Prof Develop Solutions

Dr. David Zupsic, Director of Educational Services

david.zupsic@miu4.org

724-758-7512 ext. *1227

Consultants:

Diane McGaffic

diane.mcgaffic@miu4.org

724-758-7512 ext. *1257

Content Area: Science/ STEM

Halee McCance

halee.mccance@miu4.org

724-758-7512 ext. *1208

Content Area: Math

Shannon Sipos

shannon.sipos@miu4.org

724-758-7512 ext. *1208

Content Area: ELA

MIU IV offers a diverse range of training and support services through our Educational Consultants. For a more comprehensive understanding of our consultants' areas of expertise, please click here.

To schedule a training, workshop, or consultant, click the button below!

MIU IV educational consultants design training and workshops to elevate classroom practices and improve the educational climate. Our goal is to deliver high-impact professional development tailored to the unique needs of K-12 educators and administrators.

The following offerings are supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Education Statewide System of Support and are delivered at "no cost" to MIU IV school districts.

MIU IV Consultants: D. McGaffic, H. McCance & S. Sipos

MIU IV educational consultants can train teachers in curriculum alignment, equipping them with the tools to ensure coherence and consistency across grade levels. Our training in evidence-based instructional strategies empowers educators with proven methods to enhance student learning. Additionally, we help teachers effectively analyze and utilize student assessment data to inform instructional decisions, ensuring that every student receives targeted support to reach their full potential.

SAS Lead: Halee McCance

​MIU IV consultants can provide comprehensive training and support in utilizing the Standards Aligned System (SAS) portal for curriculum development, resource allocation, and assessment creation, including tools like the Assessment Builder. Developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, SAS is a comprehensive, research-based resource designed to enhance student achievement by identifying six critical elements: Standards, Assessments, Curriculum Framework, Instruction, Materials & Resources, and Safe and Supportive Schools.

Diane McGaffic: STEELS/ STEM: Computer Science & Computational Thinking

Shannon Sipos: Artificial Intelligence

Halee McCance: Data Literacy

​As the science consultant, Diane McGaffic is committed to facilitating the effective implementation of the Pennsylvania Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (STEELS) standards. This commitment encompasses conducting curriculum audits, designing instructional materials, developing resources, aligning assessments, and providing professional learning opportunities for educators. Additionally, Diane and our other consultants can develop and deliver resources for districts on emerging STEM and Computer Science topics, including but not limited to artificial intelligence, data literacy, and computational thinking.​

Halee McCance:

• Counselors

• Gifted

Shannon Sipos

• Social Studies

• Librarians

• English Language Learners

• Arts

• PE/Health

ESL Lead: Shannon Sipos

Our educational consultant can help schools implement effective, research-based ESL services. We provide professional development, coaching, and curriculum support to ensure teachers have the tools to foster language development and academic success. We work closely with educators to design inclusive classrooms, differentiate instruction, and integrate language acquisition with core content learning. Whether you need assistance with compliance, assessment strategies, or instructional best practices, we offer customized solutions tailored to your district’s needs.

MIU IV Consultants: D. McGaffic, H. McCance & S. Sipos

With the passage of Act 56 (HB 1507), districts have increased flexibility with the number of hours and days to provide instruction. MIU IV anticipates this flexibility will increase creative and innovative practices within our educational systems. MIU IV consultants will support school initiatives that advance Student-Centered Learning, components of which include:

• Service learning

• Personalized learning

• Project- or Problem-based learning

Artificial Intelligence Lead: Shannon Sipos

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at MIU IV provides tailored strategic guidance to support school leaders in leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance instructional delivery. While embracing modern tools, we remain deeply committed to helping districts build engaging, screen-free learning environments centered on hands-on skill development, experiential learning, and meaningful in-person interaction. Additionally, our AI consultation extends to administrative and support staff to help streamline routine operations, automate time-consuming processes, and significantly boost overall workflow efficiencies.

Data Literacy Lead: H. McCance

​MIU IV consultants offer professional development focused on understanding various assessment types and utilizing their results to guide curriculum development, as well as inform instructional and programming decisions. Our support encompasses assistance with the Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS), Classroom Diagnostic Tools (CDTs), and Firefly benchmark assessments. These services aim to enhance educators' abilities to interpret and apply assessment data to improve student learning outcomes.

MIU IV Student Programs: Halee McCance & Diane McGaffic

​MIU IV offers a diverse range of student programs designed to enhance academic achievement and leadership skills. Our Academic Games program engages students in intellectually stimulating competitions that promote critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Through our Extreme Leadership program, students participate in immersive experiences aimed at cultivating essential leadership qualities. Additionally, MIU IV consultants support and sustain the implementation of various STEM competitions, including the Governor’s STEM Competition, PA Media and Design Competition, K'Nex STEM Design Challenge, and Esports. These programs provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, fostering both personal and academic growth.​

Safety/Security lead: Shannon Sipos

To enhance school safety, the MIU IV School Safety lead will communicate updates, new initiatives, training opportunities, and resources to staff, administrators, School Safety and Security Coordinators and School Security Personnel.

Our fee-for-service provides value in key areas, including curriculum audits and alignment, customized instruction strategies, data literacy, school climate, school improvement, and personalized safety consultations*.

MIU IV Consultant Rates:

Full day= $695

Half day= $400

* Includes travel time and expenses

MIU IV's educational consultants are available to offer customized professional development, training, and workshops tailored to meet the specific needs of your staff. Our ELA, Math, and Science/STEM Menu of Services offers research-based strategies, hands-on support, and expert coaching to help educators create high-impact learning experiences for students.

Our ELA consultant will design specialized training to boost reading achievement, enhance TDA and writing instruction, targeted ELA intervention strategies, engage students in intentional vocabulary instruction, and support English Language Learners.

Our Math consultant will design specialized training on open-ended and constructed response questions, targeted math intervention strategies, problem-solving skills, and inquiry-based learning.

If your district or school has specific training needs, we would be happy to collaborate with you to design a session that aligns with your goals. Please reach out to discuss how we can support your team’s professional learning!

The MIU IV Social and Emotional Wellness (SEW) lead will facilitate staff and student surveys and focus groups, analyze and summarize the findings for presentation to administrators, staff, and, if desired, the school board. These insights, along with school-level data, will be used to inform the development of a Portrait of a Graduate (secondary) and Portrait of a Learner (elementary). Note: School Climate work is eligible for funding available in Mental Health and Safety grants (preventative measures).

School Improvement Support Team: H. McCance and S. Sipos

MIU IV consultants offer comprehensive support to schools by collecting and analyzing data, facilitating self-assessments, and conducting root cause analyses to inform goal setting and action planning. With a focus on closing student learning gaps, they provide targeted resources and strategies, and develop support plans aligned with school improvement goals. Additionally, they deliver professional development to strengthen instructional leadership among educators, ensuring sustained progress and student success.