ICEARY 2025

Words have impact! Harness the power of affirmations to enhance student relationships and classroom morale. In this workshop, learn how intentional affirming interactions can cultivate empathy, build trust, nurture students' strengths, and deepen connections, fostering inclusion and a sense of belonging. Using a healing-centered, strengths-based approach, you’ll master the art of delivering affirmations effectively and guiding students to support one another. Create a more affirming, inclusive, and positive classroom and school culture.

Team building activities designed for both staff and students. These activities will be quick, cost-effective, and focused on fostering a positive and collaborative group culture. By participating, you'll gain practical insights into fun, engaging exercises that promote teamwork and strengthen relationships, helping to create a more connected and supportive community.

This panel presentation will discuss the journey of forming a DREAM SEL Culture. The panel will consist of students, teachers and administrators from the Dream Academy, the alternative high school in the Elgin U-46 School District. Attendees will learn about how student voice and a sense of belonging were made to be a priority by the staff.  Panorama data, graduation rates and a decrease in suspensions in the 23-24 school year proved that the school culture has been one that is growing and thriving.

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. 

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, including our Next Chapter Credit Recovery Program. 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.