Professional Development Updates

Dr. Lisa Caparelli-Ruff, Regional Superintendent

Education, Innovation, & Service Center

Heather Siegel-Hickman, Ed.D.

Director of Professional Development

hsiegel-hickman@willroe.org * 815.630.3103

Join two of Illinois’ CS experts for a one-day, free, virtual professional development training designed for K–8 educators, media specialists, and makerspace guides new to teaching computer science and STEM.

This intensive online bootcamp bridges the gap to formal training by introducing foundational programming, vocabulary, and physical computing tools alongside Illinois/CSTA and NGSS standards.

Through interactive virtual sessions, participants will:

• Explore curriculum design using the engineering process and design thinking
• Learn to cultivate a resilient, “fail-forward” mindset in students
• Discover how to leverage the power of purposeful play

Educators will leave with actionable resources, research-backed pedagogy, and an ongoing digital support network – everything they need to hit the ground running and successfully transform their classrooms into high-impact STEM learning environments.

Click here to register.

The first years in education can be both rewarding and challenging. The New Teacher Network & Learning Series is designed to enhance the mentoring and support teachers receive within their schools by connecting them with fellow early career educators from across the area.

Through seven interactive sessions, participants will explore practical strategies, engage in meaningful professional learning, and build relationships with peers in a safe, non-evaluative environment. Together, we will learn, reflect, problem-solve, and celebrate successes while developing the confidence, skills, and professional network needed to thrive in education.

AA 3908

Don't let the title of this book fool you. The lessons in Generation Z Unfiltered apply to all generations, and this academy lets you work at your own pace and on your own time.

Reflect on leadership in the context of Generation Z and develop an action plan to lead at the school or district level for all generations. This Administrator Academy uses a book study approach to frame reflection, discussions, and planning. Participants will:

• Identify and evaluate the effect of generational differences on leadership.
• Apply the model PROVE (Problem, Relationships, Ownership, Visuals, and Experience) to build coaching capacity.
• Create an action plan to address working with all generations as a leader.

Click here to register.

Why Networking Matters:

Research reviewed by the Government Accountability Office shows that professional development centered on collaboration and coaching leads to measurable results. Will County’s networks bring together educators and educational leaders from elementary, middle, and high schools to problem-solve, share strategies, strengthen their practice, and leave with ideas they can use immediately.

New for the 2026-2027 school year: Mathematics Network for teachers, coaches, and leaders!

Check out our developing Network Schedule here.

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New in SY '27, there will be a $15 registration fee to reserve your spot for a network meeting. The fee will be refunded upon attendance. Registrants who do not attend or cancel in advance will forfeit the fee.

We offer:

• Trained coaches to support schools and districts from planning through implementation of continuous improvement cycles.
• An extensive network of consultants and coaches to support the professional learning that administrators, teachers, and other school staff want and need.
• Support for implementing the IL Comprehensive Literacy and Numeracy Plans.
• Much more. Reach out and let us meet you where you are and take you where you want to go.

Illinois Mandated Trainings - click here

ISBE Teacher and Principal/Assistant Principal Performance Evaluation Qualifications - click here

A review from Carrie Upjohn, Troy District 30c - Library, Literacy, & Educational Technology Coordinator:

I loved the twists and turns of this book. It shows what lengths parents will go to for their children (in a bad way!).

Amazon summary:

Three women, three daughters, and a promise that they'll each get what they deserve...

College admissions season at Seattle's Elliott Bay Academy is marked by glowing acceptances from top-tier institutions and students as impressive as their parents are ambitious. But when Stanford alerts the school it's allotting only one spot to EBA for their incoming class, three mothers discover the competition is more cutthroat than they could have imagined. Check it out now!

Be Creative!

😊

Please click here.

from Jefferson Fisher's Newsletter

A bully is fishing. Every mean word is bait, and your child's reaction is the catch. When someone says something cruel, the strongest move is a slow look and a simple, "Why would you say that?" Then quiet. The bully came for a reaction and left with nothing.

Practice it at the kitchen table. You say the mean thing, and let your child rehearse the calm reply until it feels easy. Practice makes permanent.

Check out upcoming sessions offered in Will County and other area ROEs and ISCs to support SEL and Trauma-Informed Instruction and Leadership.

The Learning Resource Hub is a free tool with online classes that provide PD Hours. Professionals can also "obtain continuing education hours for the following Illinois-licensed professions: social workers, professional counselors, and psychologists." Use this link to register and learn more.

SunCloud Health offers free professional development on a variety of youth mental health topics. Check out their offerings on their website or call Heather to arrange customized PD through SunCloud for your schools and districts.

Check out upcoming events on topics like Teen Relationships in the Social Media Era and The Science of Wonder and Sensory Play to Help Kids Thrive. PD Hours and Continuing Education Units available.

In this Master of Arts in Educational Administration degree program, educators obtain the deep understanding needed to lead public and non-public schools to success through preparation in organizational, community, and student-focused leadership.

• Earn the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Educational Administration in six semesters
• Intensive field experiences and internships for real-world practice
• Cohort model to build relationships with future school leaders
• Flexible options for face-to-face and online coursework
• Engage with our experienced, diverse faculty

APPLY NOW

Classes begin August 31, 2026. Attend an information session above to receive a free code to waive the application fee. Visit https://apply.govst.edu/apply/ now and begin your application!

For More Information:

Christopher A. Dignam, Ed.D.

Educational Administration Coordinator

Assistant Professor of Education
cdignam@govst.edu

Program website: https://www.govst.edu/principalleadership/

Special Dates to Hold:

• October 26, 2026 - Paraprofessional and Support Staff Learning Day
• February 26, 2027 - Beyond the Core Professional Learning Day (focuses on educators of non-core content areas: Theatre, Art, Music, PE, Health, CTE and more)

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