Upcoming Workshops
2025-2026
Click on the title of workshop to register.
July 2025
7-14-25 (9:00-3:30 p.m.)
Summer Athletic Coaches Conference @ The Gateway Center - Collinsville, IL
Join your fellow coaches and athletic directors from schools all over southwestern Illinois. We will have a chance to have some fun, collaborate, network, and hear from some amazing keynote speakers!
7-28-25 9-3:30 pm (Carlinville ROE, FREE)
Tinkercad & Other Tech Tools to Engage Students with STEM Concepts (4th-12th grade)
At least 10 registrants need to be signed up by July 10th in order for the workshop to occur!
Co-led by Kelly Remijan (ROE 40), Lisa Schwartz (LTC-West Central Illinois)
(5.5 PD credit to all attendees)
Teachers (4th-12th grade) will explore how to incorporate Tinkercad into the math, science, or computer classroom. Teachers will design their very own object with TinkerCad which will be printed using a 3D printer. Teachers will learn about Spheros and also discover free tech tools (pattern blocks, sweethome3d, flipanim, Phet.Colorado.EDU, Physlets.org/tracker, GIS, Desmos) that add in the teaching, learning, and application of STEM topics. Classroom teachers and technology teachers can attend this workshop together or individually. Attendees should bring their own laptop!
7-29-25 (9:00-3:00 pm) @ Jersey ROE office
New Teacher Workshop
Calling all new or "newish" teachers! Want to be best prepared for the school year? Then we would love to have you join in the ROE 40 professional learning community/new teacher workshop program. Do you need a mentor? We got you covered! Do you already have a mentor in your building? Even better! You can attend this session with them if they are available! Activities include this one in-person workshop as well as follow up meetings throughout the year. Additionally, an easily accessible virtual folder will be created to compile resources tailored for the support and development of new teachers.
7-31-25 (9:00-3:30 pm) @ Jerseyville ROE office
Science of Reading: Foundational Concepts
This full-day session grounds participants in the essential principles behind the Science of Reading. We will dive into the key models and frameworks that shape SoR, explore its foundational pillars, and bust common myths along the way. We will focus on Illinois’ state literacy plan and why it matters, and we will walk through practical tools like curriculum checklists. We will spend dedicated time on dyslexia, including what it is, how it ties into instruction, and how to effectively use the guide and toolkits. There will also be time for collaboration, sharing best practices, and working through common challenges together.
Dr. Ethan Lynn is an education specialist who lives in Peoria. He has many years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and researcher of literacy. Currently, Ethan is a national presenter and consultant on the science of reading. He is passionate about sharing the gift of literacy with all educators and students.
August 2025
8-5-25 9:00-2:30 pm @ National Great Rivers Museum, 2 Lock and Dam Way, East Alton, IL 62024
STEM Along the River: Engineering, Economics, and Environmental Stewardship (5th-12th grade)
Presented by: Elise Ratcliff (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Education Specialist) in partnership w/ ROE40 STEM Initiatives
Any 5th-12th grade educator is invited to attend this FREE professional development learning experience where they will have the opportunity to experience STEM in action, learn about various STEM careers connected to the river, and be inspired to integrate STEM topics connected to the river into their core curriculum. Attendees will embark on a guided behind the scenes tour of one of the largest locks and dams on the Mississippi River, discover the engineering behind the lock and dam, learn about the Army Corp of Engineers in relation to the navigation system and environmental stewardship, and become acquainted with the impact of the Mississippi River on our country's economy through various hands-on activities which can be modified for specific grades and subject areas of focus. Attendees will leave with activities, curriculum connections, and ideas for a field trip for the upcoming school year. Attendees should bring their lunch and a drink to eat onsite.
September 2025
9-2-25 & 9-3-25 Day 1 in-person @ Jerseyville ROE, Day 2 Virtual via zoom
AA #2001 Initial Teacher Evaluation Training (2 day training)
Individuals who wish to become qualified to evaluate teachers and other certified personnel must successfully complete the 2-day Illinois Performance Evaluation – Teacher Evaluation Training (AA #2001) Day 1 will be in person at the Jerseyville ROE conference room. Day 2 will conclude the training and be done via zoom with the final assessment administered during that session. You must attend both days to receive credit. To participate in the virtual portion of the workshop, you must have Internet access, a web camera, and a microphone. To be eligible to attend, you must complete ISBE-required pre-work at least 72 hours before the training. You will receive the virtual training link, handouts and detailed instructions during the in-person session.
