Professional Learning Opportunities

Why do students forget what they've learned-and what can educators do to help them retain and apply knowledge more effectively? This session delves into the science of memory, exploring factors that contribute to forgetting. With retrieval strategies boasting an effect size of .51, we'll examine research-backed techniques like active learning, retrieval practice, and spaced repetition to strengthen student retention. Educators will leave with practical strategies to enhance retrieval, deepen learning, and ensure students don't just learn content-but remember and use it long after the lesson ends! Lunch on your own

This session focuses on strategies to integrate diverse perspectives and lesser-told stories into the social studies curriculum. Participants will explore ways to engage students through empathetic learning approaches and inclusive instructional practices. Practical resources and examples will support educators in creating a more representative and meaningful classroom experience. Lunch on your own

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.

The purpose of the IU13 Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Leadership Collaborative Meetings is to give science, technology/engineering, and math leaders an opportunity to: * Stay informed of the most current information from the PDE and professional organizations, and share that information with colleagues in their school or district * Engage in collaborative professional learning for building their own capacity to lead * Serve as a resource for determining regional professional development needs * Network and engage in collegial dialogue with other "job alike" professionals

The IU13 Coach Mentor Collaborative provides professional growth opportunities for instructional coaches in Lancaster and Lebanon counties and network opportunities centered around educational challenges, student-centered practices, cycles of coaching, and coaching conversations. Note: This session is part of the CMC Network series. Participating districts were billed in September 2025

The purpose of the IU13 Literacy Collaborative is to give literacy leaders an opportunity to: * Stay informed of the most current information from the PDE and professional organizations, and share that information with colleagues in their school or district * Engage in collaborative professional learning for building their own capacity to lead * Serve as a resource for determining regional professional development needs * Network and engage in collegial dialogue with other "job alike" professionals

Learn how to integrate critical thinking strategies like Claim-Evidence-Reasoning, De Bono's Six Thinking Hats, and Which One Doesn't Belong into your curriculum. This session emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and metacognition in fostering deeper student learning. Participants will gain tools and strategies to embed these practices into lessons across all subject areas. Lunch on your own

Do your students struggle with reasoning about fractions, thinking flexibly with them, and estimating their values? Are you looking for engaging, high-quality tasks to deepen understanding and spark meaningful discussion? In this workshop, participants will explore what fraction sense is and how it develops. Through a deep dive into key fraction concepts and operations, we will examine how to build conceptual understanding rather than reliance on rote procedure and abstract symbols. This session will provide strategies for both first instruction and intervention, ensuring all students have the support they need to develop strong reasoning of fractions. Participants will gain dynamic yet practical instructional activities that promote flexibility, reasoning, and number sense with fractions. A collection of ready-to-use resources will be provided, allowing educators to make fraction sense a daily part of instruction. Core Outcomes Workshop participants will be able to: * articulate the progression of concepts and skills within fraction content across grades, * demonstrate their own deep understanding of essential fraction concepts through their use of manipulatives, drawings, and justification, * identify high-leverage instructional practices for student mastery of fraction concepts, * design instructional tasks that feature high-quality tasks and connect representations to symbols and procedures, and * assess student understanding of fraction concepts to provide meaningful feedback and make instructional decisions Please Note: In the event of inclement weather, the designated snow make-up date is March 18, 2026.

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