, review current NYSED initiatives around math instruction, analyze regional mathematics data, set priorities for future mathematics learning opportunities and build capacity, to learn new strategies, and to collaborate/share resources. It is a common time for professionals to grow together to ensure the success of people (staff and ultimately students) in our region. The goal of this group is to bring together mathematics educators in grades K-12 two times per year for these sessions. NOTE: This is the second meeting of the 2025-2026 school year, new participants are encouraged to join.
Intended For: K-12 Teacher leaders and administrators for each school who have a focus or passion for mathematics instruction.
Registration Link: 2025 – 2026 S3 Professional Development

Harnessing the Power of Generative AI and Chatbots
2026-03-23 08:30 - 15:00 | CVES Conference Center – Plattsburgh, NY, 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States
Date: March 23, 2026
Time: 8:30 am-3 pm
Presenter: Dr. Monica Burns
Description: This interactive workshop will empower educators to understand and leverage chatbot technology and generative AI in their role. Participants will explore innovative techniques to enhance productivity, support differentiated instruction, streamline lesson planning, and curate high-quality resources with the help of AI-driven tools, as well as chatbots like ChatGPT. This session is for educators who work directly with students, support teachers in a coaching or administrative role, or are looking to better understand potential use cases for AI in education. Join us as we unlock the full potential of AI to transform the educational landscape and foster student success.
Lunch will be provided
This workshop is cohosted by Franklin-Essex-Hamilton (FEH) BOCES and is free for School Library System Librarians and school library aides. The cost for all other attendees is $30.
REGISTRATION LINK: 2025 – 2026 SLS Professional Development

De-Escalation That Works: Supporting Dysregulated Students K–12
2026-03-25 08:30 - 15:00 | CVES Conference Center – Plattsburgh, NY, 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States
Time: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM (Registration begins at 8:00 AM) Lunch Provided
Location: CVES Conference Center at 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh
Cost: $200 per person for schools participating in the CVES 506 School Improvement Co-Ser based on 20 participants
Presenter: Melissa Dudyak, CVES Facilitator and Danielle Janisewski, CVES Facilitator
Description: Kids don’t explode out of nowhere — there are always signals first. This full-day session gives K–12 educators the proactive behavior strategies and de-escalation tools needed to catch dysregulation early, prevent power struggles, and respond to escalation without fueling the fire. Teachers will learn practical structures, early warning signs, and calm response language that increases predictability, protects instructional time, and creates safer, more supportive classrooms.
Intended For: K-12 Teachers
Registration Link: 2025 – 2026 S3 Professional Development

Associate Principals and Dean of Students Meeting
2026-03-27 08:30 - 11:30 | CVES Conference Center – Plattsburgh, NY, 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States
Registration link for WinCap: 2025 – 2026 S3 Professional Development

CANCELED Unlocking Poetry: Tools, Texts, and Strategies That Work
2026-03-30 08:30 - 15:00 | CVES Conference Center – Plattsburgh, NY, 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States
Time: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM (Registration begins at 8:00 AM) Lunch Provided
Location: CVES Conference Center at 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh
Cost: $200 per person for billed through 506 School Improvement Co-Ser
Presenter: Elaine Whitcome, CVES Facilitator
Description:
Do you ever find yourself wincing when it’s time to teach poetry? You’re not alone—and this workshop is for you. Join colleagues for a collaborative exchange of practical, classroom‑ready ideas for teaching poetry. Together, we’ll explore strategies that build students’ reading confidence, model effective comprehension skills, and help learners truly enjoy and understand poems. Participants will share and discuss how mentor texts and visual prompts can inspire students to write, revise, and recite their own poems. Leave with fresh approaches, ready‑to‑use lesson ideas, and renewed confidence for bringing poetry to life in your classroom.
Intended For: ELA/Literacy Teachers Grades 1-12
Registration Link: 2025 – 2026 SLS Professional Development

Special Education Learning Community Session 2
2026-03-31 09:00 - 14:00 | CVES Conference Center – Plattsburgh, NY, 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Registration begins at 8:30 AM) Lunch Provided
Location: CVES Conference Center at 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh
Cost: $150 per person for billed through 506 School Improvement Co-Ser
Presenter: Melissa Dudyak, CVES Facilitator
Description: The Special Education Learning Community is a dedicated time for special education teachers and leaders in our region to come together to collaborate and grow professionally. In these sessions, we will discuss key areas such as IEP writing, conflict resolution strategies, and effective co-teaching practices. Additionally, we will explore current trends in special education, and set priorities for enhancing special education practices. This community provides an opportunity to learn new strategies, share resources, and build capacity to ensure the success of both staff and students. Our goal is to unite special educators across grades K-12 twice per year, fostering collaboration and professional growth to meet the diverse needs of learners in our region.
Intended For: Special Education Teachers, Teaching Assistants, and Administrators
Registration Link: 2025 – 2026 S3 Professional Development

High School Principals Meeting
2026-04-16 11:30 - 15:00, 2026-06-03 11:30 - 15:00

