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

Effective instruction for diverse learners is not about creating separate learning systems for different students. It is about designing learning environments aligned with how human learning works.

This session will:

1. Position the science of learning within instructional frameworks for diverse learners

2. Articulate a model of the mind for understanding how learning works

3. Explore why some students experience barriers to learning

4. Connect key principles from cognitive science to classroom application

5. Apply to existing instructional frameworks

Click here to register.

Click here to register or contact John Randich, Program Coordinator, with questions (jrandich@willroe.org).

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.

This Administrator Academy course equips school and district leaders with strategies to leverage physical education and wellness programs as catalysts for a positive school climate and culture. Grounded in whole-child education and social-emotional learning principles, participants will explore how quality physical education fosters inclusivity, student engagement, and overall well-being. Through data analysis, case studies, and collaborative planning, administrators will develop actionable leadership strategies that align physical education initiatives with school improvement goals and district-wide wellness priorities.

For some young people, school is the only place in their lives where they know they are safe and can form trusted, enduring relationships. It is, therefore, a cruel irony that many students who are affected by trauma also have trouble engaging at school. Learn how to help students understand that the events in their lives that caused trauma are not their fault and how they can progress from trauma to triumph and live successful lives through setting goals and learning how to regulate emotions.

Click here to register.

This course (AA 3996) is designed to take school leaders on a deep dive into their current MTSS culture and practices. Leaders will learn how to analyze specific data to determine the current health of their MTSS culture. This workshop will strengthen educational leaders' ability to identify gaps within MTSS structures and workflows. Once the current MTSS status is determined, leaders will learn how to plan for and implement processes and protocols that will maintain a consistent, healthy, and thriving MTSS culture. This course encourages leaders to establish and memorialize healthy traditions that will enhance their MTSS culture, empowers and equips them to make data driven decisions that create and or enhance the MTSS culture on their campus(es), and meets the needs of the entire school community.

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.

💵

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 plans.
• 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

Why We Click by Kate Murphy explores something we all experience but rarely stop to think about: why we instantly “click” with some people and not with others. Drawing on research and real-world examples, Murphy explains the science behind synchrony, where it shows up in our lives, and how it shapes our relationships. She also offers practical ideas for getting ourselves back into sync when relationships become disconnected. This is worth a read just to learn about forest bathing!

From how we click with friends and colleagues to why we wear our favorite athlete's team jersey, Murphy explains both social and parasocial synchrony. Now I know why I read every Sue Grafton novel about Kinsey Millhone, every Patterson book about Alex Cross, and currently every Patterson book about Lindsay Boxer; we synch with fictional characters, too.

This book offers fascinating insight into the connections that shape our lives. As Laurie Santos writes, “In a world where loneliness is skyrocketing and connection feels harder than ever... Why We Click is a fascinating, science-backed reminder that the joy we seek so often begins in rhythm with the people around us.”

Be Creative!

😊

Please click here.

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.

Research consistently shows that suicide rates increase in the spring and early summer. This is why Elyssa’s Mission reminds you to increase your vigilance as springtime approaches each year. Visit our website and/or contact Nichelle Campbell-Miller at nichellecampbell-miller@elyssasmission.org to learn more.

Below are links to resources from Elyssa's Mission:

Education; Speak Up, Research, Get Involved

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