Finding the Right Fit: AAC Feature Matching
Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM -12:30 PM
Location: Zoom (link will be provided after registration)
Target Audience: Special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, related service providers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and school psychologists.
This virtual Lunch and Learn session will focus on the process of feature matching in selecting Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and/or applications. The session will provide an overview of how to align an individual’s unique communication needs, strengths, and preferences with the features available in various AAC devices and/or applications. Participants will learn about key features to consider, tools to support the decision making process, and examples of commonly used AAC applications and how their features align with different user profiles.
For more information contact Staci Young, TIU 11 Educational Consultant:
Phone: 814-542-2501 x1126
Mobile: 814-514-9034
Email:
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Thursday, March 5
ECRI Leadership Training - Foundational Skills
ECRI Leadership Training Enhanced Core Reading Instruction (ECRI): Leadership Training – Foundational Skills
March 6, 2026 8:30-12:00 p.m.
This trainer institute is designed for school leaders who will help coordinate and support implementation.
This course will present information and research about evidencebased reading instruction, and describe and model how to use instructional routines to enhance the delivery of core reading instruction in a multi-tiered system of support. This course will provide resources and guidance to build capacity to provide support for quality implementation of the Enhanced Core Reading Instruction (ECRI) foundational skills instruction. By the end of this course, participants will (a) understand how to present information and research about evidence-based practices (b) be able to describe the explicit instructional elements incorporated into each routine and articulate why they are important, (c) model how to use instructional routines to enhance the delivery of core reading instruction in a multi-tiered system of Tier 1 and Tier 2 support, and (d) be able to use an implementation data collection system to guide continued coaching and professional development.
B. LEARNING OUTCOMES
After completing this course, participants will be able to: • describe all components of an effective ECRI Model • establish effective master schedules that will support high-quality reading instruction and intervention • describe elements of explicit and systematic Tier I and Tier II instruction and intervention • collect and use implementation data to support school teams with delivery of ECRI instruction • guide school teams in using assessment data to differentiate and intensify instruction • guide school teams to roll-out ECRI following a schedule
(Your school/district must have purchased ECRI materials to participate in this training)
Upon completion of this training, participants will receive 3.5 Act 48 hours. If you would like Act 48 hours for this training, please be sure to select that option when you register. If you have questions about registration, please contact Brooke Boonie at bboonie@tiu11.org.
Presenters: Dawn Lynn, Lisa Kruse
Contact: dlynn@tiu11.org, ekruse@tiu11.org or call 814-542-2501
When: March 6, 2026, 8:30-12:00
Where: 2527 US Highway 522 South, McVeytown, PA 17051
*3.5 Act 48 hours will be awarded.
This is a FREE event.
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Friday, March 6
Nurses Network
Date: March 6, 2026
Time: 9 am to noon
Location: Virtual - https://paiu.zoom.us/j/4476176265?omn=94816268007
Department: Curriculum
Act 48: Yes
Description: The Nurses Network is an opportunity for school nurses from around the region to come together to get some professional development and converse with other nurses on the biggest topics in our area.
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Friday, March 6
LEEI Networking (Formerly the SEL Network)
Learning Environment and Engagement Initiative Network Meetings provided by TIU11
LEEI will be combining with the School Counselor Network for this event. Our guest speaker will be Brandi Cooper from the Pennsylvania Tourette’s Syndrome Alliance.
These events are free and open to all General Education teachers that
support Special Education students, Emotional Support teachers and staff,
Learning Support teachers and staff, School Counselors, Social
Workers, and any professional team member that works with students
in need of enhanced social emotional skills training! Feel free to share
the links and encourage your colleagues to attend.
For more information, contact Betsy Cox or Denise Shugarts, TIU11 TaC
Sessions
Tuesday, March 10
Check & Connect Preparation and Implementation Training
Check & Connect Preparation and Implementation Training is a 1-day training that provides education administrators and lead staff (decision-making stakeholders) with a thorough overview of Check & Connect and its background as well as information about how to prepare their site for implementing Check & Connect.
