The MCIULearns Podcast
The MCIU Learns podcast is where education leaders, innovators, and experts share insights and best practices to elevate learning and empower schools. Each episode features thought-provoking conversations with thought leaders, presenters, and program directors from Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU) and beyond. Whether we’re discussing cutting-edge programs, professional development strategies, or the latest trends in education, our goal is to inspire and build capacity in educators, administrators, and all those passionate about improving student outcomes.
Episodes
50 episodes since 2019
A Journey of Healing: Building Communities to Support Youth Mental Wellness and Suicide Prevention
What does it take to build a supportive community that genuinely prioritizes mental wellness and suicide prevention among its youth? Join us as Todd and Nancy Solomon share the heartbreaking story of losing their son, Craig, to suicide and thei...
September 13, 2024
•
Season 6
•
Episode 2
•
30:50
Mastering Math Retention and Comprehension with Dr. Paul Riccomini
Join the MCIU on October 30th, December 4th, and December 5th as we unlock the keys to effective math education and retention with insights from Dr. Paul Riccomini, a leading expert in high-intensive education techniques. Discover how understan...
September 03, 2024
•
Season 6
•
Episode 1
•
23:40
Partnering to Foster Belonging and Inclusivity Across Montgomery County Libraries
Discover how Montgomery County libraries and the MCIU are championing inclusivity, universal design, and a sense of belonging. Learn about innovative programs and partnerships that are transforming libraries into welcoming spaces for all commun...
July 16, 2024
•
Season 5
•
Episode 11
•
18:47
Literacy and Students with Complex Needs: The Dos and Don'ts
Fresh off her return from an amazing conference, we sit down with Julie Ortlieb to explore her learning around the essential strategies for addressing literacy among students with complex needs. Julie shares her expertise on what works and what...
June 07, 2024
•
Season 5
•
Episode 10
•
12:11
Empathy in Education: Transforming Classrooms with Understanding
In this episode, we explore the impact of empathy in classroom management with MCIU Project Consultant, Marisa Crapella. Learn how empathy can help manage challenging behaviors, build strong connections with students, and create a more inclusiv...
May 03, 2024
•
Season 5
•
Episode 9
•
12:52
UDL + AI = LUDIA
Explore the innovative world of Ludia, your AI-powered partner in Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Created to serve as a foundational tool and scaffold, Ludia assists in cultivating a UDL mindset and acts as a collaborative thought partner ...
April 18, 2024
•
Season 5
•
Episode 8
•
37:10
Examples and Strategies for Designing Accessible Digital Content
In this episode, join Cassie Brusch, Julie Ortlieb, and Brandon Langer as they delve deeper into the heart of accessibility in education, spotlighting innovative strategies and technologies that pave the way for inclusive learning environments....
February 07, 2024
•
Season 5
•
Episode 7
•
12:45
Removing Barriers: Designing Accessible Digital Content in Education
Join us in this episode as we explore the role of technology in making learning more accessible. Cassie Brusch and Julie Ortlieb share insights on how digital tools are transforming education, offering flexibility and a variety of learning meth...
January 23, 2024
•
Season 5
•
Episode 6
•
10:50
Shaping Futures: The Power of Project AWARE in Schools
Join us in this insightful episode of the OPL Podcast as we continue our conversation with Pia Houseal to discuss the three pivotal goals of MCIU's Project AWARE. Learn how we're enhancing student well-being through Suicide Prevention Training,...
January 10, 2024
•
Season 5
•
Episode 5
•
10:20
Beyond Awareness: How MCIU is Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education
Join us for a deep dive into Project Aware with Pia Houseal and Brandon Langer.In this episode, we uncover how Project Aware is:Empowering Through Awareness: Increasing suicide prevention training for students (K-12) ...
December 14, 2023
•
Season 5
•
Episode 4
•
9:10
Unlocking Educational Excellence: Navigating MTSS and Data Platforms in Schools
Dr. Donna Gaffney, Dr. Rebecca Millspaugh, and Brandon Langer from the MCIU are joined by Ryan Winter from LinkIt! to discuss navigating MTSS and data platforms in schools.Listen as they explore the practical side of MTSS implementation ...
December 01, 2023
•
Season 5
•
Episode 3
•
21:56
Shaping Student Experiences with Environmental Literacy and Sustainability
Stephanie Schwab, Erin McCool, and Brandon Langer dive into Environmental Literacy and Sustainability. What does it mean, where is headed in schools, and what will the impact be on students?!?Erin and Steph also share the details ...
