We Do This Everyday!

On March 25, 2026, IU17 and IU8 are coming together to host the Online Learning Symposium — and I couldn’t be more excited about what this represents.

This is more than a virtual conference. It’s a recognition of something we all know deep down:

Whether we planned to be or not — we are all educating online.

Learn More at this LINK and fill our your Registration at this Link

“I’m Not an Online Educator”… Or Are You?

If you don’t think of yourself as an “online educator,” I’d gently push you to reconsider.

Do your students:

* Submit work digitally?

* Collaborate in shared documents?

* Participate in virtual meetings?

* Use learning management systems?

* Watch instructional videos?

* Communicate via email or messaging platforms?

Then you are already navigating the online learning space.

At the World of Learning, we’ve been teaching virtually for years — long before it became a necessity. And what we’ve learned is this:

Online learning is not a separate thing. It’s part of how learning happens now.

The 2026 Online Learning Symposium acknowledges that reality — and invites us to get better at it together.

Two Strands. One Shared Purpose.

This year’s Symposium offers two strands:

* Classroom

* Leadership

Participants are welcome to focus deeply in one strand or move between both — because the truth is, classroom practice and leadership decisions are deeply intertwined.

As we’ve seen in our own work, strong virtual instruction requires:

* Clear expectations

* Strong relationships

* Intentional communication

* Flexible structures

* High standards

* Ongoing support

These aren’t “technology skills.” They’re human skills applied through digital tools.

In our own professional learning at WOL, we’ve often reflected on ideas like social presence, meaningful engagement, and compassion in digital spaces. One of the most powerful themes that keeps surfacing is this:

Compassion. Time. Meaningful. Care.

Those words apply whether you’re a superintendent, a classroom teacher, or a parent supporting learning at home.

Why This Matters for District Leaders

For superintendents, curriculum directors, and school board members, this Symposium is especially timely.

Across Pennsylvania and beyond, districts are facing:

* Teacher shortages

* Scheduling constraints

* Budget pressures

* Expanding course expectations

* Increasing digital integration

The question is no longer whether online learning will play a role in your district.

The question is:

How will you ensure it’s done well?

High-quality virtual learning is not:

* A packet.

* A login to a self-paced app

* A video library without connection.

It is built on:

* Certified teachers

* Live interaction

* Relational trust

* Consistent feedback

* Clear communication

* Systems that support engagement

When done intentionally, virtual learning doesn’t replace schools — it extends them.

As we often say at the World of Learning, we are here to extend your campus so students get what they need.

Why This Matters for Families

Families, too, are navigating a changing educational landscape.

Parents want:

* Rigor

* Connection

* Flexibility

* Safety

* Communication

* Real human interaction

The misconception that online learning is isolating or impersonal simply doesn’t match what thoughtful programs can provide.

When live instruction is paired with strong course design, clear routines, and meaningful feedback, students:

* Build confidence

* Develop independence

* Strengthen communication skills

* Experience cultural and global learning

* Connect across districts and communities

And importantly — they feel seen.

As we’ve learned time and again:

Nothing engages a learner more than believing they are capable and valued.

Professional Learning That Builds Culture

One of the hallmarks of strong online programs is ongoing professional learning.

In our own team conversations, we continually ask:

* What is most important about what we do?

* What are we wondering?

* What can we do better?

That mindset — reflective, collaborative, growth-oriented — is exactly what gatherings like the Online Learning Symposium are designed to foster.

Act 48 hours will be available, yes. But more importantly, so will connection.

And in a field that can feel isolating at times, connection matters.

March 25, 2026: A Day to Learn Alongside Each Other

The beauty of this Symposium is that it brings together:

* Classroom educators

* Instructional coaches

* Administrators

* Curriculum leaders

* Technology specialists

* Anyone curious about improving digital instruction

There truly is something for everyone.

Whether you are refining an already-strong virtual program or just beginning to ask questions about how online tools are shaping your classrooms, this day is an opportunity to grow.

We’re All Still Learning

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s this:

Education is not static. Technology is not going away. And learning remains deeply human.

The question isn’t whether online tools belong in education.

The question is how we use them to build:

* Trust

* Belonging

* Engagement

* Rigor

* Access

* Opportunity

The 2026 Online Learning Symposium is a step in that direction.

