About this Event
Won’t You be Our Neighbor? Exploring the Science of Learning and Development, Innovation, & the Legacy of Fred Rogers
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. – Late Afternoon
Departure & Return: The Westin Pittsburgh
Cost: $50 + services fees per participant, free for EdPrepLab Members
VISIT HIGHLIGHTS
🏫 Jeannette City School District: Explore innovative approaches to teaching, learning, and leading while visiting classrooms and learning spaces. Participants will have an opportunity to see how educators are creating meaningful learning experiences that connect to students’ interests, strengths, and futures.
🏫 Hempfield Area School District: Discover innovative practices and approaches to student learning, engagement, and school-community partnerships. Participants will learn directly from teachers, leaders, and students about efforts to create schools that prepare young people for success beyond graduation.
❤️ Fred Rogers Institute | Saint Vincent College: Visit the Fred Rogers Institute and explore the enduring legacy of Fred Rogers and his belief in the importance of knowing, valuing, and caring for every child.
Participants will:
- Tour the Fred Rogers exhibit
- Learn about the legacy and educational philosophy of Fred Rogers
- Explore how Rogers’ ideas about relationships, belonging, curiosity, and learning continue to influence teachers, school leaders, and educator preparation faculty today
- Hear from local area educators how they are engaged in practices to support all students
- Engage in discussions linking the day’s learning to SoLD
- Enjoy lunch with students and engage in informal conversations about their experiences in school
A DAY OF LEARNING, CONNECTION & INSPIRATION
This site visit is designed to provide conference attendees with an authentic look at educational innovation in Western Pennsylvania while creating opportunities to learn directly from students, teachers, school leaders, community partners, and fellow attendees.
Participants will leave with new ideas, connections, practical examples, and renewed inspiration for creating schools where every student is known, valued, supported, and prepared to thrive.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
8:00 a.m. — Depart from The Westin Pittsburgh
Morning — Visit Jeannette City School District
Late Morning/Early Afternoon — Visit Hempfield Area School District
Afternoon — Fred Rogers Institute at Saint Vincent College
Late Afternoon — Return to Pittsburgh / The Westin
Detailed schedule and transportation information will be provided to registered participants.
COST & REGISTRATION
$50 + service fees per participant. Free for EdPrepLab members.
The registration fee includes round-trip transportation from The Westin Pittsburgh, school visitations, Fred Rogers Institute programming and exhibit tour, educator panel, and lunch with students. SPACE IS LIMITED TO 50 PARTICIPANTS.
Co-hosted by EdPrepLab, UCEA, and International Initiatives & The Center for the International Study of School Leadership.
Event venue & nearby stays
Departure & Return: The Westin Pittsburgh; visiting two innovative Western Pennsylvania school districts and the Fred Rogers Institute at Saint Vincent College., 1000 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.