FALL 2026 STEM UPDATES & SUPPORT
Aug - Sept - Oct
AI Field Test Opportunity with PITT
The Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC) at Pitt is looking for educators to field test AI approaches in the classroom so they can assess impact. These are approaches they designed in partnership with classroom teachers from across the region.
Who is Eligible to Participate
The purpose of this work is to field test teaching approaches in real classrooms with real
learners. You are eligible to apply to participate if you meet the following criteria:
- You teach at least one course with high school or college students
- You are willing and able to collect data on how the approach is working in your classroom
- You are able to participate fully in the cycle touchpoints listed above
- Your district/department policy permits you to implement one of the teaching approaches (some require learners to use a GenAI tool, others do not).
Attached is more information from LRDC and a QR code/links if you'd like to learn more or volunteer.
2026 Penn State K-12 Sustainability Summit
Applications Open: 2026 Penn State K-12 Sustainability Summit
Penn State invites K-12 educators and school leaders to apply for the 2026 K-12 Sustainability Summit, October 14–16, 2026, at Penn State University Park and Shaver's Creek Environmental Center.
The summit brings together educators from across Pennsylvania to explore practical strategies for integrating sustainability into K–12 learning, connect with Penn State experts, and build partnerships that support schools and districts.
Participants will engage in interactive learning sessions, connect with sustainability experts, collaborate with educators from across Pennsylvania, and gain practical ideas to bring back to their schools and districts.
Each school system may send up to two representatives.
Apply by: September 18, 2026
Learn more and apply: https://www.outreach.psu.edu/about/programs/k-12-engagement/sustainability-summit/
Discover, Connect, and Lead at PA's Premier EdTech Conference.
Join us February 7 - 10 at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in the Poconos for PETE&C!
The Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference (PETE&C) is a statewide event that provides educational technology programming with over 250+ sessions focused on both curriculum and administration. The leading educational technology conference in Pennsylvania is designed to empower educators, technologists, and school leaders with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to drive change.
Hosted at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Pocono Manor, PA, PETE&C offers an unmatched professional development experience with 250+ learning opportunities tailored to a varied audience:
- LEA Administrators and Support Staff
- Media & Library Specialists
- Technology Directors and IT Staff
- Teachers and Instructional Coaches
The PETE&C, LLC partnership exists to bring together the member organizations to design and provide innovative, collaborative, future-focused experiences and opportunities that inspire educational stakeholders to reimagine and advance education.
DE Educator Certification Program
The DE Educator Certification Program provides educators with a structured, credentialed pathway to demonstrate mastery of Discovery Education tools and to use those tools more confidently and consistently in their classrooms. Our certifications will be offered multiple times throughout the school year, giving attendees the opportunity to get certified.
You will explore the full power of DE Experience -- from finding and filtering curriculum and standards-aligned content in minutes, to building engaging lessons using strategies from the Instructional Strategy Center, to connecting your students to real-world career pathways through the Careers Hub.
Register for the next certification:
- Experience: https://bit.ly/DEProductCert
- DreamBox Math: https://bit.ly/DBMProductCert
Participation in the ARIN Lending Library offers you access to over 100 STEM tools. Sign up for an account, search our inventory, request materials, and have them delivered to your school. Our library includes robotics kits for all ages, drones, virtual field trip kits, and more! Click here for more information.
Please note, districts are charged a participation fee of $175/year to help offset the cost of suppliies and replacements for the Lending Library.
STEAM Lending Library 101: Borrow. Explore. Create.
📣 Check out the link below for information on Assistive Technology services provided by ARIN.
ARIN supports the implementation of the Pennsylvania Integrated Standards for Science, Technology & Engineering, and Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (PA STEELS Standards) by providing assistance for building curriculum, instruction, and assessment capacity.
Please click here for details on 26-27 trainings and supports for the STEELS Standards.
Science Networking Group
Our Science Network connects educators across Indiana and Armstrong counties for collaborative learning and sharing. Participants will explore the PA STEELS standards, dive into 3-dimensional teaching & learning, phenomena-based instruction, and uncover practical classroom resources. Sessions focus on sharing strategies that work, learning from facilitators and colleagues, and giving you tools you can use right away. You’ll also have dedicated time to plan with fellow STEELS educators, fostering meaningful connections and support throughout the school year.
To register, please visit the registration link for each date.
You must register separately for each session.
PA STUDENT CENTERED LEARNING
Student-centered learning continues to grow across Pennsylvania, and there are several ways for educators to stay connected, learn from others, and bring new ideas back to their schools.
- District teams can use the PA SCL Blueprint to reflect on current practices, set goals, and plan specific next steps for strengthening student-centered learning. It provides a shared framework for guiding conversations, professional development, and continuous improvement.
- Educators can join the PA Student-Centered Learning Community of Practice to receive invitations to 2026–27 virtual network meetings, learn about district site visits and regional events, and receive the PASCL digital newsletter. This statewide network is designed for PA educators interested in transforming learning through student voice, choice, agency, and future-ready practices.
