Workshops

Instructional Routines to Help Develop Decoding Skills in Young Readers

This engaging workshop will share practical and research-based instructional routines to support young readers in developing decoding skills. All routines will come from the book, Reading Above the Fray: Reliable, Research-Based Routines for Developing Decoding Skills by Julia B. Lindsey. 

Participants will explore routines that strengthen print concepts, alphabet knowledge, sound-spelling knowledge, and the use of chunking, syllabication, and morphology to support efficient decoding. The session will emphasize explicit instruction and provide classroom-ready strategies that help students become more accurate, confident, and fluent readers. Whether you are looking to strengthen core instruction or provide targeted support, you will leave with practical routines that can be implemented immediately. 

We have a limited number of the book, Reading Above the Fray: Reliable, Research-Based Routines for Developing Decoding Skills, to distribute to participants of this workshop. Please note that these books MUST be picked up in either Quincy or Jacksonville. We are unable to mail books. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

Registration closes on September 15, 2026, or when the participant cap is reached.

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Short-Term Substitute Training

The Regional Office of Education is offering FREE three-hour trainings required for short-term substitute teacher certification. 

Prospective substitute teachers must have an Associate’s degree OR have completed 60 or more semester hours of college coursework.

You must complete this training before you can apply. You will be able to substitute in all public school grades, from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. A short-term substitute license is valid until June 30, 2028.

Although not required for regular substitute teachers, the training is also open and available to those educators.

Registration closes on September 18, 2026. 

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Onward (Elena Aguilar) Book Study

Join us for a year-long book study of Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators by Elena Aguilar, a powerful resource designed to help educators build emotional resilience, strengthen well-being, and sustain their passion for teaching and leadership. Through monthly readings, guided reflections, and opportunities for discussion, participants will explore practical strategies for managing stress, cultivating mindfulness, fostering positive relationships, and maintaining hope in challenging times. This book study provides a supportive learning community where educators can reflect on their experiences, connect with colleagues, and develop habits that promote both personal wellness and professional effectiveness. Whether you are a classroom teacher, administrator, counselor, or support staff member, Onward offers valuable insights and tools to help you thrive while continuing to support the success and well-being of those you serve.

DETAILS on participation and PDHs:

The study will run from September 2026 through May 2027. Onward is designed to be read and reflected upon one chapter each month. Therefore, the corresponding Teachable coursework will be released monthly on the first business day of each month. 

Participants who complete all course requirements will receive 12 Professional Development Hours in May upon completion of the study.

In addition, four Zoom sessions will be offered throughout the year. Each Zoom session is worth 1 PDH, for a possible total of 4 additional PDHs. Credit for Zoom participation will be awarded at the conclusion of each session.

Total PDHs available: 16 (12 course PDHs + 4 Zoom PDHs).

Zooms will be from 3:45-4:45 and held on:

10-1-2026

11-5-2026

1-7-2027

2-4-2027 

 You must purchase the book Onward/Workbook is optional 

https://www.amazon.com/Onward-Cultivating-Emotional-Resilience-Educators/dp/1119364892

You will be entered into Teachable within 48 business hours of registering!

Registration ends on September 28.

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Introduction to the Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan

Join us as we explore the Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan. Together, we will review the major components of the plan, discuss key takeaways from each section, and practice some of the featured instructional strategies. See how small changes in practice can lead to significant improvements in students’ numeracy skills.

Registration closes on October 6, 2026, or when the participant cap is reached.

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Short-Term Substitute Training

The Regional Office of Education is offering FREE three-hour trainings required for short-term substitute teacher certification. 

Prospective substitute teachers must have an Associate’s degree OR have completed 60 or more semester hours of college coursework.

You must complete this training before you can apply. You will be able to substitute in all public school grades, from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. A short-term substitute license is valid until June 30, 2028.

Although not required for regular substitute teachers, the training is also open and available to those educators.

Registration closes on October 23, 2026. 

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This is Disciplinary Literacy: Ideas to Increase Domain-Specific Literacy Opportunities in YOUR Classroom

Join us to learn practical and research-based instructional routines to increase domain-specific reading and writing in your content area. This workshop will be grounded in the work of ReLeah Lent, the author of This is Disciplinary Literacy: Reading, Writing, Thinking, and Doing… Content Area by Content Area.