Friday, Sep 12, 2025 @ The Gateway Center, Collinsville, IL
Pep Con 2025
3rd Annual Positivity, Energy, and Purpose Conference
Join us as we hear keynotes from Danny Brassell, Phil Januszewski, and John O'Leary.
For more info visit: https://newdirectionseducation.weebly.com/pepcon.html
October 2025
10-30-25 @ Jersey ROE office
The Many C’s of PLC: Collaborative Conversations for Better Results
The Many C’s of PLC is a fun, interactive workshop you will love as you discover simple tools and perspectives to support successful collaborative conversations in a professional learning community. Becoming a high functioning, collaborative team is not easy. Building trusting relationships grounded in an openness to the thinking of others and working successfully with our colleagues is an imperfect, complex process. Transforming meetings and data conversations from boring obligations to engaging opportunities to make a difference is daunting. AND YET, together, we can overcome these challenges to make an even greater difference in the lives of our students.
November 2025
11-6-25 @ Jerseyville ROE office (9-3:30 p.m.)
Science of Reading in Practice: Classroom Application
This full-day session focuses on the practical application of Science of Reading principles. We will explore key instructional components, including phonemic awareness, phonics and decoding, mapping most common words, vocabulary development, and fluency. We will also examine how AI tools can support classroom practice by helping generate texts, develop lesson plans, and assist with analyzing data to inform next steps for students. There will be time for collaboration, sharing best practices, and working through common challenges together.
Dr. Ethan Lynn is an education specialist who lives in Peoria. He has many years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and researcher of literacy. Currently, Ethan is a national presenter and consultant on the science of reading. He is passionate about sharing the gift of literacy with all educators and students.
7-14-25 (9:00-3:30 p.m.)
Summer Athletic Coaches Conference @ The Gateway Center - Collinsville, IL
Join your fellow coaches and athletic directors from schools all over southwestern Illinois. We will have a chance to have some fun, collaborate, network, and hear from some amazing keynote speakers!
7-28-25 9-3:30 pm (Carlinville ROE, FREE)
Tinkercad & Other Tech Tools to Engage Students with STEM Concepts (4th-12th grade)
At least 10 registrants need to be signed up by July 10th in order for the workshop to occur!
Co-led by Kelly Remijan (ROE 40), Lisa Schwartz (LTC-West Central Illinois)
(5.5 PD credit to all attendees)
Teachers (4th-12th grade) will explore how to incorporate Tinkercad into the math, science, or computer classroom. Teachers will design their very own object with TinkerCad which will be printed using a 3D printer. Teachers will learn about Spheros and also discover free tech tools (pattern blocks, sweethome3d, flipanim, Phet.Colorado.EDU, Physlets.org/tracker, GIS, Desmos) that add in the teaching, learning, and application of STEM topics. Classroom teachers and technology teachers can attend this workshop together or individually. Attendees should bring their own laptop!
7-29-25 (9:00-3:00 pm) @ Jersey ROE office
New Teacher Workshop
Calling all new or "newish" teachers! Want to be best prepared for the school year? Then we would love to have you join in the ROE 40 professional learning community/new teacher workshop program. Do you need a mentor? We got you covered! Do you already have a mentor in your building? Even better! You can attend this session with them if they are available! Activities include this one in-person workshop as well as follow up meetings throughout the year. Additionally, an easily accessible virtual folder will be created to compile resources tailored for the support and development of new teachers.
7-31-25 (9:00-3:30 pm) @ Jerseyville ROE office
Science of Reading: Foundational Concepts
This full-day session grounds participants in the essential principles behind the Science of Reading. We will dive into the key models and frameworks that shape SoR, explore its foundational pillars, and bust common myths along the way. We will focus on Illinois’ state literacy plan and why it matters, and we will walk through practical tools like curriculum checklists. We will spend dedicated time on dyslexia, including what it is, how it ties into instruction, and how to effectively use the guide and toolkits. There will also be time for collaboration, sharing best practices, and working through common challenges together.
Dr. Ethan Lynn is an education specialist who lives in Peoria. He has many years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and researcher of literacy. Currently, Ethan is a national presenter and consultant on the science of reading. He is passionate about sharing the gift of literacy with all educators and students.
