Job Alike Groups 

Educational Services provides support through Job Alike groups to the districts that are within our footprint.  These groups support teachers and administrators in understanding PDE goals and initiatives as well as best practices in educational spaces.  If you have any questions about any of the groups please contact Janet Smith.  

Assistive Technology - AT ChAT: AT ChAT is a networking community dedicated to help educators to advance the effective use of assistive technology for special education students. Our platform brings together educators, assistive technology specialists, researchers, and industry experts passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments. Through collaborative discussions, resource sharing, and expert-led webinars, members gain valuable insights into the latest assistive technology tools, best practices in implementation, and strategies for maximizing student success. Whether you're seeking guidance on specific devices, exploring innovative approaches to accessibility, or connecting with like-minded professionals, AT ChAT provides a supportive and knowledge-rich space to empower educators and enhance outcomes for students with diverse needs. 

Autism - Neurodiversity Network: Our school-based, professional networking community is dedicated to helping educators to support students who fall under the umbrella of neurodiversity and autism. Here, educators, administrators, therapists, and support professionals come together to share knowledge, resources, and best practices for creating inclusive and supportive learning environments for neurodiverse students. Through collaborative discussions, professional development opportunities, and shared experiences, our community members gain valuable insights and strategies for addressing the unique needs of students with autism across all educational settings. Whether you're seeking advice on behavior management techniques, innovative instructional strategies, or collaborative approaches to support planning, our supportive network is here to empower you in your journey to foster the growth and success of every student with autism. 

Charter and CTC: The Charter School/CTC Network is an opportunity for school leaders to discuss topics and issues unique to their school communities. During the sessions, the LIU offers updates and provides professional development on a variety of topics. 

Coaching Community of Practice: This community of practice works to support coaches, no matter the content they support, in instituting high-quality practices and providing a space where they can collaborate with others who fulfill the same role. The theme of this year’s network is Student-Centered Coaching, a coaching model aimed at using student evidence to propel both student- and teacher-learning forward. 

Continuous Improvement Collaborative: The Continuous Improvement Collaborative is capacity-building support designed for leadership of IU12 schools that have been designated for school improvement under Continuous Support and Improvement (CSI), Additional Targeted Support and Improvement (A-TSI), Targeted Support and Improvement (TSI), and those operationalizing Accelerated Learning plans. 

Curriculum Council: Curriculum Council is a series of job-alike meetings with curriculum directors and assistant superintendents from the IU12 region. It is a forum to discuss topics and issues impacting effective student engagement and instruction. Opportunities to network and share information and ideas are afforded. Digital resources developed for the network foster communication and information sharing across schools/districts.

Data Quality Network: Monthly networking opportunity for PIMS administrators to hear state updates and presentations about data quality and PIMS reporting. 

Federal Programs Network provides valuable resources and guidance to our district partners on all aspects of federal education programs by:

• Providing to district coordinators regarding federal guidance materials; 

• Strengthening communication between PDE and our district coordinators through building sustainable relationship; and

• Advancing networking opportunities for further collaboration and networking between district coordinators.

Gifted Network: A professional learning community (PLC) to discuss and share instructional research and current issues in gifted education. 

Inclusive Practices/LRE:  Beyond Barriers is a networking community dedicated to help educators to foster inclusive practices for special education students in schools. Our community brings together educators, administrators, parents, and advocates passionate about creating supportive learning environments where every student can thrive. Through collaborative discussions, resource sharing, and professional development opportunities, we empower members to implement inclusive strategies, leverage assistive technologies, and design individualized support plans to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. 

Principal Network: This network is designed for principals with the purpose of providing opportunities for networking, connection, and development among job-alike peers. Relevant topics, prioritized information, and purposeful facilitation will make this network worth your time! Principal Network will meet in-person from 9:00-2:00 at IU12. 

School Safety and Security Coordinator Network: A job-like network for the region’s safety and security leaders to share resources, receive updates, and engage in professional development. 

Social Emotional Wellness Network: This network provides professional learning and networking for social emotional wellness within schools, highlighting the work of school counselors, school psychologists, social workers, other pupil personnel services staff, teachers and classroom staff, and administrators. Areas discussed include trauma-informed education, mental health, positive school climate, bullying prevention, and culturally relevant and sustaining education.  

Secondary Transition - Future Focused: Future Focused is a networking community dedicated to helping educators to support professionals in the field of secondary transition services. Whether you're an educator, counselor, therapist, or service provider, Future Focus offers a collaborative platform where members can share insights, resources, and best practices to empower students with disabilities in their journey from secondary school to post-secondary life.