Supporting Education Through Innovation, Collaboration and Partnership
Over 30 local education leaders gathered at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading for Alvernia University’s annual education dinner: Supporting Education Through Innovation, Collaboration and Partnership. The university hosted the event to foster collaborative conversation among the Berks County’s PK-12 school district education leaders and Alvernia education faculty to share innovative approaches to reshaping the PK-12 environment into the student-centered schools of tomorrow.
The mission moment was given by Alvernia University President, Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. Senior Vice President and Provost, Leamor Kahanov, Ph.D. provided the welcome and introduction of Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Director of the Bureau of School Support, Amy Lena and Director for School Leadership and Teacher Quality, Dr. Carissa Pokorny-Golden to discuss the current state of education in Pa. In addition, Tulpehocken Area School District’s Director of Teaching and Learning Dr. Tim Matlack, Superintendent Dr. Andrew Netznik and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Denis Quirk presented and discussed “Bridging the Science of Learning with the Art of Teaching.”
The attendees also heard from a panel facilitated by Alvernia University Education Department Chair, Director of Special Education Programs and Assistant Professor Lucinda Schaeffer, Ed.D. featuring Executive Director (ED) of Berks County Intermediate Unit (IU) Dr. Jill Hackman, ED of Chester County IU Dr. Jill Hackman, ED of Carbon Lehigh IU Dr. Greg Koons, Interim ED Schuylkill County IU Dr. Rene Evans, , and The panel covered mental well-being, government relations, strategic talent management, and navigating AI. The presentations were followed by robust conversations with the education administrators and professionals across the school districts in attendance.
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.
By: Aleksandra Kolesnikova, communications major
