August 2026

Dear Lake County Community,

I hope you had the opportunity to enjoy some time this summer—whether that meant relaxing, spending time with family and friends, traveling, or simply taking a well-deserved break.

As a new school year begins, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of our educators, school staff, and families across Lake County. The start of the school year is always a time of optimism—a chance to reconnect, embrace new opportunities, and look ahead to all that can be accomplished together.

Every successful school year is built on strong partnerships between schools and families. Your support, dedication, and commitment create the foundation for students to learn, grow, and thrive, and we are grateful for everything you do.

At the Lake County Regional Office of Education, we look forward to continuing our work alongside our districts and communities by providing resources, professional learning, and programs that support both educators and students throughout the year.



Thank you for all you do to inspire, encourage, and support the young people of Lake County. I wish you and your families a wonderful start to the school year and continued success in the months ahead.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Karner

Regional Superintendent of Schools

Lake County, Illinois

Catch Up with Our Mid-Year Magazine

Our Mid-Year Magazine is filled with stories celebrating the people, programs, and partnerships making a difference in Lake County education. If you haven't had a chance to read it yet, now's the perfect time!

IVSA Course Catalog

IVSA offers over 400 courses in our Fall Program. Do you need Consumer Economics, Health, PE, World Languages or an Elective? What about taking Photography, Geometry, Digital Media, Forensics, or get credit for working this fall with our Workplace Experience course.

IVSA COURSE CATALOG

Did you know that IVSA added 86 NEW PARTNER SCHOOLS since August 2025. We are GLAD you chose to join the IVSA FAMILY!



Whiteside Middle School - Belleville

Central Middle School - Burlington

Central High School - Burlington

Nettle Creek Elementary - Morris

Lorenzo R Smith Elementary - Hopkins Park

Pawnee High School - Pawnee

Looking for a rewarding career in education? Explore current job opportunities across Lake County schools and districts. From teaching and support staff positions to administrative roles, there are many ways to make a difference in the lives of students. View available openings and learn more through the Lake County education job board.



Administrator Academy

AA #2001 - Illinois Performance Evaluation - Teacher Evaluation Training September 15 & 16 {Register}

Professional Development

Coaches Network 2026/2027

Lake County ROE - Lake Forest Office

Meeting Dates: September 8, 2026; November 10, 2026; January 12, 2027; March 9, 2027 {Register}

InPower: A Transformational Experience for Women, by Women with Women (Level 1) Lake County ROE - Lake Forest Campus

Session Dates: September 25, 2026; November 13, 2026; February 5, 2027; and April 9, 2027 {Register}

Registration Is Open

Registration for the 2026 Raising Student Achievement Conference (RSAC) is officially open! Join hundreds of Illinois educators at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center on December 7–8 for two full days of professional learning.

Use code EARLYBIRD! for $50 off.

Register: https://rsac2026.sched.com/

2026 License Renewal Season Ends August 31

The 2026 license renewal season will close on August 31, 2026.

If your Illinois educator license is due for renewal this year, be sure to complete all renewal requirements and submit your renewal through your ELIS account before August 31. We strongly recommend renewing well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

Please note that any license not renewed by August 31 will lapse on September 1, 2026. Educators may not work in Illinois public schools with a license that is lapsed or not properly registered.

ISBE Application Review Timeline

If you are applying for a license, endorsement, or approval, please plan ahead. The current Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) review timeline for applications, official transcripts, and supporting documents is approximately 30–60 business days.

To help speed up the process, have your official transcripts sent directly to our office at: Licensure@lake.k12.il.us Our office can enter transcripts into your ELIS account more quickly before your application is reviewed by ISBE.

Internationally Educated Educators Workshop – August 22

Join us on Saturday, August 22 from 10-12pm for our Internationally Educated Professionals Licensure Workshop.

This free workshop is designed for internationally educated professionals interested in becoming licensed educators in Illinois. Topics include:

• Illinois licensure pathways
• Foreign credential evaluations
• Reciprocity
• Testing requirements
• Live Q&A with licensure specialists

School district representatives are also welcome to attend.

Please share this opportunity with educators and anyone interested in pursuing a teaching career in Illinois.

Registration Links: English / Spanish