The BCIU United Way Committee is thrilled to announce that the BCIU | United Way Designer Bag Bingo fundraiser raised a grand total of $8,584.73! This incredible success was made possible by the generosity of local businesses, individual donors, and our dedicated Bingo attendees. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this event’s success.
Tina Blatt, Chair of the BCIU United Way Committee, and Nicole Abreu, Committee Member, proudly presented a check for $8,584.73 to Tammy White, President of United Way of Berks County, and Abigail Goldberg, Relationship Manager of United Way of Berks County. These proceeds will positively impact our community, and the BCIU is honored to support such an important cause. #FeatureFriday
Are you looking for a career that would make a difference in the lives of children and families in Berks County? The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) is seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to make an impact on the 70,000+ students and their families in Berks County. If you have the heart to serve, we encourage you to explore career opportunities with the BCIU!
Summary of position: The classroom specialist assists the professional staff to conduct an effective educational program, to provide support for at-risk students, and to provide for a safe and orderly environment.
Qualifications: Pennsylvania certification or Bachelor’s Degree and ability to acquire Emergency Permit through participation in the BCIU Guest Teacher Program.
Experience with children and youth who are neglected, abandoned, or abused and have emotional, learning, and social problems.
Full-time, 35 hours/week, 10 months/year. View full job description and apply online at www.berksiu.org/jobline. JOB ID 2086. EOE.
The Berks County Intermediate Unit is hosting a Transportation Hiring Event TOMORROW, Wednesday, December 11, 2024, with immediate openings for school bus drivers, van drivers, and bus/van assistants in Berks County schools.
Bus drivers can earn up to $30.10 per hour, depending on experience. Van drivers can earn $20.60. Bus/van assistants can earn up to $17.25.
Have your CDL and proper endorsements? Receive a $1,500 bonus!
Interested in learning to drive a school bus? Receive paid training.
Learn more or RSVP for the event by calling 610-987-8471 or visiting berksiu.org/drivers.
Registration is preferred, but not required. Walk-ins welcome!
EVENT DETAILS:
When: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Berks County Intermediate Unit Main Office (1111 Commons Blvd, Reading, PA 19605)
Thank you to Senator Judy Schwank, Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, and Representative Mark Gillen, for joining Berks County school district superintendents, career and technology directors, business officials, and BCIU leadership for the BCIU’s Annual Meeting with State Legislators this morning at the BCIU Main Office. Representatives from the offices of Senator Judy Schwank, Senator Scott Martin, Senator Tracy Pennycuick, Senator Katie Muth, Representative Cepeda-Freytiz, Senator Chris Gebhard, and Representative David Zimmerman also attended.
The meeting was a valuable platform to share information, exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and foster positive dialogue. Highlights included important legislative updates, a comprehensive overview of priority advocacy areas and State Mandates, an insightful panel discussion, and an engaging Q&A session between school administrators and legislators.
We sincerely thank all attendees for their participation and contributions. Together, we look forward to sustaining and enhancing collaborative efforts to support our students, educators, and schools by providing the essential resources and assistance needed for success.
"The last 20 years have seen so many changes. Technological advancements continue to push humanity into new and uncharted territory. The field of education in the United States has not been insulated from the progressive drumbeat. It has been marked by a parade of initiatives. No Child Left Behind. Race to the Top. Every Student Succeeds."
In this Superintendents’ Forum, Dr. Timothy Matlack, Antietam School District Superintendent, discusses how we should invest in the individuals who work with students.
To read the full article, visit: https://www.berksiu.org/article/1907851
December 5, 2024: Emergency Weather Updates – Delays and Cancellations
Early Intervention: There will be no AM transportation for students within the following school districts: Brandywine Heights, Hamburg Area, Kutztown Area, and Tulpehocken Area. The morning session of the specialized classroom at the Learning Center at Hamburg (Child Development Center 9) will be cancelled. All other services and appointments will be held as planned.
Head Start: The BCIU Head Start Classroom at the Learning Center at Hamburg will operate on a two-hour delay.
Pre-K Counts: The BCIU Pre-K Counts Classroom at Tilden Elementary Center will operate on a two-hour delay.
