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ROE 53 Newsletter

November 2026

ROE 53 Newsletter November 2026
ROE 53NewsletterNovember 2026

School Spotlight School Spotlight

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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!

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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 Professional Learning

Area 3 SEL Hub Fall & Winter Course List (click here)
Professional learning sessions for social emotional learning - in-person and virtual!
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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!

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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) Free Instructional Resources (click on graphic to access)

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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!

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Parenting/Caregiving Unit for High Schools

C.A.R.E. (Caregiving, Awareness & Relationship Education), formerly ParentABLE, is a free curriculum that provides high school students with awareness, knowledge, and skills to care for and encourage the physical, mental, and emotional development of children.
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AI Literacy Framework

Check out the AI Literacy Framework created by TCEA (Texas Computer Education Association) to find activities and resources for all grade levels!

Upcoming Professional Development for Administrators 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.

Learn more & register here!


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.

Learn more and register here!

ROE 53 Cohorts ROE 53 Cohorts

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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!

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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!

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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 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!


Register to attend here!

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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!

Register here!

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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.


Sign up for registration updates here!

Community Resources & Professional Development Community Resources & Professional Development

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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!

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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!

Learn more here!

Register to attend here!

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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

Proposal Submissions due November 29!

Register to attend here!

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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: 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

ROE 53
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