📅 Join Us

2026 Online Learning Symposium 📍 Virtual 🗓 March 25, 2026 🎓 Act 48 hours available

👉 Learn more about the Online Learning Symposium. LINK

👉 Register now. Registration Link

We hope you’ll join us.

Because whether we named it or not, we are all educating online.

And we can do it better — together.

Pat

Planting the Roots of Language Learning

In this episode of We Do This Every Day, I’m joined by Kelley Zachary from Philadelphia Virtual Academy (CCIU) and our own Olivia Grugan to talk about something that has brought me so much hope this year, our new Passport to World Languages program.

Passport is simple in design but powerful in impact. It brings short, high-engagement language experiences directly into students’ homerooms with no grades, no assignments, no pressure. Just curiosity.

And what we’re seeing is beautiful.

Students who rarely speak are typing enthusiastically in the chat.Students who struggle with anxiety are engaging in ways that feel safe.

Students are discovering that multilingualism already lives in their own neighborhoods.

This isn’t about rushing kids into proficiency. It’s about planting roots.

We talked about how Passport serves as the first step in a three-year pathway:

* Year 1: Exposure (Passport) — light touch, joyful discovery

* Year 2: Exploration — structured course, multiple languages, still curiosity-driven

* Year 3: Choice — selecting a language to pursue with intention and depth

Kelley shared how students began looking forward to “Language Wednesdays.” Some even came to virtual office hours afterward to proudly share what they had learned.

What struck me most was this: language learning created a space for visibility. Cameras turned on. Mics unmuted. Students talked about accents, and realized accents are beautiful.

We also discussed the courage it takes for schools to offer real choice. It’s much easier to put every student in the same language on the same day. But when institutions decide to personalize pathways, logistics get complicated. And yet, the engagement makes it worth it.

This episode is about partnership. It’s about trust between institutions. It’s about teachers who show up enthusiastic and prepared. And it’s about what happens when we expose students to possibility before we ask them to commit.

If we want students to stick with hard things later, we have to let them fall in love with them first.

And Passport is doing just that.

— Pat

Check out our Catalog and offerings. Contact us if you think we can help.

This blog post was developed using my writing, podcast transcript, and support from AI (ChatGPT by OpenAI) which was reviewed by me, Pat Mulroy, for accuracy, tone, and context.

In this episode of We Do This Every Day, I’m joined by Joe Renzi, Superintendent, and Jason Collier, High School Principal, from Salisbury-Elk Lick School District, along with Lauren McMinn, to talk about how their district has expanded learning opportunities while keeping students firmly connected to their school community.

Salisbury-Elk Lick is a small, rural district that values close relationships with students and families. Like many districts, they’ve faced ongoing challenges finding certified teachers and fitting all student needs into a traditional schedule. Rather than narrowing options, they chose to extend their campus through a thoughtful partnership with the World of Learning and IU8.

From gifted elementary Spanish and American Sign Language to flexible math courses and full-time Extended Campus options, the conversation highlights how online learning works best when it is personal, purposeful, and partnered. Joe and Jason emphasize that virtual courses are not a shortcut or a replacement—but a way to personalize pathways, maintain academic integrity, and ensure students are truly learning.

A recurring theme throughout the discussion is trust: trust in students, trust between district and provider, and trust built through consistent communication. Jason shares how flexibility and learning outside the traditional school day, asynchronous options, and live instruction allows students to meet graduation requirements without sacrificing rigor. Joe reinforces that students remain Salisbury-Elk Lick students, with access to services, relationships, and community, while benefiting from expanded offerings at a responsible cost.

At its core, this conversation is about keeping learning human. Whether students are learning a new language, completing a chemistry assignment, or building independence through online coursework, success comes from real teachers, meaningful feedback, and shared responsibility.

That’s what we mean when we say: we do this every day!

Key Takeaways

* Online learning works when it’s relationalReal teachers, consistent communication, and shared accountability make virtual learning meaningful.

* Flexibility supports equityAlternative schedules and course formats help students with diverse needs—without lowering expectations.

* High standards and personalization can coexistFlexibility does not mean “easy.” Rigor, integrity, and authentic student work remain central.

* Students stay connected to their school communityVirtual learning should extend the campus—not remove students from it.

* Partnership mattersOngoing feedback and collaboration between districts and providers improve outcomes for students.

