remove_red_eye 1K
page background

ROE 53 Newsletter

February 2025

ROE 53 Newsletter February 2025
ROE 53NewsletterFebruary 2025

Strategy Spotlight Strategy Spotlight

zoom_out_map

Each month, the ROE 53 Instructional Coach, Courtney, will provide a short description of an instructional strategy educators can use with their students. A quick video showing the strategy in action is included!

Check out this month's strategy, Compass Points. This strategy helps students dig into topics, reflect from different perspectives, and come to their own viewpoint. Learn more here!

Area 3 SEL Hub Winter/Spring 2025 Course List
Professional learning sessions for social emotional learning - in-person and virtual!
open_in_new zoom_out_map

4/29/25 Creating Inclusive Classrooms with Krista Leh

Join us for a Full Day Workshop

Brought to you FREE from the Area 3 SEL Hub


Educators will learn to cultivate learning environments that:


  • Foster an inclusive atmosphere
  • Enhance student belonging
  • Empower individual and collective agency
  • Develop prosocial skills

REGISTER

Mental Health First Aid logo
zoom_out_map

Youth Mental Health First Aid 2025

Location: Goodwill Commons, Peoria 8:30am-2:30pm

In-Person Blended Course - 2 hours online pre-work; 4.5 hours of live training - click on DATE for INFO and LINK to REGISTER


April 1 - PEORIA


**Are you interested in training your whole staff on Youth Mental Health First Aid? Contact Theresa Olsen for more information

open_in_new zoom_out_map

Mindful Moment Mindful Moment

open_in_new zoom_out_map

Standards Based Grading Cohort

This cohort will meet quarterly and provide space for problem solving, sharing resources with area administrators, networking, and exploring questions that cohort members bring to the group.


This cohort is for district or building level administrators and staff including curriculum coordinators, instructional coaches, etc. in Peoria, Mason, Tazewell, and Woodford Counties, who have implemented standards based grading in some capacity. All grade levels are welcome!


Conversation around focused topics on SBG and resources will be facilitated and shared by ROE 53 & ROE 48. We will meet on February 20 & April 28, 2025. You only need to sign up once.


Learn more & sign up here!

Upcoming Professional Development Upcoming Professional Development

Unlocking Leadership Potential: A webinar series starting Feb 11, 2025
This series includes 7 free, virtual sessions for Superintendents & District Leaders dedicated to developing and retaining exceptional school leaders. Sessions are available both live and on-demand. Register here!

AA 1889 How to Create a Sustainability Program for your School District: March 14 in Olympia, IL

This Academy is designed to equip school leaders – Superintendents, School Business Managers,

Facility Directors and Principals – with the knowledge and skills to understand, design and implement a sustainable learning environment in their school districts. Register here!


Science in the South Conference: April 11, 2025 in Carterville, IL

This conference will explore the importance of integrating science into all areas of education. One of the highlights of the conference is the opportunity to network with fellow educators, scientists, and community members. Participants will also gain access to valuable materials such as curriculum guides, hands-on activities & PD opportunities. Learn more and register here!

open_in_new zoom_out_map

Free Digital Sessions with The Learning Technology Center of Illinois

Learn more about Brisk AI, School AI, MagicSchool, and Canva in these 1 hour virtual sessions! Learn more and register here!

SAVE THE DATE: LITERACY SUMMIT: JUNE 11, 2025 AT ICC - PEORIA
Registration is open!

ROE 53 Cohorts ROE 53 Cohorts

zoom_out_map

Emerging Educators

ROE 53 is excited to offer this professional learning for the 2024-25 school year. We will provide monthly sessions on pertinent topics for those new to teaching. Our next session is February 13, 2025. Learn more and sign up here!
zoom_out_map

Technology Leaders

ROE 53 coordinates meetings with Technology Leaders in our region. We meet monthly through a partnership with ROE 53, ROE 48 & LTC to brainstorm, troubleshoot, and share information. We are able to see technology innovation in action at schools and organizations in our area! Our next meeting is March 7, 2025. Learn more and sign up to attend!
zoom_out_map

Instructional Coaches

Instructional leaders meet monthly to discuss and share coaching strategies and approaches used in schools in our region. Our next meeting is February 20, 2025. Learn more and register here!

Free Online Professional Learning Free Online Professional Learning

open_in_new zoom_out_map

Learning and Resource Hub from the Center for Childhood Resilience

Online Professional Learning available for FREE to all educators!

Click HERE to visit the REACH Learning and Resource Hub platform


  • Comprehensive courses you can complete at your own pace
  • Curated resources to support schools that are safe, supportive, relationship-based, culturally attuned, and able to promote positive mental health and wellness
  • Free credits for Illinois Professional Education License (PEL) holders, licensed social workers, licensed professional counselors, and psychologists (IDFPR), and those holding certifications through Gateways (INCCRRA).

FREE Social Emotional Learning Resources FREE Social Emotional Learning Resources

zoom_out_map
Click HERE to find out more about SEL resources available from ROE #53 and other Regional Offices across the state :
  • FREE PD opportunities
  • SEL resources, articles and videos
  • FREE audiobooks for educators

Email Theresa Olsen to request additional resources or support

Community Resources & Professional Development Community Resources & Professional Development

STEAM Olympics - Feb & March in Bloomington/Normal

Students in Grades 1-12 are invited to attend a 4 day event focused on exploring STEAM! Learn more and sign up here!


Join Grand Canyon University Feb 18 (virtual) or Feb 19 (in Peoria) to find out about the Masters in Reading Program they offer. Learn more here!



Join the IL Valley Reading Council for a free, virtual session! You do not have to be an IVRC member to attend. All are welcome! The session titled Cultivating a Comprehensive Literacy Approach: Nurturing Reading Proficiency AND Passion with Love and Joy, will be led by Cindi Koudelka, IRC President Elect & Fieldcrest Curriculum Coordinator.


February 24, 2025 from 5:00-6:30 PM on Zoom!

Learn more here! RSVP here!

open_in_new zoom_out_map

Contact Regional Office of Education #53

Serving Mason, Tazewell, & Woodford Counties


Regional Superintendent: Jeff Ekena

Assistant Regional Superintendent: Jon Smith

Professional Development Coordinator: Kelli Ballard

Social Emotional Learning Specialist: Theresa Olsen

Instructional Literacy Coach: Courtney Prather



Email: office53@roe53.net
Website: https://www.roe53.net/
Location: 2400 N Main St suite C, East Peoria, IL, USA
Phone: (309) 477-2290
Facebook: facebook.com/mtwroe53
X: @mtwroe53

ROE 53
Loading indicator

close