Whether in the classroom or onsite at the Zoo, we hope that you and your students will enjoy these new learning resources available on the Brookfield Zoo Chicago website.

Best wishes for a wonderful start to the new school year!

-Patricia Steinmeyer, Manager, Professional Learning & K-12 Academics, Brookfield Zoo Chicago

https://form.jotform.com/242415388030148

• September 5th | 5-6 p.m. M.Ed. & Ed.S. in Educational Leadership - Register here

• September 12th | 4-5 p.m. High Needs Endorsements - Register here

• September 19th | 5-6 p.m. High Needs Endorsements - Register here

With questions, contact Laura Beaupre: lbeaupre@nl.edu 

In this brief info session on GoToWebinar, I’ll be sharing info about our:

• Master of Education in Educational Leadership (principal prep) program

• Director of Special Education and Learning Behavior Specialist endorsement courses

• Trauma Informed Practices Certificate/degree program

• Character Education certificate program (45 hrs. of professional development earned)

In this brief info session on Zoom, we'll be sharing info about our:

• Master of Education in Educational Leadership (principal prep) program

• Director of Special Education and Learning Behavior Specialist endorsement courses

• Trauma Informed Practices Certificate/degree program

• Character Education certificate program (45 hrs. of professional development earned)

  
  

• All who register will be sent a recording of the info session in a follow up email.

Register:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/v6td_5qTR4K-kyViN9RHag#/registration



National Board Certification

ELEVATE EDUCATORS.

STRENGTHEN YOUR SCHOOL.

Registration is open until capacity is reached. All school personnel and students should register individually. This year school personnel will use a separate registration link than students.

School Personnel Registration Form

Student Registration Form

It is very important for each student to complete their own registration form so they can select their individual sessions.  *If you don't plan to stay for the final session from 1:25 - 2:00pm, please tell your students not to choose a session for that time. 
School personnel will receive periodic student registration lists for your school.

Students can review the conference sessions prior to registration. At the time of registration, school personnel will have an option to sign up for a campus tour.

The event will run from 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., with check-in beginning at 8:30 a.m., and will include complimentary lunch.

If you have any questions, please email the College of Education at ksappel@ilstu.edu.

Kelli Appel

Director of Recruitment, Retention, and Student Services

College of Education

Illinois State University

Registration is open until capacity is reached. All school personnel and students should register individually. This year school personnel will use a separate registration link than students.

School Personnel Registration Form

Student Registration Form

It is very important for each student to complete their own registration form so they can select their individual sessions.  *If you don't plan to stay for the final session from 1:25 - 2:00pm, please tell your students not to choose a session for that time. 
School personnel will receive periodic student registration lists for your school.

Students can review the conference sessions prior to registration. At the time of registration, school personnel will have an option to sign up for a campus tour.

The event will run from 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., with check-in beginning at 8:30 a.m., and will include complimentary lunch.

If you have any questions, please email the College of Education at ksappel@ilstu.edu.

Kelli Appel

Director of Recruitment, Retention, and Student Services

College of Education

Illinois State University

Highlighted offerings:

• AA3828: Leading Positive School Culture: Prioritizing Self-Care, Staff Wellness, and Compassion Resilience
  November 14, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Maywood
  This course focuses on how administrators can intentionally cultivate a school culture that prioritizes wellness—for staff, for students, and for themselves. Participants will leave with practical strategies for building resilience, modeling balance, and sustaining a positive climate.

• AA4202: ACE Instructional Leadership in the Age of AI: Advancing Observations, Evaluations, and Feedback
  Multiple dates available | Virtual
  This innovative session explores how AI is reshaping instructional leadership and equips administrators with practical strategies for using technology to enhance observation and evaluation practices.

From equity leadership to school culture and future-focused instructional practice, West40’s Administrative Academy offerings are designed to meet today’s leadership demands while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.

This year’s summit brings together an outstanding lineup of experts and practitioners committed to addressing the most urgent issues in suicide prevention. Featured sessions include:

• Morning Keynote: Social Drivers of Suicide Risk with Dr. Inger Burnett-Zeigler, Chief Behavioral Health Officer, Illinois Department of Human Services

• Afternoon Breakout Session: Every Student Seen: Suicide Prevention Through School Connection with Demian LaPointe, Professional Learning Specialist, West40

• Afternoon Breakout Session: Postvention is Prevention: Grief-Informed Care and Compassionate Community Response After Suicide Loss with Michelle Halm, LPC, FT

From exploring structural and social determinants of risk to strengthening school connections and building compassionate community responses, the summit will provide practical strategies and inspiration for all who attend.

We encourage you to check out the program and share the information widely with your networks. Even if you are unable to attend, helping us spread the word makes a difference.

What: Incorporating the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan into your Early Childhood Classroom

Where: 415 W. Lexington St., Maywood, IL 60153 

When: Friday, October 17th, 12-3pm

REGISTRATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 1

What: An exciting concert for children with an emphasis on growing literacy at home followed by an art activity for children. Each family goes home with a FREE copy of Jim Gill's book.

Where: Gym, West40 Lexington (Enter through Door 7N)

When: Saturday, October 18th, 9-11am

REGISTRATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 1

10:00am-1:00pm

@West40 Gym

415 Lexington St. Maywood IL, 60153