Instructional Support Services

The Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES Instructional Support Services Newsletter is your go-to hub for all things teaching! Packed with handpicked resources, tools, and fresh ideas, it's here to help you level up your teaching game and make learning more engaging and fun for your students. Here at ISS, we're all about creating a space where teachers can connect, swap ideas, and learn from each other. Whether you need support, resources, or just want to pitch a professional development idea, or share a great teaching moment, we're here for you. So don't be shy—reach out, and let's make teaching a collaborative endeavor!

Picture a classroom where learning isn't confined to desks and textbooks but dances freely through the air, fueled by excitement and discovery. That's right – movement and joy! We've been on a mission to infuse more fun into learning, and SEL, UDL, and the Science of Reading are all on board the movement train! From SEL's emphasis on holistic well-being to UDL's call for multiple means of engagement and the Science of Reading's nod to kinesthetic learning – they all champion the power of movement in education.

Our ISS team is striving to practice what we preach. Sign up for an upcoming professional development session, and let us know how we are doing and how we can improve!

Do you have a mini-bio like the one below that could use a bit more spark for your students? Don't hesitate to reach out to the ISS team for fresh ideas or simply as a sounding board. And if you've crafted an outstanding lesson, please share it with us so we can help spread the word! After all, teachers learn best from each other. Let's celebrate our pedagogical triumphs and learn from our less-than-perfect lessons. Remember, ISS is here to support you every step of the way.

Christopher Eckstrom, our Teacher Feature for this month, serves as a Teaching Assistant at Pathways and is an exemplary role model for both students and staff. Colleagues often regard Chris as one of the unsung heroes of the building. With 20 years of experience at BOCES, Chris demonstrates exceptional TA practices. Despite working with the most challenging population of behavioral students in our alternative education program, he brings joy and implements restorative practices into Pathways' In School Suspension Room. Chris prioritizes building positive relationships with students and has been ahead of the social-emotional learning (SEL) curve, incorporating restorative conversations and practices long before their widespread recognition. Let's continue to acknowledge his outstanding work! Enjoy a coffee on us, Chris.

If you see Chris out and about, be sure to ask him about his restorative practices and congratulate him on being our Teacher Feature!

If you know an educator or staff member deserving of recognition, the ISS team is ready to spotlight them!

Strategy Spotlight stars Danielle Monahan, Teacher of CTE instruction, and her partner in crime, Math Teacher Laura Mikus, were recently caught by a member of the ISS team implementing a strategy, Jigsaw, from our recent PD, "Engagement Strategies", and we want them to know that we noticed!

Awesome job, Danielle and Laura, for your contributions to our program and for setting an excellent example of co-teaching and implementing new strategies. Keep up the great work!

A special education teacher from Barringer took us up on the opportunity! Check out the below picture of her using her contract planning time in our quiet 'Planning Room.'

Booking a room at The Gateway Center is easy! Simply contact Amanda Chapple, in advance at 315-867-2077. She'll inform you of available spaces. Remember, ISS is here to support your needs, so don't hesitate to make the quick call.