- Locally, ARIN is also rebranding our coaching network to include all teachers and with a stronger student-centered focus. The Student Centered Coaching Collective will support coaches, teacher leaders, and “go-to” educators in grades 3–12 who want to collaborate, share strategies, and strengthen student-centered practices across classrooms and districts.
Statewide Book Study - FREE BOOK
Join educators from across the state for a free virtual book study of Teaching Students to Drive Their Learning by Fisher, Frey, Ortega and Hattie. Across four Zoom sessions, you will explore practical ways to build student ownership, strengthen engagement, and support greater independence in your classroom. Connect with colleagues, reflect on your practice, and walk away with strategies you can use right away. This experience is designed to be manageable, relevant, and easy to apply in any classroom setting.
This book study is structured as a series of four interactive Zoom sessions.
Dates:
Wednesday, October 7
Wednesday, October 21
Wednesday, November 4
Wednesday, November 18
Time: 6:45-7:30 pm
Participants will be awarded 8 Act 48 hours upon completion of the series and the final evaluation form. The first 10 registrations from ARIN IU28 will receive a FREE copy of the book!
The Chief Science Officers (CSO) program is an international initiative dedicated to elevating student voices by providing leadership opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program cultivates a diverse network of student leaders, encouraging active campus engagement, community collaboration, and peer-to-peer STEM inspiration.
We are thrilled to announce that PDE has secured funding for the next 5 years to support this program! If you want to bring this leadership pipeline to your campus, now is the perfect time to get involved.
Steps to Register Your Site and Students
Bringing the CSO program to your school district involves a simple two-step process:
- School Registration: A school leader or administrator must first fill out the Chief Science Officers School Site Registration Form.
- Student Registration: Once the school site form is processed, selected students must complete their individual CSO student profiles and registration forms to finalize their enrollment in the program.
2026-27 STEM Network
These sessions are appropriate for any teacher, K-12 who will address the Technology & Engineering standards from STEELS. If you are a STEM teacher or any teacher interested in addressing the T&E standards, this network is for you!
STEM Networking sessions are free and will be in collaboration with Westmoreland County IU7.
- September 23, 2026
- November 18, 2026
- February 17, 2027
- April 7, 2027
Connect with ABC CREATE
ABC CREATE is a regional STEM education network that brings educators together to explore innovative technologies, share ideas, and connect around engaging STEM learning opportunities.
ABC CREATE is currently in a period of transition, but there are still plenty of opportunities to stay connected!
Being part of the ABC CREATE network is a great way to learn about upcoming STEM events and opportunities in our area and connect with other educators and STEM enthusiasts from surrounding counties.
New for 2026–27: Indiana County schools are invited to participate in any ABC CREATE event this year! We encourage our educators to take advantage of these opportunities to learn, collaborate, and make connections beyond our county.
Want to stay in the loop? Contact Melinda Spampinato, ABC CREATE Educational Consultant, mas8407@psu.edu, to be added to the ABC CREATE mailing list and receive information about upcoming events and opportunities.
PSSE
The Pennsylvania Statewide STEM Ecosystem (PSSE) is a collaboration between STEM ecosystems across the state and The Pennsylvania Department of Education.
We endeavor to provide access to information and resources, facilitate connections, support regional STEM ecosystems, and influence policy and political advocacy.
It's more than just a Membership...
… it’s a group of passionate individuals and organizations who believe in the power of STEM advocacy.
The Pennsylvania Statewide STEM Ecosystem (PSSE) Membership Directory is a free resource for sharing information and collaborating with other STEM cross-sector partners in Pennsylvania.
Visit https://pastemecosystem.org/ to learn more.
ARIN supports the development and implementation of local, regional, and state STEM and Computer Science related competitions. Look for the following competitions for the upcoming school year.
Powering Pittsburgh (Grades 9-12)
- 26-27 ARIN Regional Competition (Virtual) - October 16, 2026
- One team will be invited to Acrisure Stadium for the finals.
The Keystone Competition (Grades 5-12)
- 26-27 ARIN Regional Competition - October 28, 2026
- Registration Deadline - October 1, 2026
- No state competition
PA Invention Convention - (Grades K-12)
- 26-27 ARIN Regional Competition - December 14, 2026
- Registration Deadline - November 20, 2026
- State Competition - February 2027, PETE&C, Kalahari Resort - Poconos
STEM Design Challenge -(Grades 4-8)
- 26-27 ARIN Regional Competition - March 16, 2027
- Registration Deadline - March 1 2027
- State Competition - Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg May 2027
Media and Design Competition (MadCom)- (Middle and High School)
The Media and Design Competition (MADCOM) is under reconfiguration for the 26-27 school year. ARIN will not host a Regional Competition.
24 Math Challenge (Grades 4-8)
- 26-27 ARIN Regional Competition - April 14, 2027
- Registration Deadline - April 1, 2027
The Pennsylvania Scholastic Esports League (PSEL) is excited to announce our upcoming plans for the 2026–2027 scholastic esports year.
Following recent industry updates regarding platform fees, we want to reassure all of our school districts and community organizations: PSEL will NOT be implementing fees for schools. We remain 100% free to play across Pennsylvania.
To maintain a completely free experience for our students and coaches without disrupting quality, we are officially partnering with USAEL as our platform provider starting this fall!
