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

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.

Join us for a dynamic and engaging workshop designed to equip all educators with the essential knowledge and skills needed to excel in co-teaching partnerships. Whether you're a novice or an experienced educator, this workshop provides a comprehensive foundation of coteaching methods and best practices that will empower you to create inclusive and effective learning environments for students in the co-taught classroom.

Participants are welcome to stay and co-plan with their teams following the session.

Click here to register.

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:

Meta-analyses by the Government Accountability Office show that professional development focused on collaboration and coaching leads to measurable results. Will County's networks offer collaboration on curricular materials and pedagogical practices while also providing space for resource sharing, reflection, and new ideas.

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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

I need to keep better track of how I get turned onto books because I owe a thank you to the human (or Instagram post) that brought Sarah Winman's Tin Man to my attention.

Years ago, I read Hanya Yanagihara's A Little Life, and while I don't really have "favorite" books, there are books that stay with me. A Little Life is one of those. I say that because Tin Man is a little like A Little Life. It's a brief and beautiful novel about the highs and lows of friendships that grow, change, and endure over time.

It is also a powerful reminder of Winman's message that "Men and boys can do beautiful things." While that seems like something that shouldn't need to be said, I'm afraid it still does. Winman doesn't just say it; she demonstrates it with care, tenderness, and quiet power.

This is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read, and only my second of the year.

Be Creative!

😊

Please click here.

A dedicated person who can make a big impact even with just small action or a few words. Someone who improves the lives of others, one who rallies or encourages others to propel themselves forward and bring about change.

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)

images from freepik.com, giphy.com, and pexels.com