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As we begin to see glimpses of the much anticipated spring season, we are also in the midst of Public Schools Week 2025. Kane County is home to 161 public schools that serve over 108,000 students and employ over 9,600 educators. We continue to salute the institution of public education and the role you play in challenging and nurturing the minds of students!
Being educators, we are forever developing our own minds and skillsets. To that end, we are eager to share a day of learning and networking with many of you this Friday at the 2025 Kane County Institute Day. We will welcome over 1,000 expected guests at the Q Center in St. Charles, the Arts Ed Institute in Burlington, and various remote sites across the region.
From engagement strategies to school culture, AI to computer science, our presenters are ready to connect with you on some of the most pertinent topics that educators encounter today!
| Patricia Dal Santo, Regional Superintendent | |
Kane County districts celebrate Black History Month | |
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Throughout February, we have seen wonderful examples of our schools paying homage to generations of African Americans that have encountered and overcome adversity to make invaluable contributions to our history.
While teachers weaved activities and historical readings into their lesson plans, others found ways to engage their communities. Some staff members were recognized by their respective city councils, took part in themed literacy nights, and contributed to community panels. We commend all who played a role in sharing vital aspects of our nation's history, holding challenging yet progressive discussions, and further familiarizing our students with civil rights leaders this month.
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Students embrace platform of Youth Voices Forum | |
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Earlier this month, the Kane County System of Care, including the ROE and Kane County Health Department, collaborated to host the sixth Youth Voices Forum on Mental Health. Nearly 100 students, school counselors, youth outreach workers, others gathered at Elgin Community College for a day of student-led discussions.
Student facilitators spoke to us about their feelings on the event, the challenges they face each day, and what school and county staff can do to support them. You can hear their thoughts in the video above.
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The Kane County Juvenile Justice Center is hiring a School Program Principal to begin July 1, 2025.
The ROE manages the education program at the Juvenile Justice Center, and this position ensures that all students residing there have access to consistent, high-quality education. The role also works with other leadership staff at the center to oversee a safe and equitable learning environment.
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Local school food opportunity | |
Has your building applied for Local Food for Schools funding through the state's Farm to Child Nutrition Program?
The Illinois State Board of Education has announced the first round of funds will be extnded through Jan. 31, 2026. If your school did not sign up for LFS funding, but are interested, please contact localfoods@isbe.net for assistance.
Schools already participating that have used all LFS funds may also request additional funds. Click below to learn more about that process and to learn more about the Farm to Child Nutrition Program.
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If there is a Kane County educator who you believe shines in what they do, be sure to nominate them for the Kane County Educator of the Year Awards before the curtain closes!
Important upcoming dates include:
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FRIDAY, MARCH 7
Nominations due
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MONDAY, MARCH 24
Banquet tickets available at district offices
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FRIDAY, MAY 2
49th Kane County
Educator of the Year Banquet
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Coming off a record number of nominees in 2024, this year's banquet will be cinema themed as we pay homage to the hard work and dedication of educational staff from across the county.
Click below to find our nomination form, guidelines, and judging rubric as well as a step-by-step video guide to the nomination process. If you have any questions, please contact Angie Knorr at aknorr@kaneroe.org.
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Some of the highest-trending topics in professional development for 2025 include:
- mental health and educator self-care
- SEL integration
- AI-enhanced learning technologies
- digital citizenship and cybersecurity
- evidence-based research instruction
- ELL training and ELD strategies
- assessment and evaluation strategies
You can engage with each of these topics through microlearning activities via P.L.A.Y (Professional Learning and You). Every 15 minutes you spend completing your chosen activities can equal .25 PD hours.
Take control of your professional learning by engaging with the content that matters to you, on your schedule. Click below to find resources to help you get started.
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Advancements in camera technology on mobile devices mean that almost anyone can create high quality work with just your phone. Portrait and Cinematic Modes are just a couple ways to produce high-quality images. However, there are a few easy tricks for editing and sharing that can help you pass along the best-looking images. | |
In the latest Tuesday Tech Tip, Phil Morris guides you through a few methods that can go a long way for what you capture through your lens. Looking for previous tips? Click here to browse the full playlist. | |
All Administrator Academies and Evaluator Trainings through the Kane County ROE are scheduled out through September 2025. Click to see dates and pricing. | | |
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The Illinois Online Academy has also expanded its catalog of fully online courses.
These are examples of offerings that can be completed online within 60 days.
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English Language Learner: Linguistics
PD Credit: 45
Cost: $200
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Harassment, Bullying & Cyber-Intimidation in Schools
PD Credit: 30
Cost: $200
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See our full list of courses and asynchronous academies here.
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Check out the latest episodes of our weekly classroom strategy series, Branching Out, for quick tips from our Professional Learning team! | |
Students can create "living pictures" with this strategy from Jordan Eggleson. By acting out what they learn through poses and expressions rather than words, your students can think differently and work together to understand the concepts of most lessons! | |
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Katie Algrim walks through a discussion strategy that places students into groups to exchange ideas, take on specific roles in that group structure, and be able to refine and provide feedback.
Implementing this can help them articulate their thoughts and enhance their critical thinking and listening skills!
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New episodes of Branching Out are released every Thursday across our social media platforms and our website. You can also browse our full catalog below. With over 100 episodes and counting, there's a video for every educator looking to branch out! | | | | |