Human connection is the difference-makerTechnology supports learning, but relationships sustain it.

Learn more about our offerings in our 2026 - 27 Catalog at this LINK and Contact us at this LINK to learn more about how your students can expand their world!

Pat

This blog post was developed using my writing, podcast transcript, and support from AI (ChatGPT by OpenAI) which was reviewed by Pat Mulroy for accuracy, tone, and context.

Greetings!

In his video blog we took a quick look at the awesome offerings in World Languages and a few electives that are available to expand your students learning experiences.

Ashley and Barb both teach and develop our courses for the World of Learning Institute. In addition, Barb is the in-class facilitator at Hershey High School and sees first hand the way the WOL asynchronous courses with synchronous sessions create a vibrant and engaging learning experience for their students.

You can see all the World Language offerings and electives (with a full catalog coming soon) at this link.

This short video will guide you through some of what makes our courses and instruction different than other online courses.

If you have questions or want more information contact us at this LINK.

And check out this podcast on our Latin Courses

In this episode of We Do This Every Day, I’m joined by Emily Carlson, a veteran German teacher with the World of Learning Institute, and Lauren Chessman, an in-school world language teacher and facilitator at Baldwin-Whitehall School District. Together, we talk about what it really takes to make virtual learning work for students.

Our conversation centers on the power of partnership—between virtual teachers and in-school facilitators—and how that collaboration keeps learning human, engaging, and grounded in relationships. Emily shares how intentional professional learning and thoughtful routines help her build strong connections with students online. Lauren reflects on stepping into the facilitator role, learning German alongside her students, and modeling curiosity, flexibility, and joy.

We also explore:

* Why facilitators are essential in virtual classrooms

* How modeling lifelong learning builds student confidence

* The importance of honoring student choice in language learning

* What schools gain when adults collaborate across distance

This episode offers a real-world look at how virtual instruction, when paired with committed educators on the ground, can expand opportunities and create meaningful learning experiences for students.

Learn more about our offerings in our 2026 - 27 Catalog at this LINK and Contact us at this LINK to learn more about how your students can expand their world!

Read the whole blog below:

This blog post was developed using my writing, podcast transcript, and support from AI (ChatGPT by OpenAI) which was reviewed by Pat Mulroy for accuracy, tone, and context.

Greeting WOL Friends,

In this episode you will hear Olivia and Peter shine when they talk about the inventive and fun Latin classes at WOL.

When people think of Latin, they often picture dusty textbooks and endless grammar charts. But at the World of Learning Institute, Latin is alive and thriving thanks to passionate teachers who see language not as a subject to memorize, but as a skill to live.

In this episode of We Do This Every Day, I sit down with Peter, one of our innovative Latin instructors, and Olivia, who supervises our world language programs. Together, we explore how Latin has transformed from a language of declensions to a language of dialogue, creativity, and connection.

Peter’s journey started in computer science, not classics. But his curiosity led him to Latin, and eventually to a community that treats it as something spoken, shared, and joyfully used.

“There’s a pretty vibrant community of Latinists trying to use it as an actual language… The World of Learning’s approach is much more communicative, and that’s what matters—actually using the language and having fun with it.”

That philosophy comes to life in his classroom, where students listen, respond, and create—all in Latin. Using visuals, stories, and music, Peter crafts lessons that help learners feel the language, not just analyze it. Olivia saw this in action and was immediately inspired:

“You were speaking 100% Latin… and I understood everything. It was very clear you were making it comprehensible to the kids because they were doing it on the screen.”

Their conversation highlights what we value most at WOL—relationships, creativity, and productive struggle. Learning a language isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence and joy in the process. As Peter reminds us:

“If you do language learning correctly, students learn it’s okay to be uncomfortable and not know everything—it’s a process. You don’t learn by instantly knowing; you learn by adapting and communicating meaning.”

Latin at the World of Learning is proof that even the oldest languages can spark the newest ideas. Students leave class not just with vocabulary, but with confidence—the courage to make mistakes, try again, and keep communicating.

We believe that’s what all great learning looks like—online or anywhere.

If you would like to know more about Latin, or any of the languages we offer, reach out to [email protected].

Best,

Pat

Read the whole article behind the blog at the link below.

This blog post was developed using my writing, podcast transcript, and support from AI (ChatGPT by OpenAI) which was reviewed by Pat Mulroy for accuracy, tone, and context.

