The WIU Pulse

In this episode of the WIU Pulse, guest Sarah Wagner, Educational Consultant with the WIU Training and Consultation (TaC) Team, shares the vital role the team plays in supporting educators, families, and students across Westmoreland County. The conversation highlights the impact of assistive technology - tools that support communication, learning, and independence - in making things possible for students with disabilities, opening doors to greater success in the classroom and beyond.  

Each year, the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit hosts one of its most anticipated student-centered events - the Academic Competition - bringing together high school students from across Westmoreland County for a dynamic, tournament-style academic showdown.In this episode of the WIU Pulse, we go behind the scenes with WIU Educational Consultant and lead planner, Natalie Smith, to explore how the competition comes to life. From buzzer-style rounds and diverse content categories to the months of planning and collaboration required to execute the event, this conversation highlights the teamwork, dedication, and community support that make it possible.

Does school safety and security impact you? If so, you'll want to tune in for this important conversation.On this episode of the WIU Pulse Podcast, we’re joined by Ashley Lenker White, Joe Rice, and Russ Del Rosario to discuss the first-ever Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units (PAIU) School Safety and Security Conference. This groundbreaking event brings educational stakeholders from across the Commonwealth together under one roof with a shared mission: strengthening our collective ability to protect students, staff, and school communities.

Are you a Pennsylvania-certified teacher curious about what it’s like to work with students who are learning English as a second language? In this episode, we dive into the world of ESL education with Jenny Lent, Assistant to the Executive Director for Educational Programs at Intermediate Unit 1, and Jen Bossio, a WIU K–12 ESL teacher who completed her certification through our partner, IU1, and now serves in the Kiski Area School District.Jenny breaks down how the ESL certification program works—what to expect, why it matters, and how it supports teachers. Jen brings the real-life perspective, sharing what it’s like to step into the role of an ESL educator and work with multilingual learners every day.If you’ve ever thought about expanding your expertise or making a deeper impact in Pennsylvania classrooms, this conversation is for you. Tune in!

With nearly 300 incredible staff members at the WIU, each playing a vital role in supporting our schools, districts, and communities, it’s time to highlight the people who make it all happen.In our very first episode, we’re proud to feature Derek Rhoderick — a dedicated custodian known for giving 100% every single day. His commitment, work ethic, and pride in the work he does are a true reflection of the values that drive WIU forward.Tune in as we get to know Derek, hear his story, and kick off a series that celebrates the everyday heroes of the WIU.

Do you have a bachelor's degree in any field? Are you currently a teacher? Have you ever wondered about teaching students with special needs? In this episode, meet our partner, Dr. Deanna Mennig, Supervisor of the Luzerne Intermediate Unit's Special Education Certification Program. She shares how you can discover new purpose by earning a certification to teach in PK-12 special education classrooms.

In today's conversation, you're going to meet Dr. Jason Stragand, the WIU's Early Childhood Services Director and certified facilitator of School Age and Early Childhood LETRS. He's here to talk about how LETRS is helping kids learn to read and build life-long language skills.

What is AESA— the Association of Educational Service Agencies - and how does this innovative national organization support education across the US.In today’s conversation, you’ll meet Dr. Joan Wade, AESA’s Executive Director, and Shelia King, Chief Strategy Officer. They’re here to talk about how AESA supports more than 500 educational service agencies, including the WIU, and how this impacts how we operate and serve our regional schools.

How does Safety and Security training through the WIU impact schools? Today, we’re talking with Joe Rice, WIU Student Services Supervisor and Safety and Security Coordinator and Chad Roland, Kiski Area School District Assistant to the Superintendent and School Safety and Security Coordinator to learn how school districts are using this training and the difference it is making.

In this episode, you’re going to meet Clairview School’s Early Intervention classroom teacher, Amanda Mars, and classroom assistant, Judy Hagerman. They’re here to talk about their roles and what the Early Intervention classroom at Clairview School offers to students and their families.

Hosted by the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit, the Aspire to Teach Expo is a collaboration with Westmoreland County school districts and in partnership with St. Vincent College’s (SVC) Education Department. In this Pulse Promo, we are speaking with Dr. Tracey McNelley, Education Chair at St. Vincent College, about the event. The Aspire to Teach Expo will take place at St. Vincent College, Fred Rogers Center, on February 13, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The Westmoreland Intermediate Unit will host a Special Education Teacher Certification informational evening on January 22, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Presented in partnership with the Luzerne Intermediate Unit, the session is open to individuals with bachelor’s degrees in any field. Listen for more information!

In today's conversation, you’re going to meet Jamie Gregorich, EI Itinerant Development Teacher and Katie Ruckert, EI Speech Language Pathologist to learn more about their roles and what the EI program offers.The Westmoreland Intermediate Unit’s Early Intervention program serves families and children with developmental delays and disabilities. Join us as we explore the impact of this key program in the Westmoreland County community. 

In this episode, we are talking about the new Pennsylvania Science Standards, also known as STEELS! Join us as Curriculum Services Supervisor Lauren Cunningham sheds some light on this new approach to learning science!

What is Work Discovery and how does this WIU program prepare students with special needs to transition from school to employment and to life after graduation? Today we are talking with a transition mentor, a student, and the owner of a participating worksite to find out how Work Discovery is making a difference in our community!

In this episode of the WIU Pulse Promo, Luann Murtha, WIU Foundation president shares exciting details about the Holiday Dance for students, being held on December 6th. Listen and find out all that’s in store for Westmoreland County students with special needs on this merry and magical evening! 

In this Pulse Check, WIU Student Services Supervisor Jason Stragand explores reading fluency and asks the question, "agree or disagree?" How should we approach this big idea in reading?

 What inspires special education teachers in their classroom roles? In this episode we meet Cameron Kovatch a teacher who is taking an innovative approach at Clairview School. 

Join us at the Clairview School Fall Craft and Vendor Show on November 2, 2024, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.Featuring:Local VendorsArtisan Craft VendorsStudent CraftsFood VendorsBasket AuctionIn partnership with the WIU Foundation, all proceeds benefit the students at Clairview School!

What is the role of a WIU paraeducator? In this episode of the WIU Pulse we talk with Terri Pajak, a WIU paraeducator who is making a difference both in and out of the classroom!

Did you ever wonder about the curriculum services offered at the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit? In this episode, we are going to unpack what the WIU Curriculum Services Team does and how they are making an impact.