NOW HIRING! The Berks County Intermediate Unit is hosting a Transportation Hiring Event on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, with immediate openings for school bus drivers, van drivers, and bus/van assistants in Berks County schools.
Bus drivers can earn up to $30.10 per hour, depending on experience. Van drivers can earn $20.60. Bus/van assistants can earn up to $17.25.
Have your CDL and proper endorsements? Receive a $1,500 bonus!
Interested in learning to drive a school bus? Receive paid training.
Learn more or RSVP for the event by calling 610-987-8471 or visiting berksiu.org/drivers.
Registration is preferred but not required. Walk-ins welcome!
EVENT DETAILS:
When: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where: Berks County Intermediate Unit Main Office (1111 Commons Blvd, Reading, PA 19605)
Are you passionate about impacting education in Berks County? The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) Office of Professional Learning is hiring a Program Administrator to lead professional development and curriculum initiatives that benefit 70,000+ students and their families.
Summary of position: Direct, coordinate, and supervise service and leadership to the public and private schools, businesses, community of Berks County, and statewide where applicable in the areas of professional development and curriculum. Administer and implement programs and activities that will improve teaching and learning for all students. Focus areas could include literacy, instructional coaching, school climate/learning environment, data analysis, diagnostic assessments (Classroom Diagnostic Tools), PVAAS, MTSS, and school improvement facilitation.
Qualifications: Advanced degree in education, PA Administrative or Supervisor Certificate, experience in curriculum and staff development, and strong leadership skills.
Position Details: Full-time, 12-month role with a competitive salary of $88,549–$119,801.
Apply now to make a difference! View full details and apply at www.berksiu.org/jobline. EOE. Job ID: 2148.
Looking for a career that makes a difference? Start your journey in education today! Visit LevelUpBerks.org to explore the pathways that lead to a meaningful profession, shaping the future of Berks County. #LevelUpBerks #ProfessionWithPurpose
Are you looking to grow professionally in the field of Early Childhood Education? If so, consider a career with the BCIU! We are currently seeking Paraeducators (Teacher Assistants) to provide services related to student instruction, family engagement, and school readiness in our BCIU Head Start, Early Intervention, and Pre-K Counts classrooms.
Not only will you have the chance to improve a child's life, but they will change yours too.
Learn more and apply online: https://buff.ly/3vZFdDx EOE.
Did you know students experiencing homelessness are twice as likely to repeat a grade level?
The McKinney-Vento Homelessness Assistance Act helps eliminate education barriers for students experiencing homelessness. Identification is the first step in supporting these youth.
To learn more, visit https://sites.google.com/berksiu.org/ecyeh/programs-and-events/hunger-and-homelessness-awareness-week?fbclid=IwY2xjawGHXKRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeaCjqdSws7_4B2Bynl0a0b-7xdCy3O2jhXfzqfS9t3anmoizj3Ng3cGqA_aem_GOGKkitGC88ApTA6m_YcgA.
It is American Education Week! This week, we celebrate the incredible work of educators, support staff, and every BCIU team member who contributes to the success of students across Berks County. Together, we impact the lives of over 70,000 students, fostering engaging and supportive learning environments.
Thank you for all you do to shape the future of education in our community. Your dedication inspires us every day! #AmericanEducationWeek #AEW2024
"It should come as no surprise that elections can be extremely divisive. They bring about strong emotions and differing opinions, which too often lead to tension and conflict. Now that the election has concluded, we stand at the threshold of America’s next chapter. Whether you are elated or saddened by the election results, as I like to say, the world will keep spinning tomorrow — and we, as a community, need to think about how we can work together to pen our 'next chapter.'"
In this Superintendents’ Forum, Thomas Voelker, Daniel Boone Area School District Superintendent, discusses how to promote working together in a divisive time.
To read the full article, visit: https://www.berksiu.org/article/1887305
We were fortunate to welcome Senator Judy Schwank, Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, and Mr. Scott Gruber from Our City Reading Inc. to a Head Start classroom at the BCIU Learning Center at St. Paul’s today. A heartfelt thank you to Senator Schwank and Representative Cepeda-Freytiz for their support and advocacy for BCIU’s early childhood programs, and to Mr. Gruber for his ongoing collaboration and commitment to our mission.
