Winter and Spring Professional Development Courses
Audience | BCBAs |
Presenter Name(s) | Lisa Gurdin MS, BCBA, LABA |
Presenter Bio(s) | For over 20 years, Lisa Gurdin MS, BCBA, LABA, (she/her) has been working with students, families, and school-based professionals with students from preschool to age 22 with a range of special needs and complex profiles. Ms. Gurdin supports educational professionals through consultation, student evaluations, and staff training. She works collaboratively with parents and school professionals to facilitate integrated supports across settings thereby maximizing behavior change and skill development. Ms. Gurdin also provides parent coaching to help parents implement behavioral strategies to improve behavior, encourage independence, and build stronger family relationships. Prior to starting her own private practice, she worked as the Clinical Coordinator for LABBB Collaborative in Massachusetts. In this role, she supervised a team of BCBAs, provided clinical oversight, managed home-based programming, consulted with school teams on complex cases in area school districts, conducted staff training, and provided ongoing consultation to classrooms across the collaborative. Ms. Gurdin is also a Part-Time Lecturer at Northeastern University. Before becoming an ACE Provider, she was the ACE Coordinator for the BCBA Roundtable at EDCO Collaborative in Massachusetts. As an ACE Provider, she coordinates and presents continuing education workshops for local school-based behavior analysts. When she is not working, she is taking care of her three children, ages 19, 17, and 13, and two dogs. |
Description | Join us the first Friday of every month to explore cutting edge topics specifically designed for BCBAs. Topics will include:
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Synchronous / Asynchronous | Synchronous and Asynchronous |
Location | Live via Zoom and On Demand Options |
Dates & Times | Fridays, November 1, December 6, 2024; January 3, February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2 and June 6, 2025 Sessions meet live via Zoom 12pm – 1:30pm with an optional Q & A from 1:30pm – 2:00pm All sessions are recorded and are available On Demand after the session |
PDPs | Participants can earn up to (14) CEs |
Credit | n/a |
Cost | $235 ACCEPT members/$285 non-members |
Registration Deadline | Rolling registration |
Additional Notes | Participants who enroll through ACCEPT will receive an email with additional details and a coupon code for accessing the courses and zoom links through Behavior Live. |
Audience | All Educators |
Presenter Name(s) | Friends Academy |
Presenter Bio(s) | |
Description | The 30-hour Orton-Gillingham Classroom Level training is for individuals who are looking for an introduction to the Orton-Gillingham approach. Participants include parents, administrators, and educators working in a classroom or with a small group. Topics include:
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Synchronous / Asynchronous | Live Sessions |
Location | Via Zoom |
Dates & Times | Tuesdays, February 4th, 11th and 25th and March 4th and 11th, 2025 ; 8:30am – 3:30pm |
PDPs | 30 PDPs |
Credits | n/a |
Cost | $1,000 ACCEPT members/$1,200 non-members |
REGISTRATION CLOSED
Audience | K – 12 Art Teachers |
Presenter Name(s) | Kathryn Lobo, ESL Teacher, Brown Middle School, Newton |
Presenter Bio(s) | Kathy Lobo, ESL teacher at the Brown Middle School in Newton Massachusetts, holds Professional Massachusetts Teaching Licenses in Art and English as a Second Language. Since 2013 she has been a Department of Education Trainer for RETELL SEI Teacher Endorsement courses. She earned a BFA from the University of the Arts and a certificate in traditional Chinese Painting from the Tianjin Fine Art College. She has experience teaching in private and public schools in the US and in International Schools overseas. Her artwork has been displayed in galleries and is part of collections in museums and libraries. |
