October 2025- NIESC Newsletter
Executive Director Notes
Advancing Career Coaching and STEM Integration Across Indiana Schools
As we enter the final semester of the ICHE Career Coaching Grant and our partnership with the Indiana Commission of Higher Education, we are proud to collaborate with nineteen school districts to develop a comprehensive K–12 career development plan. Guided by Indiana’s Career Coaching Framework, we are creating a purposeful strategy that supports all students from kindergarten through grade 12.
NIESC also continues its partnership with the Indiana Department of Education through initiatives like the STEM Integration Grant. These programs provide teachers, administrators, and support staff with professional workshops and collaborative opportunities that align with Indiana’s Priorities for STEM Education. By implementing research-based practices in classrooms, we foster environments that cultivate lifelong thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Through our STEM Forward program, we continue to work with five districts to integrate STEM pedagogy into teaching and learning.
We are excited to continue supporting educators and students as they gain the skills and experiences needed for success in school, careers, and beyond!
Cooperative Purchasing
Food Service
Farm to School Month
October is National Farm to School Month! Join us and thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities and organizations across the country as we celebrate food education, school gardens and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients.
Curriculum
- Sign up for the IDOE MORNING session here
- Sign up for the IDOE AFTERNOON session here
- LAST CHANCE for the ILEARN Cadre - Sign up here!
Technology Integration
- Details & Information Mishwaka, IN
- Details & Information Hobart, IN
INDIANA EDTECH NETWORK
Thursday, October 16th 10am EST
Northern Indiana Tech Directors & Coaches
Plymouth Community School Corporation
Click Here to RSVP
Northwest Tech Directors & Tech Coach Collab
Duneland Schools
Click here to RSVP
Northeast Indiana Tech Study Council (NEISSC)
East Noble School Corporation
STEM Integration
Registration is now open for the Indiana STEM Education Conference
Click here to register today
Spend the day exploring the future of STEM education!
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Purdue University
Highlights include:
- Keynote by Dr. Kristen Poindexter
- 60+ breakout sessions on curriculum, instruction, careers, and research
- Networking with STEM sponsors
- Resource page with slides and handouts
- Professional Growth Points for educators
Ceducatioeducationnlick Here to Learn More
The 2025-2026 STEM School Certification Guidelines Are Now Available
IDOE’s Office of Curriculum and Instruction has released new guidance and rubrics for the 2025-2026 STEM School Certification process. Information and guidance can be found HERE on the Indiana Learning Lab.The STEM Certified Schools Interest form is OPEN until October 24th.
NIESC can provide an array of professional workshops to support you on your certification journey. Some topics include :
- Effective Questioning Strategies
- Inquiry in the Elementary Classroom
- Inquiry in the Secondary Classroom
- Implementing STEM Pedagogy
- Inquiry: What is it?
- Observing and Evaluating the Inquiry Classroom
- AI in Digital Literacy
- Differentiation in the Inquiry Classroom
- NGSS and 3-Dimensional learning
- Implementing Indiana’s Integrated STEM Standards
- STEM Instructional approaches including 5E, PBL, APB, CER
- And more!
Professional workshops can also be designed to accommodate your district's needs.
Contact Laura Unsicker with questions or for more information
School Counseling
Get ready for the INSCA Conference, coming up November 20–21, 2025, at the Indianapolis Marriott East! This is Indiana’s premier event for school counselors to connect, learn, and be inspired. With engaging keynotes, practical breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, you’ll leave refreshed and ready to elevate your impact. Don’t miss this chance to grow alongside passionate professionals from across the state—register here.
Get ready to celebrate Red Ribbon Week,
October 23–31! This national campaign promotes drug-free lifestyles among students and communities. It’s a powerful way to spark conversations, raise awareness, and show collective support for health and safety.
Click Here for Downloadable Resources
Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities
NIESC Staff Spotlight
This month, we are highlighting Shannon Harman, our dedicated School Counseling Specialist at NIESC/NWIESC.
Shannon began her journey in education in 1999 after earning her Master’s Degree in Counseling Education from Indiana University. Over the years, she has made a meaningful impact working with both middle and high school students—spending 8 years at the middle school level and 15 years in high school counseling. Now in her fourth year at the service center, Shannon continues to bring her passion for supporting educators and students to everything she does.
When asked what she loves most about her role, Shannon shared that it’s the collaboration: “I love the opportunity to work with so many dedicated professionals across a variety of school districts—each with its own story, strengths, and heart. I’m grateful to play a supporting role in the important work happening across our districts.”
This month is extra special for Shannon and her husband, Don, as they celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary, which took place on the beautiful campus of Indiana University on a gorgeous autumn day.
Outside of work, Shannon enjoys shopping, spending time outdoors, and traveling to some of her and Don's favorite spots—Bloomington, Indiana; Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; and Chandler, Arizona. When she’s home, you’ll often find her watching sports, soaking up the outdoors, or enjoying time with her energetic, hilarious five-year-old nephew and creative, innocent eight-year-old niece.