Events

It's May 1st...the last few weeks of the 2024-2025 school year are here and while you may be exhausted - this session is EXACTLY what you need to finish feeling inspired, motivated and empowered! "Taking on the challenge of being an instructional coach today is a lot like riding a horse, isn't it? If you're comfortable while you're doing it, you're probably doing it wrong." Over the course of this session we will discuss how leaders can leverage small wins, play, and see the daily good to build strong relationships that facilitate growth across our school systems. We will also explore the significant role leaders play in supporting the social and emotional needs of our adult learners, and provide you with ready-to-use-plays to use on the pitch or at home. Whether you are Roy, Nate, Rebecca, or Keeley, this is one presentation you'll have to see to BELIEVE. Who should attend? Administrators, Aspiring Administrators, Department Chairs, Instructional Coaches, Related Support Personnel.  A virtual link will be sent prior to the event date. Registration closes April 28 at 3:00pm.

PD Co-op Member Districts-Free, Non PD Co-op Member Districts $150.00 Target Audience: Illinois K-12 school secretaries, administrative assistants, and anyone involved in handling student records or interacting with families in a school setting. Join us for this informative, inspirational, and essential half-day workshop as you wrap up the 2024-2025 school year! The first session will be led by Dr. Tom Webb, a BOOM leader principal at Carterville Intermediate in Carterville, IL. Often, our days in the school office feel like we are endlessly fighting fires, reacting to one urgent issue after another. In my time as principal, I've realized that stomping out a forest fire is not an efficient strategy.  But what if we approached these challenges not as firefighters but as farmers? Join Dr. Tom Webb in a transformative session designed specifically for the vital forces behind our schools—secretaries, administrative and executive assistants as we become farmers and explore the powerful 'weed, seed, and feed' strategy to make impactful, manageable changes within your schools and districts.

• Weed: Identify and eliminate inefficient practices that are taking up valuable space and resources.
• Seed: Introduce innovative ideas and strategies that promise growth and improvement.
• Feed: Nurture these seeds with consistent, small adjustments that ensure they flourish into significant gains

After a short break, this amazing morning will continue on with the last session led by D. Shane Jones, an experienced school law attorney, who will guide you through the legal landscape of student records and privacy. This session will cover critical topics such as:

• FERPA Compliance: Understanding the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and how it governs the access and disclosure of student education records. Participants will learn how to handle confidential information appropriately and the legal implications of releasing student records.

• Illinois-Specific Statutes: A deep dive into Illinois laws regarding student records, focusing on the differences between permanent and temporary records, retention policies, and the legal requirements for record access and transfer within Illinois public schools.

• Student Registration & Immigration Status: Key do's and don'ts related to student registration, immigration status, and documentation requirements. This includes understanding what information can and cannot be requested and how to handle sensitive immigration-related issues with discretion.

• Parental Custody Considerations: Learn about the rights and responsibilities of parents or guardians when it comes to student records and participation in school activities. This includes understanding how to navigate situations involving joint custody, custodial agreements, and when to question or verify parental authority.

This session will provide essential tools to ensure legal compliance and protect both the privacy of students and the responsibilities of school staff. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain clarity on complex legal issues and enhance your ability to navigate the administrative challenges of working in Illinois public schools.

Spots are limited and will fill fast! Registration closes Thursday, May 29 at 12:00pm unless tickets are sold out prior to the deadline.

Are you ready to take your Google skills to the next level? Join our upcoming Google Educator Level 1 workshop! Joe Cipfl, Director of Educational Technology (ROE # 50) will facilitate this workshop as you will break down the Google Educator Level 1 Certification into smaller segments while preparing you for the exam. Each segment will cover different Google-related topics, including Chrome and Slides, Drive and Docs, Gmail and Calendar, Classroom, Forms and Sheets, and test prep tips. Level 1 certification indicates a fundamental understanding of using Google Tools in the classroom and confirms standard technology implementation skills. Educators who pass the certification test can promote their status with a personal certificate and badge. Certification lasts 36 months. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow professionally and earn a valuable certification to add to your resume immediately. Participants will need to bring a fully charged device to this event (35 minutes will be given for lunch on your own). Registration closes 4-5 days prior to the event.

Join us for a full-day session designed to empower educators with the tools and insights needed to support students with dyslexia effectively. We’ll begin by exploring foundational knowledge, including the latest brain research, common myths, and practices not supported by evidence, as well as best approaches for screening and early identification. Building on this foundation, we’ll dive into structured literacy strategies, focusing on phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency building, and teaching high-frequency words to foster meaningful progress. The session will also include an overview of the Illinois Dyslexia Handbook, offering actionable guidance to align your classroom practices with state standards. Perfect for educators seeking practical, research-backed strategies, this session ensures you’re equipped to make a lasting impact on your students’ reading development. Registration closes 4-5 days prior to the event date.