May 31, 2023 Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition Hosting Community Feedback Meetings The Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition and the City of Pittsburgh are hosting a series of community feedback meetings on their Allegheny County Digital Equity Plan and are inviting community members to come discuss their digital needs with community leaders. Held at various locations throughout the summer, all residents of Allegheny County are encouraged to attend. About Community Feedback Meetings What are the community feedback meetings? At community feedback meetings, community leaders will ask attendees for feedback on the draft Digital Equity Plan for Allegheny County and ask questions about digital technology in attendees lives. Why are these meetings taking place? The Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition needs to ensure that their Digital Equity Plan addresses residents’ digital needs. The coalition must understand what residents need so they can use any funding offered to give all residents equal access to digital technology and information. Who participates in meetings? Meetings will consist of Allegheny County residents and community leaders. Leaders involved in the Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition, the City of Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County will lead the meetings and collect feedback from residents. When will the meetings take place? Meetings will be held throughout the summer of 2023. To see a complete schedule of meetings, visit the City of Pittsburgh website. Where will the meetings take place? The coalition will host meetings in locations across Allegheny County. Additionally, they will host a number of virtual meetings. To find a full list of meeting dates, times, locations, and registration links, visit the City of Pittsburgh website. Learn More To learn more, visit the City of Pittsburgh website.
November 3, 2021 Instructional Implementations of Interventions That Address Today’s Diverse Classroom Join EdWeb.net for the upcoming webinar, “Instructional Implementations of Interventions That Address Today’s Diverse Classroom”. In this edWebinar, join Dr. Bonnie Cochran, Dr. Tonya Clarke, Jay Hillman, and Dr. Jessica Talada to hear what other district leaders from around the country are implementing in anticipation of the wider range of learning needs teachers will be facing this school year. The presenters will be exploring the best ways to select evidence-based solutions, designing flexible implementation models, and supporting teachers for accelerated student learning. Additional Information The learning loss as a result of the pandemic is no longer hypothetical. All students have been affected and educators are facing a larger number of students who need in-classroom interventions. This urgency requires all educators to find the right solutions that can address this gap knowing that: All students have been affected in some way Math and reading learning have seen the largest declines in scores Students who were one to two years behind have even larger instructional gaps Proven solutions that can be implemented in the classroom in flexible ways have to be considered for students to catch up
September 29, 2021 Using Digital Media Resources with Early Learners Join Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh on October 26, 2021, for a virtual professional development event, “Using Digital Media Resources with Early Learners.” Individuals may register online. Additional Information Understand information on how to incorporate technology into existing practices or curriculum. With intentional use and guidance, technology can improve cognitive, social and literacy outcomes for children. This presentation will share current research and suggestions for best practices from childhood experts while sharing suggested activities and apps designed best for joint media engagement. This virtual workshop will be hosted on Zoom. Attendees will receive 1 hour of PQAS credit.
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.
December 4, 2020 Let’s Chat About Early Language and Literacy Join the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) from January through March 2021 for their 30-minute “Let’s Chat About Early Language and Literacy” webinars. About These 30-minute webinars will be offered at no cost to participants. Each session will be offered at 8:30 a.m. and repeated at 1:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. This series runs from January through March 2021. Chat topics will include the following: Connecting with Children: No Wi-Fi Needed January 8, 2021 | 8:30 – 9 a.m. OR 1:30 – 2 p.m. Using Assistive Technology to Support Literacy Development January 22, 2021 | 8:30 – 9 a.m. OR 1:30 – 2 p.m. Building Vocabulary and Supporting Emergent Talkers February 12, 2021 | 8:30 – 9 a.m. OR 1:30 – 2 p.m. Supporting Children to Understand Language Around Them February 26, 2021 | 8:30 – 9 a.m. OR 1:30 – 2 p.m. Sounds, Sounds Everywhere! March 12, 2021 | 8:30 – 9 a.m. OR 1:30 – 2 p.m. Dual Language Learners Through the Equity Lens March 26, 2021 | 8:30 – 9 a.m. OR 1:30 – 2 p.m. Registration To register, visit the event webpage. Registration closes the Wednesday prior to each session at 4:30 p.m. More Information PQAS, Infant/Toddler, and Act 48 hours are available. Participants must attend two sessions in order to get one credit hour. For questions, contact Jodie Holmberg at jholmberg@pattan.net.
