ROE 53 Newsletter
March 2026
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!
Resilience Supportive Schools Illinois (RSSI)
Administrators can take the survey in IWAS and get your school's data! Join us next semester and use your data to create a plan for strengthening Social Emotional Learning, Trauma Responsiveness, Mental Health Supports or Cultural Awareness and Equity.
April 2 or April 24 - Choose 1 Team Planning Day
Sign up for 4/2 here! Sign up for 4/24 here!
All trainings at Peoria ROE
Peoria Riverfront Museum
The Peoria Riverfront Museum offers opportunities for virtual and in-person field trips. Starting January 31, 2026, a donation has created the opportunity for Prek-12 students to visit the museum for free. Click to learn more.
Resource Calendar for National Disabilities Month
SLD Support Project has partnered with other IL Technical Assistance PD Projects to create a March calendar including free resources for educators!
ParentABLE
Association of IL Rural & Small Schools Conference
April 17, 2026 in Decatur
(an option to attend virtually is available)
If you are a rural educator, administrator, or CTE director, this event is designed for you! The first conference will focus on student career success. The sessions will explore the changing technologies such as AI and innovations in agriculture; student career pathways and CTE programming in rural schools; and hear from students and teachers about what works in their own schools.
Emerging Educators
ROE 53 is excited to offer this professional learning series for the 2025-26 school year. We will provide monthly sessions on pertinent topics for those new to teaching. Our next meeting is March 5, 2026. Learn more and sign up 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 next meeting is March 6, 2026. Learn more & register here!
Instructional Coaches
Instructional coaches from schools in our region meet monthly to discuss and share coaching strategies and approaches. Our next meeting is March 19, 2026. Learn more & register here!
Illinois Author Visit
The Illinois Valley Reading Council is partnering with the Peoria Heights Public Library to offer a free event with children's author, Alice B. McGinty! Attendees will have a chance to win a signed copy of one of Alice's books! Bring your family or colleagues for a fun night on March 10! Learn more & register here!
Contact Regional Office of Education #53
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