Events

This is a free workshop on behalf of the Illinois Masonic Foundation.  Statistics show the average teacher asks between 300-400 questions per day. Utilizing effective questioning is a key aspect of the teaching and learning process, as the kinds of questions we ask determine the level of thinking we develop. It is also a key tool in assessment when checking for pupil understanding and keeping them engaged. To have the desired effect, these questions need to be well-considered and challenging. Utilizing effectivequestioning in the classroom creates opportunities for students to analyze their own thinking, is crucial to opening conversations, inspires deeper intellectual thought, and promotes student-to-student interaction. Targeted audience: General, Special Educators, Interventionists, Coaches, Related Support Personnel    

This is a free workshop on behalf of the Illinois Masonic Foundation.  How is it possible for teachers to divide their limited time, resources, and efforts to effectively instruct all of their students? Although much has changed in schools over the past few years, the power of differentiated instruction has remained the same. There is no secret formula or recipe that works for all learners at all times. With that in mind, many differentiated instructional strategies will be shared in this session as well as insightful guidance on what to differentiate, how to differentiate, and how to bring differentiation into your classroom.

Navigate the complexities of special education law and avoid costly litigation by sharpening your legal knowledge and enhancing your parent communication strategies. In this comprehensive and interactive session, you'll learn proactive steps to minimize the risk of due process hearings and other legal challenges.  Hosted by a former due process hearing officer and school district attorney, this workshop will provide practical, real-world strategies to ensure that your special education processes and procedures are legally sound and defensible. Participants will gain valuable insights into strengthening IEPs, handling disputes effectively, and fostering positive relationships with parents, all while reducing the likelihood of legal action. Join us for an engaging, solution-oriented session designed to equip educators, administrators, and special education professionals with the tools they need to protect their district and better serve students with disabilities.

Christina Sepiol, J.D. Ed.D, currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services at Indian Prairie School District # 204.  Dr. Sepiol also serves as the assistant director of the SWCCCASE Cooperative. Prior to her position within the cooperative, Ms. Sepiol was legal counsel for numerous school districts throughout the State of Illinois, focusing her practice in matters related to special education, student discipline and disability rights. Ms. Sepiol graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University, where she received her Bachelor's Degree in education. She received her J.D. from Loyola, and her Master's degree in Educational Leadership from DePaul University. Her educational experiences have included teaching in the field of special education at the elementary through high school levels and serving as a building principal in an alternative day school setting. She is a member of the Illinois Bar Association and has served on the Illinois Council of School Attorney's Committees on Special Education and the No Child Left Behind Act. Registration closes 4-5 days prior to the event unless tickets are sold out.

PDC Member District $185.00 Non PDC District $200.00 (pricing includes lunch provided on site).  Participants should bring a fully charged device to this academy. The application/dissemination must be completed and submitted prior to your departure from the academy on September 16. This presentation will analyze the special education case law and recent legal guidance from both OSEP and OCR to ensure that your school organization can avoid the decisions that ultimately led schools to litigation. Each case will be discussed with a focus on the missteps or omission, including alternative options for action and legal requirements under both state and federal law. Christina Sepiol, J.D. Ed.D, currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services at Indian Prairie School District # 204.  Dr. Sepiol also serves as the assistant director of the SWCCCASE Cooperative. Prior to her position within the cooperative, Ms. Sepiol was legal counsel for numerous school districts throughout the State of Illinois, focusing her practice in matters related to special education, student discipline and disability rights. Ms. Sepiol graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University, where she received her Bachelor's Degree in education. She received her J.D. from Loyola, and her Master's degree in Educational Leadership from DePaul University. Her educational experiences have included teaching in the field of special education at the elementary through high school levels and serving as a building principal in an alternative day school setting. Prior to representing school districts, Ms. Sepiol represented parents whose interests were averse to school districts. She is a member of the Illinois Bar Association and has served on the Illinois Council of School Attorney's Committees on Special Education and the No Child Left Behind Act.  Ms. Sepiol is the author of Section 504: A Legal Guide for Educators: Practical Applications for Essential Compliance (PESI, 2015). Registration closes 4-5 days prior to the event unless tickets are sold out.  Cancellations must be made on or before September 11, 2025 or the amount will be non-refundable. PD hours or academy credit or ceu's can be issued for this event.

