Do your students with difficulties in reading, math, or writing also struggle to stay on task, complete work, find their supplies, and turn in homework, even when it's complete? Learn about the overlap between Executive Functioning skills and learning disabilities in this session, which walks participants through supporting the student's executive functioning skills, from writing their IEP goal to strategies for implementing Specially Designed Instruction for related skills. The session will highlight specific strategies for individual students, as well as modifications for teaching these skills in whole or small groups. Presenter: Laura Arnold, M.A., CCC-SLP/L Laura Arnold is a Speech-Language Pathologist and Region 6 Specialist for the SLD Support Project with over 15 years of experience dedicated to supporting diverse learners. Expert in screening, diagnosing, and designing evidence-based interventions, Laura bridges clinical expertise with educational leadership. Recently, she co-developed the project's Science of Learning Microcredential and leads targeted professional development for educators and paraprofessionals alike. Her work is anchored in the belief that equipping educators with evidence-based practices is the key to unlocking optimal outcomes for students of all abilities. Registration closes 10/24/26 at 4:00 p.m.

What gets teenagers to actually care about learning? This roundtable-style session is a space to share what’s working, troubleshoot what’s not, and learn from one another. Join Erin Shook as we explore research-backed strategies for increasing motivation, engagement, and buy-in in secondary classrooms while tapping into the collective experience and ideas of the educators in the room. Come ready to share, problem-solve, and leave with new ideas to try. Registration for this event closes 11/6 at 4:00 p.m.

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. In this session, participants will learn how to break that loop through three key shifts: awareness, interruption, and identity. Attendees will hear insights and real-world reflections from Erin Shook, a veteran educator and mom of four who has lived this cycle firsthand and supports other educator parents in creating more sustainable ways to work and live.   A virtual link will be shared with you prior to the event. Registration for this event closes Friday, November 6, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Christine Fine, an Employer Services Representative with IMRF, will facilitate this advisory roundtable designed to provide IMRF employers and members with information, resources, and an opportunity to ask questions about the IMRF retirement system and employer responsibilities. The session will include a review of Employer and Member Portal resources, with discussion of timely topics such as wage reporting issues, forms, invoices and reports, hiring retirees, member-driven forms, and the retirement process and protocols. Christine will also provide general guidance on Tier 1 and Tier 2 retirement information, post-retirement employment rules, and where members and employers can access additional IMRF resources and support. The roundtable will provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions, share common concerns, and gain a better understanding of IMRF processes and resources. Participants are encouraged to bring questions and topics for discussion. Registration closes November 9 at 10:00 a.m.

Care teams and problem-solving teams play an important role in identifying and supporting students who are experiencing academic, behavioral, or social-emotional difficulties—but without a clear process, meetings can easily become focused on discussing concerns rather than developing and evaluating solutions. Dr. Madison Fritsche of West County Psychological Associates will present this interactive session, where participants will learn a practical, data-driven framework for making care teams more effective and efficient. We will explore the purpose, structure, participants, and agenda of effective care teams; how to define student concerns using measurable data; and how to conduct root cause analysis to better understand why a student may be struggling. Participants will then work through the process of developing targeted interventions, assigning clear responsibilities, monitoring student progress, and using data to determine next steps. Throughout the session, we will also address strategies for increasing team efficiency, accountability, and follow-through so that care team meetings lead to meaningful action and improved student support. Intended Audience: School psychologists, school counselors, social workers, administrators, special education staff, teachers, interventionists, and other professionals who participate in student support or problem-solving teams. As always, CEUs are available.

Creating a classroom where students feel safe, accepted, and supported is essential to their personal and academic growth. Join Jim Kestner, a nationally recognized specialist in classroom management and youth character development, for a practical, hands-on professional learning experience focused on supporting students impacted by trauma and challenging life circumstances. Participants will explore the science of trauma and learn strategies for building positive classroom environments grounded in empathy, consistency, predictability, and hope. Through practical approaches to classroom management and character development, educators will learn how to address challenging behaviors, strengthen student relationships, and empower students to develop self-respect, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Topics will include:

• Understanding the science of trauma and its impact on students
• Using character-based discipline to support positive behavior and personal growth
• Facilitating interpersonal communication, collaboration, and problem-solving
• Responding to confrontational student situations
• Maintaining consistency while accounting for exceptional circumstances
• Incorporating trauma-informed practices into everyday classroom policies
• Establishing a safe, trusting, and supportive classroom environment
• Encouraging open communication and developing student self-respect
• Adapting the physical classroom environment to promote safety and success
• Helping students set goals and navigate uncertainty
• Supporting students experiencing changes in parent and custodial relationships

Who should attend? This session is for teachers, school administrators, school counselors, social workers, and other student support professionals who want to strengthen their classroom management approaches and better support students experiencing adversity. Join us to explore practical strategies to build classroom environments where students can develop positive relationships, navigate challenges, and feel safer, more connected, and more hopeful. Time will be provided to take lunch on your own. Registration closes on Monday, Feb. 22nd, at 3:30 p.m.

Join SEL coach Erin Shook from ROE 40, who focuses on an important aspect of supporting today's adolescents: understanding the teenage brain. 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. Registration closes 2/26/27 at 4:00 p.m.

We have heard a lot about trauma and its effects on our students and families over the years. During this session, Kevin McNicholas, SEL & Mental Health Coach for ROE 40, will take a deeper look at resiliency—what it really means, how it develops, and how we can help students and families build the skills needed to navigate adversity and thrive. This session pairs well with the earlier “Understanding the Teenage Brain” session, offering a natural next step from understanding adolescent development to supporting students as they build resilience. Registration closes 2/26/27 at 4:00 p.m.

You already love Canva for creating engaging lesson graphics—now it’s time to unleash its power in your students' hands! In this high-energy session, you'll discover how to effectively set up and manage your students and projects while creating a collaborative digital learning environment. We'll share essential best practices and survival tips for managing students in real-time digital spaces, and use Canva's Design School to help students confidently navigate the platform, enhancing their computer literacy and digital navigation skills along the way. We'll also explore Canva's newest features, including the Learn Grid, packed with standards-aligned lessons and templates; Live Learning for real-time collaboration; and AI-powered Student Activities that connect directly to your curriculum. Join us to learn how Canva can increase engagement, foster creativity, strengthen essential digital skills, and empower students to produce professional-quality projects in your classroom. Please note: Canva Education is free for K-12 school districts, and it is highly recommended that your district set up Canva for Schools prior to this session. You can find details at canva.com/education/schools. Time will be given for lunch on your own. Registration for this event closes 4/8/27 at 1:00 p.m.