Arrive for the day with enough time to grab a light breakfast, grab your swag bag, choose your seat, and signin prior to 8:30am. Signin is digital, ensure you bring a device that can scan a QR code in order to complete the sign in process.
A teacher, coach, principal, banker and powerful speaker, Kent Stock is also the man who coached the Norway baseball team during their now-famous final season. As depicted in the 2007 film, “The Final Season,” the nationally recognized Norway baseball team came together under head coach Kent Stock to defy the odds and win Norway’s 20th state title in what would become the team’s final season before being forced to merge with a bigger, neighboring school district. This experience and the motivation he used to guide Norway, has given him the insight to develop leaders in organizations across the country. Speaking about how to live your life on a daily basis, Kent’s story is a testimony to the power of following your dreams.
Many doors in Kent’s life have been closed, but it has always been the next door that leads to something greater. Kent is a firm believer in taking risks. He is a natural leader who strives to constantly excel and inspire others to do the same. His magical story will captivate and motivate audiences to think about, “How They Want To Be Remembered!"
In this session, we will explore the power of goal-setting through the "20 X 2030" method — a practical and inspiring approach to identifying and achieving your most meaningful personal and professional aspirations by the year 2030. You’ll be guided in crafting a list of 20 things you want to accomplish in the next five years, whether they’re related to career, relationships, personal growth, or lifestyle.
This session will provide tips and tricks on developing student intervention plans while waiting for an official BIP to be developed. The session will be based around how to do a student listening session, gather data from the session and then what to do with it.
McDanel has been a kindergarten teacher for 21 years. She has a special education and elementary education license. Her and her husband have 5 children, 3 of which have been adopted through foster care. It was through their needs and our inadequacies that McDanel and her husband found... Read More →
Who holds the key to ensuring our students reach their fullest potential? YOU are the key! This presentation aims to provide educators of all levels with an understanding of what trauma really means, how it may present within our students, its effects on the brain, and how this knowledge can shift our mindsets as educators in supporting our students. The goal is to equip educators with tools to foster supportive, safe, connected and empathetic learning environments that nurture the social, emotional, and academic development of all students, especially those affected by trauma. It takes just one genuine connection to change the trajectory of someone's life.
School Counselor, Dorothy Simon Elementary: Winnebago School District
Sarah Nauman, MSEd, LCPC, PEL is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and an ISCA 2024 School Counselor of the Year Honoree that has spent over a decade in the field of counseling including roles within clinical and mental health counseling and school counseling. She is currently... Read More →
In a classroom setting, brain breaks are brief, structured pauses that incorporate physical movement, mindfulness exercises, or sensory activities. These breaks can be done individually, such as deep breathing, or as a group activity, like playing Simon Says. In this session, participants will plan and create brain break opportunities suitable for their students and classrooms.
In this session, we will explore the power of goal-setting through the "20 X 2030" method — a practical and inspiring approach to identifying and achieving your most meaningful personal and professional aspirations by the year 2030. You’ll be guided in crafting a list of 20 things you want to accomplish in the next five years, whether they’re related to career, relationships, personal growth, or lifestyle.
Presenters: Sam Buss (Special Education Coordinator for Ogle County Educational Cooperative) and Lynn Kalnins (Principal of Chana Education Center - Therapeutic Alternative School)
Young children learn best through play, making games a powerful tool for teaching emotional regulation. In this engaging session, participants will explore how to use interactive and developmentally appropriate games to help children recognize, express, and manage their emotions. From fostering self-awareness to building coping skills, attendees will learn practical strategies for incorporating play into everyday routines to support social-emotional growth. The session will feature hands-on activities, examples of games, and tips for adapting them to diverse needs, empowering educators and caregivers to nurture emotional resilience in a fun and meaningful way.
Lynn is currently the Assistant Principal at Chana Education Center, with a lengthy background in Special Education, Instructional Design and Practice, and Curriculum. CEC houses two programs: a K-age 22 therapeutic public day program for students with significant special education... Read More →
This session will discuss the decline of students ability to communicate effectively with each other and explore ways to build communication in ways that engage all students.
McDanel has been a kindergarten teacher for 21 years. She has a special education and elementary education license. Her and her husband have 5 children, 3 of which have been adopted through foster care. It was through their needs and our inadequacies that McDanel and her husband found... Read More →
Discover how Whole Brain Teaching’s Super Improver strategy transforms classroom culture by celebrating student growth every day. This simple, powerful system motivates learners by recognizing their individual progress, no matter where they start. In this session, you’ll explore how to implement Super Improver seamlessly into any lesson, fostering a growth mindset and increasing student engagement. Walk away with practical strategies to help every student see themselves as a learner on a path to success!