Who should attend?
If you are a district or school that is interesting in using this evidenced based, Tier 3 intervention, please attend this 1 day training that will help guide administrators and stakeholders on what is needed to make Check & Connect successful in your school. This training is a pre-cursor for the Check & Connect Mentor training that will be scheduled for November 19th and 20th.
Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11
March 11, 2026
8:30am-3:30pm
*Lunch will be on your own*
When? Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 08:30 AM
Where? 2527 U.S. 522, McVeytown, PA, USA
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Wednesday, March 11
Safety Care Initial Lite- SOUTHERN HUNTINGDON SD ONLY
Southern Huntingdon SD ONLY
Location: TBD
Time 8am-3:30pm
Event Safety Care Initial "Lite" Safety-Care (New Day Only) is a training program for staff working with children, adolescents, or adults who may exhibit challenging or dangerous behavior. Participants in the course learn a wide variety of prevention skills so that they can each contribute to a physical and social environment that encourages behavior patterns that are positive and safe. Please note that this is an initial training, and not a re-certification. There will be a $9.00 charge for materials and processing. Only includes chapters 1-4 and does not include physical management procedures.
*NEW PRICE, $9, STARTING JULY 1
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Friday, March 13
Safety Care Recertification (MUASD ONLY)
*MUASD STAFF ONLY*
This is a training program for staff working with children, adolescents, or adults who may exhibit challenging or dangerous behavior. Participants in the course learn a wide variety of prevention skills so that they can each contribute to a physical and social environment that encourages behavior patterns that are positive and safe. Please note that this is for recertification and you must be in compliance to participate: 1 year from your last training date and 3 months grace period.
There will be a $9.00 charge for materials and processing.
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Friday, March 13
This is a training program for staff working with children, adolescents, or adults who may exhibit challenging or dangerous behavior. Participants in the course learn a wide variety of prevention skills so that they can each contribute to a physical and social environment that encourages behavior patterns that are positive and safe. Please note that this is for recertification and you must be in compliance to participate: 1 year from your last training date and 3 months grace period.
There will be a $9.00 charge for materials and processing.
MorePennSEL STEELS Collaborative Community of Practice PLC - March 13, 2026
November 6, 2025
Description of Activity:
Administrators and educators from all school districts are invited to come together for collaboration around the pedagogical transition of the STEELS pedagogy, to brainstorm and acquire innovative ideas, and receive or share supports for implementation and pedagogical shifts.
Instructor(s): PennSEL Leadership Team: Nicolee Christophel, Nate King, Kelsi Newman, Peney Wright, Eric Yoder, Tara Yorke
Prerequisite Strongly Recommended: National Research Council. 2012. A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas. free downloadPart 1 and chapters I & 2, Part II and chapters 3, 4 & one science field focus
Hybrid Launch on Monday, October 13, 2025 8:30 – 11:30 pm and/or 12:30 – 3:30 pm Later Virtual Session 4-5pm
Half day or both AM & PM sessions in-person and virtual options. After school sessions will also be offered.
Lunch provided
- An introduction to the PLC, collaboration, and working time in grade band or subject area breakout rooms.
- All sessions are offered in hybrid format.
- Location at the TIU 11 Main Office 2527 US HWY 522 S McVeytown, PA 17051
- ACT 48 HOURS WILL VARY BASED ON SESSIONS ATTENDED/ LENGTH OF SESSIONS
Please complete our 25-26 PennSEL STEELS Collaborative CoP PLC Interest Form to reserve an Early Bird Reservation! https://forms.gle/s6BTfnJJxdXKwR9i6
*Please select which session(s) you will be attending on March 13th*
Subsequent hybrid and PM virtual dates:
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 | 8:30 – 11:30 am and/or 12:30 – 3:30 pm Later: Virtual Session 4-5pm
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Friday, March 13
Safety Care Lite (Chapters 1-3) New Day Charter School ONLY
Safety Care "Lite" (New Day Only) is a training program for staff working with children, adolescents, or adults who may exhibit challenging or dangerous behavior. Participants in the course learn a wide variety of prevention skills so that they can each contribute to a physical and social environment that encourages behavior patterns that are positive and safe. Only includes chapters 1-3 and does not include physical management procedures.
