2026-27 Book Studies
Happy Hacks for Teachers
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Teaching is rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. Happy Hacks for Teachers offers 51 science-backed strategies to beat burnout, reduce stress, and reconnect with the reasons you chose this profession in the first place. This 5-session book study is designed to be practical, flexible, and easy to fit into a teacher’s busy schedule. We’ll begin with one synchronous session to kick off the study, connect with colleagues, and explore the book together. The remaining four sessions will be asynchronous, with a short reflection or application assignment completed through Google Classroom. (*Participants are responsible for purchasing their own copy of Happy Hacks for Teachers and will earn 8 PD hours upon completion of the book study.) Come ready to reflect, try a few new strategies, and find some of the joy in teaching again! Dates & Location: Live Google Meet 10-1-26 from 3:30-4:30 (will need to have book and read 1st section through p. 32; Asynchronous sessions assignments via Google Classroom post week of 10-5, 10-12, 10-19, 10-26.) Cost: FREE* for all Facilitator: Erin Shook (Area 5 SEL Coach) PD Hours: 8.0 Tags: wellness, book study *Book not included. |
Teaching & Education Series
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September: Better Than Carrots or Sticks - Restorative Practices for Positive Classroom Management
October: Explicit Instruction - Effective and Efficient Teaching November: The Mindful Toolbox - An Educator's Guide From A to Z January: 10 Techniques to get Students Talking February: Dare to Lead - Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. March: The Knowledge Gap April: All Things Being Equal - Why Math is the Key to a Better World Location: 100% Asynchronous via TeachIllinois Cost: FREE (books not included) PD Hours: vary |
2026-27 Cohorts
Breaking the Burnout Loop - Practical Shifts for Parents Working in Education
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Parents who work in education often carry two full-time roles: supporting students all day and caring for their own families at home. Over time, this constant giving creates a burnout loop: pushing through exhaustion, feeling guilty for being depleted, and continuing to overextend because it feels like the only option. Dates: 10-21-26, 10-28-26, 11-4-26, 11-12-26, 11-18-26, and 11-23-26 (all from 3:30-4:30) Location: online via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Erin Shook (Area 5 SEL Coach) PD Hours: 12.0 Tags: wellness, cohort |
High-Impact Strategies That Work Across All Disciplines
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Elevate your classroom practice through professional development designed specifically to Junior High and High School educators. This program goes beyond theory, offering job-embedded support and modeling of high-impact strategies that work across all disciplines! By blending synchronous and asynchronous virtual components, participants will collaborate with colleagues to refine their instruction, with a specialized focus on meeting diverse learner needs in reading, math, science, and social studies. Dates: 10-22-26, 12-3-26, 2-4-27 and 4-15-27 (all from 3:30-5:00) Location: online via Google Meet and Google Classroom Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Laura Arnold (SLD) PD Hours: 10.5 Tags: science of learning, explicit instruction, math, science, ELA, social studies, cohort |
Special Education Cohort
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The Special Education Cohort for the 2026-27 school year is designed to provide engaging sessions, networking, AND job-embedded support! Some topics include: Engaging IEP Meetings, Creating Data-Driven IEP Goals, Tools for Successful Progress Monitoring, Specially Designed Instruction, Make & Take (Visual Schedules, Incentives, Token Boards, Errorless Tasks, etc.). Dates: 10-6-26 (@ ROE 45), 12-8-26 (@ Perandoe), 2-9-27 (@ ROE 45), and 4-6-27 (@ ROE 45) (all from 12:30-3:00) Location: in person and Google Classroom (See registration for more information.) Cost: FREE for all Facilitator: Cheryl Ebers (Perandoe), Mae Scott (ROE 45), Laura Arnold (SLD), Christie Johnson (SLD), and Michael Horton (APLUS) PD Hours: 14.5 Tags: special education, IEPs, data, progress monitoring, specifically designed instruction, cohort |
2026-27 Leadership Opportunities
Enhancing School Safety Using a Threat Assessment Model
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For over 25 years, the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) has conducted research on the thinking and behaviors of current and recently former students who commit acts of targeted school violence in an effort to prevent future tragedies. Key findings from this research indicate these devastating incidents of violence are preventable. NTAC's first presentation covers past incidents and recommendations from their research on targeted school violence and interrupted plots. It emphasizes using a multidisciplinary approach to identify, assess, and intervene early with concerning student behaviors. The second presentation explains how behavioral threat assessment and management (BTAM) addresses student needs before crises occur. Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), such as PBIS, offer a framework for BTAM teams to expand proactive prevention and intervention options. Date: 11-5-26 (from 8:00-10:00) Location: in person @ ROE 45 Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Dr. Kelsey Morris (NTAC) PD Hours: 2.0 Tags: school safety, leadership |
Bookkeeper Roundtable
Are you an administrator looking for on-site PD at your school?