You may not know that, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, students experiencing homelessness are 87% more likely to drop out of school.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act helps eliminate educational barriers for students experiencing homelessness. Identification is the first step in supporting these youth.
To learn more, visit https://sites.google.com/berksiu.org/ecyeh/programs-and-events/hunger-and-homelessness-awareness-week?fbclid=IwY2xjawGHXKRleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeaCjqdSws7_4B2Bynl0a0b-7xdCy3O2jhXfzqfS9t3anmoizj3Ng3cGqA_aem_GOGKkitGC88ApTA6m_YcgA #IWillBeYourVoice.
Did you know that this week is Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week? Join the PA Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (ECYEH) awareness campaign this week to ensure students experiencing homelessness have a voice!
1.) Post and join their hashtag campaign using #IWillBeYourVoice, #LetsHaveAConversation, #ECYEHAwareness2024, or #RedShirtDay.
2.) Join in wearing a red shirt on Friday, November 22, 2024, and post a picture using one of the campaign hashtags.
3.) Like ECYEH on Facebook: https://buff.ly/3si0F7l and follow on TikTok - @ecyeh and Twitter - @PA_ECYEH.
4.) Organize student activities to promote awareness of youth homelessness. Contact your regional office for ideas on implementing awareness activities in your area.
ECYEH is a state-wide program of the PA Department of Education. They are committed to ensuring that all students experiencing homelessness can succeed in school, eliminating barriers to education, educating the community about the nature of homelessness, and providing support to schools, families, and communities.
Students in the Pathways to Adult Living (PAL) Program have launched the “PAL Perks Coffee Cart,” where they now sell coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to BCIU staff and visitors at the Main Office Café. The students handle every part of the service, from brewing and serving drinks to offering add-ons like syrups and whipped cream and managing payments. Thank you, PAL students, for brightening our days one cup at a time! #FeatureFriday
Looking to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of students? Join the Berks County Intermediate Unit’s Office of Early Childhood and Students Services! #SchoolPsychWeek
Provide psycho-educational services of a diagnostic-prescriptive and / or consultative nature for referred students from ages 3-21. Serve as a resource and consultant to team members and provide support to individuals, families, and staff. Responsibilities include coordinating and delivering services in Applied Behavior Analysis, conducting functional analysis and assessment, developing and implementing behavior intervention plans, and fostering adaptive life skills. PA School Psychologist certification is required. Apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/berksiu/onlineapp/default.aspx?all=1&AppliTrackPostingSearch=school%20psychologist&AppliTrackZipRadius=5&AppliTrackSort=type&AppliTrackLayoutMode=detail&fbclid=IwY2xjawGHVtBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfXsS7AA7QOLkYAmnLPV8F9-20tZ3isavs7XLGKGvxFhT9d4bmQcydNQUg_aem_w8fq9ofAnI_QLvziYYCibw EOE.
This week, we celebrate National School Psychology Week, honoring the invaluable contributions of school psychologists. These professionals play a vital role in supporting students' mental health, academic achievement, and overall well-being. We greatly appreciate their dedication to fostering positive learning environments and addressing individual student needs. Thank you to the dedicated school psychologists at the BCIU, serving Berks County and across Pennsylvania, for their dedication to helping students thrive.
According to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), this year’s theme for #SchoolPsychWeek is "Spark Discovery." The theme recognizes the work that school psychologists do to help their communities seek out new ideas, affect change, and expand horizons for children and youth. For more information visit: https://www.nasponline.org/research-and-policy/advocacy/national-school-psychology-week-(nspw)
Thank you to Kevin Busher, Chief Advocacy Officer at the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA), for joining this morning’s Committee on Legislative Action (COLA) meeting at the BCIU Main Office.
Mr. Busher provided valuable insights and expertise to leaders from Berks County school districts, career and technology centers, and the BCIU, delivering an overview of PSBA’s legislative priorities and key developments in Harrisburg. His perspectives help keep COLA members well-informed as they continue their advocacy for public schools in Berks County and across the Commonwealth.