Description | Art teachers are in a unique position in working with English Language Learners (ELs). The art classroom provides a welcoming and safe environment for English Language Learners to be able to express themselves, and the creation of art can prompt important oral language skills. Additionally, as art teachers often work with students over multiple years, they can be a source of support for EL students as they adjust to new classes from year to year. This workshop will allow us to explore how we can take advantage of hands-on strategies and activities specific to the art classroom that are effective with ELs. This course will consist of five face-to-face meetings. There will be some reading, writing and art creating assignments in between sessions. This workshop will include 2D and 3D art making such as collage, assemblage and book arts. We will also discuss simple strategies to adapt what you already do with your students to make your lessons more “EL friendly”. Materials for art-making will be provided, though participants are welcome to bring their own favorite materials. Upon completion, participants will leave with a deeper understanding of effective methods for working with ELs, an assortment of activities to use in their classrooms, and examples of art works they may use in their classroom. |
Synchronous / Asynchronous | Live in Person |
Location | ACCEPT Collaborative, 4 Tech Circle, Natick, MA |
Dates & Times | Tuesdays, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8 & 4/25; 4:00pm – 7:00pm Snow Date: 4/29/25 |
PDPs | 15 |
Credits | Participants may choose to apply for (1) optional graduate credit for an additional fee of $125 payable to Worcester State University. |
Cost | $295 ACCEPT members/ $355 non-members |
Registration Deadline | February 11, 2025 |
Audience | K-12 Teachers, Coaches and Specialists |
Presenter Name(s) | Kristin Osborne |
Presenter Bio(s) | Kristin Osborne is a former classroom teacher and literacy instructional coach who currently serves as a technical assistance provider for the Department of Education’s Inclusive Instruction and MTSS Tiered Literacy Academy in Massachusetts. Kristin has experience with professional learning workshops, book clubs, coaching, graduate courses, modeling, and planning support. She focuses on evidence-based comprehensive literacy instruction, inclusive of the science of reading. She has designed graduate courses on the science of reading, accelerating literacy, and literacy interventions. She has also created book guides and study group PLCs on topics such as the language of literacy, literacy block, and Overcoming Dyslexia. Kristin has also successfully led curriculum development projects in MA and has led multiple districts through a positive initial implementation process. |
Description | Revitalize your classroom dynamics with this interactive workshop on Total Participation and Increasing Student Engagement. Designed for educators, instructional coaches, and school leaders, this workshop provides practical strategies to ensure every student is actively involved and invested in their learning. Explore techniques that foster a vibrant, inclusive classroom environment where every student’s voice is heard and valued. |
Synchronous / Asynchronous | Virtual Live or Asynchronous (sessions recorded and emailed) |
Location | Live and Recorded via Zoom |
Dates & Times | Mondays, 3/17 & 3/24, 9:30am – 11:30am |
PDPs | 4 PDPs |
Credit | n/a |
Cost | $150 ACCEPT members/$180 non-members |
Registration Deadline | March 3, 2025 |
NOTE DATE CHANGE – NOW STARTING IN MARCH
Audience | K – 12 educators |
Presenter Name(s) | David Turo |
Presenter Bio(s) | David Turo is an English as a Foreign Language teacher with 25 years of successful experience with the Boston Public Schools. He regularly facilitates SEI Endorsement classes and is a firm believer that each student has something special that can be built upon. David also invests his time teaching ESOL classes to adults. |
Description | The ACCEPT Collaborative is a Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education approved provider of the SEI Teacher Endorsement course. Participants who successfully complete the course and its requirements will be eligible to receive the SEI Endorsement. The Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Teacher Endorsement course is designed to help equip teachers to address the needs of a multilingual and multicultural student population by training teachers in research-proven practices for working with English Learners (ELs). During the course, teachers are expected to practice instructional strategies grounded in SEI research both in the endorsement course and in their classrooms. Teachers will also be encouraged to sustain and develop their SEI practices over time through a variety of professional growth opportunities. This course is designed to promote continuous improvement in educator practice and to build teachers’ confidence and familiarity with instructional methodology for working with English Learners. |
