ROE 53 Newsletter
November 2026

School Spotlight
ROE 53 wants to celebrate the amazing things happening in schools across our region! Throughout the year, in the ROE 53 newsletter, we will spotlight innovative projects, special programs, community partnerships, and/or family engagement activities at a school in Mason, Tazewell, or Woodford County.
Want to spotlight something at your school?
Fill out this form and selected submissions will be featured in the ROE 53 monthly newsletter!
We look forward to seeing all the exciting things happening in our schools!
Congratulations to Midwest Central Primary School!
Midwest Central Primary School has been named a 2026 Governor’s Blue Ribbon School! MCPS received this prestigious recognition as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School. Only 24 schools across Illinois were recognized as Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools this year. "Being named a Governor's Blue Ribbon School is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work of students, educators, staff, and families," said State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Tony Sanders.
Way to go Raiders! Congratulations!
SEL Professional Learning
SEL Collaborative
The Social and Emotional Collaborative connects PreK-12 school counselors, social workers, psychologists, administrators, teachers, and other support staff across Peoria, Mason, Tazewell, & Woodford Counties to strengthen supportive learning environments through shared learning, collaboration, and community partnerships.
The next meeting is November 17, 2026 - register here!
Click on the graphic to learn more!
SEL in Practice
The SEL Listening and Learning Series provides space for stakeholders to engage with statewide experts on key Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) topics, emerging practices, and implementation strategies.
Live webinars on Wednesdays from 12-1 PM from October to January
Learn more about the session topics & register for the sessions here!
Free Instructional Resources (click on graphic to access)
National STEM Day
November 8th is National STEM Day! Check out the free resources from Learning Blade that can help your students learn about a variety of STEM careers!
Parenting/Caregiving Unit for High Schools
AI Literacy Framework
Upcoming Professional Development for Administrators
Accountability System & Initial Priorities: November 17, 2026 in Washington
Participants will understand the new accountability system, create a plan for sharing with stakeholders, and identify priority areas to guide continuous improvement.
MTSS Leadership Institute: Cohorts starting in January 2027, virtual
12 monthly, virtual sessions focused on helping leaders connect MTSS components into a unified approach that improves outcomes for all learners.
Learn more & sign up for a cohort here!
AA 3991: Leading with a Brain-Friendly Approach: January 28, 2027 in Morton
This academy aims to empower educational leaders with brain-based learning strategies & techniques to help establish an optimal learning environment for all.
ROE 53 Cohorts
Emerging Educators
ROE 53 provides monthly virtual professional learning sessions on pertinent topics for those new to teaching. Our next meeting is November 5, 2026. Sign up to join the cohort here!
Technology Leaders
ROE 53, in partnership with Peoria ROE & LTC, meet monthly with technology leaders from schools within our area. Tips for troubleshooting, networking, and resources are provided. We are also able to see tech innovation in our schools and local organizations! Our next meeting is December 04, 2026. Learn more and register here!
Instructional Coaches
Instructional coaches meet monthly to discuss and share coaching strategies and approaches used in schools in our region. Our next meeting is November 19, 2026. Learn more and register here!
2027 STEM for Educators Conference
STEM Conference at Bradley
February 04, 2027
Bradley University is partnering with the Learning Technology Center and the ROEs for Mason, Tazewell, Woodford, & Peoria Counties to provide educators the opportunity to share in a community of learning in support of strong STEM teaching and learning!
Call for Proposals ends November 20!
Internet Safety Webinar
Lincoln Prairie Behavioral Health Center is hosting a free virtual training "Internet Safety for Caregivers & Those Working with Youth" on December 17, 2026. This training will provide education on internet safety as well as tips to monitor youth activity.
Click on the graphic to learn more!
Bring Board Games, RPGs & Play Into Your School
Save the date for July 7 & 8, 2027 at WCHS
Engage in 2 full days of interactive, hands-on professional learning for educators! You will have the opportunity to watch a high school role-playing game summer camp in action!
All grade levels & subject areas are welcome! PD hours will be available.
Community Resources & Professional Development
Grand Canyon University
Check out this month's complimentary professional learning course from GCU focused on using ChatGPT for prompting & creating content. Learn more & register here!
WIU Annual Math Teachers' Conference
Math, Science & STEM educators are welcome to attend the Assessment & Numeracy for All Conference on November 14, 2026 in Moline!
History Symposium at ISU
Middle & High School Teachers are welcome to attend the 2027 History Symposium: Why Ideas Matter in the Classroom
Date: January 29, 2027
Location: Illinois State University
Contact Regional Office of Education #53
Regional Superintendent: Jeff Ekena
Assistant Regional Superintendent: Jon Smith
Professional Development Coordinator: Kelli Ballard
Social Emotional Learning Specialist: Michelle Coconate
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