Services and Resources

Professional Development for Teachers and Guidance Counselors
Paraprofessional Training Institute
Special Education Resources
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LERU’s Professional development (PD) is integral to keeping guidance counselors updated on the latest research, techniques, and tools in counseling and education. As the needs of students evolve, so should the skills and knowledge of counselors. Our workshops are geared to increase the skills of new and seasoned guidance counselors: Choose from our menu of services.

LERU’s Professional Development Menu for Guidance Counselors:

Foundations of Modern Counseling

  • Counseling in the 21st Century
  • Integrative Counseling: Merging multiple theories for a more holistic approach.

Diversity & Inclusion in Counseling

  • Embracing Cultural Competence: Strategies for understanding and counseling diverse student populations.
  • Strategies for counseling students with special needs.
  • Techniques for supporting LGBTQ+ students by creating an inclusive environment.
  • Interventions for students dealing with trauma or significant life challenges.
  • Interventions for supporting students with disabilities.

Advancements in College & Career

  • Modern College Admissions: Understanding the changing landscape of tertiary education.
  • Digital Careers & Opportunities: Preparing students for the careers of tomorrow.
  • College admission trends.
  • Incorporating career assessment tools.
  • Approaches to aiding non-college-bound students in post-high school planning.

Digital Transformation in Counseling

  • E-counseling Best Practices: Navigating the world of online counseling.
  • Utilizing Tech Tools: Introduction to the latest apps and platforms to enhance counseling sessions.

Crisis Management & Intervention

Mental Health First Response:

  • Early detection and intervention techniques for mental health issues
  • Strategies for identifying students at risk.
  • Interventions for students with mental health challenges.
  • Collaborating with mental health professionals.
  • Building Resilience in Students: Equip students with tools to face adversities.

Research & Development in Counseling

  • Current Research Trends: Dive into the latest findings impacting the counseling profession.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: How to use data and analytics in guidance counseling.
  • Using data to determine the efficacy of interventions.
  • Gathering and analyzing data to make informed decisions about student needs.

Ethics & Integrity in Practice

  • Ethical Considerations in a Digital Age: Privacy, confidentiality, and boundaries in the online realm.

Continual Self-Assessment:

  • Ensuring personal biases and beliefs don’t influence professional practice.

Mindfulness and Self-Care

  • Techniques for personal well-being and avoiding burnout.
  • How to incorporate mindfulness into counseling sessions with students

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

  • Integrating SEL into the curriculum.
  • Strategies for promoting emotional intelligence.

Special Education and Inclusivity

Strategies for working with students with disabilities.

Professional Advocacy

  • Advocating for the role of guidance counselors in schools.
  • Building collaborative relationships with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders.
  • Effective communication skills.

School and Community Collaboration

  • Building relationships with community organizations.
  • Strategies for effective parent-teacher-counselor collaboration.

Tailored Workshops

Should you have unique challenges or needs, LERU offers custom-tailored workshops designed specifically for your institution. Engage with our experts to create a program that’s just right for you. Workshops are conducted via zoom or in person.

Transforming Classrooms and Student Lives through Resounding Paraprofessional Training

Over the past six years, we have been at the forefront of transforming classrooms and student lives across NYC public schools. Our resounding success in training over 700 paraprofessionals underscores our unwavering commitment to enhancing the educational landscape for students and staff.

Why Choose LERU to Train Your Paraprofessionals?

Comprehensive Training Program

  • Meticulously Designed: Bridges the gap between paraprofessionals and teachers.
  • Enhanced Capabilities: Elevates instructional capabilities, classroom management skills, and pedagogical understanding.
  • Career Preparation: Prepares paraprofessionals for more significant roles within the educational system.

Empowering Paraprofessionals

  • Extensive Training: 10-month program with weekly or monthly sessions, in person and via Zoom.
  • Role Clarity: Provides a thorough understanding of classroom roles, boosting confidence and effectiveness.
  • Alignment with Teachers: Ensures cohesive and seamless educational experiences for students.

Strengthening the Student-Paraprofessional Connection

  • Trust and Rapport: Emphasizes the connection between students and paraprofessionals.
  • Individual Needs: Enhances the ability to respond to individual needs, especially for students with disabilities.
  • Consistent Support: Ensures no student falls through the cracks.

Roles and Classifications Training

  • Diverse Classifications: Covers roles such as 1:1, 12:1:1, and Non-Specialized Designations (NSD).
  • IEP Understanding: Trains paraprofessionals on Individualized Education Programs for targeted support.
  • NEST Program: Incorporates principles for supporting students with autism spectrum disorder.

Proactive Approach to Student Success

  • Anticipate Needs: Equips paraprofessionals with skills to address student needs promptly.
  • Inclusive Environment: Particularly beneficial for students with disabilities.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Integration

  • SEL Strategies: Teaches implementation of SEL for a supportive classroom environment.
  • Emotional Management: Helps students manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions.

Proven Impact

  • Deepened Understanding: Paraprofessionals gain insight into the teaching process.
  • Career Advancement: Well-prepared to assist lead teachers and take on more responsibilities.
  • Improved Outcomes: Consistent, high-quality support leads to better student educational outcomes.

Ongoing Support and Collaboration

  • Follow-Up Sessions: Regular sessions to address challenges and reinforce learning.
  • Professional Network: Access to trained professionals for peer support and collaboration.
  • Up-to-date Curriculum: Training updated to reflect the latest educational trends and research.

Choose from Our Catalog of Professional Development

Join us in this transformative initiative. Choose from our extensive catalog of professional development programs and be the next school or district to transform your paraprofessionals. For more information on enrolling paraprofessionals in our program, please contact us here.

Let us make a significant impact on the quality of education in NYC public schools.

Thank you for your commitment to educational excellenc