ROE 53 Newsletter
November 2025
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 strategies to spark student learning and engagement. Pick the ones that fit your classroom and give them a try!
Youth Mental Health First Aid 2025
Location: Peoria ROE Community Room, Peoria
Time: 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Cost: $30
In-Person Blended Course - 2 hours online pre-work; 4.5 hours of live training
Click on DATE for INFO and LINK to REGISTER
SEL - Inclusive Welcomes
Check out these welcome activities from CASEL that build community & connect to the work ahead!
Hands-On Fall Activities
Check out 19 hands-on fall themed activities from Science Buddies!
Teacher Toolkit - Financial Literacy
Learn more about the free resources from National Personal Finance Challenge, which helps high school students demonstrate their knowledge of money management.
Connecting Classrooms with Community Resources
Join ROE 53 & local organizations to learn about:
- FREE physical & digital resources that are available to teachers to enhance student learning opportunities
- Resources available to support learning at home
- Ag in the Classroom, Learning Technology Center of IL, SLD Support Project, Bradley, & more!
November 13, 2026
3:30 - 4:30 PM
Learn more & get the Zoom link here!
Preparing Students for the 2026 ACT
January 16, 2026 in Peoria
Facilitated by Dr. Cathy Weber from Education Lane
This professional development will outline essential skills students need to ensure success on the ACT suite of assessments to be utilized Spring 2026. English Language Arts, Mathematics, and science staff will benefit from a deeper understanding about how the ACT suite of assessments can inform instruction as well as offer data about potential academic pathways for students.
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 November 6, 2025. 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 December 5, 2025. 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 November 20, 2025. Learn more & register here!
Illinois Elevating Special Educators (IESE)
IESE offers learning series on IEP development, behavior, student motivation & engagement, literacy & math strategies. Learn more and register for the monthly sessions here!
ISBE Literacy Plan Series
Register for each session here (under News & Updates)
Social Emotional 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.
Learn more about FREE STEM materials from Smart Grid!
Nov 11 at Bradley.
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