2026-27 In-Person Professional Learning
FDR, WWII, and the Holocaust
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The Holocaust was the greatest horror of World War II, and the Allies obtained evidence of Nazi Germany’s genocide of Europe’s Jewish population during the war. How did Allied leaders, especially President Franklin Roosevelt, respond to the Holocaust? Did the Allies attempt to disrupt the death camps’ operations in order to halt the mass murder? Could the Allies have done more? How much coverage did the genocide receive in the United States and how did the public respond? Using a selection of primary and secondary readings, we will address these questions during our seminar. This program will be conducted as a discussion, utilizing primary source documents as the only readings, and with the Discussion Leader facilitating the conversation, instead of lecturing or presenting. Registrants, therefore, are highly encouraged to read all the documents in advance and come ready with questions. Date: 10-15-26 (from 8:30-2:15) Location: in-person @ ROE 45 (Lunch IS included!) Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Dr. Eric Pullin (Carthage College) PD Hours: 5.5 Tags: social studies |
Understanding and Supporting Learners with ASD
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The number of students identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has risen dramatically in Illinois and across the country, creating a greater need for high-quality educational programs and highlighting the need for more staff who are skilled in providing effective instruction and support to students with autism. In this session, educators will build a foundational understanding of autism and explore key factors that influence how autistic learners engage, communicate, and participate in school settings. A short self-assessment invites educators to reflect on their current use of evidence-based strategies and identify practical next steps. Staff will engage in a brief planning activity and leave with at least one concrete action they can apply immediately with the students they support.
Date: 2-2-27 (from 12:00-3:00) Location: in-person @ ROE 45 Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Michael Horton (APLUS) PD Hours: 3.0 Tags: ASD, engagement, planning + prep |
2026-27 After-School Virtual Series
- Cultivating Well-Being Series
- Classroom + Behavior Management Series
- Teaching + Learning Series
- Tech Tuesday Series
Attend the sessions that work for YOUR schedule! See below for more details.
Google Classroom Updates (Tech Tuesday Series)
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Google Classroom got a massive upgrade, and you don't want to miss out! Join us for an action-packed tour of new tools designed to save time and boost learning. We’ll explore Classroom's visual refresh and the standards alignment features that make tracking student mastery a breeze. You'll also discover how to securely team up with Gemini to turbocharge your lesson planning and create engaging student activities. Plus, we’ll unpack Guided Learning for focused instruction and Read Along for effortless literacy monitoring. You’ll leave with a practical, pedagogy-first game plan to seamlessly roll out these awesome updates to your students! Date: 10-20-26 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Zoom Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Emily Flach (LTC) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: tech, Google Classroom, Gemini, planning + prep, engagement |
Understanding Differentiation for All Learners (Teaching + Learning Series)
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In a classroom of 30 students, you aren't teaching one curriculum; you’re navigating 30 different starting lines, interests, and learning profiles. Differentiation isn’t about creating 30 separate lesson plans; it’s about building a flexible "instructional floor" that supports everyone and a "ceiling" that challenges the advanced. This session demystifies the process and provides clear strategies for manageable, high-impact instruction! Date: 10-22-26 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Mae Scott (ROE 45) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: science of learning, planning + prep |
Classroom Management That Actually Works - Systems Over Strategies (Classroom + Behavior Management Series)
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This session shifts the focus from isolated strategies to sustainable systems that support classroom success. Participants will learn how to design structures that prevent behavior issues before they begin. Emphasis is placed on consistency, clarity, and efficiency. Teachers will leave with practical systems they can implement immediately! Date: 10-28-26 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Jamie Peck (ROE 45) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: classroom management |
New SEL Standards (Cultivating Well-Being Series)
