ROE 53 Newsletter

Click here for all the Summer Professional Learning Sessions!

ROE 53 Spark Box

How will you SPARK a light in your classroom this year? Each quarter, the ROE 53 Instructional Coach, Courtney, will highlight a theme and share practical resources and evidence-based practices to spark student learning and engagement. Pick the ones that fit your classroom and give them a try!

Check Out Our Spring Spark Box: Quality & Timely Feedback

SEL Professional Learning

SEL Collaborative

The SEL Collaborative provides an opportunity for School Counselors, School Social Workers, Family Engagement Specialists and others in similar roles to learn and network with others across the region that support students' social, emotional and academic needs. It's not too late to join! The last meeting for this school year is May 13, 2026.

Kagan Cooperative Learning Training

Engage students with teacher-friendly strategies you can implement tomorrow!

ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT!

Date: June 16 & 17, 2026

Location: Peoria ROE

Learn more & register here!

The first 35 signed up will receive a reduced registration rate!

Instructional Resources (click on graphic to access resource)

IESE Network

Check out the free resources and PD opportunities from the Illinois Elevating Special Educators Network!

Caterpillar Visitor Center

Check out the Caterpillar Visitor Center for a unique field trip opportunity (virtual option available)!

Illinois Student Invention Convention

Learn more about the Illinois Student Invention Convention and how they can support your classroom!

Upcoming Professional Development for Administrators

AA 4025: AI in Action: A Leader's Guide to Implementation: June 04, 2026 in Washington

This Administrator Academy aims to equip school leaders with the essential knowledge and practical tools to implement AI technologies effectively.

Learn more and register here!

Co-Teaching Foundations for Administrators: June 10, 2026 in Peoria

Join Illinois SLD Support Project as they provide essential knowledge & skills administrators need to know to develop & sustain co-teaching partnerships in their schools.

Learn more here! Register here!

Stronger Together Summit

This event is open to teachers, administrators, instructional coaches, school counselors, and pre-service educators. The event focuses on how ISBE resources, standards, and mandates can be strategically leveraged to strengthen instructional practices and support culturally responsive classrooms. 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year Victor Gomez is the keynote speaker.

June 24, 2026

Bloomington

Register Here!

ROE 53 Cohorts

Emerging Educators

ROE 53 is excited to offer this professional learning series for the 2026-27 school year. We will provide monthly sessions on pertinent topics for those new to teaching. We have a kickoff meeting on August 4, 2026! Sign up to join the cohort or pass this along to someone who is starting their teaching career!
Learn more and register here!

Technology Leaders

ROE 53 coordinates meetings for Technology Leaders in our region. We meet monthly through a partnership with ROE 53, ROE 48, & LTC to brainstorm, troubleshoot, and share information. We have been able to see technology innovation in action at schools and organizations in our area! Our meetings will pick back up in September 2026.

If you have something to showcase in your classroom or in your school, please reach out to Kelli Ballard: kballard@roe53.net

Instructional Coaches

Instructional coaches from schools in our region meet monthly to discuss and share coaching strategies and approaches. Our last meeting for the school year is May 14, 2026. Register here!

License Renewal

The ELIS portal is now open to renew PEL licenses that expire June 30, 2026.

Questions? See this FAQ from ISBE.

Or reach out to ROE 53: licensure@roe53.net.

Community Resources & Professional Development

Check out the free monthly PD session from Grand Canyon University titled Handling Difficult Conversations. Earn 1 PD hour for completing the course! Learn more here!

Early Childhood Conference: June 06, 2026 in Galesburg

Families, community members, and professionals: join us as we share a variety of topics on engaging with young children. Keynote speaker, breakout sessions, vendors, and more!

Register by May 29 here!

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

Instructional 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 Spark Box ROE 53 Spark Box

SEL Professional Learning SEL Professional Learning