Synchronous / Asynchronous | Live Sessions |
Location | via Zoom |
Dates & Times | Dates & Times: Tuesdays, 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3 & 6/10/25; 4pm – 7pm Capstone Presentations: 6/10 & 6/17/25; 4pm – 8pm Whole Class Make Up Sessions (if needed): Thursdays, 5/1, 5/22 & 6/12/25 |
PDPs | SEI endorsement and 67.5 PDPs |
Credits | Participants may choose to apply for (3) optional graduate credits for an additional fee of $375 payable to Worcester State University. |
Cost | $425 |
Registration Deadline | January 7, 2025 |
Audience | PreK – 12 Educators |
Presenter Name(s) | JoAnne Woods Young, M.ED Speaker, Counselor, Coach |
Presenter Bio(s) | JoAnne Woods Young is the best selling author of Stress Less for Student Success. JoAnne is a former high school counselor and college admissions representative. She is very aware of the stresses facing students today. She has traveled for the last 10 years speaking to high school and college students about best practices for stressing less and also Inspiring students to follow their dreams. JoAnnehas been chosen to be on the advisory board of several high schools in her area. She has a private practice in Easton MA where she works with students and adults on stress management as well as teaching Yoga and Meditation to kids. She holds a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology and a doctoral degree in CORE counseling. |
Description | Feeling like you are just getting through the day? Stress and burnout doesn’t have to derail you. This session will show you how to Refocus and Recharge daily. Providing fun interactive exercises, discussion and activities that can be put to use immediately to shift your perspective. You will leave feeling a stronger sense of calm, resilience and power in all areas. Implementing the tools provided will leave you feeling Uplifted and Inspired renewing your passion and purpose. |
Synchronous / Asynchronous | Synchronous |
Location | ACCEPT Collaborative, 4 Tech Circle, Natick |
Dates & Times | Friday, March 14, 2025 |
PDPs | 3 PDPs |
Credit | n/a |
Cost | $150 ACCEPT members/$180 non-members Team Rates Available |
Registration Deadline | February 28, 2025 |
Audience | PreK – 3 Teachers, Coaches and Specialists |
Presenter Name(s) | Kristin Osborne |
Presenter Bio(s) | Kristin Osborne is a former classroom teacher and literacy instructional coach who currently serves as a technical assistance provider for the Department of Education’s Inclusive Instruction and MTSS Tiered Literacy Academy in Massachusetts. Kristin has experience with professional learning workshops, book clubs, coaching, graduate courses, modeling, and planning support. She focuses on evidence-based comprehensive literacy instruction, inclusive of the science of reading. She has designed graduate courses on the science of reading, accelerating literacy, and literacy interventions. She has also created book guides and study group PLCs on topics such as the language of literacy, literacy block, and Overcoming Dyslexia. Kristin has also successfully led curriculum development projects in MA and has led multiple districts through a positive initial implementation process. |
Description | This graduate course will provide a scaffolded opportunity to learn more from foundational documents and key components of literacy as well as supplemental scholarly literature, tools, and activities that help to strengthen pedagogical practices and target interventions based on real live data. In addition to exploring resources on the site, learners will explore peer-reviewed research, critically examine their own literacy practice, reflect on the connections between identity, pedagogical practices, and new learning, and will design artifacts to leverage new learning using best practices in literacy, equity, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and MTSS.
