The WIU Pulse

What can families expect when their child transitions from Preschool Early Intervention to kindergarten? In this episode of the WIU Pulse, Kristine Samide, Early Childhood Services Coordinator with the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit, explains the transition to kindergarten process and how families, Early Intervention staff, and school districts work together to prepare for this important milestone.

In this episode of the WIU Pulse, guest Sarah Wagner, Educational Consultant with the WIU Training and Consultation (TaC) Team, shares the vital role the team plays in supporting educators, families, and students across Westmoreland County. The conversation highlights the impact of assistive technology - tools that support communication, learning, and independence - in making things possible for students with disabilities, opening doors to greater success in the classroom and beyond.  

Each year, the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit hosts one of its most anticipated student-centered events - the Academic Competition - bringing together high school students from across Westmoreland County for a dynamic, tournament-style academic showdown.

In this episode of the WIU Pulse, we go behind the scenes with WIU Educational Consultant and lead planner, Natalie Smith, to explore how the competition comes to life. From buzzer-style rounds and diverse content categories to the months of planning and collaboration required to execute the event, this conversation highlights the teamwork, dedication, and community support that make it possible.

Does school safety and security impact you? If so, you'll want to tune in for this important conversation.

On this episode of the WIU Pulse Podcast, we’re joined by Ashley Lenker White, Joe Rice, and Russ Del Rosario to discuss the first-ever Pennsylvania Association of Intermediate Units (PAIU) School Safety and Security Conference. This groundbreaking event brings educational stakeholders from across the Commonwealth together under one roof with a shared mission: strengthening our collective ability to protect students, staff, and school communities.

Are you a Pennsylvania-certified teacher curious about what it’s like to work with students who are learning English as a second language? In this episode, we dive into the world of ESL education with Jenny Lent, Assistant to the Executive Director for Educational Programs at Intermediate Unit 1, and Jen Bossio, a WIU K–12 ESL teacher who completed her certification through our partner, IU1, and now serves in the Kiski Area School District.

Jenny breaks down how the ESL certification program works—what to expect, why it matters, and how it supports teachers. Jen brings the real-life perspective, sharing what it’s like to step into the role of an ESL educator and work with multilingual learners every day.

If you’ve ever thought about expanding your expertise or making a deeper impact in Pennsylvania classrooms, this conversation is for you. Tune in!

With nearly 300 incredible staff members at the WIU, each playing a vital role in supporting our schools, districts, and communities, it’s time to highlight the people who make it all happen.

In our very first episode, we’re proud to feature Derek Rhoderick — a dedicated custodian known for giving 100% every single day. His commitment, work ethic, and pride in the work he does are a true reflection of the values that drive WIU forward.

Tune in as we get to know Derek, hear his story, and kick off a series that celebrates the everyday heroes of the WIU.

Do you have a bachelor's degree in any field? Are you currently a teacher? Have you ever wondered about teaching students with special needs? In this episode, meet our partner, Dr. Deanna Mennig, Supervisor of the Luzerne Intermediate Unit's Special Education Certification Program. She shares how you can discover new purpose by earning a certification to teach in PK-12 special education classrooms.

In today's conversation, you're going to meet Dr. Jason Stragand, the WIU's Early Childhood Services Director and certified facilitator of School Age and Early Childhood LETRS. He's here to talk about how LETRS is helping kids learn to read and build life-long language skills.

What is AESA— the Association of Educational Service Agencies - and how does this innovative national organization support education across the US.

In today’s conversation, you’ll meet Dr. Joan Wade, AESA’s Executive Director, and Shelia King, Chief Strategy Officer. They’re here to talk about how AESA supports more than 500 educational service agencies, including the WIU, and how this impacts how we operate and serve our regional schools.

How does Safety and Security training through the WIU impact schools? Today, we’re talking with Joe Rice, WIU Student Services Supervisor and Safety and Security Coordinator and Chad Roland, Kiski Area School District Assistant to the Superintendent and School Safety and Security Coordinator to learn how school districts are using this training and the difference it is making.