Noncredit Teacher Education Offerings at MCC

Educator Curriculum & Instruction

The PDP courses below dive into 9 classes on Curriculum and Instruction, English Language learners, Inclusive instruction and Leadership and Administration. The classes align tightly with Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, DESE High Quality Professional Development and school improvement plans. Modules are linked and can run together as a complete Professional Development course – 9 classes/18 PDPs or choose 5 classes/10 PDPs.

Module 1

Designing Rigorous Standards-Aligned Units and Lessons

Creating learning experiences to build deep conceptual understanding that is intentionally mapped to grade-level standards will be discussed. The goal is to challenge students higher-order thinking, and to apply them to realworld situations while ensuring equitable and measurable instruction with clear objectives and aligned assessments. (2 hours) $37

January 29, 2026   
6:00pm – 8:00pm Thursday
Online with class meeting time
Course Number: CAR 524 30 CRN: 20499
Professor: MINASIAN

Using HQIM: Selection, Adaptation, Fidelity Vs. Flexibility

Using High Quality Instructional Materials involves thoughtful selection of materials that can be adapted to meet student needs while balancing fidelity and flexibility to adjust context, pacing, and differentiation. (2 hours) $37

February 5, 2026
6:00pm – 8:00pm Thursday
Online with class meeting time
Course Number: CAR 525 30 CRN: 20501
Professor: MINASIAN

Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Pedagogy

Culturally and linguistically sustaining pedagogy - creates an inclusive classroom environment with a deep value on the student perspective. Instruction has a meaningful connection to student personal experiences. (2 hours) $37

February 12, 2026
6:00pm – 8:00pm Thursday
Online with class meeting time
Course Number: CAR 526 30 CRN: 20500
Professor: MINASIAN

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Module 2

Differentiation Strategies for Diverse Learners

Differentiation strategies for diverse learners: (English learners, students with disabilities and advanced learners) involve multiple pathways to access content, engage with learning, and demonstrate understanding to ensure equity for all learners. Scaffolding lessons, providing accommodations, and lesson extensions are all part of tailoring instruction to meet and strengthen the needs while maintaining high expectations for all. (2 hours) $37

February 26, 2026
6:00pm – 8:00pm Thursday
Online with class meeting time
Course Number: CAR 527 30 CRN: 20502
Professor: MINASIAN

Formative Assessment and Feedback Cycles

These are ongoing checks for understanding that inform and guide student learning. Feedback needs to be timely, and specific to help students reflect, adjust and take ownership of their progress towards mastery. (2 hours) $37

March 5, 2026
6:00pm – 8:00pm Thursday
Online with class meeting time
Course Number: CAR 528 30 CRN: 20503
Professor: MINASIAN

Data Driven Instruction and Progress Monitoring

Data-driven instruction and progress monitoring - they inform instructional decisions, target interventions, and adjust teaching strategies. It is a continuous cycle to ensure responsive and aligned instruction for student growth and learning goals. (2 hours) $37

March 12, 2026
6:00pm – 8:00pm Thursday
Online with class meeting time
Course Number: CAR 529 30 CRN: 20504
Professor: MINASIAN

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Module 3

SEI/ESL Best Practices

Integrating SEI/ESL best practices - embedding language development into content instruction through multiple strategies like: scaffolding, visuals, modeling, and opportunities for structured academic talk. These best practices give the English Learners an opportunity to build both content knowledge and English proficiency. (2 hours) $37

March 19, 2026
6:00pm – 8:00pm Thursday
Online with class meeting time
Course Number: CAR 530 30 CRN: 20505
Professor: MINASIAN

Collaborative Lesson Planning and Teacher Teams

Collaborative lesson planning - brings educators together to co-design standards-aligned instruction that employs collective expertise and diverse perspectives. This process fosters consistency, innovation, and shared responsibility for student success across classrooms and grade levels. (2 hours) $37

March 26, 2026
6:00pm – 8:00pm Thursday
Online with class meeting time
Course Number: CAR 531 30 CRN: 20506
Professor: MINASIAN

Leadership for Instruction: How Coaches/Principals/ Site Directors Support Classroom Practice

Leadership for instruction: how coaches/principals/site directors support classroom practices – Through clear vision, modeling effective strategies, and offering targeted feedback, leadership can empower educators to refine practice and improve outcomes. (2 hours) $37

April 2, 2026
6:00pm – 8:00pm Thursday
Online with class meeting time
Course Number: CAR 532 30 CRN: 20507
Professor: MINASIAN