Daily Brief

Nov. 13, 2025

Faculty and students at a classroom table

Dr. Chris Weiler Brings Science Methods to Life through Layered Learning

Imagine learning to be a chef by first cooking a dish as a beginner, then immediately switching roles to teach someone else how to make it, explaining techniques, adjusting for different skill levels and anticipating questions. That's the kind of layered learning happening in the College of Education (COE). In classes like Middle Level Science Methods, teacher candidates don't just study how to teach, they experience it from both the student and teacher perspective. First, they take part in a hands-on science activity, like cleaning up a simulated oil spill. Then, they step back to analyze how the lesson was taught, how students were engaged and how they might adapt it for their own future classrooms. This approach builds deep understanding and flexibility, skills essential for today’s educators. Dr. Chris Weiler illustrates this layered learning in his Middle Level Science Methods class by using the EEE+A framework (Engage, Explore, Explain + Argue) and PA STEELS environmental standards to guide candidates through an activity about oil spills. They used the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) model to evaluate cleanup methods and practiced "talk moves," strategic questions that spark meaningful classroom discussion. By connecting teaching methods to real classroom standards and experiences, KU COE faculty ensure future educators are ready to meet the needs of every learner. It's a powerful example of our "students first" commitment, preparing educators who lead with confidence, creativity and care.

College of Education

Weather

Weather forecasts are provided by KU's Dr. Michael Davis and "Monsoon Mike" Regensburger

The slow rebound from the early week blast of winter is underway, but it'll still feel reasonably chilly with a stiff wind still an issue. Partly cloudy skies. High around 51. West winds gusting as high as 30 mph at times.

Announcements

$10 T-Shirt: One-Hour Sale

Stop in the KU Campus Store 11 a.m. to noon today, Thursday, Nov. 13, to get your hands on a limited supply of our $10 t-shirt. While supplies last. Additional sales that are all day include a $1, $3, $5 and $10 table, along with 50% off original-priced clearance. In store only and excludes other discounts.

Kyle Rex, KU Campus Store

Faculty and Staff Gingerbread Showstopper Challenge

Good day, fellow colleagues and aspiring bakers. The crisp autumn air has faded, the twinkle of festive lights is upon us and the time has come to step into our figurative tent for a true test of engineering and artistry. We are proud to announce our inaugural Gingerbread Showstopper Challenge. For this seasonal bake, we are asking you to create a magnificent, show-stopping gingerbread house. To register, email stratton@kutztown.edu with the name of the office, the building and room number, as well as the name of the point of contact by Friday, Nov. 14. Send a picture of your gingerbread showstopper to stratton@kutztown.edu by Thursday, Dec. 4. Judging will take place Dec. 8-11. Rules and specific entry guidelines apply. Please review before you start. We can't wait to see your amazing showstoppers.

Erica Stratton, Student Affairs

Academics

World Philosophy Day Lecture Nov. 20

The Department of Philosophy and Government presents the 13th Annual UNESCO World Philosophy Day Lecture 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, 183 MSU. The lecture by Philip Pettit, Laurence Rockefeller University Professor of Human Values at Princeton University and Distinguished University Professor of Philosophy at the Australian National University, is titled, "Democracy: The What, The Why and The How." Pettit is an influential political philosopher who has made significant contributions to republicanism, free will and foundations of social sciences. In this lecture, he will address the issue of democratizing states and significance of this process for bringing greater justice to the life of humanity today. In his own words, “However far we are to realize justice in our world, whether within regimes or across regimes, we must be able to recruit states to the cause. That requires in the first place, that states achieve some degree of democratization. So, it is imperative for those of us who support the cause that we be clear about the what, the why and the how of democracy." This will be an exciting event which will have a Q&A session as well. The campus community is cordially invited to attend the lecture and participate in the discussion on this important topic. Faculty teaching courses relevant to the topic are requested to bring their classes to the lecture. A list of Pettit’s books can be found online. This lecture is supported by the President's Strategic Initiatives Program and the Office of the Dean, College of Liberal Arts and College.

Dr. Ashraf Adeel, Philosophy and Government

Upcoming Events

Date Time Event
Nov. 13 11 a.m. Town Hall with President Cavalier
183 MSU
Nov. 13 7:30 p.m. Latin Ensemble
Schaeffer Auditorium
Nov. 14-15 -- PA German Futures Conference
Heritage Center
Nov. 14 7:30 p.m. Fall Concert Band
Schaeffer Auditorium
Nov. 17 7:30 p.m. Chamber Ensemble
Schaeffer Auditorium
Nov. 18 7:30 p.m. Single Reed Concert
Georgian Room
Nov. 19 7:30 p.m. KU Presents: Voctave
Schaeffer Auditorium
Nov. 20 4:30 p.m. World Philosophy Day Lecture
183 MSU
Nov. 20 7:30 p.m. Rock Ensemble I
Schaeffer Auditorium
Nov. 21 All Day Art Education Conference
MSU

Athletics

Women's Soccer Travels to West Chester for PSAC Final Four

For the third consecutive season, the Kutztown University women's soccer team is in the semifinal round of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Women's Soccer Championship, as it will travel to West Chester University's Rockwell Field to face the fourth-seeded Millersville Marauders 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14, to earn the right to play for the PSAC Championship Sunday, Nov. 16. The Golden Bears (12-4-1, No. 2 PSAC East) took down the Crimson Hawks of Indiana (Pa.) Tuesday evening in the quarterfinals.

Sports Information

Date Time Event
Nov. 14 6 p.m. Women's Volleyball vs. Shepherd
Keystone Arena (Watch | Stats)
Nov. 14 7 p.m. Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
218 MSU (Video)
Nov. 15 Noon Football vs. IUP (Senior Day)
PSAC Championship
Andre Reed Stadium (Watch | Listen | Stats | Tickets)
Nov. 15 4 p.m. Women's Volleyball vs. Shepherd (Senior Day)
Keystone Arena (Watch | Stats)
Nov. 15 6 p.m. Field Hockey vs. Assumption
NCAA First Round
Andre Reed Stadium (Watch | Stats | Tickets)

Accommodations

Persons with a disability, and who require accommodation, should notify the Disability Services Office two weeks prior to the event at 610-683-4108 or email , TDD number: 610-683-4499, in order to discuss accommodations. Every effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations. Please note: Kutztown University does not provide wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

Notify the university of an accessibility concern

Non-Discrimination Statement

Kutztown University does not discriminate in employment or educational opportunities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. To discuss a complaint of discrimination, please contact the Office of Social Equity, Old Main A-Wing, Room 02, by phone at 610-683-4700 or by email at . Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Kutztown University does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, including admissions and employment. Any inquiries regarding the application of Title IX at Kutztown University may be made to Bradley Davis, the university’s Title IX coordinator, located in Old Main A-Wing, Room 02A, by phone at 610-683-4782 or by email at . You may also contact the Office for Civil Rights located in the Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Bldg., 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-1100, by phone at 800-421-3481 (TDD: 800-877-8339), by fax at 202-453-6012, or by email at .