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The new SEL standards don’t have to mean adding one more thing to your plate. In this practical session, we’ll unpack the standards and explore simple ways to bring them to life in your classroom or school. The good news? You’re probably already doing a lot of this. Since academic success rides on the culture and climate we create for students, you’ll leave with practical and realistic strategies that you can use right away! New SEL Standards is the first installment in our Cultivating Well-Being Series - A Holistic Approach to Social-Emotional Growth and School Climate. Date: 10-29-26 (from 3:30-4:30) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Erin Shook (Area 5 SEL Coach) PD Hours/CEUs: 1.0 (PD hours available from ROE 45. ROE 40 will issue CEUs.) Tags: social emotional, climate + culture, planning + prep |
Student Mental Health (Cultivating Well-Being Series)
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Student mental health has become one of the most important—and challenging—issues facing schools today, and recognizing when a student is struggling can make all the difference. This interactive workshop, hosted by ROE 40 SEL & Mental Health Coach Kevin McNicholas, will explore the realities of student mental health, including common concerns, signs that often go unnoticed, and the ways adults can respond with greater confidence, compassion, and connection. Participants will leave with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of how every adult in a school can help create an environment where students feel safe, supported, understood, and able to succeed. Student Mental Health is the second installment in our Cultivating Well-Being Series - A Holistic Approach to Social-Emotional Growth and School Climate. Date: 11-16-26 (from 3:30-4:30) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Kevin McNicholas (Area 5 SEL + Mental Health Coach) PD Hours/CEUs: 1.0 (PD hours available from ROE 45. ROE 40 will issue CEUs.) Tags: mental health, social emotional, climate + culture |
AI Image & Music Generation for Educators (Tech Tuesday Series)
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Learn to leverage Gemini and leading multimedia AI platforms to produce original images and audio for instructional materials, student projects, and school communications. This hands-on workshop covers effective prompt engineering techniques, guided practice, and practical strategies for modeling responsible AI implementation with students. Date: 11-17-26 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: David Lerch (ROE 45) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: tech, AI, Gemini |
Designing Predictable Routines that Reduce Behavior Issues (Classroom + Behavior Management Series)
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Participants will learn how predictable routines can significantly reduce disruptions and increase instructional time. This session focuses on building clear procedures for common classroom activities. Strategies for teaching, modeling, and reinforcing routines will be shared. The result is a more structured, calm, and productive classroom environment. Date: 11-18-26 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Jamie Peck (ROE 45) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: classroom management, classroom environment |
AI for Every Ability (Teaching + Learning Series)
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The promise of a truly inclusive classroom has often been limited by a single factor: time. Designing separate scaffolds for English Learners, providing high-interest leveled texts for struggling readers, and meeting the specific goals of multiple IEPs can feel like an impossible climb. Artificial Intelligence is the basecamp. This session explores how AI can serve as a powerful "co-pilot," helping you automate the "heavy lifting" of differentiation so you can focus on the heart of teaching: YOUR students! Date: 11-19-26 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Mae Scott (ROE 45) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: tech, AI, planning + prep |
Supporting Students with Complex Needs (Teaching + Learning Series)
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In this interactive and dynamic session, educators will explore a deeper understanding of students with complex needs and effective strategies for supporting them across educational settings. Through real-life scenarios, hands-on activities, and age-spanning examples (ages 3–21), participants will build the confidence and tools necessary to meet diverse student needs! Date: 12-1-26 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Laura Arnold (SLD) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: science of learning, planning + prep |
Whole Brain Teaching 101 (Classroom + Behavior Management Series)
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This introductory training explores Whole Brain Teaching, a highly engaging instructional approach that activates multiple areas of the brain to maximize learning. Participants will learn the core principles, techniques, and classroom management strategies that make Whole Brain Teaching effective, from using call-and-response to building routines that boost attention and retention. Educators will leave with a toolkit of simple, practical methods to increase student participation, reduce disruptions, AND create a lively, student-centered classroom! Date: 12-2-26 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: David Lerch (ROE 45) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: science of learning, planning + prep, classroom management, engagement |
An Intentional Reset for Educators (Cultivating Well-Being Series)
