Frequently Asked Questions

Total Experience Learning (TExpL) is a research-backed instructional framework that helps educators and school systems build experiential, inquiry-driven learning environments that improve educator confidence, student engagement, and long-term retention.

TExpL is scalable across grade levels, disciplines, and learning environments from PreK-12 to higher education and corporate training.

No. TExpL is not a curriculum, a boxed program, or a set of materials.

It is a flexible instructional framework that can be applied within any subject area, instructional framework, or district initiative to strengthen experiential learning, innovation, and educator self-efficacy.

No. While TExpL originated in a science research instructional framework, it is now applied across:

• Humanities
• Career and technical education
• Elementary STEM
• Leadership development
• Gifted education
• Environmental education
• Corporate and technical training environments

The instructional framework is discipline-agnostic.

Recent survey data from educators completing the TExpL Graduate Certificate showed:

• Increased educator confidence in experiential learning delivery
• Improved student engagement scores
• Increased likelihood of remaining in their district
• Increased likelihood of remaining in the education profession
• High educator satisfaction (Net Promoter Score of 85)

TExpL strengthens educator self-efficacy, instructional practice, and system-level sustainability.

Yes.

TExpL improves the drivers of retention:

• Confidence
• Belonging
• Professional growth
• Leadership pathways

Survey data shows educators report a significantly higher likelihood of staying in both their district and the profession after completing the certificate program.

The Graduate Certificate in Educational Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a four-course, 12-credit program designed to help educators implement experiential, inquiry-driven learning environments in their schools.

The certificate:

• Applies toward Act 45 and Act 48 requirements
• Can stack into advanced degrees at Alvernia University
• Can be completed through district cohorts or open enrollment

Yes.

Individual educators may apply and enroll in the TExpL Graduate Certificate even if their district is not currently partnered.

Many educators use tuition reimbursement if permitted by their contract.

Courses are delivered in a hybrid format.

This includes:

• Asynchronous online learning
• Synchronous sessions (virtual or in-person)
• Applied, job-embedded assignments

Future course offerings may expand to more fully online delivery.

The certificate consists of four three-credit courses.

Most educators complete the program in approximately one year.

Yes.

The graduate courses are accredited through Alvernia University and meet Middle States accreditation standards.

They also qualify for Act 45 and Act 48 credit.

Assignments are job-embedded and practice-based.

Rather than traditional research-only coursework, educators apply TExpL strategies directly within their own classrooms or learning environments.

This ensures immediate implementation and measurable impact.

Yes.

TExpL offers scalable district partnership frameworks
that can include:

• Graduate certificate cohorts
• Professional development programs
• Instructional coaching
• Leadership retreats
• Induction program support
• Data-informed implementation planning

Districts can customize engagement based on strategic priorities and budget.

A comprehensive district instructional framework may include:

• A four-course graduate cohort for educators and administrators
• Wraparound professional development sessions
• Instructional coaching
• Leadership pipeline development
• Support for long-term sustainability

This approach supports system-wide transformation rather than isolated professional development events.

Yes.

TExpL was originally developed in a rural Pennsylvania school district and has been successfully implemented across diverse geographic contexts.

The framework is adaptable to district size, budget, and community environment.

District contracts are typically approved by:

• Superintendents
• Assistant Superintendents
• Directors of Curriculum and Instruction
• School boards

Educators and instructional leaders often influence the decision internally.

TExpL offers:

• One-hour introductory sessions (“Taste of TExpL”)
• Half-day and full-day group professional development
• Immersive, in-class modeling sessions
• Instructional coaching
• Administrator retreats
• Custom annual professional development plans

Programs are customizable by discipline, grade level, and district initiative.

No.

TExpL applies across learning environments including:

• PreK–12
• Higher education
• Career and technical education
• Corporate and workforce training programs

The instructional framework supports any environment seeking experiential, solution-driven learning.

More than 400 educators have completed the TExpL four-course certificate program across elementary, middle, high school, and administrative roles.

Enrollment continues to grow each semester.

TExpL has been supported by:

• Multiple high-level Pennsylvania Department of Education grants
• Statewide district partnerships
• National and corporate collaborations (announcements forthcoming)

These partnerships demonstrate growing institutional credibility.

A successful TExpL implementation helps districts:

• Increase educator confidence
• Improve student engagement
• Strengthen retention
• Build leadership pipelines
• Create sustainable innovation ecosystems