Course Objectives & Learning Outcomes As a result of the learning experiences in the course, you will:
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Synchronous / Asynchronous | Virtual Live or Asynchronous (sessions recorded and emailed) & Asynchronous time online |
Location | Live and Recorded via Zoom; Online |
Dates & Times | Mondays & Tuesdays: Tuesday, 4/1; 12pm – 2pm Monday, 4/7; 9:30am – 11:30am Monday, 4/28; 9:30am – 11:30am Plus approximately (24) asynchronous hours |
PDPs | 30 PDPs |
Credit | Participants may choose to apply for 2 optional graduate credits |
Cost | $500 ACCEPT members/$600 non-members |
Registration Deadline | March 18, 2025 |
Audience | All Educators |
Presenter Name(s) | Friends Academy |
Presenter Bio(s) | Maryann Chatfield |
Description | The 30-hour Orton-Gillingham Classroom Level training is for individuals who are looking for an introduction to the Orton-Gillingham approach. Participants include parents, administrators, and educators working in a classroom or with a small group. Topics include:
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Synchronous / Asynchronous | Live Sessions |
Location | Via Zoom |
Dates & Times | Tuesdays, April 8th, April 15th, May 6th, May 13th & May 20th ; 8:30am – 3:30pm |
PDPs | 30 PDPs |
Credits | n/a |
Cost | $1,000 ACCEPT members/$1,200 non-members |
Registration Deadline | March 11, 2025 |
Audience | Grades 4 – 9 Teachers, Coaches and Specialists |
Presenter Name(s) | Kristin Osborne |
Presenter Bio(s) | Kristin Osborne is a former classroom teacher and literacy instructional coach who currently serves as a technical assistance provider for the Department of Education’s Inclusive Instruction and MTSS Tiered Literacy Academy in Massachusetts. Kristin has experience with professional learning workshops, book clubs, coaching, graduate courses, modeling, and planning support. She focuses on evidence-based comprehensive literacy instruction, inclusive of the science of reading. She has designed graduate courses on the science of reading, accelerating literacy, and literacy interventions. She has also created book guides and study group PLCs on topics such as the language of literacy, literacy block, and Overcoming Dyslexia. Kristin has also successfully led curriculum development projects in MA and has led multiple districts through a positive initial implementation process. |
Description | This graduate course will provide a scaffolded opportunity to learn more from foundational documents and key components of literacy as well as supplemental scholarly literature, tools, and activities that help to strengthen pedagogical practices and target interventions based on real live data. In addition to exploring resources on the site, learners will explore peer-reviewed research, critically examine their own literacy practice, reflect on the connections between identity, pedagogical practices, and new learning, and will design artifacts to leverage new learning using best practices in literacy, equity, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and MTSS. Course Objectives & Learning Outcomes As a result of the learning experiences in the course, you will:
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Synchronous / Asynchronous | Virtual Live or Asynchronous (sessions recorded and emailed) |
Location | Live and Recorded via Zoom; Online |
Dates & Times | Mondays, 5/5, 5/12 & 5/19; 9:30am – 11:30am Plus approximately (24) asynchronous hours |
PDPs | 30 PDPs |
Credit | Participants may choose to apply for 2 optional graduate credits |
Cost | $500 ACCEPT members/$600 non-members |
Registration Deadline | April 18, 2025 |
Audience | K-12 School Psychologists & anyone who administers the ADOS2 |
Presenter Name(s) | Dr. Rhiannon Luyster |
Presenter Bio(s) | Dr. Luyster is a developmental psychologist whose program of research focuses on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She has a longstanding interest in early social communication and language in ASD, and she is an author on the Toddler Module of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule – 2nd edition (ADOS-2). Her work has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, American Philosophical Society, Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, Organization for Autism Research, and Emerson College. Dr. Luyster has published her work in several peer-reviewed journals, including Developmental Psychology, Development & Psychopathology, Journal of Child Language, Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research, Autism Research, and Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. |
Description | In just two days, learn the potential uses of the ADOS-2 as part of a diagnostic evaluation for autism. You’ll have the opportunity to practice scoring while observing the instructor administer the ADOS-2 to a child with autism. The workshop focuses primarily on Modules 1 through 4, and attendees are given materials to study later to complete training in the Toddler Module. |
Synchronous / Asynchronous | Synchronous |
Location | ACCEPT Collaborative, 4 Tech Circle, Natick |
Dates & Times | May 19 and 20, 2025, 8:00am – 3:00pm |
PDPs | 12 CEs |
Credit | n/a |
Cost | $1,200 ACCEPT members/$1,400 non-members |
Audience | SPED Teachers, Team Chairs, Transition Leaders and anyone involved in the Transition process |
Presenter Name(s) | Presenters from Exceptional Lives |
Presenter Bio(s) | Marisa Howard-Karp, MS, Chief Operating Officer, Exceptional Lives Marisa Howard-Karp has spent her career focused on improving access to health care and education, including 15+ years providing professional development training to educators and social workers. As a parent and caregiver to four children with disabilities, she has been part of more than 40 IEP meetings (and counting) and has more experience than she wishes she needed navigating complex services and systems. She loves the work of making these systems easier for other families. She’s a non-profit lifer and a Georgia native who has made her home in the Boston area.