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Take a pause during the hectic holiday season and be intentional about how you spend your time away from school. This session will help you slow down, reflect, and plan a break that allows you to truly rest, recharge, and reconnect! An Intentional Reset for Educators is the third installment in our Cultivating Well-Being Series - A Holistic Approach to Social-Emotional Growth and School Climate. Date: 12-9-26 (from 3:30-4:30) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Erin Shook (Area 5 SEL Coach) PD Hours/CEUs: 1.0 (PD hours available from ROE 45. ROE 40 will issue CEUs.) Tags: wellness |
ELA in the Age of AI (Tech Tuesday Series)
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Artificial Intelligence is changing the landscape of education. As ELA teachers, how can we navigate the challenges of AI and leverage its potential to enhance student learning? This session will equip you with practical strategies to create "AI-resistant" lessons that foster critical thinking, creativity, and authentic student voice. We will explore how to design assignments that AI can't replicate, and how to use AI as a powerful tool for brainstorming, revision, and personalized feedback. Join us to learn how to empower your students to thrive in the age of AI! Date: 12-15-26 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Mae Scott (ROE 45) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: ELA, AI, engagement |
AI as a Thought Partner (Tech Tuesday Series)
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This session explores how teachers can use AI as a collaborative thinking partner to enhance planning, instruction, and reflection. Participants will learn practical strategies for using AI tools to generate ideas, differentiate instruction, streamline workflow, and support creative problem-solving. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining teacher expertise and intentionality while leveraging AI to save time and deepen student learning. Teachers will leave with ready-to-use prompts and approaches that integrate seamlessly into their daily practice! Date: 1-12-27 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Mae Scott (ROE 45) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: tech, AI, planning + prep |
Improving School Climate and Culture (Cultivating Well-Being Series)
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School climate and culture play a critical role in creating environments where students and staff feel safe, connected, respected, and supported. In this session, Kevin McNicholas, SEL & Mental Health Coach for ROE 40, will take a closer look at the factors that shape school climate and culture and explore practical ways schools can strengthen relationships, build trust, increase belonging, and create a more positive school experience for everyone. Additionally, family and community engagement strategies will be discussed, adding depth and dimension to the greater culture discussion. Participants will leave with strategies they can use to foster a healthier, more connected school community and support meaningful, lasting change! Improving School Climate and Culture is the fourth installment in our Cultivating Well-Being Series - A Holistic Approach to Social-Emotional Growth and School Climate. Date: 1-13-27 (from 3:30-4:30) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Kevin McNicholas (Area 5 SEL + Mental Health Coach) PD Hours/CEUs: 1.0 (PD hours available from ROE 45. ROE 40 will issue CEUs.) Tags: social emotional, climate + culture |
Restart & Reboot (Classroom + Behavior Management Series)
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The Restart and Reboot session provides a framework for resetting in Semester 2 by teaching behavioral expectations as academic skills. Key strategies include modeling standards, conducting expectation walkthroughs, and rebuilding student relationships through the 2x10 method. Educators are also encouraged to define a "North Star" goal for personal focus. Date: 1-14-27 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Mae Scott (ROE 45) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: behavior management, student relationships |
Adapting Curriculum Without Rewriting Everything (Teaching + Learning Series)
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Learn practical strategies for adapting grade-level curriculum to meet diverse student needs—without creating completely different lessons. Participants will explore simple ways to adjust content, process, product, and learning environment while keeping the same standards, learning goals, and core curriculum. Date: 1-21-27 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Jamie Peck (ROE 45) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: planning + prep |
The Teenage Brain (Cultivating Well-Being Series)
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Teenagers aren’t just “big kids” their brains are still under construction. In this session, we’ll explore what makes the developing teenage brain unique, the challenges that come with adolescence, and what research tells us about how teens learn, regulate, connect, and make decisions. Participants will leave with practical ways to create classrooms and schools that better support the developing teenage brain! The Teenage Brain is the fifth installment in our Cultivating Well-Being Series - A Holistic Approach to Social-Emotional Growth and School Climate. Date: 2-2-27 (from 3:30-4:30) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Erin Shook (Area 5 SEL Coach) PD Hours/CEUs: 1.0 (PD hours available from ROE 45. ROE 40 will issue CEUs.) Tags: social emotional, science of learning |
