Discover the journey of two remarkable professionals in education as we explore the dynamic services at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU). Jared Rohlfing, our Marketing Communications Coordinator, brings his unique blend of media expertise and educational passion from Temple University to his current role, while John Kikrilis, a dedicated English and Philosophy teacher, shares his heartfelt commitment to supporting underserved students. From urban classrooms in Arkansas to the Southeast Youth Development Center in Pennsylvania, John's experiences fuel his dedication to empowering students who need it the most. Together, we hear firsthand how their diverse backgrounds and shared mission elevate the educational experience at MCIU.

Prepare to be inspired by the transformative power of inclusive technology in education. Inclusive technology evangelist Mike Marotta joins us to share his incredible journey, from starting as an assistive technology specialist to becoming a passionate advocate for tools that benefit every learner. Together with co-host Julie Ortlieb, we explore practical strategies for educators to create classrooms that embrace diversity and reduce the need for special accommodations.

The conversation also shifts to the exciting world of AI, exploring its potential to revolutionize the educational landscape. We investigate how AI can support teachers in personalizing education and making learning more efficient, while also tackling concerns about its implications.

Learn with us at https://learn.mciu.org/ITA2425/ and follow Mike at the links below!

Website: www.mmatp.com
Twitter: @mmatp
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mikemarottaatp
Facebook: www.facebook.com/InclusiveTechSolutions
Instagram: InclusiveTechnologySolutions

In this episode, we explore the integrated mathematics approach in school curricula. Join us alongside our distinguished guests, Dr. Jason Lilly from Lower Merion School District and Mr. Ed Merk from Colonial School District, as they share their pioneering efforts in blending algebra, geometry, and statistics into a seamless learning journey. Discover how this innovative model not only enriches students' mathematical understanding but also bridges the gap between different math topics, enabling a more cohesive learning experience.

Dr. Barbara Esch, a trailblazer in the fields of speech pathology and behavior analysis, joins us to unravel her unique journey to becoming a distinguished expert in her field. Our discussion delves into the synergy between speech pathology and behavior analysis, highlighting her contributions alongside pioneers like Dr. Richard Sheffelbush and insights from her collaboration with Dr. Mark Sundberg.

We explore the impact of interdisciplinary collaboration, showcasing how integrating behavioral and speech pathology frameworks can yield powerful outcomes. Visit learn.mciu.org/esch24 and join us for a hands-on workshop with Dr. Barbara Esch as she introduces the Early Echoic Skills Assessment and Program Planner (EESAPP). Learn how to assess early speech skills, analyze syllable complexity, and use data to build effective speech acquisition programs.

What does it take to build a supportive community that genuinely prioritizes mental wellness and suicide prevention among its youth? Join us as Todd and Nancy Solomon share the heartbreaking story of losing their son, Craig, to suicide and their mission to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy.

Listen as we highlight how student-led initiatives, like the Aevidum program, bring authenticity and passion to mental health discussions. Discover how the Project AWARE PA Find Help platform improves access to mental health resources, making it easier for school-based practitioners to connect students with the support they need.

Learn more about Project Aware at https://mciu.org/office-of-student-services/project-aware/.

To learn more about the Aevidum clubs, please visit https://aevidum.org/.

Project AWARE PA Find Help features a collaboration between the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, the Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit, and the Luzerne Intermediate Unit.

www.mciu.org

https://www.liu18.org/

https://www.cliu.org/

Join the MCIU on October 30th, December 4th, and December 5th as we unlock the keys to effective math education and retention with insights from Dr. Paul Riccomini, a leading expert in high-intensive education techniques. Discover how understanding cognitive processes—specifically the front end and back end of learning—can revolutionize your teaching approach. Learn practical strategies to manage working memory and prevent overload using graphic organizers and manipulatives, ensuring your students can absorb and process information efficiently. Dr. Riccomini also sheds light on retention techniques that help encode information into long-term memory, making it easier for students to recall and apply their knowledge.

Discover how Montgomery County libraries and the MCIU are championing inclusivity, universal design, and a sense of belonging. Learn about innovative programs and partnerships that are transforming libraries into welcoming spaces for all community members.

Fresh off her return from an amazing conference, we sit down with Julie Ortlieb to explore her learning around the essential strategies for addressing literacy among students with complex needs. Julie shares her expertise on what works and what doesn't in the complex needs classroom, offering practical tips for educators.

Visit our MCIU Learning Network for the full Dos and Don'ts Checklist!

https://learn.mciu.org/podcast-dos-and-donts-of-teaching-literacy/