Julie McKinney, MS, Director of Training / Health Literacy Specialist, Exceptional Lives Julie McKinney has over 25 years of experience in health literacy, plain language, and adult education. She has deep expertise in writing information so it’s easy to understand, and has developed trainings for educators in clear communication. At Exceptional Lives, she ensures that our content is clear and friendly. She also works to strengthen relationships with community partners, and designs trainings that help them connect with families.
Julie also has experience parenting kids with ADHD, learning disabilities and significant intellectual disability. She has ushered her own children through schooling and transition to adulthood, and is committed to helping make this process easier for others. Her core view is that good relationships are the key to just about anything we hope for. |
Description | This workshop will cover strategies to help schools guide SPED families and students through transition planning, to help the student prepare for life after school. Participants will learn about the mindset and needs of families at this time and how to encourage ongoing discussions about the student’s future goals. We’ll also cover key parts of transition planning that parents will need to know, and share resources to help them engage in the process. After this session, attendees will be able to: 1. Identify and lower barriers families and students face in collaborating in the Transition Planning process. 2. Outline effective practices for transition planning that will lead to more engaged, satisfied families and successful student outcomes. 3. Find and use tools and resources to inform and engage families, and support successful Transition Planning. |
Synchronous / Asynchronous | Synchronous |
Location | Live via Zoom |
Dates & Times | Friday, May 16, 2025; 12pm – 2pm |
PDPs | 2 PDPs |
Credit | n/a |
Cost | $150 ACCEPT members/$189 non-members |
Registration Deadline | May 1, 2025 |
Audience | K – 12 Librarians |
Presenter Name(s) | Barbara Fecteau, Librarian, Beverly High School |
Presenter Bio(s) | Barbara Fecteau has been the library media specialist at Beverly High School since 2005. She is a senior visiting instructor of library media at Salem State University. She has been involved with the Massachusetts School Library Association and the Massachusetts Teen Choice Book Award and really needs to rein in her desire to do all the Massachusetts library things! When not librarianing, she enjoys swimming and watching soothing half-hour comedies. And reading, of course. |
Description | This workshop satisfies the requirement for 15 PDPs in Special Education for recertification. This professional development course, specifically created for School Librarians, focuses on the disability experience, disability law, teaching all learners, adaptive and assistive technology and school library accessibility. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:
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Synchronous / Asynchronous | Synchronous & Asynchronous |
Location | Live via Zoom and Online |
Dates & Times | Live via Zoom on Saturdays, May 3rd and May 31st from 9:00am – 12:00pm with an additional (9) asynchronous hours online |
PDPs | 15 |
Credit | 1 optional graduate credit available for an additional fee of $125 payable to Worcester State University |
Cost | $295 ACCEPT members/$355 non-members |
Registration Deadline | April 18, 2025 |
Audience | K – 12 SLPs |
Presenter Name(s) | Rebeca Rivera Rivera |
Presenter Bio(s) | Rebeca Rivera Rivera is a retired Bilingual (Spanish-English) Speech-Language Pathologist who worked for the Boston Public Schools for 31 years. While in BPS, she transitioned to Evaluation Team Facilitator for the District coordinating and leading the eligibility meetings for special education. After being an ETF for 4 years, Rebeca culminated her career by becoming the Bilingual Liaison for the Related Services Department. As a dual-language learner herself, Ms. Rivera Rivera has always been passionate about improving the related services for this population, particularly in the area of fair and valid evaluations. To this aim, she has created Professional Development on this topic so more Speech Language Pathologists will contribute to servicing this population as fairly as possible. Now as a retired SLP, living in her native Puerto Rico, she keeps in contact with the new generation of Speech Language Pathologists by giving lectures about Bilingualism and mentoring students. With more time in her hands she enjoys traveling and learning new skills like sewing. |
Description | During this professional development we will quickly review best practices to evaluate the dual-language student. We will delve deeper into fair assessment by discussing dynamic assessment and creating an informal task using the components of a mediated learning experience. Then, we will learn how to best collaborate with an interpreter by using the BID process. Lastly, we’ll talk about what you should include in the Speech-Language Evaluation Report of your DL student. |
Synchronous / Asynchronous | Synchronous |
Location | Virtual via Zoom |
Dates & Times | Wednesday, May 7, 2025; 11:30am – 2:30pm |
PDPs | 3 or .3 ASHA CEUs |
Credit | n/a |
Cost | $150 ACCEPT members/$180 non-members |
Registration Deadline | April 18, 2025 |
- Identify the current timelines related to the new IEP form to ensure proper implementation.
