RAS Art Teacher Mr. Matthew Thornton will utilize IPAD's/IPENCILS to engage participants in a branding exercise. Vocational Coordinator Mr. Brian O'Kraski will simultaneously work with participants on personal branding/school culture. (30 participants Max)
Are you going home tired all the time? This session will help you understanding the effects of burnout and compassion fatigue that may be encountered as the first responders to student trauma. Participants will be provided resources and strategies that can be used as interventions and/or preventative measures to implement immediately. Walk away with strategies and tools to reduce or prevent burnout and compassion fatigue.
In this session, we will equip school staff with tools, strategies, and frameworks to support at-risk youth by fostering a school environment that prioritizes student well-being, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We will explore schoolwide systems, such as Rounding, Restorative Circles, Special Services, and how to create student-centered environments where all students, including those who may feel lost or unwanted, are welcomed and supported. By embracing the life cycle of a student and removing all assumptions of background knowledge, we engage at-risk students to find their own paths to success.
The topics every teacher dreads to teach- reproductive systems, menstruation, sex ed, abstinence, STD/STI's, pregnancy... and all the stuff in between. I was filled with dread when I saw it on my subject list, but then I taught it (and LOVED it). I may be a little unconventional and too excited, but I notice more eyes watching than heads down, have heard of students being more careful when sexually active, and I find those to be a win! I also reach out to the community to look for resources I can provide for the students and their families. If you are morbidly curious and don't get nauseaous too easily, come see if there are any additions you would be comfortable adding to your curriculum.
Schools can effectively address truancy at various levels of intervention by utilizing a multi tiered system of support. This tiered approach ensures that all students receive the appropriate support they need to improve their attendance, fostering a more engaged and successful school community. By focusing on Tier 1, schools can begin the preventative interventions to foster an environment that promotes positive learning, engagement and attendance. The DuPage ROE has been using the SEAT Tool offered by Attendance Works. In this session, we will walk through the SEAT assessment and provide feedback on how you can successfully administer this tool in your district.
Learn 26 essential terms to understand and practice, mindfulness and meditation. Hands on application in breath, techniques, guided meditation, mindful art – eating – movement, and an assessment on self-care and mental wellness.
This presentation offers a comprehensive exploration of grief, focusing on the nuances between children's and adults' experiences. Gain insights into effectively supporting grieving children and adolescents within educational environments, and discover valuable resources to aid in your supportive role.
The KEC Phoenix Academy program is an alternative education program in DeKalb County that serves approximately 175 students per year from nine districts. Over the the last 15 years the academic, social and mental health needs of students from the region have changed significantly, which has caused KEC to adjust programming continuously by offering multiple interventions and incentives in a strong partnership with their sending schools to reach an unmatched 92% success rate. Listen to how local school administrators collaborate and partner with the KEC Phoenix Academy to best meet the needs of an ever changing population to ensure the success of students in the region through a positive learning environment.
In this interactive session you will explore the 8 dimensions of wellness - Emotional, Spiritual, Intellectual, Physical, Environmental, Financial, Occupational, Social. Complete a self-assessment to determine areas of strength and growth. Develop an action plan for growth this school year to support your wellness goals! Each participant will be able to enter the raffle drawing for prizes!!
Friday March 7, 2025 9:45am - 12:00pm CST
Redbird G
This training is designed to equip those who work with students struggling with truancy and school avoidance, educators, school administrators, and support staff with the knowledge and skills to effectively use Restorative Practices to address truancy. The goal is to foster a supportive school environment that encourages regular attendance by engaging students and their families in meaningful dialogue and problem-solving.
In this session, we will explore Kristin Van Mater Souers and Peter Hall’s Fostering Resilient Learners and its "Spectrum of Savvy Practices" action guide. Participants will identify trauma-invested practices across key areas—Relationships, Academics, Behavior, and Responsibility—and learn strategies to transform their systems and practices. By the end, you will have actionable insights to create an optimal, supportive learning environment for all students.
This training is intended for administrators, teachers, school staff members, and school support providers who wish to understand more about restorative practices and their benefits for the whole school culture and climate. Recognize the key principles, concepts, and practices of a whole school approach to restorative practices Experience the circle process and review the elements of facilitating circles and conferences Learn a model for implementing and supporting restorative practices in your school Learn to engage in developing and applying a restorative plan that addresses systems and learning Develop skills to guide your school through the restorative change process
Can your students spot identity-based hate online? If they spot it, do they know what actions to take?
If not, the Mobile Museum of Tolerance’s Combat Hate: A Digital Media Literacy Workshop may be the solution. Combat Hate is a FREE ISBE-approved workshop that challenges students to recognize identity-based hate and take informed action to combat its spread online. To learn more about Combat Hate and how to book for your classroom, join us at our sessions and visit our website at: //www.mmot.com/combathate.
Jessa DeLuca is the Lead Educator for the Mobile Museum of Tolerance(MMOT) workshop Extension workshop: Combat Hate! In this role, Jessabrings the vital mission of combating hate into classrooms across Illinois,working closely with educators and students to foster critical thinking... Read More →
Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Redbird F
This presentation will explore how Illinois Virtual Schools & Academy (IVSA) is addressing the unique challenges faced by at-risk youth through innovative virtual education solutions. By leveraging flexible, accessible, and student-centered strategies, IVSA helps schools ensure that the most vulnerable students continue to progress academically, even amidst teacher shortages and resource gaps. IVSA offers three solutions: Supplemental, Teacher Shortage, and a Full-Time Academy. These are flexible and cost-effective solutions that can be customized to meet the specific needs of each school. Join us to discuss the strategies that have worked to partner with schools around the state to support our youth who are at risk.
As we have done more research related to Social Emotional Learning and Trauma informed classrooms, thinking about the right instructional strategies to support an environment where students can learn language and thrive in a low anxiety community is critical. As language teachers considering the whole child and nurturing a learning process is vital. This presentation will support teachers in creating a classroom conducive to a trauma informed space where they can apply language learning strategies using non-technology and technology AI powered resources.
McKinney-Vento Regional Coordinator, South Cook- ISC
Dr. Lynn Zeder is currently serving as the South Cook McKinney-Vento Regional Coordinator. She is a retired assistant superintendent from Orland 135 and has previously worked as junior high ELA teacher, media specialist, assistant principal, principal, director of curriculum, and... Read More →
In this insightful presentation, we examine how behaviors often serve as signals of underlying unmet needs, ranging from basic physiological necessities to the deeper emotional and psychological desires for belonging and self-actualization. By recognizing these signals, we can shift our perspective from judgment to understanding, fostering empathy and connection. Through interactive discussions and real-life examples, we will highlight the importance of identifying these unmet needs, not just in ourselves but also in our relationships and communities. We will also delve into strategies for addressing these needs, attendees will leave with practical tools to create supportive environments that nurture growth, resilience, and well-being. Join us in this journey to uncover the reasons behind behaviors and discover how to cultivate hope in ourselves and others.