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Monday, March 16
Spring SAP Day 2026
Spring SAP Day
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $20
Lunch will be provided.
When?
Tuesday, Mar 17, 2025, 09:00 AM
Where?
Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11, U.S. 522, McVeytown, PA, USA
- Social Media and Student Anxiety
- Human Trafficking
- Stalking and Technology
Sessions
Tuesday, March 17
Code.org K- 5 CS Fundamentals Workshop for Elementary Teachers - Virtual
Code.org K-5 CS Fundamentals: Fully supported, free computer science curriculum and activities for Elementary Teachers
Regardless of what subject you teach, computer science is foundational knowledge for all students in the 21st century. Incorporating it into your classroom will give your students a huge leg up. Besides, this is a subject the kids love learning. With the help of this Code.org, no cost, one-day workshop for elementary school teachers, you will receive support in teaching computer science even if you have no prior experience. In addition, the activities are really fun!
Sessions
Wednesday, March 18
Rigor in STEELS Student Learning
Perquisite: Academic Productive Discourse Session
Rigor for Phenomena-based, 3-Dimensional pedagogy includes teaching and learning strategies, protocols and tenets from Ambitious Science Teaching and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy.
Ambitious Science Teaching (AST)
Pressing for evidence-based explanations
This final set of four AST practices helps students synthesize ideas at key points during the unit and at the end of the unit to help students construct an evidence-based explanatory model for the phenomenon and, when relevant, work to apply explanations to problem-solving. An important goal of this practice is to connect students’ explanatory models with social, political, cultural, and community-based contexts for the phenomenon.
This complex set of teaching practices includes:
1. Engaging students in authentic disciplinary discourse around using evidence to support explanations
2. Holding students accountable for using multiple sources of information to construct explanatory models (with scaffolding and guidance from the teacher).
3. Engaging students in reflecting on how their perspectives, ideas, and questions broadened over time
4. Engage all students in authentic disciplinary discourse around using evidence to support explanations.
5. Hold students accountable for using multiple sources of information to construct final explanatory models for the anchoring event (this accountability of course must be supported by scaffolding and guidance from you).
6. Support students in using evidence to support different aspects of their explanatory models.
We’ll be using enhanced Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (C-E-R) with emphasis on a gapless explanation, “Must Have”
Explanation Checklist and group feedback regarding C-E-R.
Research-based Principles that should guide all variations of this practice
- Causal explanations in science draw upon multiple forms of evidence and multiple ideas.
- This coordination requires specialized tools for organizing ideas.
- Students benefit when the teacher is explicit about what counts as evidence, how it is used to support explanations, and in general what the rules of epistemic talk are in the classroom.
- Explanations for contextualized events or processes can take many legitimate forms and can be expressed in different ways. This heterogeneity in student expression stimulates comparative reasoning about the understanding of scientific concepts and explanatory coherence.
- Reproducing canonical explanations can result in fragile and short-lived understandings.
Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
Applying brain-based learning theory, Building Intellectual Capacity and a Ready for Rigor Framework, Zaretta Hammond has developed teaching and learning strategies, skills and protocols to support the success for all leaners.
Attending to the survival and intellectual levels of the brain is key for students successful learning.
