NCISC Collaboratives
NCISC Collaboratives are where district leaders can share ideas and experiences and ask questions in a safe and supportive space. You'll have the opportunity to become acquainted with other educators in similar roles within our 39 North Cook districts and our special ed cooperatives. Guest speakers will also join meetings to enhance the dialogue and open minds to new ideas and opportunities.
Find the role-specific collaborative that will best support your needs and email the contact for your collaborative to be added to the email group for reminders, agendas and Zoom links:
- Communications Collaborative: Director of Communications Cathy Kedjidjian, APR, ckedjidjian@ncisc.org.
- Buildings & Grounds, Curriculum & Instruction, Student Services, Instructional Coaches and DEIB Collaboratives: NCISC Director of Education & PL, Alina Morelli Baima, amorellibaima@ncisc.org.
- McKinney-Vento Collaborative: McKinney-Vento Liaison Dr. Tom Bookler, tbookler@ncisc.org or 630-386-0883.
PLEASE NOTE for 2025-26 Sessions:
* Indicates IN-PERSON Collaborative. All other Collaboratives are VIRTUAL and held on Zoom.
In-person sessions are held at NCISC, 1001 E. Touhy Ave., Suite 200, Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Buildings & Grounds Collaborative
| WED, October 10 (12:00-1:00) |
| TUES, December 9 (12:00-1:00) |
| MON, February 2 (12:00-1:00) |
| MON, April 20 (12:00-1:00) |
NEW! Communications Collaborative
Whether you are a school communicator by title, or it is one of your "other duties as assigned" -- or if you want to improve your communications with your colleagues and constituents -- this new series is for you! Each session will have time for sharing ideas and networking; some will have relevant presentations with takeaways you can put into practice in your district immediately.
| Date | Time | Format | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/2/2024 | 2-4pm | In person | Mapping and Engaging your Community: Strategic Communication for Impactful Connections |
| 1/14/2025 | 1-3pm | In person |
Community Input: What to Ask & How to Act |
| 4/3/2025 | 2-4pm | In person | Building a Better Newsletter |
| 6/23/2025 | 12-4pm | In person |
Workshop Your 2025-2026 Communications Plan - Lunch Provided |
Curriculum & Instruction Collaborative
| WED, September 3 (1:00-3:00)* |
| TUES, October 14 (8:00-9:00) |
| FRI, November 14 (12:00-1:00) |
| THURS, January 15 (8:00-9:00) |
| WED, February 11 (11:00-12:00) |
| FRI, March 13 (12:00-1:00) |
| FRI, May 15 (12:30-2:30)* |
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) Collaborative
| TUES, September 2 (8:00-10:00)* |
| FRI, November 14 (8:00-10:00)* |
| MON, February 2 (8:00-10:00)* |
| FRI, March 13 (8:00-10:00)* |
| FRI, May 15 (12:30-2:30)* |
Instructional Coaches Collaborative
| TUES, September 2 (12:30-2:30) * |
| TUES October 14 (1:30-2:30) |
| WED, December 9 (8:00-9:00) |
| MON, February 2 (1:30-2:30) |
| MON, April 20 (9:00-10:00) |
| FRI, May 15 (8:00-9:00) |
McKinney-Vento Collaborative
| Date | Time | Format | Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 9, 2025 | 1-2pm | Virtual | |
| March 13, 2025 | 12-2pm | In person | |
| April 10, 2025 | 1-2pm | Virtual | Scenarios |
| May 7, 2025 | 10-11am | Virtual | 18-mos Guidelines |
Student Services Collaborative
| WED, September 3 (9:00-11:00)* |
| TUES, October 14 (9:30-10:30) |
| FRI, November 14 (1:30-2:30) |
| THURS, January 15 (9:30-10:30) |
| WED, February 11 (12:30-1:30) |
| MON, April 20 (10:30-11:30) |
| FRI, May 15 (12:30-2:30)* |