On Thursday, October 10, 2024, Dr. Jill Hackman, Executive Director of the Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU), participated as a panelist at the Visions Federal Credit Union Advisory Council Meeting. The session, titled “Empowering Our Local Educators: Investing in Success Strategies,” brought together local education and business leaders to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing Berks County schools.
Facilitated by Dr. Jennifer Murray, Superintendent of the Reading School District, the panel also included Dr. Adelle Schade, Founder of Total Experience Learning and Vice President of Innovation and Educational Ventures at Alvernia University; Dr. Rudy Ruth, Educational Strategist at Total Experience Learning Institute; and Julia Klein, Business Strategist for Total Experience Learning.
The panel addressed pressing issues such as the educator and administrator shortage, strategies to combat teacher burnout and boost retention, the state of the educator labor force in Berks County, and updates on Act 55, which includes important provisions that directly impact school safety and security. They also emphasized the importance of community and industry partnerships in enhancing education, a topic particularly relevant to the audience of business owners and community leaders in attendance.
Dr. Hackman’s contributions to this critical discussion highlighted the BCIU’s ongoing commitment to community collaboration to ensure a successful future for our students and schools.