Managing AI in the Classroom: Changing the Game Without Losing the Goal
2026-04-23 08:30 - 15:00 | CVES Conference Center – Plattsburgh, NY, 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States
Time: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM (Registration begins at 8:30 AM) Lunch Provided
Location: CVES Conference Center at 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh
Cost: $200 per person for billed through 506 School Improvement Co-Ser
Presenter: Melissa Dudyak, CVES Facilitator
Description: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has entered the classroom, and educators are being asked to make quick decisions about a rapidly changing landscape. This full-day professional development experience provides administrators and teachers with the knowledge, strategies, and boundaries needed to integrate AI effectively, ethically, and responsibly. Participants will explore how AI can support workload efficiency, differentiation, and student access — while also addressing academic integrity, digital dependency, data privacy, and student wellbeing. With connections to the research in The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, this training balances innovation with intentionality, instructional integrity, and student mental health. Educators will walk away with best practice guidance, sample use policies, digital citizenship mini-lessons, sample classroom tasks, and a personalized implementation plan aligned to their role. This PD empowers schools to shape AI in education — rather than react to it.
Intended For: K-12 Teachers, Teaching Assistants, and Administrators
Registration Link: 2025 – 2026 S3 Professional Development

Performance Based Learning and Assessment in Middle and High School
2026-04-30 09:00 - 14:00 | CVES Conference Center – Plattsburgh, NY, 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States
Thursday, April 30, 2026
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Registration begins at 8:30 AM) Lunch Provided
CVES Conference Center at 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh (This is a hybrid event joining NYSED and BOCES and Big 5 around the state)
Cost: $45 per person billed through the CVES 506 School Improvement Co-Ser
Presenter: NYSED Staff and Statewide Partners including keynote provided by Dr. Linda Darling Hammond
Description: This event, which will be a hybrid webinar with in-person discussions and presentations, will provide New York State administrators and school leaders with an opportunity to engage in regional discussions about approaches to performance-based learning and assessment (PBLA) that support local implementation of NY Inspires and NY’s Educational Assessment Strategy in middle and high school. Please note that to attend this event, you must attend in person at a BOCES or Big 5 designated site.
Target Audience: Administrators and Instructional Leaders in Middle and High School
Please note: To attend this event, you must attend in person at a BOCES, or Big 5 designated site.
Link to Register in Wincap: 2025 – 2026 S3 Professional Development

Middle School Learning Community
2026-05-12 09:00 - 14:00 | CVES Conference Center – Plattsburgh, NY, 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States
This Middle School Learning Community is designed to support middle school teachers, grades 5-9, in strengthening instructional practice, boosting student engagement, and responding to the diverse academic and social-emotional needs of adolescents in the region. This community provides an opportunity to learn practical classroom strategies, share resources, assessments, differentiation techniques, and reflect on real classroom challenges to support the success of both staff and students. Our goal is to unite educators fostering collaboration and professional growth to meet the diverse needs of learners in our region.

Intended For: Grades 5-9 Teacher leaders and administrators

ELA Learning Community: Session 3
2026-05-18 09:00 - 14:00 | CVES Conference Center – Plattsburgh, NY, 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States
Time: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Registration begins at 8:30 AM) Lunch Provided
Location: CVES Conference Center at 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh
Cost: $150 per person for billed through 506 School Improvement Co-Ser
Presenter: Elaine Whitcomb and Terry Tregan, CVES Facilitators
Description: This workshop will focus on strengthening core literacy practices including reading interventions, effective reading strategies, writing about reading, and purposeful writing conferences. Participants will learn practical techniques they can apply immediately in their classrooms. The session will also include dedicated collaborative time for educators to plan lessons, discuss grading and feedback approaches, and share strategies with colleagues. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use tools to enhance both reading and writing instruction.
Intended For: K-12 Teachers, Teaching Assistants, and Administrators
Registration Link: 2025-2026 S3 Professional Development

Elementary/Middle School Principals Meeting
2026-06-03 11:30 - 15:00 | CV-TEC Culinary Lab, 1585 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, 12901, United States

Model Schools: Quarterly Meeting
2026-06-09 08:30 - 15:00 | CVES Conference Center – Plattsburgh, NY, 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States

Gearing Up 2026-2027
2026-08-20 08:30 - 15:00 | CVES Conference Center – Plattsburgh, NY, 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh, NY, 12901, United States
Thursday, August 20, 2026
8:30 AM to 3:00 PM (Registration begins at 8:00 AM) Light Breakfast and Lunch Included
CVES Conference Center at 1443 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh
Cost: $250 per person billed through the CVES 506 School Improvement Co-Ser
Presenters: Jennifer D. Klein, Principled Learning

Description: Gearing Up prepares North Country administrators to lead the instructional and organizational shifts ahead as New York State advances the NY Inspires plan. This year’s full‑day experience features Jennifer D. Klein, CEO of Principled Learning and co‑author of The Landscape Model of Learning and Taming the Turbulence in Educational Leadership.

Grounded in the priorities of NY Inspires—student‑centered learning, coherence, equity, and system alignment—the day will focus on how leaders can navigate change while strengthening teaching and learning across their districts. Participants will examine practical frameworks for guiding innovation, supporting educators through transition, and building conditions for deeper learning at scale.

Gearing Up 2026–2027 equips regional administrators to lead confidently, strategically, and collaboratively as New York’s educational vision continues to evolve.

Participants will receive a copy of one of the books, The Landscape Model of Learning or Taming the Turbulence in Educational Leadership. Link to pick which book you would like will be available upon registration.

Please note: This program is part of the re-certification process for Lead Evaluators under 3012d with the amendments of 2019.

Target Audience: District and school building administrators
