While the climate, culture, and well-being of a school is the responsibility of everyone in the building, the administration is responsible for the implementation and facilitation of the work. This administrator academy focuses on introducing the Collective Well-being Framework and the associated assessment and toolkit. Participants will learn the 5 Essentials of the framework and be guided through assessing their own school, analyzing the data, and determining next steps so they can leave with a professional learning experience tailored to the specific needs of their school community.
This training is relevant for administrators and school teams looking to implement a collective well-being action plan for their district.
Current Area 5 SEL Coach. Former Director of Online Learning & Technology, K-8 Tech Coach, JH asst. Principal, and 7th grade science and ELA teacher. Always Dad and husband, RYT-200, Google Trainer, IL Master Gardener, bibliophile, outdoorsman, DIY-er and artist.
On February 1st, 2018, Heather died on the floor at school 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 her near-death experience, one that less than 9% of people survive, Heather has learned about the negative impact of stress on the brain, heart, and body, and the importance of keeping your stress levels in check.
Using humor, her personal experience, and data, Heather passionately educates others about heart health and how important it isto learn to manage stress before you too, are stressed to death.
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 →
Tuesday April 8, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Redbird B
For too many young people, their daily lives are impacted by overwhelmingly stressful circumstances, like grief, loss, significant poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, and community violence. Mixing theory and practice, the Center for Healing and Justice through Sport provides youth development professionals with a general understanding of brain development, the impact of adversity on the brain, body, and behavior, and how sport, movement, and play can support healing and positive youth development. This session includes actionable strategies for using evidence-based regulatory activities, building relationships, creating trust and psychological safety, managing challenging behaviors resulting from trauma, and knowing when to seek additional help. Attendees will hear from experts on innovative neurobiology research, its symbiotic connection to sport and mental health, and how both can create healing-centered and inclusive experiences while protecting, nurturing, and embracing young people for every bit of who they are.
Chicago Manager, Center for Healing and Justice through Sport (CHJS)
Ivan is a father to two beautiful girls, born & raised in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood. As the youngest son of two Mexican immigrants, he is a proud first-generation college graduate. He has over a decade of experience working with Chicago’s youth, families, and communities... Read More →
Tuesday April 8, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Redbird B
The Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP) Coverage project focuses on reducing barriers to school-required vaccinations and improving school immunization coverage rates. A survey among school health staff and workgroup consisting of school nurses, pediatricians, local health department leaders, and other pediatric clinicians, identified an opportunity to increase buy-in on school-required immunizations from school administrators. In collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Illinois School Board of Education (ISBE), Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN), ICAAP worked to create a detailed toolkit for school principals and superintendents to help promote vaccine confidence and compliance immunization requirements. The goal of this project is to empower school leadership to help make their school communities healthier and safer and enforce required immunizations.
The toolkit includes positive and cohesive messaging on required and recommended immunizations, an overview of school forms, resources for newly arrived populations and students who are uninsured/underinsured, tips for working with pediatric health care providers, and outreach materials for families on school immunization requirements.
Senior Manager of Immunizations Programs, Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Caroline is a Senior Manager of Immunizations Programs at the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP). She started at ICAAP in 2021, focusing on sharing education aboutt eh COVID-19 vaccines. Now she leads programs for improving school vaccination rates. Prior... Read More →
Wednesday April 9, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Redbird B
Imagine a world where our students' closest relationships are not with friends or family, but with avatars and AI-driven interactions. As AI continues to advance, it risks reshaping the landscape of social relationships, creating an environment where synthetic connections can replace authentic ones. If we could go back and rethink how we’ve prepared students for the world of Social Media, wouldn’t we? Today, we have that opportunity. This session offers a compelling look into the concept of "Infobesity"—the relentless influx of AI-driven information—and its profound impact on youth relationships. We’ll uncover the hidden influence AI can exert beyond large language models, drawing students into digital realms that threaten to erode genuine human connection. Participants will leave with practical strategies to counteract this shift, helping students forge meaningful, face-to-face relationships and build the resilience needed in an AI-enhanced world—all without adding more to your plate. Join us to take action now and ensure our students don’t get lost in a sea of avatars and artificial bonds.
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator, The Learning Technology Center
Holly Kelly is a Regional Educational Technology Coordinator for the Learning Technology Center, serving the east central region. She facilitates professional learning opportunities for educators, administrators, and technology staff that support digital teaching and learning. Holly... Read More →
Wednesday April 9, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Redbird B