October 30, 2023
•
Season 5
•
Episode 2
•
16:55
Invigorating High School Math with Steve Leinwand and Eric Milou
Kicking off season 5, we delve into the challenges faced by high school math teachers, from the constraints of standardized tests to the limited scope of current curricular structures. Discover why the status quo is no longer acceptable and why...
September 08, 2023
•
Season 5
•
Episode 1
•
20:56
Advancing the Personalization of Online Learning Through Storytelling and Connection
Season 4 of the MCIU podcast wraps with a conversation between MVP (MCIU23) and our friends from IU8 with the World of Learning Institute. In this episode, we explore the intersection of storytelling and executive functioning in online le...
June 28, 2023
•
Season 4
•
Episode 11
•
28:10
Literacy and Complex Needs (#3): Shifting the Literacy Landscape for Students with Complex Needs
Julie Ortlieb and Brandon Langer continue their conversation about students with complex needs and literacy instruction.Read Julie's full post on the MCIU Learning Network.
May 19, 2023
•
Season 4
•
Episode 10
•
16:14
UDL Journeys: A Systemic UDL Investment (with Inglewood Elementary School)
Erin, Jesse and Brandon meet with the Inglewood Elementary team to hear their journey with Universal Design for Learning and the UDL team at Montgomery County Intermediate Unit.For more information and resources, visit the MCIU Learning...
April 28, 2023
•
Season 4
•
Episode 9
•
20:08
PDE Joins the Upcoming MCIU Science Expo
Pennsylvania Department of Education's Science Content Advisor, Dave Bauman, joins Andrew Kuhn and Brandon Langer to discuss the upcoming MCIU Science Expo and the statewide launch of the STEELS standards.Register to attend the MCIU Sci...
March 30, 2023
•
Season 4
•
Episode 8
•
14:06
Partnership Highlight: Leading Computer Science with Code.org
Ben DeSantis and Brandon Langer discuss MCIU's new role as the eastern Pennsylvania regional partner for Code.org. Learn more on the MCIU Learning Network at: https://Learn.MCIU.org/code
February 03, 2023
•
Season 4
•
Episode 7
•
8:41
Literacy and Complex Needs (#2): Laying the Foundation for a Literate Life
Julie Ortlieb and Brandon Langer jump into round 2 of the mini-series dedicated to learning about "Teaching Literacy for Students with Complex Needs."
January 30, 2023
•
Season 4
•
Episode 6
•
15:00
We Math! Mathing with Deborah Peart and MCIU
Deborah Peart joins Steph Schwab and Brandon Langer to talk "mathing," "mathers," and how she believes in building a math community where it is safe to take risks and share ideas. All of which provides an incredible preview for her upcoming
January 20, 2023
•
Season 4
•
Episode 5
•
15:49
Teaching Students with Complex Needs (#1): What is More Functional than Literacy?
In the first episode of a new mini-series, Julie Ortlieb and Brandon Langer discuss how it may be tempting to focus solely on “functional skills” in a complex needs classroom and why literacy is the most important functional skill that...
January 11, 2023
•
Season 4
•
Episode 4
•
14:00
Introduction to esports with Andrew Kuhn
Andrew Kuhn sits down to discuss the booming esports landscape and how you can learn more with MCIU. Register for the upcoming Introduction to esports with MCIU!...
January 04, 2023
•
Season 4
•
Episode 3
•
9:40
Upcoming Text Talk Series: UDL with Loui Lord Nelson
Lauren Benfield and Erin Barry share a unique UDL offering with MCIU and Loui Lord Nelson. Learn more on the MCIU Learning N...
November 30, 2022
•
Season 4
•
Episode 2
•
4:49
Creating Excitement in the Mathematics Classroom with Robert Kaplinsky
MCIU kicks off the new season of the OPL Podcast with special guest, Robert Kaplinsky. Robert shares his background, interests, and steps educators are taking with the open-middle and #observeme movements. Robert comes to MCIU later...
August 23, 2022
•
Season 4
•
Episode 1
•
22:44
Conversations with the Creator: An Introduction to PEAK Relational Training
Lead Project Consultant Kari Kessler meets with Dr. Mark Dixon to discuss the background and structure of the PEAK Relational Training System. Stay tuned to the MCIU Learning network at LEARN.mciu.org ...
June 20, 2022
•
Season 3
•
Episode 14
•
22:14