Professional Learning Opportunities

This workshop explores the role of political parties in American democracy, with particular attention on partisan polarization in contemporary American politics. Among the questions to be examined are the following: Why do modern democracies have political parties and why does the United States have only two? What is the constitutional status of the parties (given that they are not mentioned in the Constitution)? How has the American party system changed over time? What function do parties play in our political system, both inside the government and outside it? What are the benefits, and disadvantages, of partisanship? Are there any advantages to stronger party organizations? Is there precedent for the polarization we're currently experiencing and, if so, how does polarization in the past compare to today's polarization? To what extent do closed primaries and partisan gerrymandering contribute to the problem? No Cost

We often hear that "gifted students will be fine on their own," but the reality is that high potential can remain hidden behind cultural differences, language barriers, or learning disabilities. We cannot refer what we don't recognize-and we can't recognize what students haven't had the opportunity to show. This session shifts the lens from "identifying giftedness" to "scouting for talent." We will move beyond traditional definitions to explore the nuances of asynchronous development and masking, specifically focusing on how giftedness manifests within often-overlooked subgroups, including Low-SES, BIPOC, 2E (Twice-Exceptional), and Multilingual Learners. Participants will engage in a collaborative deep dive into the characteristics of giftedness and the essential scaffolds needed to reveal student potential. The session culminates in a hands-on Design Time, where you will synthesize your learning to create a user-friendly Talent-Scouting Guide. This practical resource is designed for you to take back to your campus, empowering regular education teachers to see the brilliance in every learner and provide meaningful enrichment opportunities for all. Lunch on your own

Join fellow educators and administrators at the IU13 Conference and Training Center for a one-day, dynamic Student-Centered Learning Summit. This annual event features concurrent sessions, collaborative discussions, and dedicated action planning designed to support the transition to instruction grounded in student voice, ownership, and engagement. We are thrilled to welcome featured speakers Thomas C. Murray and John Meehan!Tom is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, current Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools, and former Bucks County district leader, Murray is known for blending authenticity with practical insight to help educators cultivate a thriving school district culture and revitalize classroom practices.John is a professional learning designer whose work aligns closely with the vision for Pennsylvania Student‐Centered Learning-emphasizing active participation, meaningful choice, real‐world challenge, and environments where learners collaborate, problem‐solve, and take the lead in showing what they know.Cost: Includes registration and lunch.* Educators from districts with SCL contractual agreements with IU13 - No Cost (Please choose option Act48)* Cabinet level administrators from an IU13 district/school - No Cost (Please choose option Act48)* IU13 Educators from districts without SCL contractual agreements with IU13 - $149 (Please choose option Act48 for Districts/Agency IU13 Area)* Non-IU13 Educators from districts without SCL contractual agreements with IU13 - $189 (Please choose option Act48 for Districts/Agency NOT IU13 Area) * Districts who participated in the SCL bundle package will be offered 50% off registration. * Districts who did not participate in the SCL cohort or bundle package will be offered a buy 2, get 1 free registration option.Early Bird Special Discount Rate if registered before June 30, 2026 - please click on the STAFF HOURS to register.

Teachers are invited to participate in a unique Educator Externship experience designed to connect classroom learning with real-world applications. During this immersive professional learning opportunity, educators will spend time at Wenger Group, gaining firsthand insight into workplace practices, in-demand skills, and emerging career pathways. Participants will explore how academic content translates to the workforce, build meaningful connections with industry professionals, and gather practical ideas to enhance classroom instruction. Educators will leave with greater confidence in preparing students for future careers, along with tangible strategies to bring authentic, career-connected learning back to their classrooms. The Wenger Group, Inc. is a leading Northeast family-owned organization in food and agriculture, headquartered in Pennsylvania. The company provides animal nutrition and feeds; specialty protein production, processing, and marketing; on-farm protein production services; and grain, fertilizer, and ingredient procurement. Cost: No Cost, Funded by the Lancaster County STEM Alliance Schedule Coffee and networking 8:30-9 Start time 9:00 End time 4:00 IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Closed-toe shoes are required. Please avoid wearing loose jewelry. If you have a backyard flock, you must shower and change into clean clothes prior to attending. Dresses are not permitted. Hard hats will be provided.

Teachers are invited to participate in a unique Educator Externship experience designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world applications. During this immersive professional learning opportunity, educators will spend time at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), gaining firsthand insight into workplace practices, in-demand skills, and emerging career pathways. Through this experience, participants will explore how academic content translates to the workforce, build meaningful connections with industry professionals, and gather practical ideas to enhance classroom instruction. Educators will leave with increased confidence in preparing students for future careers, along with tangible strategies to bring authentic, career-connected learning back to their classrooms. GSK is a global biopharma company dedicated to uniting science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. All participants are required to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants or have their legs fully covered. Please avoid wearing jewelry, and gum chewing will not be permitted during the tour. In addition, everyone must bring a valid photo ID for check-in upon arrival. Arrive: 8:00-8:30 Program begins promptly at 8:30 Day ends at 1:00 Act 48 hours: 5

Teachers are invited to participate in a unique Educator Externship experience designed to connect classroom learning with real-world applications. During this immersive professional learning opportunity, educators will spend time at Burnham Holdings, gaining firsthand insight into workplace practices, in-demand skills, and emerging career pathways. Participants will explore how academic content translates to the workforce, build meaningful connections with industry professionals, and gather practical ideas to enhance classroom instruction. Educators will leave with greater confidence in preparing students for future careers, along with tangible strategies to bring authentic, career-connected learning back to their classrooms. U.S. Boiler Company manufactures American-made hot water and steam boilers for hydronic heating systems. Lancaster operations include sheet metal fabrication, final assembly, distribution, and engineering. Collaborating closely with operations, the engineering team drives product innovation, designing and testing efficient boilers with advanced features to meet the demanding needs of residential and commercial customers. Important Information: Participants are required to wear safety glasses and a high-visibility vest (both provided by the host site), as well as long pants and closed-toe shoes. Cost: No Cost, Funded by the Lancaster County STEM Alliance

Teachers are invited to participate in a unique Educator Externship experience designed to connect classroom learning with real-world applications. During this immersive professional learning opportunity, educators will spend time within Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority (LCSWMA) gaining firsthand insight into workplace practices, in-demand skills, and emerging career pathways. Through this experience, participants will explore how academic content translates to the workforce, build meaningful connections with industry professionals, and gather ideas to enhance classroom instruction. Educators will leave with greater confidence in preparing students for future careers and with tangible strategies to bring authentic, career-connected learning back to their classrooms.

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