Happy 2025...welcome to the new year and an opportunity to learn how to integrate aspects of AI into your current position! Who should attend? All central office and front office and administrative assistants.  Discover how artificial intelligence can streamline your communication, automate tedious tasks, and enhance your overall efficiency. Learn to leverage AI tools for managing emails, drafting documents, updating school communication systems, and even bridging language barriers. This workshop will equip you with the skills and knowledge to embrace AI technology and transform your daily routines. A virtual link will be sent prior to the event date.

Join O'Fallon Township High School # 203 Director of Special Services Tiffany Schneider in this very informative virtual session regarding 504 plans.  Originating from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the 504 plan aims to eliminate barriers and ensure students with disabilities receive an education comparable to that of their non-disabled peers. The questions remain; however, how do we navigate the referral process, what documentation is sound and how can we ensure that accommodations are appropriate? Join us together as we navigate best practice and ask your burning 504-related questions. Targeted audience: administrators, special and general educators.  A virtual link will be sent prior to the event date, registration closes 4-5 days prior to January 13.

This free virtual session is thanks to the IL SLDS Project.  The What Works Clearinghouse reviewed the research, so you don't have to!   This session will provide recommendations for teaching effective writing from a meta-study of evidence-based research.  Specific examples and strategies will be broken down in order to implement in your classroom the very next day!   A virtual link will be sent prior to the event date, registration will close 4-5 days prior to the event unless tickets are sold out.

Registration closes on January 6, 2025. A virtual link will be sent prior to the meeting dates. Participants must attend all 4 sessions (no exceptions) and complete the requirements to earn the full 12 pd hours (partial pd hours will not be given)

• • January 14, 2025 (4:00-5:00 p.m.) 
    • Focus Areas:  Introductions and Technology
  • January 21, 2025 (4:00-5:00 p.m.)
    • Focus Area:  Play 
  • January 28, 2025 (4:00-5:00 p.m.)
    • Focus Area:  Independence
  • February 4, 2025 (4:00-5:00 p.m.)
    • Focus Area:  Overall and Action

Don’t walk but run to get your hands on the book everyone is talking about. Author and social psychologist, Jonathan Haidt, is challenging readers to consider how social media, phones, and a reduction in a “play-based childhood” has “rewired” our youth. Not only does Haidt make a case that parents can do better, but he argues schools can do better. Join St. Clare School Principal Monica Ybarra for four sessions where you will focus on Technology, Play, Independence, and how we can put ideas into action. Important: Participants must purchase the book (The Anxious Generation How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt) independently.... 10 copies will be raffled off free of charge (must be picked up at the ROE) prior to 2025.  The entire book must be read on or before January 13, 2025.  Book study facilitator, Monica Ybarra will provide questions prior to each session to ensure engaging conversations occur, but also, participants will leave each session with an action plan. Missing a session will result in a $35.00 no show invoice, please do not register unless you can attend all 4 virtual sessions.

This two-day event is free thanks to the SEL Grant. Day 1 will be held at the St. Clair County ROE (1000 S. Illinois St Belleville). Day 2 will be held at Wolf Branch Middle School-Library  (410 Huntwood Dr. Swansea). Participants must attend both days in order to earn pd/ceu hours.    Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with Adolescents and in Schools is an intensive, skills-based approach designed to help young people manage intense emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and improve interpersonal relationships. This workshop provides a comprehensive overview of DBT principles and techniques tailored for adolescents and educational settings. Participants will learn the four core modules of DBT: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. The workshop will include practical strategies for implementing DBT skills training in school environments, addressing challenges specific to adolescents. Through hands-on activities, case studies, and role-plays, attendees will gain the tools necessary to support the emotional and behavioral well-being of students. This workshop is ideal for educators, school counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals dedicated to fostering a supportive and resilient school community. Participants will be given 35 minutes for lunch and are encouraged to bring a lunch to these sessions. Spots are limited, registration will close 4-5 days prior to the event unless tickets are sold out.

As we navigate through the early months of 2025, administrators will continue to face situations that could result with the involvement of a school attorney.  IASA General Counsel Chad Watkins will facilitate a free legal update panel of local school attorneys, Shane Jones, Barney Mundorf, and Merry Rhoades. The panel will address new laws and developments impacting building level administrators. Who should attend? Superintendents/Central Office Administration, Building Principals, Assistant Principals, Dean of Students, Department Chairs and/or any related support personnel.  Registration will close 4-5 days prior to the event.