- Brain stem & cerebellum a.k.a. “lizard brain”
o Fight, flight or freeze
o Includes trauma-informed education and post-pandemic lingering challenges
- Limbic Region a.k.a. “emotional brain”
o Helps us to learn from experience, manage our emotions and remember
o Records memories of experiences and behaviors. both positive and negative past experiences
o Avoid threats and pursue rewards
o Creates internal schema that acts as our background knowledge
o Includes trauma-informed education and post-pandemic lingering challenges
- Neocortex Region, home to executive function - “command center” of the brain
o Oversees our thinking and manages working memory; controls planning, abstract thinking,
organization, self-regulation and houses creativity
o Almost endless capacity to learn and rewire itself
The challenge is to bypass the first 2 “gatekeepers” to build brain power and intellective capacity (malleable information processing power).
How do we do this?
Building an Alliance (between teachers & students) Is the Reason for the Relationship
- students need both care & push from the teacher(s) – being a “Warm Demander”
- teachers use the trust developed during the rapport stage as fuel
- RESULT = students give you permission to push
Socio-Cognitive Norms for Learners
- Errors are information, NOT confirmation of low intelligence
- Answers are important, but NOT only the content counts
o Pay attention to HOW you are processing the information to arrive at the answers
- Use non-linguistic representations to think (think with pictures, symbols, etc.)
Engagement that leads to deeper learning (into the Zone of Proximal Development):
- requires grappling, figuring out
- is hands-on and/or group-oriented
- has to stretch the student
- has to create “gentle disequilibrium” between what the student can do and what they can’t do
- requires you to create challenge, puzzle, and ambiguity in order for the brain to grow and improve information processing, which equals engagement
Sessions
Thursday, March 19
Mandated Reporting and Educator Discipline - DAYTIME
We will be going over the requirement of Mandated Reporting and share information regarding Educator Discipline. These courses will update your required certificates.
DAYTIME
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Friday, March 20
School Counselors Network Cancelled
Date: March 20, 2026
Time: 9 am to noon
Location: Virtual - https://paiu.zoom.us/j/4476176265?omn=94816268007
Department: Curriculum
Act 48: Yes
Description: The School Counselor Network is an opportunity for school counselors from around the region to come together to get some professional development and converse with other counselors on the biggest topics in our area.
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Friday, March 20
Drug Impairment Training for Education Professionals
DITEP is derived from the International Association of Chiefs of Police Drug Evaluation and Classification Program. This two-day training will better equip school nurses and all other educators with the tools necessary to assist them in identifying whether a student is impaired on drugs in the academic setting.
DITEP can assist schools in employing an evidence-based evaluation and early detection program to identify students who may be suffering academically, socially, and emotionally from drug abuse. DITEP is designed to be inserted into already established protocols or procedures. Identifying drug dependent students will assist schools in getting these students the help they need, as well as limiting the disruption caused by them in the academic environment.
Best for: School Nurses, Teachers, Administrators, School Counselors, SAP Team Members, School Resource Officers, Coaches, and any other education professionals in daily contact with students.
Sessions
Monday, March 23
Tuesday, March 24
Shared Waters: EL&S Curriculum for 2nd – 5th Grades
Shared Waters enriches education by integrating Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE) into school curricula, providing resources for teachers and actionable learning for students. It aims to cultivate environmental literacy and sustainability, transforming students into knowledgeable advocates who can identify and solve local watershed issues. It provides a comprehensive curriculum, ready-to-use instructional materials, and professional development to foster the next generation of environmental stewards right from their classrooms.
What is a MWEE?
The Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) is a learner-centered framework that focuses on investigations into local environmental issues and leads to informed action. MWEEs are made up of multiple components that include learning both outdoors and in the classroom that are designed to increase environmental literacy by actively engaging students in building knowledge and meaning through hands-on experiences contribute to
stronger, sustainable, and equitable communities. Through turnkey classroom-tested curriculum, hands-on science kits, and professional development, the Shared
Waters team assists administrators and teachers in seamlessly embedding standards-aligned environmental literacy and sustainability education into the district and school curriculum.
