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Dear Lake County Community,
It’s my privilege to reflect on a truly special moment in our educational community—our Educator of the Year Celebration, which took place earlier this week. We gathered at Lake County Fairgrounds to honor the outstanding teachers, staff, and all those who dedicate themselves to making a difference in the lives of our students. It was an inspiring evening filled with gratitude and recognition for the tireless work that fuels our schools. Congratulations to all of our honorees, and thank you for your continued commitment to education.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled about new collaborations in Lake County, including our partnership with the Lake County ROE Foundation and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to improve early reading support for our youngest learners.
Thank you to our schools, families, and community partners for their ongoing support as we build a brighter future for all learners in Lake County.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Karner
Regional Superintendent of Schools
Lake County, Illinois
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Celebrating Lake County Educators
On May 7, we celebrated the excellence and dedication of Lake County’s top educators at our annual banquet. Congratulations to all the award recipients and nominees whose impact continues to shape our schools and communities.
2025 Educator of the Year - Bryan Henley, Palombi Middle School, District 41
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Congratulations to all our Educator of the Year winners:
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Classroom Elementary/Childhood Educator - Stacy Storey, Beulah Park Elementary, District 6
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Classroom Diverse Learner Teacher (ELL, SPED) - Megan Swirsley, SEDOL, District 825
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Early Career Educator - Amy Smith, Oakland Elementary, District 34
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School Administrator - Stephanie Meek, Beach Park Middle School, District 3
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Educational Service Personnel - Yahaira Alvarez, Woodview School, District 46
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Classroom Middle School Teacher - Jane Twohig, Lake Bluff Middle School, District 65
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Student Support Personnel - Joe Veronese, Grant Community High School, District 124
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Classroom High School Teacher - Christine Zucker, Lakes Community High School, District 117
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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.
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Welcome to Warren Township High School: Where Excellence, Diversity & Opportunity Meet
Located in a vibrant region of Lake County—from lakeside communities and peaceful horse farms to suburban neighborhoods and major attractions like Gurnee Mills and Six Flags—Warren Township High School (WTHS) serves as a hub for academic achievement and student growth.
Warren proudly educates 3,600 students across two campuses. With over 250 courses, including 27 AP and 34 Honors options and a four-year Project Lead the Way STEM program, students have ample opportunity to challenge themselves and explore their passions. WTHS is also home to 30 athletic teams and 55 clubs and activities, supported by a faculty dedicated to rigor, relationships, and innovation.
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Recent accolades include:
- Recognition by the Illinois State Board of Education’s “Those Who Excel” program
- U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School honor
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A decade-long streak as one of The Washington Post’s Best High Schools in America
- 127 Illinois State Scholars and 27 National Merit honorees
Preparing for the Future Starts Now
Warren’s 2024–25 Career Guide helps students explore postsecondary options from college and trades to the workforce or military. Dual Credit courses (offered in partnership with the College of Lake County) let students earn both high school and college credit at no cost. Check out the WTHS Career Guide or the Postsecondary Planning Guide Flipbook by visiting the website.
Blue Devil Athletics: Expanding the Field
Warren is proud to spotlight Girls Flag Football and Girls Wrestling, empowering programs that are making big strides. New this year: E-Sports, offering students a competitive, team-based digital experience growing rapidly across the country.
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Virtual Learning with IVSA Opens Doors for Students and Districts
Illinois Virtual School & Academy, operated by LCROE, offers reimbursable, flexible, high-quality online learning that helps districts expand options, keep students engaged, and support every path to graduation.
Our courses include:
- AP
- Dual Credit
- CTE opportunities
- World Languages
- Effective Credit Recovery
Broaden learning opportunities, keep students on track, and prepare them for future success with the IVSA’s cost-effective, ISBE-reimbursable model.
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Book Now: Field Trips & Teacher Workshops with Lake County Forest Preserves
Field trip bookings for the 2025–26 school year open July 1! Engage your students in nature and history while meeting Illinois standards. Sign up for hands-on teacher workshops starting July 16 to enrich your classroom with local resources.
Learn More.
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Student Learning: Aviation Program Now Enrolling for Summer 2025
Lake County youth ages 11–19 can now register for the exciting W.I.N.G.S. (Wind’s Innovative Navigators and Goal-Setting Scholars) Introduction to Aviation Program, an immersive 8-week course designed to introduce students to the world of aviation and its many career pathways.
Summer Session: Starts June 16 and meets Mondays & Tuesdays, 2:00–4:00 PM.
🔗 Registration Link
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Apply For the Lake County Teacher Residency Program
The Lake County Teacher Residency is a one-year teacher preparation program for career changers with a bachelor’s degree from all backgrounds. Residents receive a scholarship to obtain a master’s degree from DePaul University and obtain in-classroom experience with guidance from expert coaches and mentors. Graduates of the program make an immediate impact as full-time special education teachers, transforming lives in North Chicago, Round Lake, and Waukegan public schools. To learn more about the residency or start your application, visit their website.
Professional Development Provider Renewal is Due June 30th
Approved providers must complete renewal annually by June 30th. This includes Illinois public school districts. The renewal is completed in PD+. Reminders have been sent out by ISBE. Please complete that renewal today if you have not already done so. Providers that do not renew by June 30th will be removed from the approved list, and educators will not be able to add PD for this provider until renewal has been completed.
Is Your ELIS Account Up To Date? 2025 Renewal Season is OPEN
If you are up for renewal in 2025, the system opened on April 1, 2025. Take the time to review your ELIS account and understand your credentials. Check your contact information, including name, phone, and email so it stays up to date.
Renewal Period: April 1 – August 31, 2025
To renew, log in to your ELIS account. If your current cycle requires Professional Development (PD) or Administrator Academies, these must be completed before renewal.
Did You Know…
If you hold a PEL with a bilingual endorsement, you can qualify for a world language endorsement in the same language by simply passing the specific world language content test. No additional coursework is required! You must apply for the world language endorsement in your ELIS account and wait for an application review (Scores typically post within 30 days).
Need ELIS login help?
Contact ISBE directly at 217-782-4321. Stay on the line through all messages to reach a live person. Note: The ROE cannot reset passwords or update emails.
Helpful Resources
Short-Term Substitute License
Don’t have a bachelor’s degree but want to substitute teach?
If you’ve completed 60 college credits from a regionally accredited college/university, you may qualify for a Short-Term Substitute (STS) License.
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May 12 – NCC Master of Arts in Teaching Virtual Workshop
May 12th at 11:30 AM CST, hosted by Jenny Jeschke. The Master of Arts in Teaching program and North Central College provides a pathway to Illinois teacher licensure for those who did not receive an undergraduate degree in teaching. Registration is required here, ahead of time.
May 19 – NIU Literacy Education Endorsement Virtual Meeting
May 19th at 5:00-5:30 PM CST.
RSVP to the virtual event is required here.
May 19 & June 30 – NLU Accelerated ESL or LBS 1 Endorsement Pathway Courses
100% remote and there are two opportunities to start: May 19th and June 30th. To learn more about the accelerated program, contact Laura Beaupre at lbeaupre@nl.edu.
June 18 – NLU Unlock the Power of AI in PK-12 Education Virtual Workshops
Beginning on June 18th. Participants earn an AI Badge at the completion of the series! Weekly Zoom sessions are at 9:30-10:30 AM CST for eight consecutive weeks. RSVP here.
February 27-28, 2026– Save the Date for Illinois Teacher Leadership Summit 2026!
The summit will be held February 27-28th, 2026, at the Holiday Inn in Normal, IL. Registration has begun and you can get an early bird special rate here.
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