Leaders from the Allegheny Intermediate Unit recently attended the National Conference on Education to present on how partnerships help advance two different aspects of education: Remake Learning and school safety.
Educators from across the country attended the conference, presented annually by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
Remake Learning: Building Thriving Learning Ecosystems
Executive Director Dr. Robert Scherrer, Tyler Samstag, Director of Instructional Innovation, and Chris Caton of the Northgate School District presented about the strategies and success stories of Pittsburgh’s Remake Learning.
Education is no longer confined to traditional classrooms, and the presentation showcased how Remake Learning is inspiring a dynamic network of people, places, and experiences that together shape the way students of all ages learn. Remake Learning is a peer network for educators and innovators in the greater Pittsburgh area. It helps build connections so educators can collaborate on new ideas that ultimately enhance education and create equitable opportunities throughout the region.
School Safety: Strengthening Partnerships Between Schools and First Responders
Aaron Skrbin, director of Safety and Security, and Janell Logue-Belden, superintendent of the Deer Lakes School District, presented on the needed cooperation between schools and local law enforcement and emergency services.
The session delved into the importance of setting operational priorities for both first responders and school administrators. Skrbin stressed the importance of maintaining regular communication with local emergency personnel and making sure they are involved in the safety planning process. The planning needs to be developed to the specific needs of the school district, with considerations to school safety personnel, district size, and traits of their respective communities.
While safety planning differs district-to-district, Skrbin said there is one common goal for both school administrators and emergency officials: keep students, schools, and communities safe.