March 2026

Dear Lake County Community,

As we begin to see the first signs of spring, there is a renewed sense of energy and optimism across Lake County. The longer days ahead remind us that a well-deserved Spring Break at the end of March is just around the corner - an opportunity for students and educators to rest, recharge, and return refreshed for the final stretch of the school year.

The past month has been an incredibly busy and rewarding one for the Lake County Regional Office of Education. We were proud to bring together more than 3,200 educators for our countywide Institute Day, host important conversations at the School Safety Conference, and connect aspiring educators with districts across the county at the Lake County Educator Job Fair. From professional learning to student opportunities, it has been inspiring to see our educational community come together in so many meaningful ways.

These are just a few of the many events and initiatives taking place across Lake County. Be sure to visit our social media channels to see more highlights and to stay connected. Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to education in Lake County. We look forward to a productive and successful spring season together.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Karner

Regional Superintendent of Schools

Lake County, Illinois

As we transition into our new ROE building, we want to ensure our partners and community members know where to go for services. Our Vernon Hills (West) office will remain open for all front-facing services, including Safe School, Educator Licensure, Fingerprinting, Bus Driver Training, GED, and Work Permits, until further notice. The Lake Forest (East) location will primarily be used for Professional Development at this time. Unless your event or appointment specifically lists Lake Forest, all services will take place at the Vernon Hills location.

Congratulations to our Lake County Educators!

2026 Those Who Excel Awards

Earlier this month, the Illinois State Board of Education recognized the 2026 Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year honorees, celebrating educators who exemplify outstanding leadership, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to student success.

We are proud to recognize the Lake County educators named among this distinguished group. Your impact in classrooms and throughout our communities continues to make a meaningful difference.

Kelly Smith - Award of Excellence - Adlai E. Stevenson HSD 125

Jessica Stavros - Award of Excellence - Adlai E. Stevenson HSD 125

Amie Levad - Award of Special Recognition - Antioch CCSD 34

Katherine Cranmer - Award of Excellence - Beach Park CCSD 3

Bob Gold - Award of Special Recognition - Big Hollow SD 38

Dr. Esmeralda Mora - Award of Meritorious Service - Carmel Catholic High School

Nicole Lynch - Award of Excellence - Diamond Lake SD 76

Stacey Begg - Award of Excellence - Fremont SD 79

Lucas Deutsch - Award of Excellence - Fremont SD 79

Liza Shapin - Award of Special Recognition - Grayslake CHSD 127

Rebecca Grazier - Far North Suburbs Regional Teacher of the Year - Gurnee SD 56

Yianet Garcia - Award of Meritorious Service - Hawthorn CCSD 73

Jenna Garcia - Award of Meritorious Service - Hawthorn CCSD 73

Sarah Greenwood - Award of Special Recognition - Hawthorn CCSD 73

Kathleen VanDerMeulen - Award of Excellence - Hawthorn CCSD 73

Jennifer Porreca - Award of Excellence - Lake County Tech Campus

Julie Adelman - Award of Meritorious Service - Lake Zurich CUSD 95

Robin Dillon - Award of Excellence - Lake Zurich CUSD 95

Jennifer Kallaus - Award of Special Recognition - Lake Zurich CUSD 95

Elisabeth Meyer - Award of Meritorious Service - Lake Zurich CUSD 95

Elisabeth Smith - Award of Meritorious Service - Lake Zurich CUSD 95

Lorely Rodriguez - Award of Meritorious Service - LEARN John and Kathy

Schreiber Charter School

Laura Williams - Award of Meritorious Service - Libertyville SD 70

Lauren Bianchini - Award of Excellence - North Shore SD 112

Madalyn Bogart - Award of Special Recognition - North Shore SD 112

Emma Homer - Award of Special Recognition - North Shore SD 112

Matthew Earl - Award of Meritorious Service - Prairie Crossing Charter School

Bernadette Lundeen - Award of Meritorious Service - Prairie Crossing Charter School

Pam Wynne - Award of Meritorious Service - St. Giles School

Tiffany Schiff - Award of Meritorious Service - St. Joseph Catholic School

Nelson Campos - Award of Meritorious Service - Waukegan CUSD 60

Lake County Institute Day welcomed more than 3,200 educators from across the region for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. Educators gathered to connect with colleagues, gain new insights, and strengthen their impact in classrooms and schools throughout Lake County. Thank you to our incredible presenters, partners, and participants who made the day such a meaningful and powerful experience for all.

The Lake County ROE proudly hosted the 5th Annual Lake County School Safety Conference, bringing together educators, law enforcement, and school safety professionals from across the region to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and threat assessment practices.

The conference featured expert presenters and federal partners who led important discussions and a case study focused on targeted school violence and opportunities for early intervention. We were also grateful for the strong presence and support of local leadership throughout the day, reinforcing the shared commitment to keeping schools safe.



Media coverage highlighted the importance of this work, with

ABC7 I-Team on site filming during the conference. Stay tuned for a special segment airing in early April.

Dolly Parton Imagination Library provides FREE books to Lake County residents (birth to 5) 

All Lake County families can now enroll in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, thanks to the Lake County Regional Office of Education Foundation (LCROEF). This cherished program delivers free, high-quality books each month to children from birth to age five, regardless of income.

Enroll a child here.

The Lake County Educator of the Year Awards celebrate the extraordinary educators who make a lasting difference in the lives of students every day. Now in its fifth year, this annual event honors outstanding teachers, administrators, and support staff whose dedication, leadership, and passion strengthen schools and communities across Lake County.

