Professional Learning Opportunities
Welcome to the IU13’s professional learning offerings from the Educational Technology and Teaching and Learning Collaborative teams!
Discover tailored professional learning opportunities, easily filtered by category below or explore our calendar on Frontline for a wide variety of sessions designed to elevate your skills.
For more information or to initiate collaboration, please contact our Educational Technology team or our Teaching and Learning Collaborative team.
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Are We Helping or Hindering? Preserving Mathematical Thinking – Asynchronous
In our effort to support students, we often add structure, templates, step-by-step guides, and organizational tools. But when does support clarify thinking-and when does it quietly reduce it? This workshop explores the purpose and impact of scaffolding in the mathematics classroom. We will examine the difference between scaffolding content and...
In our effort to support students, we often add structure, templates, step-by-step guides, and organizational tools. But when does support clarify thinking-and when does it quietly reduce it? This workshop explores the purpose and impact of scaffolding in the mathematics classroom. We will examine the difference between scaffolding content and scaffolding executive functioning, identify signs of overscaffolding, and redesign a task to preserve cognitive demand while removing unnecessary barriers. The goal is not to remove support, but to use it with intention, so that scaffolds build independence rather than dependence. Cost: Fully funded by STEM SSOS
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Precision Matters: Building Mathematical Language to Deepen Thinking – Asynchronous
Precise mathematical language is not just about vocabulary-it is a tool for thinking, reasoning, and communicating mathematically. Research suggests classrooms where teachers consistently use and press for precise math vocabulary see stronger student learning gains, particularly when vocabulary is integrated with discussion, reasoning, and visual representations. This workshop explores how...
Precise mathematical language is not just about vocabulary-it is a tool for thinking, reasoning, and communicating mathematically. Research suggests classrooms where teachers consistently use and press for precise math vocabulary see stronger student learning gains, particularly when vocabulary is integrated with discussion, reasoning, and visual representations. This workshop explores how mathematical language supports conceptual understanding, discourse, and reasoning, aligned with the Standards for Mathematical Practice. Cost: Fully funded by STEM SSOS
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Are We Helping or Hindering? Preserving Mathematical Thinking – Asynchronous
In our effort to support students, we often add structure, templates, step-by-step guides, and organizational tools. But when does support clarify thinking-and when does it quietly reduce it? This workshop explores the purpose and impact of scaffolding in the mathematics classroom. We will examine the difference between scaffolding content and...
In our effort to support students, we often add structure, templates, step-by-step guides, and organizational tools. But when does support clarify thinking-and when does it quietly reduce it? This workshop explores the purpose and impact of scaffolding in the mathematics classroom. We will examine the difference between scaffolding content and scaffolding executive functioning, identify signs of overscaffolding, and redesign a task to preserve cognitive demand while removing unnecessary barriers. The goal is not to remove support, but to use it with intention, so that scaffolds build independence rather than dependence. Cost: Fully funded by STEM SSOS
Read More
Precision Matters: Building Mathematical Language to Deepen Thinking – Asynchronous
Precise mathematical language is not just about vocabulary-it is a tool for thinking, reasoning, and communicating mathematically. Research suggests classrooms where teachers consistently use and press for precise math vocabulary see stronger student learning gains, particularly when vocabulary is integrated with discussion, reasoning, and visual representations. This workshop explores how...
Precise mathematical language is not just about vocabulary-it is a tool for thinking, reasoning, and communicating mathematically. Research suggests classrooms where teachers consistently use and press for precise math vocabulary see stronger student learning gains, particularly when vocabulary is integrated with discussion, reasoning, and visual representations. This workshop explores how mathematical language supports conceptual understanding, discourse, and reasoning, aligned with the Standards for Mathematical Practice. Cost: Fully funded by STEM SSOS
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Math Practices in Action: Designing Lessons for Deeper Learning
How can we design math lessons that foster deep, meaningful thinking? In this interactive professional learning experience, we'll dive into the Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMPs) to explore their impact on student learning. You'll gain a deeper understanding of these essential practices and apply them to refine or create lessons...
How can we design math lessons that foster deep, meaningful thinking? In this interactive professional learning experience, we'll dive into the Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMPs) to explore their impact on student learning. You'll gain a deeper understanding of these essential practices and apply them to refine or create lessons that promote mathematical reasoning, discourse, and sense-making. Walk away with practical strategies and ready-to-use lesson ideas that empower students to think and reason like mathematicians! Virtual Synchronous: August 4th on Zoom 8:30-11:30 (link will be provided) Asynchronous work due in two parts Part 1: August 8, 2025 which includes learning and application Part 2: August 12, 2025 which includes gallery walk, reflection, and feedback Cost: Fully funded by STEM SSOS
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Problem-Based Mathematics: Planning Engaging Units
Mathematics/ IS
December 3, 2026 Series
8:30 am to 3:30 pm
"Show students the magic in math through real-world problem-solving." Math comes to life when it's seen as a tool for understanding the world. This learning experience, facilitated by coaches from New Tech Network, draws on their nationally recognized expertise in supporting schools with high-quality, problem-based, student-centered learning. You'll learn to...
"Show students the magic in math through real-world problem-solving." Math comes to life when it's seen as a tool for understanding the world. This learning experience, facilitated by coaches from New Tech Network, draws on their nationally recognized expertise in supporting schools with high-quality, problem-based, student-centered learning. You'll learn to design open-ended problems that spark critical thinking, plan lessons that build problem-solving skills, and foster collaboration that makes math learning more meaningful. Cohort Dates: October 7, 2026 | October 8, 2026 | October 21, 2026 | November 19, 2026 | December 3, 2026 | February 9, 2027 Cost: Fully funded by the Lancaster County STEM Alliance Lunch on your own
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