November 20, 2020 Open-Ended Questions Are For Everyone! Are you interested in learning about using open-ended STEM questions with early learners of all ages and abilities? Join Trying Together on December 9 for our online session, “Connections and Conversations: Open-Ended Questions Are For Everyone!” About Connections and Conversations Virtual Check-Ins are biweekly interactive sessions that highlight topics of interest to the field of early childhood education. Participants engage in virtual discussions with child development experts while interacting with early learning practitioners to share questions, experiences, and expertise about the highlighted topic. Sessions offer one hour of PQAS credit. Act 48 credit will not be provided. In this session, participants will engage in virtual discussions via Zoom with child development experts while interacting with early learning practitioners to share questions, experiences, and expertise about using open-ended Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) questioning with early learners of all ages and abilities. Session Details Session Date: Wednesday, December 9 | 6 – 7 p.m. Instructors: Jasmine Davis and Wendy Brenneman CKC: Curriculum and Learning Experiences CDA Subject Area: Safe, Healthy Learning Environment Registration Deadline: Monday, December 7, 2020 Registration To register, visit the course PD Registry page. Space is limited. Participants will receive the course Zoom link via email within 24 hours before the start date for the course. PQAS credit is available. If you do not have a PD Registry account, please complete this online form to create one. If you are unable to create an account, please contact pdregistry@pakeys.org for more information. Session Rules and Guidelines These virtual discussions are designed to provide educators the opportunity to grow professionally and share knowledge on early childhood topics. During the meeting, participants should follow the guidelines below to ensure a successful virtual meeting for all participants. Please allow all participants a chance to speak. Listen respectfully and actively. Commit to learning about each other, not to debating the topic. Embrace differences of opinion as healthy and support each person’s authentic self-expression. Participants will be muted for the beginning portion of the session. Participants may use the “Raise Hand” feature in Zoom to request an opportunity to comment or ask a question. Individuals will be temporarily unmuted by the moderator. Participants may type a comment or question in the Chat or may send comments or questions directly to the moderator for them to share. To receive PQAS credit, you must complete an evaluation at the end of the session and include your PD Registry number. Have fun, make connections, and engage in the conversations! More Information For questions or more information, please contact Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org.
November 12, 2020 Educators: Join the Leap into Science National Network Are you an educator in Pennsylvania who is interested in receiving training and materials to lead science and literacy workshops for children and families? Join the Leap into Science National Network! Applications must be submitted by December 14, 2020. About Leap into Science is a nationwide program developed by The Franklin Institute Science Museum that integrates open-ended science activities with children’s books, designed for children ages three through 10-years-old and their families. The program empowers educators to offer workshops in community settings like libraries, museums, and out-of-school time programs to engage underserved audiences in accessible and familiar settings. Leap into Science provides workshops on a science theme for three possible audiences: early childhood, elementary, and/or family groups. If your organization was already trained in the Leap into Science Wind curricula, you are NOT eligible to attend this training. Organization Benefits Each organization that participates in Leap into Science will receive: a two-hour virtual training on high-quality science and literacy curriculum and facilitation strategies for two or more educators; ongoing support during program implementation as part of a Leap into Science National Network; access to the national Leap into Science leadership team and online resources; and a curriculum and materials kit (valued at $300). Participation Commitments As a Leap into Science partner organization, participants commit to: scheduling and leading at least three Leap into Science workshops for children and/or families living in underserved rural or urban communities by September 2021, including an event during National Leap into Science Week (June 7 – 13, 2021); posting each workshop to The Connectory, a searchable directory for STEM programs across the country; completing a workshop report following each workshop; and participating in quarterly calls with other trained educators in your state. Available Workshops The Pennsylvania Leap into Science Team is hosting a free two-hour virtual training on the Leap into Science Light & Shadow workshops at the following times: Friday, January 29, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 13, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Submit An Application To participate in the national network and attend one of the trainings listed above, please complete this brief application form by December 14, 2020. Priority will be given to organizations that can send at least two educators to the training and who serve traditionally underrepresented audiences. If selected, you will receive an email notification of your acceptance by the end of December with details about the training you will attend. More Information For questions, contact Betsy O. Saatman at betsaa@pakeys.org or 484.955.5909.
