Session 1

Igniting Curiosity and Creativity: Empowering Students as Change-Makers with Discovery Education

Room: Susquehanna/Yellow Breeches 

Presenter(s): Heather Schrader

Description: Explore how Discovery Education resources can help students become creative change-makers by fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and project-based learning. We will showcase how educators can leverage Discovery Education’s tools, including AI and Career Connect, to spark students' creativity and problem-solving abilities, just as Creative Visions promotes project-based learning for global impact.

Grade Level Focus: Overall Focus (K-12)

Audience: Classroom Teachers, Specialists, Principals, Librarians/Media Specialists, Curriculum Directors/Specialists

Bio: Heather Schrader has spent the past 15+ years working to support educational technology within schools and districts across the Mid-Atlantic region. A mom of two, she's passionate about leveraging EdTech tools in ways that spark student engagement and make teachers' lives easier.

It’s a Beautiful Day for Creativity, Curiosity and Connection 

Room: Keystone

Presenter(s): Jackie Druck, Ashley Keath, & Nick Scales

Description: Play, wonder, and learn—just like Mr. Rogers taught us! Join us for hands-on fun & ideas to spark creativity & curiosity in your classroom and school.

Throw on your favorite cardigan and hop onto the trolley as we journey into the Neighborhood of Make-Believe—where curiosity sparks, creativity flourishes, and joyful learning takes center stage! Inspired by the research behind When You Wonder, You’re Learning and our district’s authors-in-residence experience with Gregg Behr and Ryan Rydzewski, this interactive session will explore how joy, curiosity, and creativity fuel deep learning. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, we’ll unpack the learning sciences and share how you can transform classrooms into wonder-filled spaces where students thrive. Come for the nostalgia, stay for the inspiration, and leave with practical strategies to spark inquiry, play, and a lifelong love of learning in your neighborhood. When we love what we do, our students will too.

Grade Level Focus: Overall K-12

Audience: Classroom Teachers, Specialists, Principals, Librarians/Media Specialists

Bio: Instructional Tech Coaches in Manheim Township School District, Ashley, Jackie & Nick have diverse K-12 teaching and coaching backgrounds and aim to build a welcoming “neighborhood” where educators feel supported & inspired. With 45+ years of experience, they craft professional learning that is as imaginative as it is practical. In the spirit of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, they invite you to their collaborative corner, where wonder, play, and possibility come to life. Won’t you be our neighbor?

Inquiry and Engaging Projects, Activities, and Science Demonstration Materials 

Room: Meadow

Presenter(s): Bruce Yeany

Description: During this workshop, attendees will have opportunities to participate, examine and observe how to use a variety of science related materials to enhance understanding of basic concepts of mechanics, motion, energy, magnetism, light, sound and chemistry. The emphasis will center on ideas that actively engage teachers and students by producing their own classroom materials and equipment. The focus of this program is directed toward anyone involved in any areas of a STEM type program. This hands- on workshop will demonstrate and offer an abundance of materials that have proven to be effective in explaining science concepts. Participants will leave this session with many easy-to-build ideas for investigations, projects and demonstrations in forces, motion, light sound and energy .  Instructions and additional  information and  can be found on Bruce Yeany's YouTube channel  which is produced primarily  as a source for science education. 

Grade Level Focus: Secondary (6-12)

Audience: Classroom Teachers, Curriculum Directors/Specialists

Bio: Bruce Yeany has taught middle school physical science for over 41 years and has been an adjunct professor teaching science educational methods.  Bruce has authored  and published numerous articles and a book on science education. He has given over 300 science workshops  on local, state, and national levels.  He has been a science consultant in several areas including a children's TV science program (DIY SCI hosted by Steve Spangler) and has his own  YouTube channel for science education. 

Future-Ready Learning: CAOLA's Approach to PA STEELS Standards 

Room: Laurel

Presenter(s): Bryan Guerrisi

Description: Join us to explore how CAOLA (Capital Area Online Learning Association) is collaborating with its vendors to align with the Pennsylvania STEELS Standards. This initiative focuses on inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and real-world applications, integrating science, technology, engineering, and environmental literacy. Discover how CAOLA's adoption of these standards aims to provide a comprehensive, interconnected education, equipping students with the essential skills and knowledge needed for success in a rapidly evolving world.

Grade Level Focus: Overall K-12

Audience: Classroom Teachers, Specialists, Principals, Technology Directors/Facilitators, Curriculum Directors/Specialists

Bio: Bryan Guerrisi is an Account Manager for the Capital Area Online Learning Association at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit. I manage the accounts of our IU15 districts that use CAOLA and help with best practices, professional development, and contracts. Bryan has a Bachelor’s degree from Lock Haven University and a Master’s degree from Penn State University.  

