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Free Act 48 Opportunities for Special Ed Teachers
by Cynthia Wetmiller

The PSLA is pleased to announce that a wide variety of Act 48 opportunities for special education teachers in Western Pennsylvania will be offered this semester. All events are offered free of charge and space is limited. Register today to assure your participation!

Online registration is available for all events at the PSLA website:

Special Education Network Meeting
Tuesday, September 24
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
University of Pittsburgh
Facilitated by Cynthia Wetmiller

Join us as we discuss the impact of service-learning on special education. Bring questions and ideas to share with other special education teachers.

Documentation of Service-Learning: Keeping on Task and Keeping on Track!
Thursday, October 3
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
University of Pittsburgh
Facilitated by Cynthia Wetmiller

Confused about how to document the service-learning activities taking place in your classroom and community? Come learn how to keep your projects organized and on task so that evaluation and assessment is easy

Meeting Standards and Building Communities through Service-Learning
October 24
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Beaver Intermediate Unit
BeaverCounty
Lunch will be served

Students consistently show more interest in subject matter, behave better and contribute more to their communities after being exposed to service-learning. This innovative teaching methodology integrates service and study with reflection to produce knowledgeable, well-rounded students. It is used in all subjects in K-12 classrooms across the country and throughout Western Pennsylvania. Participants will gain an improved understanding of service-learning, ideas that are applicable to their own school, and manageable steps for implementation.

Service-Learning Theory in Practice: The Vicary House
November 2
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Beaver County
Lunch will be earned/served

Hands-on learners and teachers who would like to see how service-learning works in practice will enjoy this workshop. Participants will gain insight into service-learning methodology, best practices and regional history while helping at the Vicary House. We will perform service, so please wear work clothes.

Service-Learning: A Roadmap for Special Education
Friday, November 6
8:30 am to 3:00 pm
University of Pittsburgh
Facilitated by Special Education Teachers
Lunch served

If you are a special education teacher interested in learning more about how to make your students' Individual Education Plan more exciting, don't miss this conference! Enjoy a jam-packed day of learning and networking.

Transforming Holiday Generosity into Lasting Service-Learning Experiences
November 13
4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Beaver Intermediate Unit
BeaverCounty
Dinner served

At this year's National Points of Light Conference one parent described the importance of service-learning in transforming her son's food drive. Although he had previously participated only to earn a pizza party for his homeroom, his service-learning experience proved to be thought-provoking, challenging and meaningful for civic and character development. This workshop will provide participants with strategies for integrating education and reflection with volunteer efforts that already occur at their schools.