Apply Now!
Applications for Spring Session II and Summer Session I Are Open Now!
About the Program
Through the Indiana Autism Learn and Collaborate (IALC) initiative, we are committed to fostering a collaborative environment where educators in general education, special education, and related school services can share their insights and strategies for working with Autistic students and their families. By leveraging the collective knowledge and experience of our Autism educator community, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive educational experience for all students. We are excited to see the impact the IRCA initiative will have on Autism education in Indiana.
The IALC is based on the Peer Support Coaching Model (Hunt & Weintraub, 2020, Lee & Kim, 2021, Williams & Turner, 2022). This model is a collaborative approach to coaching that focuses on mutual growth and development. It is very effective and widely applied because it fosters a safe space for learning, sharing knowledge, and solving problems together. In the IALC educators work together to work in small groups, facilitating mutual learning, shared experiences, and collaboration.
If you work with Autistic students (as few as one or as many as a whole school) contact the Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA) to learn more about joining our next IALC cohort.
For more information about the IALC program, please contact us.
Description of the video:
The meetings were inspiring because we got to hear from other teachers in the field facing the same challenges. It was a nice reminder that we're all doing this together.
Program Participant
Spring and Summer 2025 Sessions
- Spring Session II: Week of April 7 - Week of May 12
- Summer Session I: Week of June 2 - Week of July 7
- Summer Session II: Week of September 8 - Week of October 13
Applications opening soon!
Topics covered include Understanding Autism, Behavior Differences, Social Challenges, Instructional Academic Accommodations and Modifications, Autism and Trauma, and a bonus module on Stress Management for Teachers!
Participant Commitments
This 6-week program requires a commitment of approximately 12 hours over six weeks.
Attend and actively participate in a 75-minute live Zoom meeting each week, scheduled on the same day and time. These meetings will focus on discussing the video content (detailed below) and providing mutual support. They are facilitated by an educator and former IALC participant. Each participant (4 per group) will have dedicated speaking time during the meeting each week. Please note that these are peer-led discussion meetings, not teaching sessions conducted by the facilitator.
Watch a 30-60 minute training video at your convenience before the weekly Zoom meeting.
Cost and Applications
$600 USD per participant.
Accommodations
The Indiana Institute on Disability and Community is committed to providing equal access to this event for all participants. If you have questions about accessibility or have a request for alternative formats or other accommodations, please contact IRCA at irca@indiana.edu or 812-855-6508.
References
Hunt, J., & Weintraub, J. (2020). Developing a peer coaching model for the workplace: A practical guide. Journal of Business and Psychology, 35(2), 251-267.
Lee, H. J., & Kim, S. (2021). The impact of peer coaching on employee performance and work engagement: A longitudinal study. Human Resource Management Journal, 31(4), 479-495.
Williams, M., & Turner, R. (2022). Peer support coaching as a strategic tool for leadership development. International Journal of Business Communication, 59(1), 68-83.