Increasing Student Motivation and Buy-In in Secondary Classrooms (Teaching + Learning Series)
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Student motivation isn't about finding the perfect incentive, it's about creating learning experiences that students value. In this session, participants will explore the research behind motivation, including the role of autonomy, competence, and belonging in student engagement. Educators will learn practical strategies to increase student buy-in, make learning more meaningful, and cultivate classrooms where students take greater ownership of their success. Date: 2-11-27 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Erin Shook (Area 5 SEL Coach) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: science of learning, motivation, engagement |
Lessons from History to Shape a Better Future
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History provides more than dates, names, and events—it offers powerful opportunities to explore social-emotional learning through the experiences of individuals and communities. In this workshop, ROE 40 SEL & Mental Health Coach Kevin McNicholas will allow participants to examine significant moments in history through an SEL lens, exploring themes such as resilience, empathy, courage, social perspective-taking, responsible decision-making, relationships, and the impacts of adversity. Participants will leave with practical takeaways for helping students connect historical events to their own social-emotional development, while discovering how the lessons of the past can inspire more thoughtful, compassionate, and resilient communities today! Date: 2-17-27 (from 3:30-4:30) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Kevin McNicholas (Area 5 SEL + Mental Health Coach) PD Hours: 1.0 Tags: social emotional, social studies |
Understanding Behavior - The “Why” Behind Student Actions (Classroom + Behavior Management Series)
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This session introduces the foundational concept that all behavior serves a purpose. Participants will learn how to identify common functions of behavior and use this understanding to respond effectively. Practical tools for observing and interpreting behavior will be shared. This training builds the foundation for more targeted interventions. Date: 2-18-27 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Jamie Peck (ROE 45) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: behavior management, observation tools, interventions |
Unlock the Magic - Responsible AI Exploration with MagicStudent (Tech Tuesday Series)
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Ready to guide your students through the exciting world of AI but unsure where to begin? This workshop is your starting point! We'll kick things off with foundational strategies to instill ethical and responsible AI practices in your students. Then, we’ll dive into the powerful MagicStudent platform, designed to empower students to harness AI's potential safely and effectively under your expert supervision. You'll learn how to create personalized Student Rooms and customize the tools available, ensuring a tailored learning experience. Explore practical examples of ethical AI engagement and delve into student prompt history to spark discussions about responsible AI use. Let’s prepare you AND your students to confidently navigate the AI landscape. Date: 2-23-27 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Zoom Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Emily Flach (LTC) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: tech, AI, MagicStudent |
Unpacking the Science of Learning - Utilizing Retrieval Practices in the Classroom (Teaching + Learning Series)
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This session will explore research in cognitive psychology and related disciplines, focusing on effective learning methods for lifelong learning and skill mastery. Participants will be provided with practical examples of these methods to utilize in their classrooms. Date: 3-2-27 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Laura Arnold (SLD) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: science of learning, planning + prep |
Technology’s Impact on Mental Health (Cultivating Well-Being Series)
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Technology plays an increasingly important role in our daily lives, but our constant connection can also have a significant impact on our well-being. In this session, Kevin McNicholas, SEL & Mental Health Coach for ROE 40, will take a closer look at how screen time, social media, and digital connectivity can affect attention, relationships, sleep, and emotional health. Participants will explore the ways technology can shape our habits and behaviors while learning practical strategies for developing healthier, more intentional relationships with technology—for ourselves, our students, and the families we serve! Technology's Impact on Mental Health is the sixth installment in our Cultivating Well-Being Series - A Holistic Approach to Social-Emotional Growth and School Climate. Date: 3-9-27 (from 3:30-4:30) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Kevin McNicholas (Area 5 SEL + Mental Health Coach) PD Hours/CEUs: 1.0 (PD hours available from ROE 45. ROE 40 will issue CEUs.) Tags: tech, mental health |
