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. Please Note: This 3-hour, self-paced course will be delivered via Schoology. Access links will be emailed on July 6, 2026. The course will remain open through August 3, 2026. Cost: Fully funded by STEM SSOS
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Computational Thinking: An Essential Skill – Asynchronous
Explore the fundamentals of computational thinking in this engaging and self-paced asynchronous workshop. Designed for educators across all content areas, this workshop unpacks the importance of computational thinking as a critical 21st-century skill and provides practical strategies for beginning to integrate it into your teaching practice. Participants will: * Reflect...
Explore the fundamentals of computational thinking in this engaging and self-paced asynchronous workshop. Designed for educators across all content areas, this workshop unpacks the importance of computational thinking as a critical 21st-century skill and provides practical strategies for beginning to integrate it into your teaching practice. Participants will: * Reflect on assumptions about computational thinking and its relevance. * Discover the core components of computational thinking * Understand why computational thinking is essential for students' success in both academic and real-world contexts * Learn how to intentionally incorporate computational thinking into their specific content area to develop computational thinkers in all classrooms. Time Commitment: Approximately 6 hours, self-paced Note: This 6-hour, self-paced course will be delivered via Schoology. Access links will be emailed on July 6, 2026. The course will remain open through August 3, 2026. Start Date: July 6, 2026 End Date: August 3, 2026 Cost: Fully funded by the 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. Please Note: This 3-hour, self-paced course will be delivered via Schoology. Access links will be emailed on July 6, 2026. The course will remain open through August 3, 2026. Cost: Fully funded by STEM SSOS
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Questioning That Builds Math Thinkers – (Asynchronous, 3 hours)
Questions are among the most powerful tools teachers use to support learning, yet many classroom questions focus on answers rather than thinking. In this course, participants will explore how purposeful questioning can promote mathematical reasoning, sense-making, and productive discourse. Through the lenses of cognitive demand and student thinking, participants will...
Questions are among the most powerful tools teachers use to support learning, yet many classroom questions focus on answers rather than thinking. In this course, participants will explore how purposeful questioning can promote mathematical reasoning, sense-making, and productive discourse. Through the lenses of cognitive demand and student thinking, participants will learn how to design, revise, and plan questions that reveal and advance student understanding. By the end of the course, participants will have developed practical strategies and tools for using questions more intentionally to support meaningful mathematics learning. This is a 3-hour asynchronous learning course through Schoology. The course will be open July 6, 2026 and close on August 3, 2026. Please note: Registration will close on July 5, 2026 Fully funded by STEM SSOS SOW
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Wenger Group Educator Externship – Invite Only!
Curriculum and Instruction/ IS
August 5, 2026
8:30 am to 4:00 pm
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...
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.
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GSK Educator Externship – Invite only!
Curriculum and Instruction/ IS
August 6, 2026
8:30 am to 1:00 pm
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...
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
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U.S. Boiler Company (Burnham Holdings) Educator Externship – Invite Only!
Curriculum and Instruction/ IS
August 7, 2026
8:00 am to 1:00 pm
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...
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
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LCSWMA Educator Externship – Invite Only!
Curriculum and Instruction/ IS
August 11, 2026
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
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...
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.
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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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LLVS Advisors’ Collaborative
Instructional Technology/ IS
September 10, 2026
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
As a member of Lancaster-Lebanon Virtual Solutions, it is important that those participating in the role of Advisor/Mentor to students meet on a regular basis to share ideas, challenges, updates, etc. *Please note this meeting is not eligible for ACT 48 credit.