HOPE is a strategy! In this session, I will share my story and help you become more self aware to build self efficacy. My system of self efficacy includes.... H - Habits O - Optimistic Outlook P - Passion, Purpose, and Perseverance E - Excellence Leading with HOPE requires action so that you can reach your full potential and help others do the same!

During this session, attendees will hear first-hand from instructional coaches that work directly with new hires. This group of coaches will share their journey of how the program started from its inception to where they are now. Participants will learn about the importance of supporting the growth and development of new educators and how it contributes to teacher retention, satisfaction, and improved student outcomes.

Just as with students, the first few days with new hires can make all the difference! Come learn how Freeport SD 145 shifted the focus of their New Teacher Academy from superficial support to meaningful professional growth. We'll delve into strategies for ongoing professional learning, emphasizing the importance of substantive mentorship throughout. Participants will gain insights, practical tools, and a renewed commitment to nurturing new educators to ensure they not only survive but thrive in their crucial early years. It's time to move beyond the fluff and cultivate lasting impact.

Join Dr. Wood and her mentee, Krist Bass, as they share their collaborative journaling experience. Discover the transformative power of collaborative journaling in mentorship. This session delves into the dynamic practice of reflective journaling between mentors and mentees. Explore how this process fosters self-reflection, goal-setting, and professional development. Uncover its role in nurturing a supportive mentorship environment, promoting effective communication, and enhancing pedagogical practices. Join us to learn how collaborative journaling can cultivate a reflective mindset, foster growth, and help strengthen mentor-mentee relationships at your school.

This professional development session offers administrators a comprehensive workshop on co-teaching approaches, empowering educators to recreate inclusive learning environments. Participants will explore six models of co-teaching including: parallel teaching, station teaching, alternative teaching, team teaching, one teach, one support and one teach, one observe. Through engaging activities, administrators will gain the knowledge and skills needed to guide and support teachers towards implementing these approaches to help maximize student engagement and create an inclusive environment.

This session will highlight multiple initiatives one university is implementing to recruit, support, provide training, and retain teachers in Rural Communities. The presenters will share ideas on what has worked, what needs changed, and what the plans are moving forward to continuing growing and sustaining problem-solving efforts around the teacher shortage. Presenters will share ideas and experiences from real-life cohort development while also asking participants of their own experiences and ideas, as well as, how we can move forward as a field in rural education for teacher preparation or other areas of higher education.

Presenter Bill Curtin has provided personalized leadership coaching to more than 100 teacher leaders in dozens of districts across Illinois. Drawing on that experience, he'll share lessons about how schools can better support teachers as they develop leadership skills and what teachers can do to sharpen their skills.

Join the team from Paxton-Buckley-Loda Navigators to learn about their program designed to support, empower, and celebrate individuals by providing opportunities to establish and refine professional practices, providing experiences and opportunities to both novice and veteran teachers to empower growth and ensuring a sense of belonging through peer partnerships celebrating all individuals.

As we continue to face the national special and general education teacher shortage and retention there is a need to look at our practices for onboarding and developing teachers. Given our makeup of smaller school districts, our special education teachers do not have a natural peer group within their district. An onboarding program was developed to address the need for a special education teacher network, a culture of best practices, and continued support throughout a teacher’s first year and beyond. In this session we will share the development of the program.

Mentor Mondays, a component of a comprehensive mentoring and induction program at Woodland District 50, leverages experienced teachers’ shared leadership to provide “just in time” professional development for new staff. Regular monthly sessions accelerate the effectiveness of new teachers targeting topics that build a culture of commitment, equity and research-based practices. This interactive session will offer participants time to collaborate and walk away with a framework for implementation, strategies to overcome obstacles and resources for monthly topics. The framework will consider the professional development needs of new classroom teachers and certified support staff.

In this session participants will learn skills and strategies related to implementing relational practices to strengthen the culture of their classroom and beyond! Implementing relational practices can be used to proactively shift classroom management which ultimately creates a thriving environment for fun, effective teaching and learning to take place. Come learn all about differentiated ways to implement relational practices within elementary education from a trauma informed/restorative justice approach! You will leave this session eager to implement relational practices within your classroom along with the resources to support you in doing so!

Join us for an empowering session dedicated to breaking barriers and empowering women in leadership roles as they navigate the complex terrain of breaking the glass ceiling. This session is meticulously crafted to address the multifaceted challenges that women encounter, including bias, burnout, and imposter syndrome. Dr. Nakia Hall is committed to providing a dynamic and interactive experience, fostering a sense of community and empowerment among attendees. In just 50 minutes, gain invaluable insights and tools to overcome common challenges. Bring your open heart, your communicative voice, and your contact information to exchange with your new found allies in leadership!

Professional Learning Communities (PLC) are essential to all educators. Educators can learn from each other while enhancing their craft. In addition, both mentors and mentees can share knowledge, strategies, and resources with each other. PLCs are also informal collaborations that foster support and encouragement for educators. In this session, participants will discuss the qualities of an effective mentor, describe the components of a professional learning community, and discover strategies implemented during a New Teacher PLC that was facilitated by the presenter.

Dive into the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with our tailored induction and mentoring programs for new teachers! This dynamic session is designed to equip administrators and leaders with the tools and strategies to integrate AI into education effectively. Explore how AI can enhance teaching practices, personalize learning experiences, and support new teachers in navigating the digital landscape. Get ready to lead with innovation and empower educators to thrive in AI!