September 30, 2026

Congratulations to the top 10 winning photographers for weeks 1 & 2 of our 2026 Student Photography Contest!

Week 1 - Monochrome

Week 2 - Portrait

The ROE Link: Kane County Student Photography Contest

Regional Superintendent John K. Jonak talks with West Aurora School District 129 photography teacher Caitlin Hazelton and one of her students, Nate, about their experience with the Kane County Student Photography Contest and how it works inside an actual classroom.

If you are a Kane County high school teacher—whether from public, private, or homeschool settings—you can still register for the photo contest!

Visit our website to view all of the photos & to learn more about the Kane County Student Photography Contest.

Giving Tuesday for the JJC

October 6 is Giving Tuesday at Town House Books & Cafe.

20% of every purchase will be donated to the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center.

Grab a book, enjoy a treat, and help support a great cause! 

Date: October 6

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: Town House Books & Cafe

(105 N 2nd Ave., St. Charles, IL 60174)

Upcoming Professional Learning opportunities

Using the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG) for Behavioral Threat Assessment in School Settings

This full-day training provides school administrators, counselors, psychologists, social workers, school resource officers, and other members of a district's multidisciplinary threat assessment team with an in-depth understanding of CSTAG and practical skills for implementing an effective, evidence-based threat assessment process.

Date: October 26

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Location: East Aurora District 131 Administrative Center (310 Seminary Avenue, Aurora, IL 60505)

PD Hours: 7 | Cost: $75

Be sure to register before

October 19

AA#1555 | Practical Guidance on Section 504: Developing a Defensible Plan

With this academy, participants will understand and identify the legal mandates under Section 504; identify the differences between Section 504 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004; and outline the proper procedures to follow in the development of a Section 504 Plan.

Date: October 28

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: Online

PD Hours: 4.5 | Cost: $175



Be sure to register before

October 21

Retiring with Confidence: A Comprehensive Toolkit for Educators

Are you an educator with plans on retiring in the next two years? Our upcoming series of FREE workshops will help you prepare to leave the daily rhythm of the school ecosystem.



Whether you are seeking more information in areas such as benefits, program options, or financial considerations, each session is designed to provide strategies to help you navigate this new chapter in your life.

Attend all or select the session that's right for your needs! Click on a date below to learn more and register for that workshop.

October 8

Redefining Purpose Beyond the Classroom - Be sure to register before October 1

January 21

Teachers' Retirement System (TRS)

March 18

Navigating Healthcare & Teacher Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP)



April 22

Financial Wellness & Post-Retirement Work Rules in Kane County

Each Workshop:

Time: 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Location: 28 N 1st St., Geneva, IL 60134

PD Hour: 1 | Cost: Free

TRS benefit information meeting

Interested in learning more about the Teachers' Retirement System? Join the upcoming information meeting to learn more about about:

• TRS basics
• Retirement benefits
• Disability & death benefits
• TRS timeline
• Health insurance
• TRS supplemental savings plan

Date: October 7

Time: 4:30 p.m.

Location: School District U-46 Welcome Center, Room C100

(1019 E. Chicago St., Elgin, IL 60120)

No registration needed!

Financial support for National Board Certification

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is accepting applications for the fiscal year 2027 National Board Component Subsidy through Oct. 1. ISBE assumed responsibility for the Illinois National Board Teaching Excellence Program in July.

Eligible Illinois educators pursuing or maintaining National Board Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards may receive financial support through the component subsidy to help cover certification costs. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to availability. Please share this information with teachers and school counselors who may be interested in pursuing National Board Certification.



Visit ISBE’s National Board Component Subsidies webpage for more information and email NationalBoard@isbe.net with any questions.

We need your expertise!

Education professionals are invited to submit a proposal to present at the Kane County-wide Institute Day or the Arts Ed Institute on Friday, February 26! We're on the lookout for dynamic breakout sessions that provide valuable learning experiences for educators in various roles, grade levels, and content areas.

The deadline for proposals is Monday, November 2, 2026

Our primary site will be the Q Center in St. Charles, where hundreds of educators will engage in a day of professional learning and networking.

The goal of each breakout session is to equip attendees with new ideas and strategies that can be used to enhance their instruction and student engagement.

As part of Kane County Institute Day, this event, which will be held at Central High School in Burlington, is dedicated to visual arts, media, theatre, drama, and more.

We invite fine arts educators who are interested in sharing their expertise with colleagues to submit a presentation proposal.

Join us this "bee" season!

Ready to keep your students on the edge of their seats? Faye Licari reveals three ways to build anticipation in your lessons.

Jenny Clark shares a versatile game you can try with your students that combines movement, friendly competition, and a touch of magic.

ON-DEMAND ACADEMY

ON-DEMAND COURSE

Have a question? Want to connect?

hello@kaneroe.org l kaneroe.org