The MCIULearns Podcast

Montgomery County Intermediate Unit
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The MCIU Learns podcast is where education leaders, innovators, and experts share insights and best practices to elevate learning and empower schools. Each episode features thought-provoking conversations with thought leaders, presenters, and program directors from Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU) and beyond. Whether we’re discussing cutting-edge programs, professional development strategies, or the latest trends in education, our goal is to inspire and build capacity in educators, administrators, and all those passionate about improving student outcomes.

  1. 09/30/2025

    Agency: Rethinking Math Through Voice, Choice, and Relevance With North Penn SD

    Send us Fan Mail What does real engagement look like in a math classroom—and how do we build it without losing rigor or pace? We sit down with North Penn’s secondary math coaches, Melinda Lyon and Rebecca Rousseau, to unpack practical strategies that put student voice, collaboration, and authentic problem solving at the center of learning.  We dive into the balancing act of agency and accountability, exploring how to honor standards and state tests while still offering choice and relevance. You’ll hear how UDL-informed structures let students select pathways based on quick self-assessments, how station rotations can blend mini-lessons with targeted practice, and why building a “toolbox” of routines equips teachers to respond to the class they actually have that day.  If you’re ready to make math feel alive, this conversation offers concrete steps you can try tomorrow. Subscribe, share with a colleague, and tell us: what’s one strategy you’ll test in your next lesson?

    29 min

  2. 08/06/2025

    Breaking Down Walls: How Every Teacher Can Support Student Literacy with Dr. Dickey

    Send us Fan Mail Dr. Donyall Dickey delivers a powerful message about America's literacy crisis while offering clear, practical solutions educators can implement immediately. Donyall D. Dickey, Ed.D. is a nationally recognized authority on curriculum, instruction, organizational development, and the administration of schools As founder and CEO of Educational Epiphany, Dr. Dickey brings credibility and real-world experience to this urgent conversation. The four practices Dr. Dickey outlines include creating learning targets that push students toward higher-order thinking, teaching vocabulary through word part analysis, using gradual release of responsibility to build independence, and explicitly teaching writing skills across content areas. What makes his approach particularly effective is the implementation strategy, introducing one practice at a time, ensuring mastery before moving on, and focusing on sustainable change rather than quick fixes. Educators across Montgomery County will have the opportunity to learn directly from Dr. Dickey at the MCIU's Shared Learning session on October 1st. Don't miss this chance to transform your instructional practice and make a real difference in student literacy outcomes. Visit learn.mciu.org/sharedlearning to learn more about this upcoming professional development opportunity with MCIU's Office of Organizational and Professional Learning.

    24 min

  3. 07/01/2025

    The Human Side of Math Classrooms: Beyond Right Answers with Chase Orton

    Send us Fan Mail Chase Orton shares his vision for transforming math education by shifting teacher identity from content deliverers to "cultural stewards" of students' mathematical stories. He advocates for embracing imperfection while continuously growing, focusing on human connections rather than test scores, and creating classrooms where mistakes are valuable learning opportunities. Join us for upcoming learning opportunities with Chase Orton at MCIU, including a virtual text talk series in September-October and a three-day in-person workshop series covering "Building Thinking Classrooms" on October 29th, December 3rd, and February 25th. Visit https://learn.mciu.org for more information.

    21 min

  4. 06/19/2025

    The Future Speaks: Voices for Education Take Action in 2025

    Send us Fan Mail Three high school students from Lower Moreland share their experiences participating in Voices for Education, a new MCIU student program connecting students directly with state legislators to discuss educational policy and advocacy. Voices for Education is looking to expand our reach next year as we work to empower student advocates and connect them with policymakers who can help create meaningful change. Visit our webpage to learn more about our advocacy trip to the Pennsylvania State Capitol in June 2025.

    13 min

  5. 06/09/2025

    Rethinking Math Pathways: Beyond the Calculus Express with Josh Recio

    Send us Fan Mail Josh Recio from the UT Charles A. Dana Center challenges the mathematical status quo by advocating for quantitative reasoning courses as equally valuable to the traditional calculus pathway. His work with the Dana Center's Launch Years Initiative aims to provide students with math courses aligned to their future careers, emphasizing numeracy, mathematical modeling, and statistical reasoning skills needed in today's workplace. • Students need quantitative reasoning skills for their civic, personal, and professional lives • Traditional push toward calculus causes many students to miss developing crucial analytical skills • QR courses focus on solving relevant, age-appropriate problems using mathematics as a tool • Many QR courses are incorrectly viewed as "lesser than" or "low rigor" alternatives • Changing perceptions requires legitimizing QR through higher standards and recognition from influential institutions Check out our future episode where we'll dive deeper into the Launch Years Initiative, exploring how this approach is working to move these ideas into actual practice.

    22 min

  6. 05/23/2025

    Beyond the Schedule: The Hidden Magic of Classroom Organization with Wendy Moran and Aimee Siravo

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Moran, Director of Consultative Services, and Aimee Siravo, Assistant Director of Consultative Services at The Timothy School, to explore Structured Teaching for supporting students with autism. Wendy and Aimee break down what Structured Teaching is, how it aligns with the characteristics of autism, and why elements like physical structure, visual schedules, and work systems are essential for student success. They also share practical strategies for classroom setup, overcoming common implementation challenges, and building environments that promote independence, reduce anxiety, and increase engagement. Hear more about the upcoming hands-on training at The Timothy School this June. Training Dates: June 17–20 or June 24–27 Learn more and register: learn.mciu.org/structuredteaching

    24 min

  7. 05/06/2025

    "I've Got Your Back": How Pottsgrove Students are Leading Mental Health Conversations

    Send us Fan Mail Discover how Aevidum, meaning “I’ve got your back,” empowers students to lead the charge against mental health stigma. At Pottsgrove High School, this peer-driven movement has grown into the school’s largest student club by equipping teens with the tools to support one another without feeling overwhelmed. Hear how Aevidum’s student-led model, signature Talk Workshop, and school-wide culture campaigns are transforming communities across eastern Pennsylvania, with free programming, thanks to support from the Project AWARE grant. Interested schools can contact Pia Houseal at phouseal@mciu.org to learn more about bringing Aevidum to their district.

    21 min

  8. 04/17/2025

    Beyond Behavior: The CLM Journey to Classroom Transformation

    Send us Fan Mail The Competent Learner Model (CLM) is revolutionizing autistic support classrooms by integrating behavioral analysis throughout the day instead of requiring separate intervention times. In this episode, teachers and behavior analysts from Pennsbury School District share their three-year implementation journey with MCIU Project Consultants Kari Kessler and Cassie Brusch, highlighting dramatic improvements in student communication skills and significant reductions in challenging behaviors. To learn more about implementing the Competent Learner Model in your classroom or district, visit https://learn.mciu.org/CLM for resources and information about training opportunities.

    19 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

The MCIU Learns podcast is where education leaders, innovators, and experts share insights and best practices to elevate learning and empower schools. Each episode features thought-provoking conversations with thought leaders, presenters, and program directors from Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU) and beyond. Whether we’re discussing cutting-edge programs, professional development strategies, or the latest trends in education, our goal is to inspire and build capacity in educators, administrators, and all those passionate about improving student outcomes.

Information

  • Creator
    Montgomery County Intermediate Unit
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Montgomery County Intermediate Unit
  • Show Website
    The MCIULearns Podcast