- Develop an understanding of the currently released IEP forms through direct exposure and practice scenarios.
- Understand the feedback related to the new IEP process and forms by the Early Adopter teams who piloted it early.
Price:
ACCEPT Member: $210
ACCEPT Non-Member: $250
Based on the popular work of master teacher mentors, Carol Pelletier (Mentoring in Action) and Lois Zachary (The Mentor’s Guide) and the MA DESE Mentoring Guidelines, this workshop is designed to provide practical and reflective principles and activities that help the teacher mentor maximize trust, collegiality, communication, reflection and personal growth with their mentee. The asynchronous format allows the mentor, to go at their own pace, while completing activities that will be useful in their mentoring journey.
This course focuses on the Effective Principles of Effective Mentoring as outlined in the work of Carol Pelletier in Mentoring in Action. This workshop lays the foundation for thoughtful, successful mentorship for either beginning teachers or teachers who are new to a district.
A second part of this course is being developed and will focus on the work of Lois Zachary (The Mentor’s Guide) and extends the 5 principles of effective mentoring into actionable practices for the mentor.
Pricing:
Member
- Single Registrant: $185
- District – 25 participants and below – $1560
- District – 26-100 participants – $1875
- District – 101-175 participants – $ 2030
- District – 176+ participants – $2340
Non-Member
- Single Registrant: $235
- District – 25 participants and below – $2600
- District – 26-100 participants – $3120
- District – 101-175 participants – $ 3510
- District – 176+ participants – $3900
This workshop is designed to help teachers and mentor teachers better understand the MA Teacher Evaluation System for the purpose of successful completion. The workshop is a step by step approach that allows participants to complete their own Educator Plan while completing the workshop.
The Four Focus Areas of the workshop include:
- Focus Area 1: Create a common understanding of the professional Standards for Educators and the Focus Indicators as defined by the DESE.
- Focus Area 2: Create strong student learning goals and action steps.
- Focus Area 3: Create strong professional practice goals and actions steps.
- Focus Area 4: Identify meaningful evidence and artifacts.
This course will take approximately 10 hours to complete.
Audience: Teachers who are unfamiliar with the Teacher Evaluation System or need a refresher, Mentor Teachers who are Assisting New Teachers through the Evaluation process.
Location: Online & Asynchronous
Earn: 10 PDPs
Pricing:
Member
- Single Registrant: $185
- District – 25 participants and below – $1560
- District – 26-100 participants – $1875
- District – 101-175 participants – $ 2030
- District – 176+ participants – $2340
Non-Member
- Single Registrant: $235
- District – 25 participants and below – $2600
- District – 26-100 participants – $3120
- District – 101-175 participants – $ 3510
- District – 176+ participants – $3900
In support of building instructional capacity and providing exemplary educational services for all students, ACCEPT has developed an affordable online paraprofessional training program. This program offers total flexibility, allowing participants to begin at any time during the year. Advanced tracking features also allow districts to see participants’ progress within each learning module to inform future professional development opportunities.
Each of the modules listed below requires approximately 2-3 hours to complete. They can be completed in any order. Our course utilizes the Blackboard online learning platform, one of the most widely used online course sites in higher education institutions. The ease-of-use and interactive features make this tool an invaluable resource to provide innovative professional development opportunities to your employees.
Pricing:
Member
- Less than 50 participants: $1460
- More than 50 participants: $1875
Non-Member
- Less than 50 participants: $2100
- More than 50 participants: $2600
Note: Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities: We want to provide the best learning experience for everyone in compliance of the ADA, should you require any accommodations to fully participate in this training please contact [email protected].