PASSHE UPrepared Summit

Hosted by Kutztown University

Female student holding books in a library, with Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and McEllhattan Foundation logos on the left.

Expanding the Pa. Teacher Workforce Together

Driven by the PASSHE Education Deans, funded by the McElhattan Foundation, and supported by the PASSHE Foundation.  

Sunday, Oct. 19 through Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Kutztown University.  

The UPrepared Summit aims to address the critical need to expand the teacher workforce in Pennsylvania. Through systemic action and collaborative efforts, we will explore innovative strategies and solutions to attract, prepare, and retain high-quality educators in our Commonwealth.  

Goals of the UPrepared Summit:  

  • Strengthen our network of practice, within PASSHE, with LEAs, and with state-wide leadership (PEDC, PA Dept of Ed, etc.) through the exploration of best practice frameworks at PASSHE universities to compare and contrast outcomes and lessons learned.  
  • Develop a mechanism for data collection and ongoing information sharing that builds on existing cooperation among PASSHE Deans of Education.  
  • Design implementation plans for improving Educator Diversity outcomes via best practice programming framework that leverages scale, captures consistent data across PASSHE, and allows universities to customize based on their assets and regional needs. 

Why Your Attendance Matters: As policymakers, practitioners, scholars, and advocates, your participation is crucial to the success of this initiative. Your insights, expertise, and commitment to education will help shape the future of the teacher workforce and ensure that every student in Pennsylvania has access to excellent educators. The UPrepared Summit will provide a platform for you to engage in meaningful discussions, share research-based practices, and collaborate on actionable plans to address the teacher shortage. 

Funding and Support: This UPrepared Summit is generously funded by the McElhattan Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting educational initiatives and community development. The McElhattan Foundation has a long history of investing in programs that enhance educational opportunities that ensure an excellent education for all. The UPrepared Summit is supported by the PASSHE Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to investing in the future of well-trained professionals across Pennsylvania by supporting universities in developing comprehensive student success initiatives. 

Event Leaders: The UPrepared Summit is driven by the PASSHE Education Deans. Specifically, it will be led by key figures in the education sector, including Dr. Rebecca West Burns, dean, College of Education at Kutztown University, Dr. Brooke Langan, dean, College of Education at East Stroudsburg University, Dr. Lara Willox, dean, College of Education and Human Services at Millersville University, and Dr. Desha Williams, dean, College of Education and Social Work at West Chester University along with a planning team of individuals across the PASSHE system who are committed to advancing the teacher workforce in Pennsylvania. 

Invitation Only: Due to budgetary constraints, the UPrepared Summit is by invitation only. We value your contributions and hope you will join us for this pivotal event.  RSVP to your invitation by Oct. 1.

Hotel Information:

Hampton Inn and Suites 
15080 Kutztown Rd, Kutztown, PA 19530 

Accommodation information will be emailed to registrants. For registration, please see the link on your invitation.

Schedule at a Glance

Sunday, Oct. 19

Opening Reception and Dinner - 5-8 p.m.
Room 218, McFarland Student Union Building, Kutztown University

  • 5–5:30 p.m. -Meet and Greet Reception 
  • 5:30-6 p.m. - Welcome  
  • 6–7 p.m. - Dinner 
  • 7–7 p.m. - Dessert and Student Fishbowl 
  • 7:25–7:50 p.m. - Legislative Response 
  • 7:50–8 p.m. - Closing Remarks 

Monday, Oct. 20

Day 1 - 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Georgian Room, Old Main, Kutztown University 

  • 8-8:30 a.m. - Welcome and Overview 
  • 8:30-10 a.m. - University Share Out (Three Universities)  
  • 10-10:30 a.m. - Break 
  • 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. - University Share Out (Three Universities) 
  • 12-1 p.m. - Lunch 
  • 1-3 p.m. University Share Out (Four Universities) 
  • 3-3:30 p.m. - Break 
  • 3:30-4:15 p.m. - Jigsaw (Tables with representative from each university to ask additional questions) 
  • 4:15-4:30 p.m. - Wrap Up 
  • Dinner On Your Own 

Tuesday, Oct. 21

Day 2 - 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Georgian Room, Old Main, Kutztown University

  • 8-8:30 a.m. - Welcome and Review of Day 1 
  • 8:30-9:30 a.m. - Data Conversation 
  • 9:30-10 a.m. - Break 
  • 10-12 p.m. - Best Practices Block 
  • 12-1 p.m. - Lunch 
  • 1-3 p.m. - Implementation Teams 
  • 3-3:15 p.m. - Break 
  • 3:15-4:15 p.m. - Looking Across 
  • 4:15-4:30 p.m. - Closing and Wrap Up 

Questions?