SEL Project Purpose
Our purpose is to increase principal effectiveness in areas that lead to increases in student achievement.
The project goals include developing effective principals in public and private schools located in rural, suburban, or urban settings that:
- increase principal time spent on instruction improvements
- improve instructional quality by engaging teachers in an on-going change process
- positively impact student learning, particularly with high-need students
Three Major Project Components of the Grant
Cycles of Inquiry
The process of identifying and strategizing solutions for problems that affect student learning.
Leadership Framework
Develop the structures (school improvement teams, district leadership teams, etc.) to bring educators together.
Time Utilization Process
Creating time in the school day to support student achievement.
Project Coaches
Kate (McGruder) Mallory, M. S. Ed.
Serving ROE 26 And ROE 33
Kate Mallory has worked in the early childhood field both in research and in practice for over 20 years in west central Illinois. Kate received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and her Master of Science degree in Education from Western Illinois University with an emphasis on trauma-informed educational practices. She is currently the grant director and parent educator of the family support program called Early Beginnings through the Regional Office of Education 26. They provide child development and parenting education through an intensive home visiting program for diverse families expecting and with children birth to age three. Kate is also a professional development consultant through the Regional Office of Education 26 and 33 Professional Development Consortium. She has provided training to those in social services, the medical field, higher education and school districts. Kate’s years of conducting research, service delivery and passion to support families from diverse backgrounds fuels her enthusiasm to provide training with an emphasis on family engagement, cultural competency, safe and supportive learning environments, trauma-informed educational practices, vicarious trauma, Neurosequential Model in Education and youth mental health first aid.
Michelle M. Coconate
Serving ROE 48
As a 31-year veteran in education, Michelle has served in a variety of positions, including 15 years as a classroom teacher in both primary and middle school settings. After that, she moved to district level positions focused on student support through Academic and Social Emotional Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Michelle also served as a Special Education Administrator before joining ROE 48 in Peoria three years ago. Michelle's experience includes specific focus on PBIS, individualized student support planning and Trauma-Informed Practices. She is excited and looking forward to supporting Area 3 with professional learning through the SEL Hub.
Jessica Donaldson, LMFT
Serving ROE 33
Jessica Donaldson brings over 14 years of experience in community and school mental health to her role as the Director of Behavioral Health with ROE 33. She actively supports educator and student wellness by bridging the gap between behavioral health and education through training, support, and developing programs including School-Based Mental Health Therapy, School Crisis Response Teams and 21st Century Community Learning Centers. Jessica is a Certified Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional and Mental Health First Aid Instructor. She specializes in providing professional development on Social Emotional Learning, Trauma-Informed Practices, and Mindfulness.
Leslie Hansen Vigor
Serving ROE 1
Leslie Vigor has been an educator for 22 years. She currently serves as the Climate and Culture/Social Emotional Learning Coach for Illinois HUB3, and ROE #1. She provides area school staff with professional development, training, and coaching, on Social Emotional Learning and Trauma Education. She is trained to implement movement and mindfulness for children and families through Rainbow Kids Yoga. She has also completed LUME for educators, and for leaders, with The Knowledge Center at Chaddock. She has experience teaching fifth grade, kindergarten, and has spent the past 5 years developing and coordinating a Transitional Kindergarten Program in Quincy, IL. Leslie has experience with family support, community engagement, and local resource connections. Her recent work includes bridging the gap between school and home for at-risk families in the area, which she hopes to continue in her new role.