With over two decades immersed in education, spanning the teaching of 3rd through 8th graders, Sarah Meador has gathered a breadth of knowledge and experience. Her focus on science education, engagement strategies, and technology integration has led her to achieve the honor of becoming... Read More →
In this session, we will delve into the intersection of mindfulness and effective teaching, focusing on strategies to create a balanced, supportive, and thriving classroom environment. Participants will explore classroom strategies grounded in mindfulness principles and how to apply them to manage stress, enhance student engagement, and build positive relationships. We will cover key techniques for regulating emotions in both staff and students, utilizing the CASEL 3 Signature Practices framework. Additionally, we’ll examine five practical strategies for fostering positive relationships and discuss mindful approaches to crisis intervention. Attendees will leave with a toolkit of evidence-based strategies to promote emotional well-being, conflict resolution, and a positive classroom culture for all.
Professional Learning Coordinator, Kane County Regional Office of Education
My name is Jordan Eggleson, and I am the professional learning coordinator at the Kane County Regional Office of Education. I earned my Bachelor’s of Elementary Education degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago with a middle school math endorsement. I earned a Master’s... Read More →
In this session, we will explore the power of goal-setting through the "20 X 2030" method — a practical and inspiring approach to identifying and achieving your most meaningful personal and professional aspirations by the year 2030. You’ll be guided in crafting a list of 20 things you want to accomplish in the next five years, whether they’re related to career, relationships, personal growth, or lifestyle.
Educators are facing the highest levels of stress and burnout in decades, often being forced to address and prioritize the health and well-being of others over their own. Stressed-out educators are less productive, struggle with absenteeism, and have a much higher risk for illness and major medical problems. In this session, learn about the negative impacts of stress on the body from a recovering stress-a-holic and Sudden Cardiac Arrest survivor who was quite literally stressed to death at the age of 28 while working as a school administrator. Hear Heather’s story of survival, learn about the negative impacts of stress on the body, strategies for managing and coping with the many pressures facing educators, and strategies for moving from stressed and overwhelmed to healthy and successful. This presentation is for anyone and everyone!
Principal, Winnebago CUSD 323/Dorothy Simon Elementary School
On February 1st, 2018, Heather died on the floor at work after suffering from Sudden Cardiac Arrest at the age of 28.Working long hours each day trying to make a name for herself in the world of education, Heather never knew that you could literally become stressed to death.Since... Read More →
Presenters: Samantha Buss, LCSW, CADC Special Education Coordinator
Trisha Bailey, EdD, NCSP, BCBA School Psychologist
In this session, participants will explore practical strategies and tailored approaches to support social-emotional learning (SEL) for students with low-incidence disabilities. Through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and real-world examples, attendees will learn how to adapt SEL frameworks to meet the unique needs of these learners. The session will highlight the importance of building emotional awareness, fostering communication, and promoting self-regulation skills while addressing challenges and leveraging strengths. Participants will leave with actionable tools and resources to create inclusive and supportive environments that empower all students to thrive socially and emotionally.
Special Education Coordinator/School Social Worker, OCEC/Chana
Samantha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, currently working as a Special Education Coordinator at Ogle County Educational Cooperative, with a lengthy background in Special Education, Social-Emotional Learning, and Trauma-Informed Practices. OCEC provides specialized services... Read More →
In this interactive session, we’ll focus on the importance of educator well-being and explore practical strategies to enhance personal and professional wellness. Participants will begin by completing a well-being assessment to identify areas of strength and growth. Next, we’ll discuss evidence-based strategies that can be implemented immediately to reduce stress, build resilience, and foster a healthy work-life balance. The session will conclude with a reflective activity where attendees will set actionable goals and create a personalized action plan to support their ongoing well-being. Join us to prioritize you, because when educators thrive, so do students!
Professional Learning Coordinator, Kane County Regional Office of Education
My name is Jordan Eggleson, and I am the professional learning coordinator at the Kane County Regional Office of Education. I earned my Bachelor’s of Elementary Education degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago with a middle school math endorsement. I earned a Master’s... Read More →
This, as well as the grad class session on Tuesday and Wednesday, are required for anyone looking to obtain graduate credit.
At this first meeting, we will discuss the two grad credit options (1 or 2 credit hours), as well as the requirements for each. Registration and payment through LIndenwood is not required until after this meeting.
