LCROE is on the Move!
The Lake County Regional Office of Education is excited to announce that we will be moving into a new building in 2026!
This move represents an important milestone in our continued growth and commitment to serving Lake County’s schools, educators, and families. Our new space will allow us to expand services, host more professional learning opportunities, and better support the collaborative work that drives student success across the county. Stay tuned for more details as we prepare to open our new doors and begin this exciting new chapter together!
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Celebrating Lake County’s 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools
We are proud to congratulate three Lake County schools recognized among Illinois’ 2025 Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools:
Sarah Adams Elementary School (Lake Zurich CUSD 95)
St. Anne Catholic School (Barrington)
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart (Lake Forest)
The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools program honors public and nonpublic K–12 schools that demonstrate exceptional academic performance and student achievement. This year, only 28 schools across Illinois received this prestigious distinction.
These schools exemplify the dedication and excellence found throughout Lake County’s educational community. Congratulations to all three for this outstanding achievement!
| | Future Ready AI Leadership Forum | | |
The Lake County ROE was proud to host the first event at our new location, welcoming educators, leaders, and students for the Future Ready AI Leadership Forum. The event explored how innovation, leadership, and technology are shaping the future of learning. A highlight of the day was the student panel, featuring voices from Community High School District 128, Grayslake Community High School District 127, Libertyville School District 70, and Lake Zurich Community School District 95. Special thanks to All4Ed, Thomas C. Murray, and Adam Phyall III, Ed.D. for leading an inspiring day focused on building schools that are truly Future Ready.
| | Supporting Growth at Our New Location | | |
We had a fantastic start at our new location with our Instructional Coaching Workshop, where educators practiced hands-on strategies to support teaching and student growth. Separately, our ROE/ISC ISBE School Finance Workshop provided school leaders with key insights into ISBE resources and finance practices. Both events were a great success, equipping participants with skills and knowledge to make a real impact in their schools and communities.
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LCROE Hosts Annual Parent Mentor Program Showcase
The Lake County Regional Office of Education recently welcomed community leaders, partners, and special guests, including State Representative Joyce Mason and State Senator Adriane Johnson, to its annual Parent Mentor Program Showcase. The event celebrated the program’s impact through inspiring stories from Parent Mentors, Principals, and Teachers, highlighting how it supports students and families. Now in its fourth year, the program continues to thrive thanks to strong community and legislative support.
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Celebrating 35 Years of Service: Sean Collins
Lake County proudly honors Sean Collins, Truancy Officer, for 35 years of dedicated service. Sean’s commitment to supporting students and families has made a lasting impact across our schools. Thank you, Sean, for your outstanding dedication and contributions to Lake County’s youth.
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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.
To read the latest IVSA newsletter, click here.
| | Lake County ROE Services & Contact Information | | At the Lake County Regional Office of Education, we are committed to providing a range of services to support education and community needs. Below is a list of the services we offer. Learn more or book an appointment by clicking the buttons below. | |
Navig8 Lake Inspires Students and Connects Careers
We are thrilled with the incredible turnout for Navig8 Lake 2025! This hands-on career exploration event brought together more than 6,000 students and over 130 local employers from across Lake County for a day of discovery, dialogue, and inspiration.
Hosted by the Lake County Regional Office of Education in partnership with schools, businesses, and community organizations, Navig8 Lake helps students connect their interests with real-world opportunities and envision future careers right here in our community.
We extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors—On Deck, Great Wolf Lodge, D127 Culinary Interns, Fischer Paper, and the Lake County Farm Bureau—as well as to EdSystems, the Lake County Workforce Development Board, SchooLinks, and K&M Printing for their invaluable support throughout the planning process and event.
We’re grateful to all the educators, employers, and volunteers who made this event possible—and to our students, whose curiosity and excitement continue to inspire our work every day.
We can't wait to do it all again next year!
| | Time is running out to register for the 2025–2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee! | | |
Lake County ROE is proud to serve as the official regional partner for this exciting academic competition — but the school enrollment deadline is fast approaching at the end of December.
Don’t miss this chance to give your students the opportunity to shine, strengthen their language skills, and represent your school on the national stage!
Register your school today at spellingbee.com
School champions will advance to the Lake County Regional Bee in Spring 2026, and our regional winner will compete in Washington, D.C., at the National Spelling Bee.
