Berks County Intermediate Unit #14 (BCIU)

On March 19, 2025, Dr. Jill Hackman, BCIU Executive Director, joined members of the BCIU Incident Command System (ICS) Team and local school districts and career and technology center personnel for a School Safety Tabletop Exercise at the BCIU Main Office. Facilitated by Mr. Russell Del Rosario and Mrs. Audra Schappell from the BCIU Office of Operations, along with support from Berks County Department of Emergency Services experts, the session emphasized preparedness, collaboration, and effective emergency response. This tabletop session was one of four held for Berks County school officials and emergency responders. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important and informative training! #FeatureFriday #SchoolSafety

Please join the Berks County Intermediate Unit in congratulating and celebrating the March 2025 BCIU Employee-of-the-Month, Katelyn Gruber! Katelyn is a Professional Development and Technology Project Specialist in the Office of Professional Learning and has worked at the BCIU for almost 3 years. Katie Kehm, Program Administrator in the Office of Professional Learning, shared, “No matter the task, Katelyn approaches it with a commitment to excellence. She is always willing to learn new skills and adapt to changing needs, ensuring that projects and initiatives receive the best possible support.” #FunFact: Katelyn used to twirl fire when she was a high school majorette.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 5th annual Career Ready Berks Night at the Reading Royals on Friday, March 14! Berks County students enjoyed free admission to the game while exploring career opportunities and connecting with local businesses. A special thank you to the 14 businesses and education organizations that participated in this year’s event and helped provide free admission for students. Your support is making a meaningful impact in shaping the future workforce! #CareerReadyBerks?

Representatives from the BCIU attended the 70th PASBO Annual Conference at the Hershey Lodge on March 13-14, 2025. Through a collaborative effort across the organization, our team showcased key services offered by the Office of Information Technology and the Executive Office, engaging with current customers and connecting with new potential partners at our exhibit hall booth. Employees from the Offices of Business Services and Operations presented and actively participated in breakout sessions and networking opportunities, reinforcing the BCIU’s commitment to business and operational excellence for the students and schools we serve. We are grateful for the opportunity to support Pennsylvania’s schools and look forward to continuing these valuable conversations!

"We know the importance of early childhood literacy — reading is the gatekeeper of knowledge acquisition and opens pathways to opportunity." In this Superintendents' Forum, Dr. Christopher Beissel, Superintendent of Hamburg Area School District, highlights how childhood literacy is bolstered by access to books inside and outside school and from a young age. To read the full article, visit: https://lnkd.in/eP_QQAqE

The Berks County Intermediate Unit is looking for a Job Coach to join our Pathways to Adult Living (PAL) Program at Wilson School District! In this full-time, 10-month role, you will provide on-site training and support to students with disabilities, helping them build vocational, social, and daily living skills. Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–3:00 PM (35 hours/week) Location: BCIU community site at Wilson School District Requirements: High school diploma/GED (or higher), valid PA driver’s license, and required clearances. Pay: $21.65/hour – High school diploma/GED; $22.05/hour – Bachelor’s degree. Make a difference—apply today at berksiu.org/joinourteam (Search "Job Coach" under General Special Education on Frontline) Job ID: 2151. EOE.

Happy National Employee Appreciation Day! Today, we take a moment to recognize and celebrate the dedicated employees of the BCIU and The Pennsylvania Key. Your hard work, passion, and commitment make a difference every day—whether in classrooms, behind the scenes, or supporting communities across Berks County and beyond.? ? Your impact is immeasurable, shaping the lives of students, families, and educators across the Commonwealth. Thank you for all that you do!?

Grow your career with the Berks County Intermediate Unit! We are seeking certified preschool teachers, paraeducators, sign language interpreters, a family engagement worker, a job coach, and a speech therapist. Visit berksiu.org/joinourteam for more information!

"At Wyomissing High School, a simple game is making a profound impact. The school’s Unified Bocce Ball program is breaking down barriers, fostering inclusion, and bringing students of all abilities together through teamwork and shared experiences." In this Superintendents' Forum, Dr. Melissa Woodard, Superintendent of Wyomissing Area School District, highlights how bocce has become a popular sport in a number of area schools, providing an opportunity for all students to connect with one another. To read the full article, visit: https://lnkd.in/eWXeTqWr

It is not too late to get FREE Reading Royals tickets! On Friday, March 14, 2025, the Berks County Intermediate Unit and the Reading Royals will host the 5th annual Career Ready Berks Night at Santander Arena. Local businesses will be set up throughout the concourse prior to the game to talk to Berks County students and parents about the career pathways available in our County and to advertise various job positions within their organizations.? ? ? Students will be given a “passport” at the entrance and are encouraged to visit all the business tables. Those who complete their “passport” will be eligible to enter a drawing for a Royals-themed gift basket.? ? Participating businesses are sponsors for free admission tickets to Berks County students, with the purchase of an adult ticket. To get tickets for the Career Ready Berks Night on March 14th, please visit: https://lnkd.in/eu9u2U_P?