Pre-requisite:
Be enrolled or complete the MWEE 101 Online Course , 6-8 hours, Act 48 credit awarded
Become an EL&S MWEE TIU 11 Partner! Eligible for an EL& S mini grant up to $250.00 for your district’s program.
Sessions
Tuesday, March 24
Transforming STEELS Pedagogy in Chemistry, Curriculum-based Professional Learning (CBPL)
Prerequisites: STEELS Immersive Experience, ENGINE 3D STEELS Educators Community of Practice (CoP) or district PL day STEELS introduction
Preferred Prerequisites: STEELS Special Topics A & B
Prerequisite Strongly Recommended: National Research Council. 2012. A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas. free download Part 1 and chapters I & 2, Part II and chapters 3, 4 & one science field focus
Participants will bring current STEELS curricular materials, including one unit and one selected lesson to review and shift towards STEELS aligned pedagogy. Ongoing support throughout the school year through TIU 11’s PennSEL STEELS Collaborative Community of Practice PLC will continue to provide time, space and collaboration for educators.
What is Curriculum-based Professional Learning (CBPL)?
The goals for CBPL is for students to be able to use skills to “wrestle with complex problems, collaborate with one another and investigate and apply information in creative ways.”
CBPL is a “core set of research-based actions, approaches, and enabling conditions that effective schools and systems have put in place to reinforce and amplify the power of high-quality curriculum (HQIM)8990 and skillful teaching. CBPL is anchored in the instructional materials teachers will use with their own students.”
These include, for both teachers and students:
- Incorporating active learning
- Supporting student collaboration
- Using models of effective teaching practices
- Providing coaching and support to learners
- Offering instructive feedback and reflective opportunities
- Is of sustained duration
- Is pedagogy and content focused using Anchoring and Instructive Phenomenon and the 3-Dimensions: Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts and Disciplinary Core Ideas
Using “educative instructional materials” (HQIM which supports both student and teacher learning), challenges teachers to think differently about learning and teaching and content. Instead of a textbook that provides only what to teach,” these instructional materials also provide support for “how to teach.” Because incorporating support for teaching into
instructional materials makes them different and educative for both student and teacher learning, most teachers benefit from a rich form of ongoing professional learning that helps them learn how to use such materials and practices effectively. This type of professional learning is grounded in immersive learning experiences for teachers where they
experience as learners (their own students) the new instructional materials in ways that mirror their intended use with students.”
Sessions
Thursday, March 26
SEAC (Special Education Advisory Council)
This meeting is for District Special Education Directors and/or designees. We will share updates, information and resources from the Bureau of Special Education, Pattan and other activities that support the BSE initiatives in our schools. Training will be provided on a monthly basis in various topics.
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Thursday, March 26
This meeting is for District Special Education Directors and/or designees. We will share updates, information and resources from the Bureau of Special Education, Pattan and other activities that support the BSE initiatives in our schools. Training will be provided on a monthly basis in various topics.
MoreECRI Leadership Training - Vocabulary and Comprehension
ECRI Leadership Training
ECRI Leadership for Vocabulary and Comprehension
Participants: Grades K-2 Administrators and Leadership Teams
March 30, 2026 8:30-12:00 p.m.
A. COURSE DESCRIPTION This trainer institute is designed for school leaders who will help coordinate and support implementation.
This course will present information and research about evidence based reading instruction, and describe and model how to use instructional routines to enhance the delivery of core reading instruction in a multi-tiered system of support. This course will provide resources and guidance to build capacity to provide support for quality implementation of the Enhanced Core Reading Instruction (ECRI) vocabulary and comprehension instruction. By the end of this course, participants will (a) understand how to present information and research about evidence-based practices (b) model how to use instructional routines to enhance the delivery of core reading instruction, and (c) be able to use an implementation data collection system to guide continued coaching and PD.
