JUNE 24, 2026

In This Issue

  • Phil Morris receives lifetime achievement award
  • What the ROE has been up to this summer
  • Professional learning workshops and on-demand courses
  • Learn more about passkeys with Tuesday Tech Tip
  • Looking for classroom inspiration for next school year? Browse our Branching Out playlist



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Congratulations, Phil!

Director of Operations and Technology Phil Morris recently received the Illinois Educational Technology Leaders CTO Lifetime Achievement Award!

This honor is a testament to Phil's leadership and dedication to transforming learning through educational technology. For three decades, Phil has inspired innovation and empowered educators and students alike, making a lasting difference in Kane County and across Illinois. His legacy of excellence will continue to impact our schools and communities for years to come.

"You cannot overstate the impact Phil has had on how our region utilizes technology. He built a digital foundation here that will serve Kane County students and educators for years to come. I am thrilled to see him receive this level of statewide recognition just as he prepares to transition into his next chapter in California. We will certainly miss having him down the hall every day, but he has assured us he's only a phone call away. This lifetime achievement award is the perfect exclamation point on a stellar career."



– John K. Jonak, Regional Superintendent

Please join us in celebrating Phil on this well-deserved recognition!

What the ROE has been up to this summer (so far)

Tech Bash 2026

Technology professionals from across the region gathered for a full day of networking and collaboration. With AI in the spotlight, attendees took on a "District AI Challenge," brainstorming ways to bring next-generation tools back to their districts to automate workflows and streamline operations.

I Love U Guys training

Nearly 100 school staff and emergency response team members joined us for our Reunification Training, built on the I Love U Guys Foundation framework. Participants practiced proven methods for safely reuniting students with their families after a crisis.

Plus, a full slate of workshops & academies

We recently held our Administrators' Academy focusing on the responsibilities of school and district leaders when working with McKinney-Vento eligible children. 


Administrators spent the day covering circumstances that categorize homelessness in students, understanding staff responsibilities, and reviewing available resources and best practices to ensure every child has access to a quality education.

Educators and school leaders came together for a two-day workshop, grounded in the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) framework.


Participants explored the philosophy and research behind restorative approaches, leaving with concrete tools, a shared language, and a plan to build more accountable, inclusive, and connected school communities.

Last week, Assistant Regional Superintendent Katie Algrim led an Administrators' Academy in District 300, where administrators were equipped with the skills to effectively evaluate student growth as part of teacher performance evaluations.


Participants explored strategies for addressing implicit bias, differentiating for equity, and coaching teachers more deeply.

Interested in attending? This academy is being offered again on July 29.

A sincere thank you to all presenters, staff, and attendees who made these events a success!

Upcoming online professional learning opportunities

AA#2001 | Illinois Performance Evaluation - Initial Teacher Evaluator Training

This two-day academy is designed for individuals who are seeking initial training qualification for teacher evaluation. Participants must attend both days for credit.

Date: July 14 and July 15

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location: Online

PD Hours: 13 | Cost: $400

Registration closes July 7

AA#1801 | Gathering Evidence During Observations and Conferencing Using the Danielson Model for Teacher Evaluators: Professional Practice

This Administrators' Academy provides participants with practical strategies to accurately identify observation evidence, rate performance domains, and apply proven protocols to lead collaborative, impactful staff conferences.

Date: July 14

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Location: Online

PD Hours: 6 | Cost: $175

Registration closes July 7

Tuesday Tech Tip, "How to Set Up Passkeys"

Stay connected with Tuesday Tech Tip

Passkeys are changing the way we log in, offering a seamless, secure alternative to traditional passwords. Watch the latest Tuesday Tech Tip for a walkthrough from Phil on what passkeys are and how to set one up for yourself!

Branching Out may be on summer break, but the learning doesn't stop! Explore our full playlist below to find 201 bite-sized episodes of practical strategies from our Professional Learning team. Whether you're refreshing your approach or seeing new ideas, there's something for every educator looking to "branch out" in their classroom!

LOOKING FOR MORE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING?

Build School Communities: Brain Smart Classroom Management (Online, $200)


Short-Term Substitute Teaching License PD (Online, $25)


Have a question? Want to connect?

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