ICEARY 2025: Full Schedule

10:45am CST

Mental Health For Educators

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CST

During this interactive session, participants will discuss mental health challenges that educators face personally. We will learn strategies that can be applied in the real world to help educators cope and improve their mental health.

Speakers

Keith Kinder

Chestnut Health Systems

Thursday March 6, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Redbird A

1:45pm CST

10 Epic Team Building Activities to Boost Bonding and Fun!

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CST

Redbird A

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.

Speakers

Angela Rogers

Site Coordinator, West40

Thursday March 6, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CST
Redbird A

3:00pm CST

DREAMing of A Strong SEL Culture

Thursday March 6, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST

Redbird A

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.

Speakers

Sarah Said

Dream Academy High School

Thursday March 6, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Redbird A

9:45am CST

Getting Through the Uncomfortable to Inform our Youth

Friday March 7, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CST

Redbird A

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.

Speakers

Theresa Coker

TriStar Academy, ROE3 YES- Aspire Teacher

I am hearing impaired- NOT stuck up!! :) Please make sure I am aware you are speaking to me & do not be offended if I ask for you to repeat yourself!!

Friday March 7, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CST
Redbird A

11:00am CST

IVSA’s Slam Dunk Solution

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Redbird A

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.

Speakers

Melissa Lundgaard

Executive Director, Illinois Virtual Schools & Academy

Friday March 7, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Redbird A