October 30, 2020 Engaging and Teaching Parents About Technology Are you interested in learning how to teach parents about technology? Join Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, Karina Gathu, and Tay Gudmundson on December 17 for “Engaging and Teaching Parents About Technology.” About Parents can be collaborators or obstacles when the topic of technology comes up. With more remote learning than ever, schools need parents. Educators often talk to parents when mistakes or accidents happen, as a reactionary measure. However, schools can be more proactive about preventing those mistakes by reaching out and understanding parents’ situations and worries. This webinar will draw from on-the-ground work with hundreds of parents, sharing survey results with their biggest concerns. Time for questions will be provided. Featured Topics In this webinar, professionals will: learn the five most important things parents should know about digital citizenship, learn how, when, why, and who to host a digital parenting event with, and learn how to be proactive with parents, not reactive. Registration This webinar is best suited for K-12 teachers, librarians, and school and district leaders. To register, visit the EdWeb website.
October 13, 2020 Remake Learning Days Across America Launch Are you a Remake Learning Days event host or educational stakeholder who is interested in learning more about Remake Learning Days Across America 2021? Join Remake Learning on Tuesday, October 13 from 7 – 8 p.m. EST for the National Launch! About Remake Learning Days Across America (RLDAA) is an innovative learning festival for families and youth. Hosted in 16 regions across the United States, RLDAA features hands-on and engaging events designed for kids of all ages at libraries, schools, tech centers, museums, play spaces, and more. Most events are free. This year’s events will run nationally from April 22 – May 23, 2021, and from May 6 – 16, 2021 in Southwestern Pennsylvania. To view all dates and activities, visit the Remake Learning Days webpage. RLDAA Kickoff Event If you are an event host or educational stakeholder who is interested in learning more about RLDAA 2021 and celebrating family-engaged learning, join Remake Learning on Tuesday, October 13 from 7 – 8 p.m. EST for the National Launch! The event will feature special guests, hands-on activities, and national and regional partners. To register, visit the event webpage. More Information For more information on RLDAA 2021, visit the Remake Learning Days webpage.
October 1, 2020 Remix! New Ways to Play Using STEM Provocations Are you interested in stimulating curiosity in your classroom to build children’s STEM skills? Join Trying Together on Monday, October 12 for our online course, “Remix! New Ways to Play Using STEM Provocations.” About In this course, participants will explore building early Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills by using classroom resources in fun new ways, with materials you already have. Re-energize your science table, or bring STEM play into a new classroom area using research-based (and kid-tested) recommendations. Session Details Session Date: Monday, October 12, 2020 | 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Instructors: Jasmine Davis and Wendy Brenneman Core Knowledge Area: Curriculum and Learning Experiences CDA Content Area: Safe, Healthy Learning Environment Registration Deadline: Saturday, October 10, 2020 Registration To register, visit the course PD Registry page. Space is limited. Participants will receive the course Zoom link via email within 24 hours before the start date for the course. PQAS and Act 48 credit available. If you do not have a PD Registry account, please complete this online form to create one. If you are unable to create an account, please contact Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org for more information. More Information For questions or more information, contact Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org.
