PL Events & Registration

3/30/2026-3/31/2026

This two-day face-to-face academy is for educators who are seeking initial training qualification or retraining to be legally qualified to conduct evaluations of principals and assistant principals

The academy provides instruction on implementing a continuous school leader growth model using the School Leader Evaluation Plan, which is based on the School Leader Paradigm developed by the School Leader Collaborative, a group of 14 state principal associations from across the country. The plain is aligned to the Illinois Performance Standards for School Leaders and meets the requirements of 23 Illinois Administrative Code 50 Subpart D: Performance Evaluations Plans: Principals and Assistant Principals.

4/8/26 

This professional learning session introduces the research-based CHAMPS/Discipline in the Secondary Classroom model to help educators design and implement proactive, positive, and instructional classroom management plans. Participants learn to structure and organize classroom settings and routines to reduce misbehavior before it occurs, clearly teach and communicate behavioral expectations, and use effective supervision, observation, and positive interactions to increase student engagement and motivation. The training emphasizes building a positive classroom culture where students understand how to behave successfully in all activities and transitions, and educators correct behavior calmly, consistently, and efficiently to support learning and relationships.

This conference comes at a reduced cost thanks to the Cook County Department of Public Health's Building Better Communities Grant.

4/9/26

This session focuses on practical, classroom-tested strategies from William R. Jenson's The Tough Kid Series to help educators effectively motivate and manage even the most challenging students. Participants explore causes of “tough kid” behavior—such as noncompliance, arguing, aggression, and lack of motivation—and learn how to assess these behaviors and implement proactive, evidence-based strategies to support positive change. Training covers easy-to-use tools like Mystery Motivators, Precision Requests, behavioral momentum, reinforcer systems, behavior contracts, and data collection procedures to minimize disruptions and maximize learning for all students.

This conference comes at a reduced cost thanks to the Cook County Department of Public Health's Building Better Communities Grant.

4/10/26

This session provides school and district leaders with background, strategies, and tools to implement a multi-tiered approach to improving student attendance and reducing chronic absenteeism. Grounded in the Safe & Civil Schools emphasis on proactive and positive support systems, the guide helps administrators dispel myths about attendance being beyond educators' control, analyze attendance data, build effective school teams, and create initiatives that generate enthusiasm and support from students, staff, families, and the community. Participants learn how to replace punitive responses with research-informed universal supports and targeted interventions that foster a sustainable culture of attendance essential for student success.

This session comes at a reduced cost thanks to the Cook County Department of Public Health's Building Better Communities Grant.

4/15/2026

This is the one required Student Growth retraining course for teacher and administrator evaluators who are renewing their designations required to evaluate educators. NOTE: Participants will have to complete their A/D component and sent their completed E-Template, if used, to the presenter during the Academy for review and comment.

4/17/26

School districts across the state are capitalizing on the benefits of formalizing teacher leadership to improve instruction and student achievement. In this session you will explore why teacher leaders are important, the benefits they bring to their schools, and how teacher leaders can be utilized to improve student learning. You will also explore leadership characteristics and skills that successful teacher leaders must possess and how to create an environment that supports shared leadership. Time will be spent identifying strengths and growth opportunities in your own building, as well as developing an action plan for implementation of a strong teacher leadership culture in your school.

4/20/26

In this data-rich session, teachers will experience Analyzing and Interpreting Data from the perspective of K–12 students. Participants will work with multiple forms of data, identify patterns, construct visual representations, and make evidence-based interpretations to explain phenomena. By engaging in the practice as learners, teachers will better understand the developmental progression of data skills and what scaffolds help students make meaning from information. Educators will leave with data routines, graphic organizers, and ready-to-use tools that support student success in data sensemaking.

4/23/26'

This workshop will draw on leadership lessons from the popular show Ted Lasso. While many of the lessons come from quotes and experiences, it does not focus on the need to have viewed the program. The facilitator will use these lessons to show how visibility, vulnerability, and belief in the power of an organization can yield high results in achievement, climate, and culture.

4/24/26

This session is designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of special education leaders by deepening their understanding and intentional use of emotional intelligence (EI). Through a self-reflective and interactive learning experience, participants will explore the neuroscience and research base behind emotional intelligence and its critical connection to social-emotional well-being for both leaders and the systems they serve.

4/27/26 - 4/28/26

Participants will learn how to demonstrate a high rate of inter-rater reliability using the required performance evaluation ratings; observe instruction competently in multiple subject areas; communicate evaluation outcomes in constructive and supportive ways; and use data from the evaluation rubric, other evidence collected, and best practices relative to evaluating professional practice and student growth.

4/29/2026-4/30/2026

The academy provides instruction on implementing a continuous school leader growth model using the School Leader Evaluation Plan, which is based on the School Leader Paradigm developed by the School Leader Collaborative, a group of 14 state principal associations from across the country. The plain is aligned to the Illinois Performance Standards for School Leaders and meets the requirements of 23 Illinois Administrative Code 50 Subpart D: Performance Evaluations Plans: Principals and Assistant Principals.