De-escalation Strategies That Actually Work in Real Classrooms (Classroom + Behavior Management Series)
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Participants will learn practical, realistic strategies to de-escalate challenging situations. The training focuses on what to say, what to do, and what to avoid during moments of escalation. Emphasis is placed on maintaining safety, preserving relationships, and reducing intensity. These strategies are designed for immediate classroom application. Date: 3-18-27 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Jamie Peck (ROE 45) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: behavior management, student relationships |
NotebookLM (Tech Tuesday Series)
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This hands-on session introduces NotebookLM, covering essentials for educators and students. Participants will explore practical applications—such as curriculum development and research—with dedicated time for guided, independent practice to ensure immediate competency. Date: 3-23-27 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: David Lerch (ROE 45) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: tech, NotebookLM, planning + prep |
Empowering Engagement - Strategies for Enhancing Explicit Instruction Through Opportunities To Respond (Teaching + Learning Series)
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This presentation will focus primarily on strategies to increase students’ “Opportunities to Respond” during explicit instruction. From interactive discussions and collaborative activities to technology-integrated approaches, this session equips educators with practical tools to create a dynamic and inclusive educational experience. In addition, strategies for independent practice will be shared along with the research behind them. Date: 4-13-27 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Laura Arnold (SLD) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: science of learning, explicit instruction, planning + prep, engagement |
Make Your Own AI - Custom Gemini Gems (Tech Tuesday Series)
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Build customized AI assistants using Google Gemini to streamline classroom management, lesson design, and administrative tasks. Participants will design, test, and refine tailored "Gems" for immediate use in and out of the classroom, backed by curated resource guides for custom AI integration. Date: 4-20-27 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: David Lerch (ROE 45) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: tech, AI, Gemini, classroom management, planning + prep |
Restorative Practices & Respect Agreements (Classroom + Behavior Management Series)
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What if discipline could build relationships instead of break them? In this session, we’ll explore how Restorative Practices shift the focus from punishment to connection and accountability. Participants will learn how to co-create Respect Agreements with students, giving them a voice in shaping a positive, inclusive learning environment. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies that promote trust, repair harm, and strengthen your classroom community! Date: 4-22-27 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Mae Scott (ROE 45) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: behavior management, classroom environment, student relationships |
Impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (Cultivating Well-Being Series)
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We have heard a great deal about trauma and its effects on our students and families over the years. In this session, Kevin McNicholas, SEL & Mental Health Coach for ROE 40, will take a deeper look at Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and, more importantly, what it means to process through them. Participants will explore how ACEs can shape the way students understand themselves, relate to others, respond to stress, and navigate the world around them. The session will move beyond simply identifying adversity to examining how students and families can make sense of their experiences, build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and move toward healing and growth. Through a practical and compassionate lens, participants will consider how schools and supportive adults can help students process adversity without allowing their past experiences to define their future. Impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences is the seventh installment in our Cultivating Well-Being Series - A Holistic Approach to Social-Emotional Growth and School Climate. Date: 4-27-27 (from 3:30-4:30) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Kevin McNicholas (Area 5 SEL + Mental Health Coach) PD Hours/CEUs: 1.0 (PD hours available from ROE 45. ROE 40 will issue CEUs.) Tags: ACEs, trauma, social emotional |
Better Together - Making Co-Teaching Work for All Learners (Teaching + Learning Series)