Presented by the LCROE Foundation, the Educator of the Year Banquet brings together educators, families, and community partners to recognize excellence in education and reflect on the collective impact of those who go above and beyond to support student success. School districts are encouraged to participate by submitting nominations by March 20th, 2026. Visit our website for details.

DITCHED Con is looking for educators, leaders, instructional coaches, and innovators to lead engaging sessions that push thinking and elevate practice. Whether you're sharing impactful classroom strategies, leadership insights, innovative uses of technology, instructional coaching practices, or creative approaches to student engagement, we want to hear from you.

Submit your proposal and join a community committed to doing education differently. Click here to submit your proposal to present

Take Your Teaching to the Next Level..

Learn about National Board Certification! Discover how National Board Certification can elevate your teaching practice, enhance student outcomes and advance your career. Join the upcoming Zoom information meeting to learn more (March 10th & 19th).

Administrator Academy

AA #4025 AI in Action: A Leader's Guide to Implementation - April 23, 2026 9 am - 12 pm (In-Person @ Vernon Hills Office) [Register Here]

AA #2001 - Illinois Performance Evaluation - Teacher Evaluation Training - April 27-28, 2026 8 am - 3:30 pm (Zoom) [Register Here]

AA #1448 Teacher Evaluator Competency Skill Building for Pre-Qualified Teacher Evaluators - April 29, 2026 8:30 am - 3:30 pm (Zoom)

[Register Here]

SAVE THE DATE

Educators Rising Annual Conference

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Don't miss the opportunity to plan for your future as an educator while networking with leaders in education and fellow high school students from across the state! Middle/High School Students and their current educators can receive professional development from engaging experts. Attend the Future Educator Resource fair to visit with educational institutions from across Illinois. Take advantage of optional activities such as skills-attainment competitions and campus tours.

For more information, email educatorsrising@ieanea.org or call (815)713-4788.

Save the Date

Whitney M. Young Jr. Awards Breakfast

Friday, April 24, 2026 | 7:30–9:00 a.m.

Chevy Chase Country Club, Wheeling

Join Scouting America Northeast Illinois Council for this annual breakfast honoring individuals and organizations making a difference in the lives of youth. Proceeds support the Discover Scouts Outreach Program, serving more than 300 youth in Waukegan and Zion at no cost to families.

Nominations are now open for the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award.

Deadline: February 15, 2026

Questions? Contact Rebecca Minsley at rebecca.minsley@scouting.org

or 847-527-9634.

IMPORTANT TO REGISTER LICENSE

As a reminder to the districts and educators, a license is not valid for working in the schools until it has been registered to 34 Lake ROE. If an educator fails to register a license, it will lapse. They are not eligible for teaching on a lapsed license.

RENEWAL SEASON

The 2026 renewal season opens on April 1 st . Those working in an Illinois public school must complete professional development (PD) requirements before you can renew. If working as an administrator, you must also complete the required administrator academies before you can renew your PEL. Renewal will close on

August 31st . If you hold a PEL but are working as substitute or paraprofessional, no PD is required for these assignments.

WORLD LANGUAGE ENDORSEMENT

Did you know if you already hold a bilingual endorsement, you can add the world language endorsement for the same language by passing the world language content test for that language. https://www.il.nesinc.com/

No additional coursework would be needed. Please note: the world language test is separate from the language proficiency test. Once you have passed the world language test, you will apply for the endorsement in your ELIS account and wait for the review.

SHORT-TERM EMERGENCY APPROVAL FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

To help with the shortage of special education teachers, a short-term emergency approval for special education is available to those who qualify. This approval, once issued, would allow an individual who has met

the approval requirements to begin teaching special education while they continue to complete the remainder of the requirements for the LBS1 endorsement. The coursework required for this approval must already be

completed and listed on an official transcript. It cannot be issued with intentions to complete the approval requirements. See approval requirements HERE

BILINGUAL EDUCATION

To serve as a bilingual education teacher, an individual must meet one of the following requirements:

• Hold a Professional Educator License for the grade level to be taught, plus a bilingual endorsement. If teaching a subject area in middle grades or high school, they must also hold the subject area endorsement.
• Hold an Educator License with Stipulations endorsed for Transitional Bilingual Educator (TBE) specific to the language of instruction.
• Hold an Educator License with Stipulations endorsed for Visiting International Educator at the grade level of the students served.

LIBRARY INFORMATION SPECIALIST

To provide library and audio-visual services to students as library information specialists, an individual must hold a Professional Educator License valid for the grade levels of students to be served and meet one of the

below requirements:

• Hold an endorsement for library information specialist, media, or library science.
• If licensed prior to July 1, 2004, they have completed 16 semester hours of coursework in the content area.
• Hold a short-term approval for library information specialist.

READING TEACHER ENDORSEMENT VERSES THE READING SPECIALIST ENDORSEMENT

While both can teach reading, a reading teacher endorsement is only valid for teaching reading to students, while a reading specialist endorsement is valid for diagnosing reading difficulties, and providing technical assistance or professional development to other teachers.

KEEP YOUR ELIS ACCOUNT UPDATED

If you were married or divorced, or if your email or mailing address has changed, it is very important to update your ELIS account to keep it current. Please submit the 73-71 form https://bit.ly/Form73-71

The Lake County Health Department is excited to announce Operation Dropbox, a donation drive dedicated to supporting local veterans and their families. Organizations, churches, libraries, and businesses are invited to participate as drop site locations for this important initiative. Organizations in Lake County interested in hosting a donation box can sign up.