Events

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 event is free for all thanks to an SEL Grant.  Join newly retired administrator's Dr. Emma Cornelius and Melissa Rebmann in this professional development session.  Your unique role as an Instructional Coach always involves wearing MANY hats. With your fellow coaches, you will explore effective strategies to cultivate an environment that supports both students and staff. Discover innovative strategies to create a nurturing environment that fosters collaboration and support, enhancing the overall school culture. In this dynamic course, you’ll gain essential tools to build strong connections and consistency within your learning community, leading to improved outcomes for everyone involved. Experience firsthand how a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere can transform instructional practices and elevate student success. Don’t miss this opportunity to become a catalyst for positive change in your school. Together, we can cultivate a thriving educational community! This professional development course equips you with tools to build a collaborative and empowering learning community, leading to improved outcomes for everyone involved. Participants will debrief afterwards with opportunities to share resources, challenges, celebrations and district updates. Registration will close 4-5 days prior to the session date,

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.

PDC $50.00 Non PDC $75.00 (Lunch is provided on site) Suicide is a serious and growing problem among children and adolescents. Each year, thousands of young people commit suicide. The majority of children and adolescents who attempt suicide have a significant mental health disorder, usually depression. Depression and suicidal feelings are treatable mental disorders. Teachers and administrators should always err on the side of caution and safety. Come join us to learn more about suicide and depression, ways to identify it, how to help, and develop a plan to help guide your students and staff through depression, suicide, and SEL. Administrators attending this event can earn pd hours OR academy credit. Note other related service personnel can attend for pd hours or ceu hours.  Application/dissemination must be completed and completed and submitted upon the conclusion of the academy. Registration closes 4-5 days prior to the event.