When we sat down with Anita Young (Huntingdon’s BILD program), Lauren McMinn (IU8 Extended Campus), and Dr. Tom Butler (IU8), one thing was clear: district-led online learning isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.

As you listen to the episode, here are 6 quick insights that highlight what makes local programs like BILD and WOL work:

1. 🏛 Community Is Civic Infrastructure

Local teachers and students learning together isn’t just schooling, it’s building the future of your community. That foundation matters more than ever in an AI-driven world.

2. 🌳 Spaces of Hope Matter

From homeroom check-ins to butterfly release parties and drop-in classrooms, local online programs create spaces where students feel safe, seen, and connected - they are part of something.

3. 🌱 Small Ideas Can Grow Fast

Anita’s elementary blended classroom started with 6 kids and now serves 20, this is proof that when families find joy and flexibility, word spreads.

4. 🤝 We Learn Better Together

Extended Campus’ District Council brings educators together to share strategies and tools. New counselors, admins, and tech leads all benefit from peer support.

5. 🔄 Listening Shapes the Mission

The WOL and BILD didn’t start with a rigid plan, they grew by listening to students, staff, and families. Every year they evolve based on what their community needs most.

6. ✅ Ask What Can Go Right

Don’t lead with fear. As Dr. Butler said:

“It’s a mindset shift… The question isn’t what can go wrong, it’s what can go right when you build options for your own kids.” —Tom Butler

Want help launching your district’s own online program—or just curious where to start? We’re here. visit https://worldoflearninginstitute.com/contact-us/ or reach to me at [email protected] or Sonya at [email protected]

Hi All,

At the World of Learning Institute, we believe student voices matter. That’s why I loved sitting down with our social studies teacher, Zach Marcic, for this episode of We Do This Every Day. Our conversation lined up beautifully with an EdWeek article I had just read called “Students Have Questions About Our Democracy.”

The headline is true: kids today are asking tough, unfiltered questions—and they’re not shy about it.

Zach told me that in his Misinformation Nation course, students regularly ask things like:

* Why don’t more people vote?

* Why do we still have the Electoral College?

* Why do the rules keep changing?

These aren’t “textbook” questions, they come from students’ real frustration with what they see in the news, on social media, and sometimes even in their own families. They sense the gap between what they’re taught about government and how it actually works. And they want answers.

Rather than dodge these questions, Zach leans into them. His course helps students practice critical thinking by asking: Why might someone lie to me? What do they gain? How do I know what’s true? In today’s information-saturated world, those are the skills that matter.

What struck me most in our conversation is how personal civics becomes when students start connecting it to their own lives.

* Rural students talk about farm subsidies.

* Suburban students bring up streetlights or trash pickup.

* Others talk about taxes and whether schools are fairly funded.

These may seem like small issues, but together they remind us that government touches everything. And when students see that, they start wrestling with the idea of fairness and how they might make things better.

The best part? Students don’t just talk; they act. Zach’s class ends with a civic action project. Some students organize park cleanups. Others create community art or design pamphlets to spread awareness about causes they care about. Each project proves that participation isn’t just something adults do in Washington—it’s something students can do right now, in their own neighborhoods.

As Zach and I talked, I was reminded of something important: democracy isn’t inherited fully formed. Each generation has to wrestle with it, question it, and rebuild it. When our students ask hard questions, they aren’t being difficult, they are practicing the very heart of civic engagement.

5 Things We’re Learning From Students’ Questions

* They’re frustrated by gaps between ideals and reality.

* They want tools to sort fact from misinformation.

* They see government as disconnected and that worries them.

* Fairness is at the center of what they care about.

* They’re ready to participate if we give them the chance.

That gives me hope. Because if our students are already asking these questions, then they’re already on the path to becoming thoughtful, engaged citizens. And isn’t that exactly what our democracy needs?

Zach is also the author of a new course we are teaching at Extended Campus called Contemporary Rural American Issues.

If your district is ready to expand access to our full-time virtual learning - with real instruction and engaging teacher-built courses, reach out at [email protected] or visit worldoflearninginstitute.com/contact

Hi All,

I had so much fun this episode, I sat down once again with our beloved Mandarin teacher, Mrs. Ying Fang Jeffers, a longtime member of the World of Learning team and one of the most creative, caring educators you’ll ever meet. You won’t want to miss the enthusiasm or the stories of the great mythic people of the Mid-Autumn Festival that just passed.