Let’s make sure every Lake County school has a chance to join the excitement — sign up now before the deadline passes!
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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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Supporting Well-Being
The Lake County ROE has partnered with ReferralGPS to help students, staff, and families find local mental health and substance use resources. The service includes a searchable database and Care Navigation for triage, appointment scheduling, and follow-up, complementing existing district supports.
School families may access ReferralGPS in two ways
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Administrator Academy
AA#1414 – Communicating with Staff Regarding Performance Assessments – December 11
This course equips administrators with practical strategies for delivering difficult performance feedback with confidence, respect, and professionalism. Participants will learn to build trust, anticipate challenging behavior, use effective listening and questioning techniques, and create action plans to address performance issues. Strategies for handling staff who resist improvement will also be provided. Presented by Susan Baker. [Register Here]
AA# 4150 Promoting Inclusivity and Equity: Understanding and Combating Antisemitism in Public Schools - January 28th @Stevenson High School
With antisemitism on the rise in the U.S. and worldwide, it’s more important than ever for schools to ensure students feel safe, included, and supported. This academy provides educators a brave space to understand Jewish identity, recognize and respond to antisemitism, and engage in meaningful conversations to foster inclusive learning environments PK-12.
Participants will gain tools to assess personal biases, address antisemitism in schools, and implement equity-based strategies for lasting change. Presenters: Dr. Dean Bell and Dr. Keren Fraiman. [Register Here]
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AI Symposium: Shaping the Future of Learning
Join us on Friday, Dec. 5 (9 AM–1 PM) at 1905 W. Field Court, Lake Forest for the AI Symposium, a free event hosted by LEAP Innovations in partnership with the Lake County ROE.
Discover how local educators and leaders are integrating AI to create equitable, innovative, and student-centered learning. Hear real-world case studies, gain practical insights, and connect with districts leading AI efforts across Lake County and Chicagoland.
Optional Deep Dive Session (1:30–3 PM) to explore AI integration in deeper, student-owned learning.
Featured Speakers:
Dr. Michael Karner • Dr. Danielle Arnold • Lisa Berghoff
Alexa Dunn & Dr. Bryan Zwemke • Dr. Mike Lubelfeld • Dr. Victor Wight • Scott Frauenheim
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The Raising Student Achievement Conference (RSAC) offers educators across Illinois a wonderful professional learning opportunity with excellent keynote speakers and timely, topical breakout sessions that provide attendees with a mix of reflection, inspiration, and practical strategies.
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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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North Central College Offers Degrees, Certificates & Flexible Training for Every Educator
North Central College offers Lake County educators multiple pathways for growth—including leadership degrees, teacher licensure, PD workshops, special education endorsements, tuition discounts, and on-site info visits.
Questions? Email Us!
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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.
PLAN TO ATTEND THIS INSPIRATIONAL DAY!
For more information, email educatorsrising@ieanea.org or call (815)713-4788.
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Starting on January 1, 2026
If you complete an out of state licensure program and apply for your Illinois PEL on or after January 1, 2026, you are required to pass the Illinois content area test effective January 1 , 2026.
Did you know?
If you already hold a PEL with a bilingual endorsement, you can add the world language endorsement for the same language by passing the world language content test for that language. You would not need to complete world language coursework. You would only need to apply for the endorsement in ELIS and pass the appropriate test. Link here
Moving out of State
Illinois no longer completes out of state verification forms, as this information can be verified through the Administrator Portal in ELIS. Link here
Educators must provide the following information to the verifying entity:
1. Your Illinois Educator Identification Number (IEIN)
2. Date of Birth
3. Last Name
Substitute Training
Those who hold a short-term substitute (STS) license are required to complete substitute training. The Lake County ROE offers short term substitute training available online at any time 24/7. Link Here
There is a $25 fee to participate, paid with debit/credit card. A short test is required at the end of the training. You will receive a certificate after successful completion of testing. Maintain this certificate for your records and provide a copy to the hiring district. The training is open to all individuals.
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Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (I/ECMHC) connects a mental health consultant with adults caring for young children in settings like child care, preschool, home visiting, and early intervention. It’s not therapy or behavior modification—consultation helps caregivers support children’s social and emotional development.
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