New anti-bullying training required
All education professionals applying for certification are now required to complete six hours of coursework on how to prevent and respond to harassment, bullying and discrimination. The training is required under the Dignity for All Students Act signed into law two years ago.
All candidates for a certificate or license for an administrative or supervisory service, classroom teaching service (including applicants for professional certificates), or school service (including teaching assistants) must complete this training.
A list of approved providers can be found at www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/dasa-applicant.html. Individuals may also check with local BOCES, colleges that offer teacher education programs and teacher centers.
This training is available only from a provider approved by the New York State Education Department. Upon completion of the workshop, educators will receive a certification of completion. A copy of that certificate must be sent to the Office of Teaching Initiatives, RM 5N, 89 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12334. Photocopies are acceptable.
The training is already part of curriculum requirements for students currently enrolled in state-registered programs leading to certification.
Teachers, custodians can support healthy schools day
Tip sheets for classroom teachers and custodians to support National Healthy Schools Day on April 8 are available at www.nationalhealthyschoolsday.org. Information includes products to avoid in schools, such as aerosol sprays, plug-in deodorizers and scented hand sanitizers; use of disinfectants should be minimized as soap and water remove most germs. Tip sheets for custodians include how to evaluate the health of school buildings and how to inventory cleaning products.