About Us
In the summer of 2011 the Sachem Central Teachers Association (SCTA) realized, as the district's teachers' Union, that more needed to be done regarding Professional Development opportunities. As a result, it was decided that a non-for-profit corporation run by educators would be created, sponsored and directed by the SCTA to fill this niche. This was the start of Sachem Professional Development Inc. (SPDI). Since that time SPDI has fast become a reputable and competitive regional Professional Development Center serving teachers seeking high quality and affordable Graduate and In-service credit. As a non-for-profit corporation run by educators we "get it" - that most teachers seeking Graduate and In-service credit tend to be newly minted teachers.
Generally, it is this group that is the least likely to afford the expense of enrolling in a class, nor can they afford the time commitment of sitting in a traditional classroom environment. As a result, SPDI looks to serve this population by keeping costs low and offering many online courses - both in-service and graduate - so that one may complete these essential courses at one's own pace. The net benefit of serving this niche market is clear and it truly provides a service few can offer. Please note, although we offer online courses, we still offer many "face-to-face" courses in a traditional classroom setting.
As a non-for-profit corporation we run a "lean machine" and are committed to keep costs down in all aspects of our business so that our courses can be within reach economically to the largest segment of the population that needs quality Professional Development courses while meeting the required NYSED standards. We welcome other school districts to subscribe to our on-line course catalog via My Learning Plan. Additionally, by "opening up" our catalog and making it directly available to teachers, your district will be earn the benefit of subscriber pricing versus regular pricing for our courses. A savings of $25 per course.
It is amazing how My Learning Plan (MLP) has quickly become the de facto standard of web-based educator evaluation and professional learning data management solutions in many K-12 school districts throughout the United States and around the world. SPDI was also quick to recognize the utility of MLP and was among the first in New York to embrace their technology. As a result SPDI is able to efficiently and expeditiously process your enrollment – from viewing our online catalog, registering, getting district course approval, paying for your courses by credit card and, finally, sending the information of the completed activity back to your school district. This is just another reason why so many teachers and school districts are finding SPDI a perfect solution to their Professional Development needs.
Although technology is used extensively to run SPDI, we also recognize the human element is still vital in handling the nuances of the enrollment process. Any questions or issues will be gladly be handled over the phone – (631) 488-0640. Of course, e-mail works too – info@ispdi.com. And, if you need to send a fax, our fax number is (631) 270-9363. So, whether it's juggling course enrollments, missed deadlines, or technical issues, we are there to help. Again, SPDI is proud to have been approved by NYSED as a Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) Sponsor. What this means to you, and your district, is that ALL of our courses are in full compliance with the recently passed Section 80-6 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.
In closing, we wish you all the best in your educational pursuits and, hopefully, that will include SPDI.
Very truly yours,
Nicholas Antonucci
Executive Director
Sachem Professional Development Inc.(SPDI)
The SPDI Board Members:
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Matthew Rivera - President
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Jennifer Vetter - Treasurer
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Dr. Frank Scricco - Board Member | President of the Sachem Central Teachers Association (SCTA)
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Marjorie Ayasse - Board Member | Vice-President of the Sachem Central Teachers Association (SCTA)
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Eugene Higgins - Board Member | Vice-President of the Sachem Central Teachers Association (SCTA)
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Maryellen Scarola - Board Member | Vice-President of the Sachem Central Teachers Association (SCTA)
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Tiffany Seyfert - Board Member | Vice-President of the Sachem Central Teachers Association (SCTA)
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Jon Weston - Board Member | Vice-President of the Sachem Central Teachers Association (SCTA)