B. LEARNING OUTCOMES After completing this course, participants will be able to: • outline how ECRI vocabulary and comprehension routines are integrated into the reading block structure. • describe how to use vocabulary and comprehension instructional routines to enhance the delivery of core reading instruction for ALL students. • collect and use implementation data to support school teams with delivery of vocabulary and comprehension instruction. • describe how to set up classrooms for vocabulary and comprehension success. • guide school teams to effectively roll-out ECRI vocabulary and comprehension following a schedule.(Your school/district must have purchased ECRI materials to participate in this training)
Upon completion of this training, participants will receive 3.5 Act 48 hours. If you would like Act 48 hours for this training, please be sure to select that option when you register. If you have questions about registration, please contact Brooke Boonie at bboonie@tiu11.org.
Presenters: Dawn Lynn, Lisa Kruse
Contact: dlynn@tiu11.org, ekruse@tiu11.org or call 814-542-2501
When: March 30, 2026, 8:30-12:00
Where: 2527 US Highway 522 South, McVeytown, PA 17051
*3.5 Act 48 hours will be awarded.
This is a FREE event.
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Monday, March 30
504 Writing Workshop
Attorney Erin Gilsbach, Esq. will return to follow up with teams and individuals who attended Demystifying 504s on November 4, 2025. This session will function as a 504 writing workshop designed to help participants refine existing plans and engage in activities that strengthen the development of future 504 plans for students.
Participants are asked to bring at least four redacted 504 plans to support the workshop activities. Please note that Attorney Gilsbach will not be individually reviewing plans, but she will discuss plan components and accommodations in the abstract for the benefit of all attendees.
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Tuesday, March 31
Executive Functioning Skills 101
Executive functioning skills 101 is a training for educators of all
ages and levels. This 2 day training will provide practical strategies
to understand, support, and strengthen students’ abilities to plan,
organize, manage time, regulate emotions, and sustain attention in
the classroom. Through research-informed instruction and real-
world classroom applications, educators will learn how executive
functioning impacts learning, behavior, and academic performance
across developmental stages. The training emphasizes proactive
supports, scaffolding techniques, and inclusive practices that can be embedded into daily instruction, empowering educators to foster student independence, resilience, and long-term success while also enhancing their own instructional effectiveness. Multiple opportunities for hands-on practice and exploration is embedded throughout this training!
Day 1 | Thursday, April 2, 2026 | President's Room at TIU11 9am-3pm
Day 2 | Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | President's Room at TIU11 9am-3pm
Due to the depth of content being presented, this training is being offered across 2 days. You must attend both days in order to gain all of the content and receive full credit.
*Act 48 hours will be offered for teachers. Lunch is on your own.
Please contact Betsy Cox (ecox@tiu11.org) or Denise Shugarts (dshugarts@tiu11.org) with any questions.
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Thursday, April 2
Tuesday, May 5
PennSEL STEELS Collaborative Community of Practice PLC - April 8, 2026
Description of Activity:
Administrators and educators from all school districts are invited to come together for collaboration around the pedagogical transition of the STEELS pedagogy, to brainstorm and acquire innovative ideas, and receive or share supports for implementation and pedagogical shifts.
Instructor(s): PennSEL Leadership Team: Nicolee Christophel, Nate King, Kelsi Newman, Peney Wright, Eric Yoder, Tara Yorke
Prerequisite Strongly Recommended: National Research Council. 2012. A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas. free downloadPart 1 and chapters I & 2, Part II and chapters 3, 4 & one science field focus
Hybrid Launch on Monday, October 13, 2025 8:30 – 11:30 pm and/or 12:30 – 3:30 pm Later Virtual Session 4-5pm
Half day or both AM & PM sessions in-person and virtual options. After school sessions will also be offered.
Lunch provided
- An introduction to the PLC, collaboration, and working time in grade band or subject area breakout rooms.
- All sessions are offered in hybrid format.