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Moving from "my classroom" to "our classroom" is a journey that requires more than just two desks in one room--it requires a shared vision and a strategic approach. This session is designed to help teaching partners transform from polite colleagues into a high-functioning instructional team. Date: 5-4-27 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Mae Scott (ROE 45) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: special education, planning + prep |
Closing the School Year with Clarity (Cultivating Well-Being Series)
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The end of the school year can feel like a race to the finish line! This session is a chance to slow down, celebrate what you accomplished, and clear some mental space before summer begins. We’ll use the time to prioritize what’s left, let go of what can wait, and create a plan to close out the year with clarity and head into summer intentionally. Closing the School Year with Clarity is the eighth and final installment in our Cultivating Well-Being Series - A Holistic Approach to Social-Emotional Growth and School Climate. Date: 5-5-27 (from 3:30-4:30) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Erin Shook (Area 5 SEL Coach) PD Hours/CEUs: 1.0 (PD hours available from ROE 45. ROE 40 will issue CEUs.) Tags: wellness, planning + prep |
Engagement Strategies to Prevent Disruptions (Classroom + Behavior Management Series)
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This training highlights the connection between student engagement and behavior. Participants will explore high-impact strategies to keep students actively involved in learning. Techniques will focus on increasing participation, attention, and accountability. When engagement increases, disruptions naturally decrease! Date: 5-6-27 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Google Meet Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Jamie Peck (ROE 45) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: behavior management, engagement |
Assess for Success - From Exit Tickets to Essays (Tech Tuesday Series)
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How do you know that your students are learning? Gain deeper insights into student progress with AI! This session equips educators with strategies to leverage AI for formative and summative assessments, such as generating quizzes, providing detailed feedback on essays, or even creating adaptive learning pathways. Discover tools to streamline grading, tailor instruction, and understand student progress. From exit tickets and concept maps to AI-powered essay analysis, learn how to integrate AI seamlessly into your classroom for more effective and efficient assessments, ensuring every student reaches their full potential. Date: 5-11-27 (from 3:30-5:00) Location: virtual via Zoom Cost: FREE for all (regardless of ROE) Facilitator: Emily Flach (LTC) PD Hours: 1.5 Tags: tech, AI, feedback, assessments, adaptive learning pathways |
2026-27 Roundtables
Tech Roundtables
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Join us for an open discussion on the current state of technology in our schools. This networking meeting is designed for technology directors, instructional technology coaches, and anyone interested in the intersection of education and IT. We'll tackle challenges, share successes, and explore the evolving edtech landscape. Come brainstorm, ask questions, and connect with colleagues. Whether you're seeking solutions, want to stay ahead of trends, or need a supportive space, this meeting is for you! Dates: 10-15-26 (@ ROE 45), 12-17-26 (virtual), 2-17-27 (@ ROE 45), and 4-30-27 (virtual) (all from 10:00-12:00) Location: varies (See above.) Cost: FREE for all Facilitator: Emily Flach (LTC) PD Hours: 2.0 Tags: tech, roundtable |
Instructional Leader Roundtables
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Calling all curriculum directors, instructional coaches, and instructional leaders (both administrators and teacher leaders)! Join fellow instructional leaders for a series of collaborative roundtables dedicated to the successful implementation of the Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan during the 2026-27 school year. These roundtables are designed to provide a dedicated space for leaders to analyze and align, share strategies, collaborate, and plan for success. Although the focus this school year is the Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan, please feel free to bring questions and resources to share across all content areas! Dates: 11-18-26, 1-27-27, and 4-28-27 (all from 9:00-11:00) Location: in-person @ ROE 45 Cost: FREE for all Facilitator: Amy Jackson (ROE 3) PD Hours: 2.0 Tags: planning + prep, math (Numeracy Plan), ELA, leadership, roundtable |
2026-27 Individualized PD
The Teacher Next Door
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Have you ever wanted to visit the classroom next door (or in another school/district) to get more ideas for your teaching toolbox while earning PD hours? Then check out this PD opportunity!
Cost: FREE for all Location: School-based location of your choice PD Hours: 5.0 Tags: individualized PD |
Traveling PD
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Are you traveling to a nearby park, historic site, or even another country? Does the location relate back to your classroom content? If so, you can get PD hours for reflecting on your experience and making an implementation plan!
Cost: FREE for all PD Hours: varies Tags: individualized PD, world language, social studies |
