New England League of Middle Schools

Earn graduate-level credit from Plymouth State for successful completion of New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS) two-day professional development events or participation at NELMS conferences. Visit the NELMS Web site for a calendar of events.

Did you know that you can combine your NELMS coursework with additional graduate courses to earn your Master of Education degree from Plymouth State? Learn more.

Tuition Information

Graduate credit is available to NELMS professional development event attendees at a rate of $165 per credit plus a $25 administrative fee per registration.

Earn Graduate Credit for NELMS Professional Development Opportunities

1. Register, pay for, and participate in a NELMS conference or two-day professional development event. Course options include:
   • NELMS Courses
   • 3
     ED 5310 Young Adolescent Learning
     Participants will develop a clear vision of what comprises effective teaching at the middle level and learn strategies that address many challenges classroom educators face every day. This information is the foundation for making solid decisions throughout an educational career. This course is designed for participating middle level educators who want to develop tools to more effectively teach young adolescents. Participants will have certain latitude to investigate topics and strategies that will have the greatest individual meaning. Practical, meaningful and appropriate learning practices are the foundations of these courses.
   • 3
     ED 5320 Active Learning Classrooms
     Participants will explore all aspects of developing an instructional plan from accessing and building prior knowledge to making connections across the curriculum. The focus will be design strategies that engage each student in the processes of learning. This course is designed for participating middle level educators who want to develop tools to more effectively teach young adolescents. Participants will have certain latitude to investigate topics and strategies that will have the greatest individual meaning. Practical, meaningful and appropriate learning practices are the foundations of these courses.
   • 3
     ED 5330 Personalized Learning
     A meaningful relationship among faculty and students enhances academic achievement. Creating personalization of student learning, developing student ownership and responsibility in a school through an advisory, supports students? affective and academic needs. Personal connections are necessary for successful middle level learning. This course is designed for participating middle level educators who want to develop tools to more effectively teach young adolescents. Participants will have certain latitude to investigate topics and strategies that will have the greatest individual meaning. Practical, meaningful and appropriate learning practices are the foundations of these courses.
   • 3
     ED 5340 Differentiating Middle Level Instruction
     This course will guide participants from planning to practice of differentiated instruction at the middle level. Participants should bring a teacher's edition and any ancillary materials so that they can plan lessons or a unit of work. Teams will have the opportunity to develop an integrated unit of work. This course is designed for participating middle level educators who want to develop tools to more effectively teach young adolescents. Participants will have certain latitude to investigate topics and strategies that will have the greatest individual meaning. Practical, meaningful and appropriate learning practices are the foundations of these courses.
   • 3
     ED 5350 Formative Assessment
     This course is designed to examine current classroom assessment strategies used to check students' prior knowledge before beginning instruction and to check what they are really learning. Bring unit and/or lesson assessment you are currently using or have used. Students will incorporate the use of formative assessment strategies to guide instruction and improve student learning. This course is designed for participating middle level educators who want to develop tools to more effectively teach young adolescents. Participants will have certain latitude to investigate topics and strategies that will have the greatest individual meaning. Practical, meaningful and appropriate learning practices are the foundations of these courses.
   • 3
     ED 5360 Developing Quality Educational Teams
     Designed to help educators create teams that are terrific, this course addresses the question of what teams should be doing to improve student learning. Team protocols, qualities of excellence, and key teaming practices will be modeled and identified. Participants will have a deeper understanding of what is needed for teacher teams to assist each young adolescent student to learn to high levels. This course is designed for participating middle level educators who want to develop tools to more effectively teach young adolescents. Participants will have certain latitude to investigate topics and strategies that will have the greatest individual meaning. Practical, meaningful and appropriate learning practices are the foundations of these courses.
   • 3
     ED 5370 NELMS Leadership Institute
     Participants will expand their leadership capacity and learn about the tools necessary for leaders to be successful at the school or district level. This interactive Institute is based on "Breaking Ranks in the Middle" (BRIM) concepts and includes modeling, reflecting and transferring knowledge. Participants will earn what works in schools where young adolescents learn to high levels. This course is designed for participating middle level educators who want to develop tools to more effectively teach young adolescents. Participants will have certain latitude to investigate topics and strategies that will have the greatest individual meaning. Practical, meaningful and appropriate learning practices are the foundations of these courses.
   • 3
     ED 5500 Special Topics
     An in-depth study of a particular topic, contemporary issue, or concern. The course will be taught by a specialist within the field being studied or as an alternative methodology. A faculty member will coordinate a series of guest speakers who will meaningfully address the topic. Since topics vary, the course may be repeated with permission of the instructor.
   • 3
     ED 5910 Independent Study
     Enrichment of the background of students in education through the pursuit of a special topic pertinent to their interests and abilities. A chance for an in-depth study of a problem in the field of education. Consent of a faculty supervisor, department chair and the Associate Vice President is required.
2. Return the Plymouth State registration form for each course completed and full tuition payment along with a copy of your NELMS receipt for enrollment at a professional development event or conference.
   • ED 5310 Young Adolescent Learning
   • ED 5320 Active Learning Classrooms
   • ED 5340 Differentiating Middle Level Instruction
   • ED 5350 Formative Assessment
   • ED 5360 Developing Quality Educational Teams
   • ED 5370 NELMS Leadership Institute
   • ED 5500 Annual Conference
   • ED 5500 Literacy Summit
   • ED 5500 Planning For Discipline
   • ED 5500 Summer Conference
3. Once your paperwork has been received and you have been registered, a confirmation e-mail will be sent to you.

Submit completed registration materials to:

Plymouth State University
College of Graduate Studies, MSC 11
ATTN: NELMS Registrations
17 High Street
Plymouth NH 03264-1595

Questions? Contact gradpartnerships@plymouth.edu for additional information.