Professional Learning Opportunities

This hands-on training will equip educators with the tools and knowledge to implement Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) in their classrooms. Participants will engage in outdoor field experiences, water quality testing, and discussions on local watershed issues, connecting environmental science to real-world learning. The workshop will provide practical strategies for integrating MWEEs into instruction, aligning with PA STEELS standards and fostering student inquiry. Educators will leave with resources, funding ideas, and action project guidance to enhance environmental literacy and student engagement.

Engage young learners in Technology & Engineering (T&E) standards through hands-on challenges, student-driven inquiry, and real-world problem-solving. Educators will explore strategies for effective STEM integration, analyze student engagement research, and collaborate on practical ways to implement STEELS-aligned T&E instruction. Discussions will focus on design thinking, engineering fundamentals, and assessment strategies tailored for elementary classrooms. Leave with classroom-ready resources to spark creativity and curiosity in K-5 students.

Administrators play a critical role in fostering engaging, inquiry-driven instruction. This workshop will equip leaders with tools to identify high-quality classroom practices, explore teacher and student roles in inquiry-based learning, and analyze videos and transcripts of real classroom interactions. Participants will engage with walk-through checklists, supervision continuums, and discussion protocols to enhance their ability to support and guide teachers. Gain practical strategies for promoting student-centered, sensemaking environments that align with our PA standards.

STEELS Institute 3.0 is designed to strengthen, empower, and energize district teams, providing educators with actionable instructional strategies, targeted tools for enhancing student engagement, and practical approaches to authentically connect classroom learning to real-world contexts. STEELS Institute 3.0 Strategic Focus: Classroom Site Visits: Experience STEELS-aligned instruction firsthand in K-12 classrooms to inform your own implementation. Data-Driven Implementation: Use clear, evidence-based methods to analyze student work and assessment data, guiding instructional decisions, and ensuring lasting improvements in student achievement. Micro-PD Modules: Collaboratively create short, targeted professional learning resources that support teachers across our districts. Integrating Science, Literacy, Social Studies, & Mathematics: Develop instructional strategies to intentionally connect science, literacy, and mathematics to promote deeper student understanding and authentic learning experiences. Cost: District Teams of up to 8 participants-recommended:at least 1 administrator plus elementary, middle, and high school teachers. IU13 School Districts (Lancaster & Lebanon Counties) - $2,250.00 on-IU13 districts (outside Lancaster & Lebanon Counties) - $3,250 **Districts will be invoiced at the conclusion of the four days for the District team amount not per attendee.** Additional Information: Lunch is provided Please bring a charged device (laptop/tablet etc.) Participant emails will be shared with Platinum and Gold level sponsors of the STEELS Institute 3.0 Participant emails will be shared with Platinum and Gold level sponsors of the STEELS Institute 3.0

"Deepen student learning by refining how Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) are implemented in the classroom. This workshop will explore high-leverage strategies that push students beyond surface-level engagement, fostering critical thinking, persistence, and inquiry-driven learning. Through video case studies, instructional reflections, and lesson adaptations, educators will analyze and apply a continuum of SEP implementation to ensure all students engage in meaningful, rigorous science experiences. Walk away with actionable strategies and tools to enhance sensemaking and elevate student discourse. "

Take your understanding of phenomena-based learning to the next level with this interactive workshop designed to refine instructional strategies and student engagement. Educators will explore different categories of phenomena, develop essential and driving questions, and analyze high-leverage practices that support sensemaking. Through hands-on activities, lesson analysis, and collaborative discussions, participants will gain practical tools for integrating phenomena-driven instruction into their classrooms. Walk away with classroom-ready strategies that foster deeper inquiry, curiosity, and real-world connections for students.

STEELS Institute 3.0 is designed to strengthen, empower, and energize district teams, providing educators with actionable instructional strategies, targeted tools for enhancing student engagement, and practical approaches to authentically connect classroom learning to real-world contexts. STEELS Institute 3.0 Strategic Focus: Classroom Site Visits: Experience STEELS-aligned instruction firsthand in K-12 classrooms to inform your own implementation. Data-Driven Implementation: Use clear, evidence-based methods to analyze student work and assessment data, guiding instructional decisions, and ensuring lasting improvements in student achievement. Micro-PD Modules: Collaboratively create short, targeted professional learning resources that support teachers across our districts. Integrating Science, Literacy, Social Studies, & Mathematics: Develop instructional strategies to intentionally connect science, literacy, and mathematics to promote deeper student understanding and authentic learning experiences. Cost: District Teams of up to 8 participants-recommended:at least 1 administrator plus elementary, middle, and high school teachers. IU13 School Districts (Lancaster & Lebanon Counties) - $2,250.00 on-IU13 districts (outside Lancaster & Lebanon Counties) - $3,250 **Districts will be invoiced at the conclusion of the four days for the District team amount not per attendee.** Additional Information: Lunch is provided Please bring a charged device (laptop/tablet etc.) Participant emails will be shared with Platinum and Gold level sponsors of the STEELS Institute 3.0 Participant emails will be shared with Platinum and Gold level sponsors of the STEELS Institute 3.0

Explore how three-dimensional assessments can drive deeper learning and accurately measure student understanding in STEELS-aligned classrooms. This workshop will examine formative and summative assessment strategies, emphasizing phenomena-based tasks that engage students in authentic scientific inquiry. Educators will analyze assessment criteria, develop performance tasks, and explore effective feedback strategies that support student growth. Through collaborative discussions and hands-on activities, participants will leave with practical tools to enhance assessment practices and improve learning outcomes.

Deepen student learning by refining how Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) are implemented in the classroom. This workshop will explore high-leverage strategies that push students beyond surface-level engagement, fostering critical thinking, persistence, and inquiry-driven learning. Through video case studies, instructional reflections, and lesson adaptations, educators will analyze and apply a continuum of SEP implementation to ensure all students engage in meaningful, rigorous science experiences. Walk away with actionable strategies and tools to enhance sensemaking and elevate student discourse.

Bridge the gap between elementary and secondary Technology & Engineering (T&E) education with a K-12 collaborative workshop focused on effective STEM implementation. Educators will explore high-impact instructional strategies, hands-on design challenges, and student engagement techniques that align with STEELS standards. Discussions will center on vertical alignment, real-world problem-solving, and best practices for fostering inquiry-driven learning at all grade levels. Walk away with practical resources, lesson adaptations, and strategies to strengthen STEM and T&E instruction across K-12 classrooms.