Professional Learning Opportunities

In this workshop session, participants will delve into research-based strategies for effective vocabulary instruction. Participants will become familiar with identifying the three tiers of vocabulary words, selecting words to teach, and planning and implementing vocabulary strategies for students of all grade levels. The course covers key components of vocabulary development, including word knowledge, word learning strategies, and the role of context in understanding and using new words. Participants will learn how to create a language-rich environment, integrate vocabulary instruction across the curriculum, and use assessment tools to monitor student progress.

Participants will explore research-based strategies and instructional techniques to improve students' understanding and interpretation of spoken and written language. The course will cover essential comprehension skills and strategies such as making predictions and inferences, activating background knowledge, questioning text, drawing mental images, and synthesizing information. Participants will also learn methods to develop students' fluency, emphasizing accurate, paced, and expressive reading. By integrating practical activities, interactive lessons, and effective assessment tools, educators will gain the skills to support and advance students' oral and reading comprehension and fluency.

This 10-hour, Future-Ready Leadership: An Administrator's AI Playbook Act 45 workshop provides an essential framework, including strategies for instructional leadership, operational optimization, and strategic implementation of AI. In-Person Leadership Workshop (6 hours) This interactive session is focused on administrative strategy and hands-on tool evaluation: Practical Prompt Engineering: Learn to craft clear, effective prompts using the RAFTS framework to generate high-quality, relevant outputs from AI models. Live Demonstrations: See AI tools applied to real-world administrative challenges. Hands-on Evaluation: Assess leading AI tools (Gemini, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Magic School, SchoolAI, etc.) through the lens of a school leader. Job-Embedded Strategic Application (4 hours) Administrators will apply their learning directly to your administrative responsibilities by: Administrative AI Tool Evaluation: Test and evaluate at least two AI tools relevant to school management, exploring applications for communication, data analysis, or resource allocation. Strategic AI Implementation Plan: Reflect on your school's specific needs and draft a plan to integrate an AI tool to improve operations, support instruction, or boost student achievement. IU13 Coaching and Resource Support Cost IU13 Districts $149 Non IU13 Districts $199 Act 45 hours are available (please select Act 48 below) (10 total hours)

This full-day convening brings together the educators who have completed Muddy Boots training. Participants will reconvene to review, refine, and strengthen instructional materials developed for the Blue Green Connector field site and aligned to the new PA STEELS standards. Working in collaborative teams, teachers will engage in two rounds of structured peer review to elevate their draft lessons and learning experiences. With coaching support from an IU13 facilitator, participants will ensure strong alignment to PA STEELS standards while maximizing the rich learning opportunities available at the Marietta Avenue field station. By the end of the day, participants will finalize high-quality instructional resources that will be published on the Blue Green Connector and Lancaster County STEM Alliance websites-serving as model materials for educators across Pennsylvania seeking meaningful, standards-aligned field experiences. Participants will also be introduced to additional environmental literacy resources through PA DEP's Clean Water Academy, further expanding access to restored ecosystems and cutting-edge research for teachers and students throughout the region. This session offers a valuable opportunity to collaborate, network, and gain insight from peers while contributing to shared, high-impact educational resources. Participant Benefits: * $200 stipend per teacher (paid to school to support substitute costs) * Lunch provided both days * 6 Act 48 hours awarded upon completion

An immersive, three-day professional learning experience where educators explore stream restoration at the Blue Green Connector, design PA STEELS-aligned lessons, and collaborate to create high-quality outdoor learning resources for classroom and field use. Learning Objectives Participants will: Engage in hands-on field investigations connected to stream restoration and environmental research. Design and refine instructional materials aligned to PA STEELS standards using an authentic outdoor learning site. Collaborate with fellow educators to peer-review and strengthen lessons for classroom and field implementation. Contribute standards-aligned instructional resources to the Blue Green Connector website for regional educator access. Additional Information Open to 10 middle and high school educators in biology, earth science, environmental science, engineering, history, or STEM/STEAM fields. Days 1 & 2 - May 4 & 5, 2026: $450 stipend (paid to school for substitute costs) lunch provided, and 12 Act 48 hours. Day 3 - June 22, 2026: Optional paid summer collaboration day focused on lesson refinement and peer review alongside the October Muddy Boots cohort. Includes a $200 stipend paid directly to teachers and 6 additional Act 48 hours. 18 total Act 48 hours awarded upon completion of all three days.

Quarterly meetings will be held to review current information impacting school improvement initiatives, including: * Timely reminders regarding the submission of required documentation * A comprehensive overview of applicable requirements * Targeted technical assistance planning and collaboration among attendees Meetings will be held virtually at this link

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