August 2025
8-5-25 9:00-2:30 pm @ National Great Rivers Museum, 2 Lock and Dam Way, East Alton, IL 62024
STEM Along the River: Engineering, Economics, and Environmental Stewardship (5th-12th grade)
Presented by: Elise Ratcliff (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Education Specialist) in partnership w/ ROE40 STEM Initiatives
Any 5th-12th grade educator is invited to attend this FREE professional development learning experience where they will have the opportunity to experience STEM in action, learn about various STEM careers connected to the river, and be inspired to integrate STEM topics connected to the river into their core curriculum. Attendees will embark on a guided behind the scenes tour of one of the largest locks and dams on the Mississippi River, discover the engineering behind the lock and dam, learn about the Army Corp of Engineers in relation to the navigation system and environmental stewardship, and become acquainted with the impact of the Mississippi River on our country's economy through various hands-on activities which can be modified for specific grades and subject areas of focus. Attendees will leave with activities, curriculum connections, and ideas for a field trip for the upcoming school year. Attendees should bring their lunch and a drink to eat onsite.
September 2025
9-2-25 & 9-3-25 Day 1 in-person @ Jerseyville ROE, Day 2 Virtual via zoom
AA #2001 Initial Teacher Evaluation Training (2 day training)
Individuals who wish to become qualified to evaluate teachers and other certified personnel must successfully complete the 2-day Illinois Performance Evaluation – Teacher Evaluation Training (AA #2001) Day 1 will be in person at the Jerseyville ROE conference room. Day 2 will conclude the training and be done via zoom with the final assessment administered during that session. You must attend both days to receive credit. To participate in the virtual portion of the workshop, you must have Internet access, a web camera, and a microphone. To be eligible to attend, you must complete ISBE-required pre-work at least 72 hours before the training. You will receive the virtual training link, handouts and detailed instructions during the in-person session.
Friday, Sep 12, 2025 @ The Gateway Center, Collinsville, IL
Pep Con 2025
3rd Annual Positivity, Energy, and Purpose Conference
Join us as we hear keynotes from Danny Brassell, Phil Januszewski, and John O'Leary.
For more info visit: https://newdirectionseducation.weebly.com/pepcon.html
October 2025
10-30-25 @ Jersey ROE office
The Many C’s of PLC: Collaborative Conversations for Better Results
The Many C’s of PLC is a fun, interactive workshop you will love as you discover simple tools and perspectives to support successful collaborative conversations in a professional learning community. Becoming a high functioning, collaborative team is not easy. Building trusting relationships grounded in an openness to the thinking of others and working successfully with our colleagues is an imperfect, complex process. Transforming meetings and data conversations from boring obligations to engaging opportunities to make a difference is daunting. AND YET, together, we can overcome these challenges to make an even greater difference in the lives of our students.
November 2025
11-6-25 @ Jerseyville ROE office (9-3:30 p.m.)
Science of Reading in Practice: Classroom Application
This full-day session focuses on the practical application of Science of Reading principles. We will explore key instructional components, including phonemic awareness, phonics and decoding, mapping most common words, vocabulary development, and fluency. We will also examine how AI tools can support classroom practice by helping generate texts, develop lesson plans, and assist with analyzing data to inform next steps for students. There will be time for collaboration, sharing best practices, and working through common challenges together.
Dr. Ethan Lynn is an education specialist who lives in Peoria. He has many years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and researcher of literacy. Currently, Ethan is a national presenter and consultant on the science of reading. He is passionate about sharing the gift of literacy with all educators and students.
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TeachIllinois is a 100% online, center for educator professional development. Educators can either self-register, or districts can bulk register their staffs. Upon completion of the material, learners will complete the ISBE Seminar Evaluation Form, after which, the official ISBE Evidence of Completion form will be made available. Many of the e-learning courses are currently free. New content is added every month, and we welcome suggestions for future courses. Our e-learning platform is robust enough that a PD provider (such as a District) could subscribe and create their own ‘channel’.
For questions, please contact Matt Weld, Director of Learning Technology for Area 5: [email protected] FREE - Online Book Studies 100% Asynchronous 2024-25 |
ROE 40 Professional Development
Director of School Improvement ROE #40
Dr. Ryan Wamser - [email protected]
Dr. Ryan Wamser - [email protected]