Cumberland Valley Superintendent Christopher delivers keynote address
Over 30 local education leaders gathered Thursday evening at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading for an Alvernia University hosted event titled Innovation in Education through Collaboration between School Districts & University Education Programs.
The university hosted the event to foster collaborative conversation among the PK-12 grade school district education leaders and Alvernia education faculty to share innovative approaches to reshaping the PK-12 environment into student-centered schools of tomorrow.
"The COVID-19 pandemic brought about inconceivable challenges, thus reshaping the educational landscape," said Alvernia University Associate Professor of Education and Education Department Chair Elena Lawrick, Ph.D. "Still, the response to the pandemic has generated an abundance of innovative ideas and approaches which will drive the transformation of education for years to come. This is why it is essential to share ideas and collaborate. Alvernia's Education Department aims to house collaborative conversations and promote stronger connections among educational agencies."
Cumberland Valley School District Superintendent Dr. David Christopher delivered a keynote address where he presented a high-level overview of The American Association of School Administrators' Learning 2025 Framework and explored how strategic planning around expected outcomes for graduates can be used to help school districts create needed changes within their educational environments while providing examples of how the Cumberland Valley School District is using this Framework to improve outcomes for all students.
Other speakers included Dr. Christopher Trickett, Wilson School District interim Superintendent and Christina Ruoss, Alvernia University Ph.D. Candidate and Conrad Weiser School District instructional coach and AP/Dual Enrollment English teacher. Dr. Trickett spoke about an innovative strategic plan being developed in Wilson School District to redefine student readiness to develop life, career and college ready graduates. Ruoss' presentation offered an important insight for education leaders, bringing teachers' perspectives on the issue of teacher attrition. Ruoss presented the findings of her research study that explored the teacher-perceived reasons of staying in the teaching profession.
The attendees also heard from Alvernia President John R. Loyack, Alvernia Vice President for Mission, Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Darryl Mace and Alvernia Senior Vice President and Provost Dr. Glynis Fitzgerald, while Dr. Lawrick provided an overview ofAlvernia's education programs.
The presentations were followed by robust conversations by education administrators of several school districts attending the event.
The Alvernia University Education Department offers various programs for a broad range of educators, from prospective to seasoned teachers to educational administrators. Educators can advance their professional career by pursuing a bachelor's of education degree, teaching certification, master of education degree, or superintendent's letter of eligibility. All programs are accredited by the Pennsylvania State Department of Education. The university also offers a Ph.D. in Leadership program that includes an Educational Leadership track.
View the event photo gallery here.