What This Means for Your School:
The high-quality competitive experience you expect from PSEL is not changing. The only difference is that coaches and players will log into a new, user-friendly site to register for the season, view schedules, and play matches.
Fall 2026 Season Game Lineup:
Get your teams ready! This fall's official PSEL lineup includes:
- Middle School: Super Smash Bros. and Rocket League
- High School: Super Smash Bros., Rocket League, Marvel Rivals, and Fortnite
- Bonus: PSEL teams can also access additional titles in the USAEL Open tier at absolutely no cost.
What to Do Next:
Stay tuned! As we finalize our setup with USAEL, we will reach out shortly with details on how to open registration for the Fall season.
If you have any immediate questions, please reach out directly to your PSEL regional lead, Tracy Rains, trains@iu08.org, Region 7 Lead
Minecraft Education Build Challenge
We're excited to announce that we will be hosting our statewide Minecraft Education Build Challenge for the second year! We saw year one of this competition reach over 600 students in 50+ different school districts across Pennsylvania. We're hoping to build on that success with this year's competition. Please see below for information relating this year's challenge:
- Our 2026-2027 challenge will be released on Monday, November 2nd. Teams will be given the specific build challenge via email on the morning of 11/2 to begin their builds.
- Teams will have 6 weeks to work on building their solution to the challenge in Minecraft Education asynchronously. Teachers/coaches will have full autonomy on how to decide to schedule their team's build time. Before/during/after school build times can be decided by the individual teams and schools.
- Teams are comprised of 2-5 students. We do not allow solo builders, as one of the major components of this challenge involves teamwork and collaboration.
- Teams can enter 1 of 3 different grade level categories. If your district operates with grade levels falling into different categories than what is listed below, please pick the one that seems to fit best:
- Elementary (K-5)
- Middle (6-8)
- High (9-12)
- Teams must submit a screen recording/video of their world via Google Form for judging by Friday, December 11th.
- Recordings should be 90 seconds to 5 minutes in length. Please do not exceed 5 minutes.
- Team submissions will be judged with a standard rubric (released with the challenge on 11/2) to determine a winner at each grade level across the 8 PSEL regions.
- Winning teams will be invited to participate in a live build competition on Wednesday, January 13th which will be hosted online so that teams compete from their home school/district chosen location.
- Teams will be given a new challenge on the morning of 1/13. Teams will have 2 hours to build their solution, and then present their finished product via Zoom. These projects will be judged live against the other 7 teams in their grade level group.
If interested in registering for the competition, please fill out this registration form. There is no deadline for registration. Teams can enter up until the last week of the competition!
Please see that attached flyer for more details, and to share with other teachers in your school/district that might be interested in this opportunity for their students.
If you have questions, please reach out to your region's esports lead based on the attached regional map:
- Tracy Rains (trains@iu08.org) West-Central region in teal.
Drone Opportunities @ ARIN
We’re excited to share programs designed to help support you in your drone journey:
- Drone Educators Network Group – An in-person professional learning community where educators at all stages of their drone journey connect, share strategies, and exchange resources. (November 4, 2026 | March 3, 2027)
- PA Fly Lab - FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Professional Learning – PA Fly Lab will be launching five cohorts during the 2026 - 27 school year to help educators like you prepare to teach—and earn—the FAA Part 107 certification for commercial drone pilots.
- Build Fly Code Compete Cohort 1 - Our first Build, Fly, Code, Compete cohort is taking off with 8 teachers continuing their learning this year! A new cohort will launch next year, so reach out if you’re interested in joining the adventure!
Whether you’re seeking certification, curriculum, or collaboration, these offerings will help you bring drones to life in your classroom.
Math Teachers' Network
Looking for fresh ideas to energize your math classroom? Join the Math Teacher Network! This is a space for math educators to connect with colleagues, share what’s working, explore new strategies and resources, and tackle the challenges of teaching math together.
2026-27 Dates
Data Literacy Action Summit
There's still time to join us at the upcoming Data Literacy Action Summit on October 6, 2026, to explore practical strategies for embedding data fluency into teaching and learning, building students’ civic awareness and career readiness.
At this pivotal moment in the age of AI, developing strong data skills is more important than ever, as highlighted in recent works like Counted Out and Weapons of Math Destruction. Data is no longer the domain of specialists - it shapes how we work, learn, and participate in society every day. Preparing students for a rapidly evolving world means moving beyond passive consumption toward active analysis, helping learners make sense of data across disciplines (#Convergence).
CSATS will serve as a featured keynote and session presenter. We will connect data literacy to Pennsylvania’s five STEM-focused economic priority areas within the Commonwealth’s 10-year development strategy. In breakout sessions, we’ll share two decades of experience advancing data literacy and highlight new opportunities for K–12 educators to deepen their skills through NSF-funded initiatives. We will discuss how to break down educational silos, empower informed citizenship, and ensure equitable access to essential STEM skills from kindergarten through higher education.
Date: October 6, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Check-in at 8:00 a.m.)
Location: PaTTAN Central | 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA
Ideal For: Teams of 2–4 teachers and school leaders per school district