BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 released a new webinar series through their Online Learning Hub to support K-12 educators in providing remote education with competence and confidence. These FREE, 30-minute online learning live webinars are provided by IU 17 curriculum specialists and training and consultation staff. The series offers topics such as ‘Effective Facilitation for Online Learning,’ ‘Different Ways to Support Online Learners,’ and more – including special education and content-specific approaches.

All sessions are recorded and educators are able to watch the recordings on their own time. Nearly 1,000 PA educators connected in the first two-weeks to both live sessions and posted recordings. The IU plans to continue offering webinars that are relevant and engaging for teachers.

“We are striving to support educators as they shift from classroom instruction to remote instruction by building a collaborative community online,” said Rebecca Gibboney, Curriculum and Online Learning Specialist. “Our team is making ourselves available and being creative by offering virtual coffee and conversations and really trying to reinforce collaborative efforts in education.”

In addition to the webinars and professional development, Intermediate Units across the state have been tasked with providing online and printable resources for students, teachers and parents to use while learning from home during the COVID-19 school closure. BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 services the school districts throughout Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, and Tioga Counties – with approximately 30,000 students.

These resources were designed to ensure all K-12 students have access to equitable, personalized, and engaging continuity of education programs. The Continuity of Education Resource Guide and Online Learning Hub can be found on the IU website at www.iu17.org.

Brooke Beiter, Director of Educational Planning, is encouraging families and teachers to utilize the resources because it offers diverse platforms to remote learning with both online and offline toolkits. “These resources can support both enrichment and review opportunities and planned instruction, and are designed to supplement the learning plans school districts are already working hard to provide their students.”