April 22, 2025 Carlow University’s Education Doctorate Offers Four Specialized Strands Carlow University’s Education Doctorate program welcomed 24 students to its inaugural cohort in the fall of 2024, and students can register for four specialized strands in the program for the upcoming year. Learn More The Education Doctorate program is aimed at thought leaders who embrace diversity of thinking and expression, want to challenge the status quo, and seek transformative change in today’s educational practice. The three-year practice-based inquiry program, which is rooted in the Mercy tradition of social justice and respect for all, is designed with a focus on scholar-practitioner stewardship that blends inquiry with practice. The Mercy tradition is a Catholic heritage characterized by compassion, respect, justice, and hope that emphasizes service to others and social justice advocacy. The doctorate is offered in four specialized strands: Educational leadership Curriculum and learning Literacy Early childhood policy and leadership This fall, the doctorate will add two new strands: Arts education and leadership and special education and leadership. The program offers online courses, off-site internships, and an on-campus dissertation defense. Doctorate coursework covers everything from AI and education to culture, policy, advocacy, and governance. For more information about the program or the application process, contact Ann Bisignani, graduate program coordinator, at ambisignani@carlow.edu or Dr. Patricia McMahon, program director, at plmcmahon@carlow.edu. Those interested can also call 412-578-6296.
March 12, 2025 Politics and Policy: The Early Care and Education Landscape Trying Together’s director of public policy will take part in an upcoming virtual event with Carlow University during which she will discuss the current state of early childhood education, preschool, and child care. The discussion will focus on federal, state, and local policies and will focus on where things stand today and how to prepare for the future. It will also provide an overview of the Pennsylvania budget process and early childhood funding at the state and federal levels. Learn More Politics and Policy: The Early Care and Education Landscape will take place on Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 7. Emily Neff, Trying Together’s director of public policy, will lead the discussion. Neff mobilizes early childhood educators to share their expertise with policymakers and engages families to tell their stories. She also develops policy recommendations to create a more equitable and accessible system. Act 48 and PQAS hours are available for the event. Those interested in attending should reserve a spot. A Zoom link will appear via email a few days before the event.
August 19, 2024 Allegheny County Opens Four Low-Vision Tennis Courts Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato recently announced the opening of the county’s first Blind and Visually Impaired (BVI) tennis courts at four local parks. Learn More The courts debuted in July at four Allegheny County parks – Boyce, North, Settlers Cabin, and South Park. The courts are designed to accommodate athletes with low vision as well as fully-sighted players and promote inclusivity in the community. Low-vision, or “sound ball” tennis, is played on a slightly smaller court with a slower, foam sound ball that has a rattle inside of it. Players track the ball by sound and, if they have partial vision, using the vision they have. The new courts enable athletes to walk on the court without bringing temporary tape lines each time. Low-Vision Tennis A recent study by Carlow University examined how blind or visually impaired athletes react to different sounds emitted by specialized tennis balls. Psychology professor Jennifer K. Roth, who led the study, is also involved with local and national tennis associations that are drawing attention to the sport and expanding access for low-vision players. The United States Blind Tennis Association, which is based in Pittsburgh, is at the forefront of integrating blind and visually impaired tennis into mainstream sports. Since its inception, the association has conducted training and introduced programming across multiple states. “When I talk about building a county for all, that means places people feel connected to their neighbors and communities and parks for everyone to enjoy, and this project really embodies that ethos,” Innamorato said.
September 22, 2021 Seismic Shifts in Education: An Education Symposium and Conference Join Carlow University on October 9 for “Sister Mary Paul Education Symposium: Seismic Shifts in Education“. This symposium will focus on strengthening relationships with faculty and staff, learning from them, investing in their development, and connecting with them on a personal level. Additional Information This event can be attended in person or virtually. Act 48 hours are available, and lunch will be provided. Break-out sessions will include: Technology Classroom Supports; Personalized Educational Models; Culturally Responsive Classroom; Connecting with Students; Educator Self-Care; and more. Registration is available online.
January 13, 2021 Apprenticeship Opportunity Available In Pennsylvania Are you an early learning professional in Southwestern Pennsylvania who is interested in earning higher wages or advancing your career? Apprenticeship might be right for you! About As an employer-driven program registered with the state of Pennsylvania, Apprenticeship combines on-the-job learning with related technical instruction to build skills and create pathways to earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, Associate’s Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree through partners at Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) and Carlow University. Request More Information Apprenticeship is accepting new apprentices for the 2021 Spring and Summer semesters. For more information, contact: Lindsey Vicoria – lindseyv@tryingtogether.org
