Creating Highly Effective Educators
Essentials Workshop
3.5 hours of professional development
ACT 48 approved in PA
Virtual or In-Person options
The Essentials Workshop introduces educators to the NEIR System Change Model for Education©—a research-backed framework that integrates real-world engineering challenges with student-centered teaching. Participant's experience their role in implementing the NEIR System Change Model for Education© as they learn about the Engineering Design Process (EDP) and its ability to create and equitable learning environment to benefit all students. The five specific pedagogies of the EDP. and the four NEIR indicators serve as the foundation to guide their selection of research-based, practitioner-tested strategies to embed in their classroom practice. Educators can immediately take small (but powerful) actions that work for them and their class to improve their students' engagement, participation, learning, and retention.
Participants will:
Explore the NEIR System Change Model and its application in STEM and CTE classrooms
Analyze curriculum through the lens of cultural relevance, real-world connection, and student identity
Understand five research-based instructional pedagogies to increase student engagement
Write SMART goals and design an action research cycle for improving student outcomes
Engage in Faculty Learning Communities to extend and sustain professional growth
Commit to a specific instructional shift aligned with NEIR principles
Cost Range: $1,500 to $4,200
Associated costs are provided in a range that build in a number of variables, such as number of participants, number of consultants needed, in person or virtual delivery, cost of materials, travel, and the organization's ability to pay.
Foundations Workshop
10 hours of professional development
ACT 48 approved in PA
Virtual or In-Person Options
The Foundations Workshop Builds on the Essentials Workshop adding a hands-on experience using the five pedagogies that serve to teach the Engineering Design Process and create an engaging and exciting learning experience for every student. Time is provided for each educator to develop a specific plan for their CTE or STEM classroom to concretely understand how to apply what they learn from Day One and become the highly effective educator their unique students' need to be academically and personally successful.
Participants will:
Explore the NEIR System Change Model and its application in STEM and CTE classrooms
Explore strategies that support student engagement and instructional clarity
Understand how to align classroom practices with broader program goals
Reflect on current teaching approaches and identify areas for growth
Gain practical tools to implement immediately in their instructional planning
Sustain the learning community developed in the program through engagement six weeks after the PD and the creation and support of a facilitated platform (PA CTE Community Network.)
Cost Range: $14,400 - $18,000
Associated costs are provided in a range that build in a number of variables, such as number of participants, number of consultants needed, in person or virtual delivery, cost of materials, travel, and the organization's ability to pay.
Participants will:
Deepen their understanding of the NEIR System Change Model for creating inclusive, student-centered STEM environments
Apply five core pedagogical strategies—constructivist, collaborative, inquiry-based, integrative, and reflective—to lesson design
Analyze curriculum and teaching practices for cultural and community relevance
Develop and implement SMART goals
Design and lead an action research cycle using real classroom data and outcomes
Engage in Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs) to promote collaborative growth and sustainable change
Reflect on practice, present findings, and commit to meaningful implementation of new strategies
24 hours of professional development
ACT 48 approved in PA
In-Person learning
Can be implemented as a Train-the-Trainer model
The immersive workshop is a multi-day professional learning experience designed for STEM and CTE educators, school leaders, and administrators who are ready to lead transformational instructional change. Rooted in the NEIR System Change Model for Education©, this workshop equips participants with research-based strategies and leadership practices that foster inclusive, student-centered classrooms.
Immersive Workshop
Cost Range: $5,000 to $8,000
Associated costs are provided in a range that build in a number of variables, such as number of participants, number of consultants needed, in person or virtual delivery, cost of materials, travel, and the organization's ability to pay.
The Professional Development (PD) is aligned to NGSS, STEELS, and Career Ready Standards, and embeds the Danielson Framework. The program has been assessed by independent researchers (RTI) in its design and development.
Real change happens when professional development connects directly to what educators and students need most.