Summer Institutes

Writing is such an important skill which can reinforce foundational literacy, critical thinking, and reading skills. This summer institute will focus on a plethora of ways to engage, motivate, and entice students to write for all types of purposes. Our diverse speakers will focus on social-emotional, academic, idea generation, and encouraging ideas for teachers to use in the classroom and break the cycle of fear and avoidance of writing. Enjoy engaging speakers, hands-on activities, and relevant assignments to help you incorporate the concepts covered during the course into your teaching (K-8).

This institute examines the power and possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI) based tools in education. While AI is viewed by some as being disruptive within the educational landscape, it can also offer exciting new opportunities for engaging and empowering students in the learning process. This institute offers strategies and suggestions for incorporating these emerging technologies in classrooms across content areas and grade levels.

This institute is offered in a blended format. Monday, Wednesday and Friday will be in person in Stayer 100. Tuesday and Thursday will be online.

Millersville University's Micro-Residency for Art Educators is a week-long intensive studio experience (and 3 credit graduate course) for art educators. Participants will have 24/7 studio access, participate in daily group critiques, and be inspired by a series of artist talks.

AN ART GETAWAY. Millersville University's Micro-Residency offers you the opportunity to make your studio practice an art getaway! Breakfast and lunch will be included each day for no additional cost. Suite-style lodging on campus is available for an additional fee (TBD), which makes it possible for anyone, even those far from campus, to participate for the week. If you are close to campus, you can make use of the housing too! Living in a community of artists away from your responsibilities at home might be the perfect thing to re-start or refuel your studio practice.

THE STUDIO EXPERIENCE. Each participant will have access to Millersville University's studio facilities. The following studios will be available for participants to use: drawing, painting, fine art metals, sculpture, printmaking, computer/design lab, and photography. Participants will draft proposals prior to the residency that outline what they hope to work on and accomplish. Each participant will be assigned to a small group and a studio mentor for the purpose of group and individual critiques.

Teaching Across the Curriculum Using Problem-Based Learning.  In a standardized system of education, it may seem difficult to engage students in meaningful learning. Problem-based learning (PBL) is one strategy that teachers can use to meet both the standards and the goals of an educator. All types of teachers can learn how to put PBL to use as an important teaching strategy. Institute participants spend a week immersed in hands-on activities learning how to solve real world problems using creativity and critical thinking. 

Please join an engaging community of K-12 educators for an interactive and immersive training in trauma-informed education. You will be exposed to leading-edge research in neuroscience and evidence-based, strength-focused practices to equip you in supporting resilient, sustainable schools and communities, one brain at a time.

You will leave with the tools and confidence to become a leader in implementing innovative trauma-informed strategies at the individual, classroom, and building-wide levels. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in a trauma-informed art experience and a trauma-informed yoga practice, with the focus on how to bring these mindfulness practices back to your schools.

Please join an engaging community of Mental Health professionals for an interactive and immersive training in trauma-informed education. You will be exposed to leading-edge research in neuroscience and evidence-based, strength-focused practices to equip you in supporting resilient, sustainable communities, one brain at a time.

You will leave with the tools and confidence to become a leader in implementing innovative trauma-informed strategies at the individual, classroom, and building-wide levels. In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in a trauma-informed art experience and a trauma-informed yoga practice, with the focus on how to bring these mindfulness practices back to your schools.

Advanced course in watershed education knowledge and pedagogy for formal and nonformal education settings. This is a hybrid course with online, on campus, and canoeing on the Conestoga River components. Participants will also complete the PA Meaningful Watershed Education Experience Educator Certification as part of the course.

Steve Kerlin, Ph.D., MU Adjunct and Director of Education at Stroud Water Research Center. Institute held in conjunction with Stroud Water Research Center.

Throughout this week long, hands-on course, students will learn strategies to help and empower gifted learners for success! This year’s institute will focus on learning how to provide authentic learning opportunities for gifted and talented students. As part of the institute, we will visit a variety of local businesses to learn directly from them how to create authentic learning opportunities in the classroom and connect content and curriculum to real life learning! In addition, students will have workshops focusing on a variety of gifted topics including, technology, identification, executive functioning and social emotional needs of the gifted. This course will be hands on and will include off-site field trips! At the end of this week long course, you will have lessons, tools, and strategies that can be implemented in your teaching setting!

This instutute is offered as a 2 credit course. This course is designed to provide targeted professional development for current school administrators who seek to understand their role as the school leader in the IEP process and related components in meeting the needs of all learners. Emphasis is given to culturally responsive practices and inclusive strategies for achieving high levels of student growths. Reserved for current school leaders and administrators.

This institute is offered in a blended format. Monday, Wednesday and Friday will be in person. Tuesday and Thursday will be online.

DUE TO SCHEDULING CONFLICTS, THIS INSTITUTE WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN SUMMER 2024.

Learn to listen and dialogue respectfully, explore differences and conflicts, and discover common ground.  Open to all education professionals (teachers, administrators, counselors, social workers, support staff, etc.) and those working with students, families, and communities to advance equitable outcomes.

THIS INSTITUTE WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN SUMMER 2024.

Pennsylvania has new Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (STEELS) Standards.  The new standards are very different from the previous standards.  One major change is to include engineering at the elementary level.  This institute will engage participants in elementary engineering lessons and introduce curricular resources to help teachers with the changes.  The week will be spent engaged with hands-on/minds-on activities that also enhance children's learning of literacy and mathematics.  

THIS INSTITUTE WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN SUMMER 2024.

Participants in this Summer Institute will engage in project-based learning to pursue a Rocket Teacher certificate from the National Association of Rocketry (NAR). No prior experience is required. Participants will also learn how model rocketry may be integrated into K-12 curricula.

THIS TOPIC HAS BEEN CONVERTED TO A SUMMER ONLINE COURSE (NO INSTITUTE FEE).

This course is designed for K-12 teachers who have either little or no exposure to coding. Teachers will be guided to incorporate basic coding into their curriculum. This will include, introduction to computational thinking; hands-on HTML; hands-on/ unplugged coding activities; exposure and application to Scratch, Java, Python; and introduction to Effective Use & Techniques of AI Tools (e.g., ChatGPT) in Education. Each teacher will create a take-home product that includes tools and coding activities that they can apply directly to their classes.

Participants should be generally available 8am-4pm each day for a blend of synchronous and asynchronous work. 

THIS TOPIC HAS BEEN CONVERTED TO A STANDARD SUMMER COURSE (NO INSTITUTE FEE).

Arts, Movement, Equine-Assisted Activities, Music, Mindfulness - using Expressive Arts to Response to Individual, Group, and Community Trauma. Open to all education professionals (teachers, administrators, counselors, social workers, support staff, etc. and those working with students, families, and communities to advance equitable outcomes.

This courses meets in person including time at instructor's farm, including hands-on time outdoors working with horses and other animals.