Ying Fang has been with the World of Learning for five years, and her classroom truly comes alive with culture. Born and raised in Taiwan, she brings a global perspective and a deep passion for connecting students to the stories, art, and traditions behind the Mandarin language. Together, we talk about what happens when language learning becomes a gateway to belonging, and how students who start out learning a few words end up understanding the world in a whole new way.

Enjoy, Pat

Key Moments

* The “5 Cs” in Action: Mrs. Jeffers shows how communication, culture, connections, comparisons, and community come together in her teaching — from food and festivals to poetry and art. ACTFL’s “5 Cs” of language instruction

* Calligraphy as Connection: Learn how her University of Pittsburgh mini-grant helped her bring authentic Chinese calligraphy into her classroom, giving students a tactile way to understand meaning and form.

* Learning Beyond the Screen: Her students don’t just meet online; they join local Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, wear traditional clothing, and even make mooncakes at home.

* Stories that Stick: We dive into the myths of Chang’e, Hou Yi, and the Moon Rabbit, and what they reveal about time, family, and celebration in Chinese culture.

* Lifelong Learning: From earning new certifications to mentoring peers, Mrs. Jeffers models the mindset she teaches, that learning is a lifelong journey that connects us all.

Takeaways

* Culture deepens language learning. Students remember words best when they’re tied to meaning, tradition, and story.

* Connection matters. Language opens the door to empathy — helping students understand perspectives beyond their own.

* Virtual doesn’t mean distant. With creativity and care, online classrooms can feel as vibrant as in-person ones.

* Lifelong learning inspires learners. When teachers model curiosity and growth, students follow.

* Community extends beyond class. The best learning happens when students share culture with their families and local communities.

From the Episode

“I always tell my students, we’re not just learning the words — we’re learning to see the world differently.” — Mrs. Ying Fang Jeffers

Closing Thought

At the World of Learning Institute, teachers like Mrs. Jeffers remind us that language learning is not only about speaking, it’s about seeing, connecting, and belonging.

If your district is ready to expand access to world language instruction or explore full-time virtual learning, reach out at [email protected] or visit worldoflearninginstitute.com/contact

Let’s make sure every student has the chance to experience the beauty of language and the richness of culture, every day.

Show Notes: Partnerships that Transform

Hi everyone, it’s Pat! Thanks for tuning in to We Do This Every Day.

At the World of Learning Institute, I’ve learned that partnerships are so much more than contracts. They’re relationships built on trust, and they create real opportunities for kids. When schools face teacher shortages or want to expand access to world languages, collaboration is often the spark that changes everything.

In this episode, I sat down with Jeannie McCarthy and Kevin Ballisty from Chester County IU’s Brandywine Virtual Academy, along with the World of Learning’s very own Olivia Grugan, to talk about what happens when organizations align their missions.

Here’s what we dug into:

* 🌍 Expanding access: Together, we launched the Passport to World Languages experience—giving middle and high schoolers a no-pressure chance to “try on” languages like Mandarin, ASL, and Arabic. It reduced anxiety and gave students something to look forward to.

* 🔑 Vision, not just gaps: Instead of just filling empty slots, we designed a pathway that could one day help students graduate with the Seal of Biliteracy. That’s intentional, long-term planning.

* 🤝 Shared values: Jeannie put it best: we’re student-centered, teacher-created, and focused on balancing live and asynchronous instruction. That alignment has already led to expanded offerings across urban, suburban, and rural schools.

* 💡 Trust and investment: Partnerships only work when both sides lean in. We’ve even connected our student systems to make access seamless, proof that we’re in this for the long haul.

* 🎓 Why it matters: Kids across Pennsylvania now have access to languages that districts couldn’t offer alone. They have real instruction, with real engagement. And they’re not just signing up - they’re excited and confident.

I came away from this conversation so hopeful. When IUs work together, and with districts, students win. They connect with great teachers, they discover new cultures, and they get to imagine futures they didn’t even know were possible.

👉 Have you seen partnerships like this in your school or district? I’d love to hear your story. Drop me a note, and let’s keep the conversation going.

A real life example of a student who maximized their language learning!