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Browse our session offerings below and find the learning experiences that best match your needs and passions. Whether you're seeking new strategies, deeper connections, or fresh inspiration, there's a place for you here.
"Empowering every educator. Walking further together."
Find Your Sessions - January 2026
Discover professional learning opportunities along the following themes:
Technology Integration
Literacy
Differentiation & Instruction
Paraprofessional Development
Specialist (Fine Arts, Physical Education, World Languages, STEM, CTE)
Technology Integration
Technology Integration
Google: I Bet You Didn't Know
Presenter: Yesenia Nicoson
Date: January 5th, 2026
Time: 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Format: Virtual (Online)
Audience: All Educators
Description: Discover hidden features in Google tools like Docs, Sheets, Classroom, and more. Boost engagement and streamline your workflows with these tech tips.
REGISTER HERE by adding your name to the roster. You will receive communication from your presenters with information including Zoom links if virtual and directions if in person. We look forward to learning with you!
Literacy
Literacy
Literacy in Content Area Classooms
Presenter: Dr. Erika Lukasik
Date: January 5th, 2026
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Format: Virtual (Online)
Audience: All Educators
Description: In this 1.5-hour session, educators will explore strategies from the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan to strengthen literacy across all content areas. Participants will learn practical ways to build vocabulary, scaffold complex texts, and engage students in meaningful reading, writing, and discussion that supports learning in every discipline.
REGISTER HERE by adding your name to the roster. You will receive communication from your presenters with information including Zoom links if virtual and directions if in person. We look forward to learning with you!
Differentiation & Instruction
Differentiation & Instruction
Models of Co-Teaching
Presenter: Dr. Kennedi Stickland-Dixon
Date: January 5th, 2026
Time: 8:30 - 10:30 AM
Format: In Person at West40
Audience: K-5 Classroom Teachers, Co-Teachers
Description: Explore the six models of co-teaching and discover how each can be applied to maximize student learning and teacher collaboration. Participants will analyze real classroom examples, discuss the benefits and challenges of each model, and identify strategies for effective implementation.
REGISTER HERE by adding your name to the roster. You will receive communication from your presenters with information including Zoom links if virtual and directions if in person. We look forward to learning with you!
QFT: The High-Leverage Strategy for Danielson Domain 3
Presenter: Dr. Sonya Spaulding
Date: January 5th, 2026
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Format: In Person at West40
Audience: Teachers, instructional coaches, building leaders across all content areas and grade bands
Description: This 1.5-hour interactive session introduces the Question Formulation Technique (QFT) as a powerful, streamlined way to strengthen key components of Danielson Framework Domain 3: Instruction. Participants will experience the QFT process firsthand and learn how it elevates student engagement, deepens questioning and discussion, promotes higher-level thinking, and supports formative assessment. Applicable in all subjects and all grade levels, QFT equips educators with practical, ready-to-use tools that make it a “silver bullet” for improving instructional practice.
REGISTER HERE by adding your name to the roster. You will receive communication from your presenters with information including Zoom links if virtual and directions if in person. We look forward to learning with you!
Different Path, Same Destination: Differentiation Practices for All Learners
Presenter: Mallory Lawler
Date: January 5th, 2026
Time: 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Format: In Person at West40
Audience: K-5 Classroom Teachers, Interventionists, Co-Teachers
Description: This engaging, hands-on session explores how to design instruction that meets the needs of every learner without lowering rigor. Discover practical strategies to differentiate content, process, and product for Tier 1 and Tier 2 instruction. Through modeling, collaboration, and reflection, participants will refine lessons using a Differentiation Checklist and leave with ready-to-use tools and a clear plan for implementation in their classrooms.
REGISTER HERE by adding your name to the roster. You will receive communication from your presenters with information including Zoom links if virtual and directions if in person. We look forward to learning with you!
Paraprofessional Development
Paraprofessional Development
Paraprofessionals 101 (Newbies)
Presenter: Diane Schoenheider
Date: January 5th, 2026
Time: 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Format: In Person at West40
Audience: Paraprofessionals
Description: A foundational training that blends special education basics with practical tools like active listening, collaboration, and self-care strategies to support student learning and professional growth. Click the links below to add your name to the roster. You will receive communication from your presenters with information including Zoom links if virtual and directions if in person.
REGISTER HERE by adding your name to the roster. You will receive communication from your presenters with information including Zoom links if virtual and directions if in person. We look forward to learning with you!
Specialist (Art, Music, World Languages PE, STEM)
Specialist (Art, Music, World Languages PE, STEM)
Art Teacher Networking Session
Presenter: Dr. Diane Wolf
Date: January 5, 2026
Time: 8:30 - 9:15 AM
Format: Virtual (Online)
Audience: Art Teachers
Description: Specials teachers will collaborate with colleagues to share best practices, discuss curriculum alignment, and exchange creative strategies that enhance student engagement and learning.
REGISTER HERE by adding your name to the roster. You will receive communication from your presenters with information including Zoom links if virtual and directions if in person. We look forward to learning with you!
Music/Chorus Teacher Networking Session
Presenter: Dr. Diane Wolf
Date: January 5, 2026
Time: 9:30 - 10:15 AM
Format: Virtual (Online)
Audience: Music/Chorus Teachers
Description: Specials teachers will collaborate with colleagues to share best practices, discuss curriculum alignment, and exchange creative strategies that enhance student engagement and learning.
REGISTER HERE by adding your name to the roster. You will receive communication from your presenters with information including Zoom links if virtual and directions if in person. We look forward to learning with you!
P.E./Health Teacher Networking Session
Presenter: Dr. Diane Wolf
Date: January 5, 2026
Time: 10:30 - 11:15 AM
Format: Virtual (Online)
Audience: P.E./Health Teachers
Description: Specials teachers will collaborate with colleagues to share best practices, discuss curriculum alignment, and exchange creative strategies that enhance student engagement and learning.
REGISTER HERE by adding your name to the roster. You will receive communication from your presenters with information including Zoom links if virtual and directions if in person. We look forward to learning with you!
World Language Teacher Networking Session
Presenter: Dr. Diane Wolf
Date: January 5, 2026
Time: 11:30 - 12:15 PM
Format: Virtual (Online)
Audience: World Language Teachers
Description: Specials teachers will collaborate with colleagues to share best practices, discuss curriculum alignment, and exchange creative strategies that enhance student engagement and learning.
REGISTER HERE by adding your name to the roster. You will receive communication from your presenters with information including Zoom links if virtual and directions if in person. We look forward to learning with you!
EmpowerED is our commitment to you:
Free, high-impact professional development tailored for your unique role
Format: Sessions are offered in person at West40 or virtually via Zoom. All sessions are free of charge.
Credit: Participants will receive a request for evidence of completion following each session, whether they are seeking Professional Development Hours (PDHs) or Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
We are proud to walk further with you — starting in August and continuing throughout the school year — because when we invest in every educator, we lift every student.
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