Professional Learning Opportunities

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

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 Start Date: June 8, 2026 End Date: June 30, 2026 Cost: Fully funded by the STEM SSOS.

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

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

This workshop is designed for administrators, principals, assistant principals, and instructional coaches, providing resources to demonstrate leadership, support educators, and promote student-centered learning. Participants will learn to use tools like walk-through forms, success criteria, action planning tools, and feedback forms to guide coaching conversations and enhance instructional practices. *Participants invited to attend by their district under an established contract are welcome to register at no additional cost (costs are already included in the established contract). For participants who want to attend a workshop outside of a previously established district contract, the cost is $79 for IU13 district participants and $99 for non-IU13 district participants.

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

The SCL professional learning series begins with this 2-day 'Foundations of Student-Centered Learning' workshop. Attendees will explore personalized strategies for small group, independent, and collaborative work, departing with practical tools for immediate application tailored for their specific grade level and content area. *Participants who are invited to attend by their district under an established contract are welcome to register at no additional cost (costs are already included in the established contract). For participants who want to attend the 2 day series outside of a previously established district contract, the cost for IU13 Schools/Districts is $399 per a person and Non-IU13 Schools/Districts is $424 per a person.

Join us for an interactive workshop aimed at empowering school administrators in their supervision and evaluation of mathematics instruction. Participants will explore the latest research and perspectives in math education, equipping them with the knowledge to identify high-quality practices. Through collaborative discussions and practical activities, administrators will learn to critically evaluate math instruction, focusing on measures of quality and student success. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to create customized evaluation and feedback materials tailored to their specific educational contexts. This hands-on workshop encourages sharing of experiences and strategies among peers to foster a supportive learning community. By the end of the session, participants will leave with actionable tools and insights to enhance their leadership in mathematics education. Join us to elevate the quality of math instruction in your school! Brought to you by IU13 in collaboration with IU12. Dates: Prework will be available beginning June 15, 2025 In Person - July 7, 2025, 8:30 - 3:30pm at IU13 (65 Billerbeck St., East Berlin, PA Synchronous Virtual 1: July 14, 2025 8:00 - 11:00 on Zoom Synchronous Virtual 2: July 22, 2025 8:00 - 11:00 on Zoom Cost: - $250.00 Act 45 Hours: 25 hours Act 48 Hours: 25 hours

Join us for an interactive workshop aimed at empowering school administrators in their supervision and evaluation of mathematics instruction. Participants will explore the latest research and perspectives in math education, equipping them with the knowledge to identify high-quality practices. Through collaborative discussions and practical activities, administrators will learn to critically evaluate math instruction, focusing on measures of quality and student success. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to create customized evaluation and feedback materials tailored to their specific educational contexts. This hands-on workshop encourages sharing of experiences and strategies among peers to foster a supportive learning community. By the end of the session, participants will leave with actionable tools and insights to enhance their leadership in mathematics education. Join us to elevate the quality of math instruction in your school! Brought to you by IU13 in collaboration with IU12. Dates: Prework will be available beginning June 15, 2025 In Person - June 29, 2026, 8:30 - 3:30pm at IU13 (1020 New Holland Ave, Lancaster, 17601) Synchronous Virtual 1: July 14, 2026 8:00 - 11:00 on Zoom Synchronous Virtual 2: July 22, 2026 8:00 - 11:00 on Zoom Cost: - $250.00 Act 45 Hours: 25 hours Act 48 Hours: 25 hours

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)