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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 - October 2025
Discover professional learning opportunities along the following themes:
AI & Technology Integration
Coaching & Leadership
Literacy & Mathematics
Paraprofessional Development
Specialist (Fine Arts, Physical Education, World Languages, STEM, CTE)
AI & Technology Integration
AI & Technology Integration
Using AI to Boost Creativity, Movement, and Expression
Presenter: Eric Santos of LTC
Date: October 31, 2025
Time: 12:00–1:30 PM
Format: Virtual (Online)
Audience: All Educators
Description: Hands-on exploration of AI tools to enhance expression, language development, and movement-based learning. Walk away with creative and practical applications for your classroom.
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!
Coaching & Leadership
Coaching & Leadership
Building Teacher Leader Capacity: Protocols and Strategies for Effective Team Facilitation
Presenter: Anna Mae Grams-Pullappally
Date: October 10, 2025
Time: 8:30–11:30 AM
Format: In Person at West40
Audience: Coaches, Teacher Leaders, Mentors, Administrators
Description: Develop your facilitation skills to lead strong, collaborative, and results-oriented teams. Leave with tools for setting group norms, planning agendas, and leading meaningful team conversations.
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 & Mathematics
Literacy & Mathematics
Literacy in Content Area Classooms
Presenter: Dr. Erika Lukasik
Dates and Times below: (not a series; session repeats)
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. 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.
October 10, 2025 from 8:30 - 10:00 AM - REGISTER HERE
October 10, 2025 from 1:00 - 2:30 PM - REGISTER HERE
Math Specialist & Interventionists Working Group
Presenter: Annie Forest
Dates and Times below: (not a series; session repeats)
Format: Virtual (Online)
Audience: Math Specialists and Math Interventionists
Description: As a math specialist or interventionist, you might be the only one in your role at your school. This session will be an opportunity to collaborate with others in similar roles. We will also explore ways to support students based on the research of Rachel Lambert and her book, Rethinking Disability and Mathematics. 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.
October 10, 2025 from 1:00 - 2:30 PM - REGISTER HERE
October 31, 2025 from 8:30 - 10:00 AM - REGISTER HERE
Paraprofessional Development
Paraprofessional Development
Paraprofessionals 101 (Newbies)
Presenter: Demian LaPointe
Dates and Times below: (not a series; session repeats)
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.
October 10, 2025 from 8:30 - 11:30 AM - REGISTER HERE
October 31, 2025 from 12:00 - 3:00 PM - REGISTER HERE
From Proactive to In-the-Moment: Strategies for Supporting Students with Confidence
Presenter: Holly McCarthy
Dates and Times below: (not a series; session repeats)
Format: In Person at West40
Audience: Veteran Paraprofessionals
Description: Working in special education takes heart, patience, and practical tools. This engaging workshop for paraprofessionals focuses on how to stay proactive, relational, and resilient when supporting students. Participants will learn how to create predictable environments, understand behavior as communication, and apply simple strategies to respond effectively in challenging moments. By blending neuroscience, compassion, and hands-on techniques, this training equips paraprofessionals with the confidence and clarity to support students and themselves when times get tough.
October 10, 2025 from 8:30 - 11:30 AM - REGISTER HERE
October 31, 2025 from 8:30 - 11:30 AM - REGISTER HERE
Specialist (Art, Music, World Languages PE, STEM)
Specialist (Art, Music, World Languages PE, STEM)
Trauma-Informed Classroom Practices for Specials Teachers
Presenter: Demian LaPointe
Date: October 10, 2025
Time: 1:00–2:30 PM
Format: In Person at West40
Audience: Specials Teachers
Description: Specials teachers often encounter students carrying social and emotional challenges but may not receive the same training as core content teachers. This session introduces trauma-informed practices tailored for art, music, PE, and other specials classrooms, helping educators create supportive environments that foster safety, connection, and learning for all students.
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!
“What About Us?” Elevating Assessment in Specialist Classrooms
Presenter: Dr. Diane Wolf
Date: October 10, 2025 from 8:30 - 10:00 AM
Format: Virtual (Online)
Audience: Specialist Educators (Arts, PE, World Languages, CTE, etc.)
Description: This session empowers specialist educators to articulate the impact of their instruction and assessments. Learn how to advocate for your content, align your work with school goals, and elevate your voice in professional learning and school improvement planning.
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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