- Location at the TIU 11 Main Office 2527 US HWY 522 S McVeytown, PA 17051
- ACT 48 HOURS WILL VARY BASED ON SESSIONS ATTENDED/ LENGTH OF SESSIONS
Please complete our 25-26 PennSEL STEELS Collaborative CoP PLC Interest Form to reserve an Early Bird Reservation! https://forms.gle/s6BTfnJJxdXKwR9i6
*Please select which session(s) you will be attending on April 8th*
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Wednesday, April 8
Gifted Support Network
Date: April 10, 2026
Time: 9 am to noon
Location: Virtual - https://paiu.zoom.us/j/4476176265?omn=94816268007
Department: Curriculum
Act 48: Yes
Description: The Gifted Network is an opportunity for teachers who work with gifted students to come together to earn some professional development and to network with other teachers about the latest topics in their field. The specific focus of each PD session will be added at a later date.
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Wednesday, April 8
Code.org K- 5 CS Fundamentals Workshop for Elementary Teachers - Virtual
Code.org K-5 CS Fundamentals: Fully supported, free computer science curriculum and activities for Elementary Teachers
Regardless of what subject you teach, computer science is foundational knowledge for all students in the 21st century. Incorporating it into your classroom will give your students a huge leg up. Besides, this is a subject the kids love learning. With the help of this Code.org, no cost, one-day workshop for elementary school teachers, you will receive support in teaching computer science even if you have no prior experience. In addition, the activities are really fun!
Sessions
Thursday, April 9
Safety Care Recertification
This is a training program for staff working with children, adolescents, or adults who may exhibit challenging or dangerous behavior. Participants in the course learn a wide variety of prevention skills so that they can each contribute to a physical and social environment that encourages behavior patterns that are positive and safe. Please note that this is for recertification and you must be in compliance to participate: 1 year from your last training date and 3 months grace period.
There will be a $9.00 charge for materials and processing.
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Monday, April 13
Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) - Day 2 ONLY
Day 1 & 2 REQUIRED
Prerequisite: Online MWEE 101 Online Course (5 hours, Act 48 credit awarded)
Asynchronous work: One MWEE unit plan must be completed within 30 days after the workshop.
Description of Activity: All of central Pennsylvania is part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and there are five other watersheds that our state impact. Pennsylvania is committed to protecting these precious natural resources. A water shed is land area whose runoff drains into any river, stream, lake, and/or ocean. However, runoff from fields, lawns, pavement, and construction sites could carry potentially harmful materials from our watersheds to our rivers, bays and oceans. Even if you live, work, or play far from a river, your actions could have an impact on the quality of the water in many areas. Grants are available to fund MWEEs.
What is a MWEE?
A MWEE is…students exploring real world issues…in the field and in the classroom…students using evidence to draw conclusions and… take action! MWEEs use project-based methods, as well as, student voice and choice to engage learners in Local Issues Definition and Research, Outdoor Field Experiences, Synthesis and Conclusion, all leading towards Stewardship and Civic Action. These essential 4 student supporting practices are structured by active teacher support, local context, classroom integration and sustained activity.
Environmental Education and Advocate Stakeholders urge all school districts to engage learners in at least one MWEE in elementary, one MWEE in middle school and one MWEE in high school. MWEEs support the STEELS Standards. During MWEE Session #1 we’ll walk you through a MWEE in action. In Session #2 we will spend most of the day engaging is an Outdoor Field Experience. There will be time during the second session for preliminary planning for your own MWEE.