AI for Elementary classrooms 

Room: Juniata

Presenter(s): Matt Schiefen

Description: AI in the elementary classroom revolutionizes learning by offering personalized and engaging experiences. Tools like Snorkl & School AI's Spaces allow students to interact with educational content through text-based adventures, promoting curiosity and critical thinking. AI can analyze student performance data, offering insights to tailor instruction to individual needs. This data-driven approach supports differentiated learning, ensuring each student progresses at their own pace. By integrating AI, teachers can create dynamic, student-centered environments that enhance both teaching and learning outcomes.

Grade Level Focus: Elementary (K-6)

Audience: Classroom Teachers

Bio: I am a 4th-grade teacher with 19 years of experience, dedicated to crafting engaging learning experiences. My passion for coaching enriches my classroom approach. Proud husband and father of three wonderful children.

Click HERE for session resources.

Creative Assessments in the Age of AI 

Room: Friendship

Presenter(s): Vicki Grenier 

Description: This presentation introduces teachers to innovative assessment strategies that emphasize creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration—skills that AI tools cannot replicate. Participants will explore diverse methods, including storytelling, multimedia projects, hands-on creations, and performance-based tasks. The session highlights the importance of focusing on the learning process, originality, and student engagement. Teachers will leave with actionable ideas, examples, and resources to design engaging, AI-resistant assessments that inspire deeper learning and real-world skill development.

Grade Level Focus: Secondary (6-12)

Audience: Classroom Teachers

Bio: I am the Technology Innovation Specialist for the Eastern York School District, with a background as an elementary computer science teacher, STEM coach, and classroom teacher. I am passionate about equipping students with the skills they need for the 21st century and supporting teachers in adopting modern, effective teaching strategies to enhance learning.

Click HERE for session resources.

Questioning Everything: Using Inquiry to Build Background Knowledge and Deepen Learning

Room: Dogwood

Presenter(s): Melissa Kreider

Description: Curious about inquiry? Want to know how to encourage student questioning, creativity, and curiosity? In this workshop, participants will learn about the concept of inquiry-based learning and get the chance to participate in inquiry themselves. The purpose of the session is to discuss the idea of inquiry as a pedagogy, different models of inquiry, and how inquiry can be used in classrooms. As part of the program, participants will also take part in a guided inquiry mini project to gain a deeper understanding of the process before bringing inquiry back to their classrooms.

Grade Level Focus: Overall (K-12)

Audience: Classroom Teachers, Specialists, Librarians/Media Specialists

Bio: Melissa Kreider teaches 8th grade English Language Arts in the Hempfield School District. It is her sixth year in her current role and eighth overall. She received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees through the Penn State College of Education. She works with Penn State's Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights Initiative, which promotes Holocaust and Genocide education and inquiry-based learning. She serves on their Teacher Advisory Council and was a member of their inaugural NEH institute. 

click HERE for session resources.

Igniting Curiosity: STEM and Career Exploration Through Inquiry Based Lessons 

Room: Board

Presenter(s): Caitlin Karetas & Desireé Vaughn

Description: This session explores how linking high-quality literature to science standards and technology through PA STEELS can enhance STEM education. By using inquiry-driven learning, students can connect classroom concepts to real-world applications, igniting interest in STEM careers. Participants will discover innovative teaching methods that integrate literature, science, and technology, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. The session also highlights how inquiry-based practices can inspire students to explore various STEM fields and potential career paths. Additionally, educators will learn how to establish valuable partnerships with Pennon Education to support STEM initiatives in K-6 classrooms.

Grade Level Focus: Elementary focus (K-6)

Audience: Classroom Teachers, Specialists, Principals, Librarians/Media Specialists, Technology Directors/Facilitators, Curriculum Directors/Specialists

Bio: Caitlin is a graduate of Penn State Harrisburg and is currently pursuing her Masters of Education with an ESL Certification at Millersville University. Caitlin leads our elementary programming in grades K-4. She works with school districts across PA to deliver our Explore in the Classroom Program in partnership with classroom teachers. Her lessons integrate early literacy with STEM (PA STEELS) within a Universal Design for Learning framework to ensure equitable access for English learners.

Desireé Vaughn completed her undergraduate degree in Urban Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. She earned her Master's Degree and an Elementary Education teacher certification at UMass Boston. Before joining the team at Pennon Education, Desireé taught 4th grade in Boston Public Schools. She holds certifications in Special Education and Sheltered English Immersion (SEI. Desireé is also the founder and CEO of Dream Ultra Big, LLC where she developed Dub This!®, a creative and interactive music-based card game.  At Pennon, Desireé co-leads our elementary programming in grades K-4. She works with school districts and classroom teachers across PA to deliver our Explore in the Classroom Program, integrating early literacy with STEM (PA STEELS) within a UDL framework to ensure equitable access for English learners. Desireé also designs learning for afterschool programs, summer camps, and family engagement events, and supports our youth digital creator initiatives, bringing together creative expression, digital creation, and entrepreneurialism with middle and high schoolers!