Tag: Education

Paper Bag Princess Day is a day to celebrate the children’s book, The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch and its message of empowerment to readers of all ages. The annual celebration is held on the first Saturday in March. Annick Press launched the program in 2020 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the book’s publication. This year’s theme, BE YOUR OWN HERO, highlights Elizabeth’s courage and self-reliance as she outwits the dragon and proves she doesn’t need a prince to save her. Elizabeth has also always shown that being a hero can take many different forms.

Children, in K-5th grade, are invited to join us for our first Paper Bag Princess Day at West Liberty University on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon in the Elbin Library. Activities include designing a cape, creating a super power poster, folding origami dragons and making a paper bag outfit. Participants will also receive a copy of the book, while supplies last.

Space is limited so those who are interested in attending should register at https://forms.gle/VXHTzM832oAeWeLx8 We ask that an adult accompany all children. Families and small groups are welcome.

West Liberty University’s Paper Bag Princess Day is a collaboration among the Center for Arts and Education, College of Liberal and Creative Arts, Creative Arts Therapy Club, Elbin Library, Social Work Program and Student Activities.

The Southwest PA Environmental Literacy Hub is excited to announce the Western PA Environmental Education Summit: “Learning Without Walls” Conference will be held at Waynesburg University on June 10, 2025!

Our primary goal for the conference is to empower educators of Southwest PA and contiguous West Virginia counties with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration they need to integrate environmental literacy and sustainability and outdoor learning experiences into their curricula and teaching practices. We will bring together passionate educators from diverse backgrounds and environmental professions to foster a community of environmentally conscious and engaged teachers who can, in turn, inspire and educate the next generation of environmentally responsible citizens.

PBS Student Reporting Labs and WQED Creator Academy are partnering to host three professional development workshops for media educators and non-media educators interested in incorporating these skills in their classrooms.

Each session is from 10am to 3pm, and is FREE to attend. Teachers are eligible to receive ACT 48 Credits by providing their PPID. A proof of knowledge will be provided to instructors at the end of session to instructors who are seeking ACT 48 credits.

Educators will delve into the fundamental principles of camera operation, audio recording, and lighting techniques. With an emphasis on accessibility and practicality, this course equips educators with the skills and confidence to teach students how to effectively utilize cameras, microphones, and lighting equipment to create engaging multimedia content for various educational projects. Educators will leave this course with the tools to inspire creativity and enhance learning experiences through multimedia production.

Participants will learn how to:

– Setting up your camera for optimal video recording
– Changing camera settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO)
– Utilizing external microphones (lavalier, shotgun)
– Implementing three-point lighting on your subject
– Techniques for recording an on-camera interview

Highlight Happy Hour: Celebrate Education & Connection at The Roundhouse

Join us for an exciting happy hour where members from the education sector at The Roundhouse will share their mission and insights. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the inspiring work being done by organizations making a real difference in education. Whether you’re in education or just curious, come enjoy drinks, snacks, and great conversation as we connect and support each other’s work.

Highlight Happy Hour: Celebrate Education & Connection at The Roundhouse

Join us for an exciting happy hour where members from the education sector at The Roundhouse will share their mission and insights. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the inspiring work being done by organizations making a real difference in education. Whether you’re in education or just curious, come enjoy drinks, snacks, and great conversation as we connect and support each other’s work.

Join the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project for an interactive and dynamic writing experience designed to inspire educators to empower student voices. This event will introduce a digital choice board featuring a diverse array of prompts rooted in poetry, journaling, and narrative, allowing participants to engage in writing that resonates with them.

Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on texts by Ida B. Wells, John Lewis, Amanda Gorman, Maya Angelou, Brent Staples, Edwidge Danticat, Raquel Willis, and Danez Smith, exploring themes of identity, resistance, and literacy as a tool for power. Writing will be shared in pairs and collectively, fostering meaningful dialogue on student choice, multilingual perspectives, and inclusive representation in the classroom. A collaborative Padlet will serve as a living archive where participants can share their work, whether through text or images, creating a space for ongoing reflection and inspiration.

Whether you attend live or contribute asynchronously, this event offers practical strategies to elevate student voices and integrate choice-driven writing into your teaching practice.

Come write, reflect, and reimagine the role of literacy in shaping empowered learners! Gratitude and appreciation to our WPWP Fellow Hannah Lewis for designing and organizing this convening!

This is a hyrbid event. There is no need to register for the in-person option. Use this link to register for the virtual option:

https://pitt.zoom.us/meeting/register/-DJ3gLsJQKWKIuofqda6PQ

Podcasting is a powerful tool to amplify student voices and build storytelling; This workshop will help educators learn how they can lead their students through the podcast production process; from generating ideas to recording and editing high-quality audio. Attendees will be taught practical methods for achieving clear sound, crafting engaging stories, and using podcasts in their lessons. At the end of the session, educators will feel empowered to guide students through creating their own podcasts and sharing impactful stories with their community.

Participants explore topics including:

– Capture high-quality audio
– Conduct engaging interviews
– Produce short podcast segments using accessible tools

Teachers are eligible to receive ACT 48 Credits by providing their PPID. A proof of knowledge will be provided to instructors at the end of session to instructors who are seeking ACT 48 credits.

Smartphones have changed the face of storytelling. This hands-on session introduces educators to mobile journalism techniques that enable students to capture compelling video and audio with tools that students already have. Through hands-on lessons and real-world practice, participants will come to understand how to shoot, interview and edit short-form stories designed for digital platforms. At the end of this session, educators will know how to guide students in creating engaging, social-first news content that enhances confidence and media literacy.

Topics explored will include:

– Capture compelling video and audio
– Conduct effective interviews
– Craft engaging short-form news stories
– Employ techniques for field reporting, social media storytelling, and explainer-style videos

This session is from 9am to 3pm, and is FREE to attend. Teachers are eligible to receive ACT 48 Credits by providing their PPID. A proof of knowledge will be provided to instructors at the end of session to instructors who are seeking ACT 48 credits.

We all know that teaching the Holocaust is emotionally taxing, not just for your students, but also for you. The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh believes that you (the teacher) must first take care of yourself before you can take care of others (your students). With that in mind, we’re holding our first-ever “Act 70 Wellness Day” on Friday, March 7, 2025, on Chatham University’s campus in Shadyside.

The day will be centered on supporting you and giving you the tools and connections to other educators so you can continue to do the difficult work. The day will include self-care activities, networking opportunities to meet other Holocaust educators, and information about local organizations that can help you teach the Holocaust more easily. Act 48 credits will be provided.

Session III: Thursday, January 23, 2025, 11:00am-12:30pm (ET)

MAEC’s Collaborative Action for Family Engagement (CAFE) and Center for Education Equity (CEE) present Complementing the School Day: Tools and Supports for Out-of-School Time (OST) Providers, a five-part family engagement series.

In both classrooms and out-of-school time (OST) settings, we share a common goal: improving the academic achievement of students. The Biden-Harris Administration’s 2024 Improving Student Achievement Agenda highlights three key strategies to boost academic performance, one of which is increasing summer learning and extended or after-school learning time. OST programs, bridging school and home life, play a key role in this effort.

In this five-part webinar series, we will equip OST providers with the tools and supports they need. Join us to explore the following focus areas:
-Program Quality and Equity
-Amplifying Family Voice
-Mental Wellness for Staff and Students
-Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
-Community and School Partnerships