“MWEEs connect the importance of real life content relatable to students. MWEEs allow students to opportunity to investigate real life phenomenon. Students will be excited to identify macroinvertebrates to gauge the health of a stream or waterway. Allowing and
supporting students to “run with a topic” that interests them is encouraged for the end of the unit student Action Plans.” 5th Grade Teacher, Juniata County School District
Sessions
Wednesday, April 15
Transforming STEELS Pedagogy in Life Sciences and Environmental Literacy and Sustainability, Curriculum-based Professional Learning (CBPL)
Prerequisites: STEELS Immersive Experience, ENGINE 3D STEELS Educators Community of Practice (CoP) or district PL day STEELS introduction
Preferred Prerequisites: STEELS Special Topics A & B
Prerequisite Strongly Recommended: National Research Council. 2012. A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas. free download Part 1 and chapters I & 2, Part II and chapters 3, 4 & one science field focus
Participants will bring current STEELS curricular materials, including one unit and one selected lesson to review and shift towards STEELS aligned pedagogy. Ongoing support throughout the school year through TIU 11’s PennSEL STEELS Collaborative Community of Practice PLC will continue to provide time, space and collaboration for educators.
What is Curriculum-based Professional Learning (CBPL)?
The goals for CBPL is for students to be able to use skills to “wrestle with complex problems, collaborate with one another and investigate and apply information in creative ways.”
CBPL is a “core set of research-based actions, approaches, and enabling conditions that effective schools and systems have put in place to reinforce and amplify the power of high-quality curriculum (HQIM)8990 and skillful teaching. CBPL is anchored in the instructional materials teachers will use with their own students.”
These include, for both teachers and students:
- Incorporating active learning
- Supporting student collaboration
- Using models of effective teaching practices
- Providing coaching and support to learners
- Offering instructive feedback and reflective opportunities
- Is of sustained duration
- Is pedagogy and content focused using Anchoring and Instructive Phenomenon and the 3-Dimensions: Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts and Disciplinary Core Ideas
Using “educative instructional materials (HQIM which supports both student and teacher learning), challenges teachers to think differently about learning and teaching and content. Instead of a textbook that provides only what to teach,” these instructional materials also provide support for “how to teach.” Because incorporating support for teaching into
instructional materials makes them different and educative for both student and teacher learning, most teachers benefit from a rich form of ongoing professional learning that helps them learn how to use such materials and practices effectively. This type of professional learning is grounded in immersive learning experiences for teachers where they experience as learners (their own students) the new instructional materials in ways that mirror their intended use with students.”
Sessions
Thursday, April 16
Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, and Fulton County Transition Coordinating Council Meeting
The Transition Coordinating Council is a group of like-minded individuals that wish to support students with disabilities that are of transition age (14-21), as they work towards life after high school. The goal of the group is to strengthen their knowledge in the area of transition through training, resource sharing, interagency collaboration, and networking.
This will be a year end wrap up and networking event for all agencies in the TIU 11 coverage area.
Target Audience: Huntingdon and Fulton County Special Education Teachers & Administrators, Transition Coordinators, Outside Agencies/Providers, Local Business Owners, School Counselors, School Social Workers, Parents, or Secondary Students
Schedule:
Thursday, April 16, 2026 9:00-11:00 AM REGISTRATION LINK
Format: HYBRID-In Person and Virtual Options available
Location: Zoom or Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11
2527 US Hwy 522 South
McVeytown, PA 17051
If you have any questions please contact:
Staci Young, TIU 11 Educational Consultant
814-542-2501x1126
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Thursday, April 16
Instructional Coaches Network
Date: April 17, 2026
Time: 1 pm - 3 pm
Location: Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11
Department: Curriculum
Act 48: Yes
Description: Instructional Coaches Network meetings are a chance for academic coaches to get together to network. We will discuss updates, best practices, and anything from the field that coaches may benefit from getting the advice from others in similar occupations.
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Friday, April 17
SEAC (Special Education Advisory Council)
This meeting is for District Special Education Directors and/or designees. We will share updates, information and resources from the Bureau of Special Education, Pattan and other activities that support the BSE initiatives in our schools. Training will be provided on a monthly basis in various topics.
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Thursday, April 23
This meeting is for District Special Education Directors and/or designees. We will share updates, information and resources from the Bureau of Special Education, Pattan and other activities that support the BSE initiatives in our schools. Training will be provided on a monthly basis in various topics.
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