Target Audience: General & Special Education Teachers, Building Administrators, Related Service Staff Providing Behavioral Consultation at the Secondary Level This free virtual training will outline easy to implement, yet highly effective, preventative strategies which increase student engagement and decrease challenging behaviors in grades 6-12. Join Amanda Wilson, a board-certified behavior analyst, nationally certified school psychologist and co-founder of Navigating Behavior Change, LLC as you will learn the core components to implement Instructional Choice, Active Student Response Methods, Behavior-Specific Praise, Active Supervision, and Precorrection with fidelity in their secondary classrooms. Examples will be utilized to assist in demonstrating how each strategy can be implemented, both individually and in combination across classroom environments, instructional activities, and with various staff members. Common implementation errors will also be discussed and recommendations to increase fidelity will be outlined. Downloadable resources to assist in implementation will be provided for each strategy. Objectives: By the end of this training, participants will be able to: 1. List five evidence-based tier 1 strategies 2. State why each strategy is effective 3. List the steps to implementing each strategy 4. Describe how to effectively incorporate strategies together within an instructional block Registration will close 4-5 days prior to the event unless tickets are sold out. A virtual link will be sent out prior to September 17, 2025.

Target Audience: General & Special Education Teachers, Building Administrators, Related Service Staff Providing Behavioral Consultation at the Elementary Level Join Amanda Wilson, a board-certified behavior analyst, nationally certified school psychologist and co-founder of Navigating Behavior Change, LLC as she facilitates this free virtual training that will outline easy to implement, yet highly effective, preventative strategies which increase student engagement and decrease challenging behaviors. Participants will learn the core components to implement Instructional Choice, Active Student Response Methods, Behavior-Specific Praise, Active Supervision, and Precorrection with fidelity in their classrooms. Examples will be utilized to assist in demonstrating how each strategy can be implemented, both individually and in combination across classroom environments, instructional activities, and with various staff members. Common implementation errors will also be discussed and recommendations to increase fidelity will be outlined. Downloadable resources to assist in implementation will be provided for each strategy. Objectives: By the end of this training, participants will be able to: A. List five evidence-based tier 1 strategies B. State why each strategy is effective C. List the steps to implementing each strategy D. Describe how to effectively incorporate strategies together within an instructional block   Registration will close 4-5 days prior to the event unless tickets are sold out. A virtual link will be sent out prior to September 18, 2025.

This two-day symposium will provide in depth support to instructional coaches, department chairs, behavioral/academic interventionists and team leaders who often find themselves between two worlds - tasked with supporting colleagues on the front lines while also existing in what feels like no man's land between district level and building administration. When educational change happens “to teachers”, coaches and team leaders can step-in as figures of stability and positivity for and with those they serve. Day 1, (8:30am-3:00pm)participants will practice how to create and sustain positive relationships with those they lead. Also, participants will translate their school & district initiatives to achieve the primary objective - increasing student and educator performance and engagement. Day 2 (8:00am-2:30pm) will focus on Brave Conversations: Honest Dialogue & Catalysts for Change As instructional leaders—whether coaches, team leaders, teachers, or administrators—we have the power to be catalysts for transformative growth in our schools. However, this power requires courage. It takes bravery to have honest, constructive conversations with our colleagues and teams, but it is these very conversations that lead to real change and progress.  In this engaging workshop, we will explore how to build trust and cultivate an environment where brave conversations can take place. Participants will learn how to prepare for and plan these crucial discussions, how to frame feedback in a way that promotes positive outcomes, and how to support one another in creating a culture of openness and growth. Through practical strategies, reflective exercises, and real-world examples, we will empower you to step into these challenging yet impactful conversations with confidence. Together, let's be the change our students need. Let’s be brave. Join us for an interactive and inspiring session that will leave you with the tools to lead with courage, authenticity, and impact. Registration includes attendance on both days, partial pd will not be issued. Participants will be given time for lunch (on your own) each day. Registration for this event will close on 9.24.25 at 12:00pm.

PDC Member District $180.00 Non PDC Member District $200.00 (lunch included on site) Registration closes Friday, September 26. 2025 at 12:00pm. Cancellations must be made by Monday, September 29, 2025 at 3:30pm or the amount will be non-refundable.  Participants will need to bring a fully charged laptop to this event. This one-day academy is designed to provide participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively evaluate student growth as part of teacher performance evaluations. The course focuses on addressing implicit bias, differentiating for equity, and coaching teachers more deeply when evaluating student growth for special education, English learners, & early childhood students. Finally this course will align with the four core competencies outlined in the Part 50 Administrative Rules (50.420) for Teacher Evaluators.