We will explore how each subject area uses reading and writing as tools for thinking and learning. Whether you teach math, science, social studies, ELA, or another content area, you’ll learn how to help students engage in the authentic habits of YOUR content area.

Registration closes on November 9, 2026, or when the participant cap is reached.

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Short-Term Substitute Training

The Regional Office of Education is offering FREE three-hour trainings required for short-term substitute teacher certification. 

Prospective substitute teachers must have an Associate’s degree OR have completed 60 or more semester hours of college coursework.

You must complete this training before you can apply. You will be able to substitute in all public school grades, from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. A short-term substitute license is valid until June 30, 2028.

Although not required for regular substitute teachers, the training is also open and available to those educators.

Registration closes on December 11, 2026.

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Concrete, Representational, Abstract: Building Understanding One Step at a Time

Join us for an introduction to the Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) framework and learn how it supports mathematical understanding. We will explore how CRA helps students progress from hands-on learning to visual models and abstract thinking. Through examples across multiple content standards, we’ll highlight how CRA supports the Standards for Mathematical Practice and aligns with the Illinois Comprehensive Numeracy Plan. Leave with practical ideas to strengthen meaningful mathematics instruction in your classroom.

Registration closes on January 19, 2027, or when the participant cap is reached. 

To receive PD hours, you MUST enter your IEIN number correctly when you REGISTER.

If you are not an educator and do not have an IEIN number, you MUST enter 0 in that space. Do not enter any other number. Thank you!

Register for Workshop >>

Short-Term Substitute Training

The Regional Office of Education is offering FREE three-hour trainings required for short-term substitute teacher certification. 

Prospective substitute teachers must have an Associate’s degree OR have completed 60 or more semester hours of college coursework.

You must complete this training before you can apply. You will be able to substitute in all public school grades, from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. A short-term substitute license is valid until June 30, 2028.

Although not required for regular substitute teachers, the training is also open and available to those educators.

Registration closes on January 21, 2027.

Register for Workshop >>

Short-Term Substitute Training

The Regional Office of Education is offering FREE three-hour trainings required for short-term substitute teacher certification. 

Prospective substitute teachers must have an Associate’s degree OR have completed 60 or more semester hours of college coursework.

You must complete this training before you can apply. You will be able to substitute in all public school grades, from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. A short-term substitute license is valid until June 30, 2028.

Although not required for regular substitute teachers, the training is also open and available to those educators.

Registration closes on February 19, 2027.

Register for Workshop >>

Short-Term Substitute Training

The Regional Office of Education is offering FREE three-hour trainings required for short-term substitute teacher certification. 

Prospective substitute teachers must have an Associate’s degree OR have completed 60 or more semester hours of college coursework.

You must complete this training, and then you will be ready to apply. You will be able to substitute in all grades of public schools, pre-kindergarten through grade 12. A short-term substitute license is valid until June 30, 2028.

Although not required for regular substitute teachers, the training is also open and available to those educators.

Registration closes on March 23, 2027.

Register for Workshop >>

Short-Term Substitute Training

The Regional Office of Education is offering FREE three-hour trainings required for short-term substitute teacher certification. 

Prospective substitute teachers must have an Associate’s degree OR have completed 60 or more semester hours of college coursework.

You must complete this training before you can apply. You will be able to substitute in all public school grades, from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. A short-term substitute license is valid until June 30, 2028.

Although not required for regular substitute teachers, the training is also open and available to those educators.

Registration closes on April 16, 2027.

Register for Workshop >>

Short-Term Substitute Training

The Regional Office of Education is offering FREE three-hour trainings required for short-term substitute teacher certification. 

Prospective substitute teachers must have an Associate’s degree OR have completed 60 or more semester hours of college coursework.

You must complete this training before you can apply. You will be able to substitute in all public school grades, from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. A short-term substitute license is valid until June 30, 2028.

Although not required for regular substitute teachers, the training is also open and available to those educators.

Registration closes on May 21, 2027.

Register for Workshop >>