This professional development network is designed to support new and emergency-certified science teachers—and the mentors who guide them—as they navigate the challenges of early practice and implementation of Pennsylvania’s STEELS Standards. Meeting three times per year, the network creates a collaborative space where educators can connect with peers, mentors, intermediate unit leaders, and higher education partners to build confidence, share resources, and strengthen their science teaching.
Each meeting highlights:
- Cohort Connections – Networking with fellow new teachers, mentors, and regional partners to reduce isolation and foster collaboration.
- STEELS-Aligned Learning – Practical strategies for inquiry-based instruction, sensemaking, and student-centered science learning.
- Laboratory Safety Foundations – Essential practices and resources to establish safe, well-managed lab environments.
- Creating Curious Classrooms – Tools and techniques to spark student curiosity, sustain engagement, and cultivate lifelong learners.
- Mentor Development – Guidance for mentors to better support novice and emergency-certified educators.
- Action Planning & Reflection – Structured opportunities for participants to identify needs, set goals, and plan next steps.
Schedule:
Fall Meeting: Building the network, orienting to STEELS, and introducing laboratory safety as a foundation for strong science instruction.
Winter Meeting: Exploring case studies and strategies for creating curious classrooms that integrate STEELS practices and mentor support.
Spring Meeting: Sharing classroom successes, reflecting on safety and engagement growth, and building sustainability plans for districts.
Act 48: 3 hours