Through his songs and storytelling, Josh connected with students while sharing how he overcame significant physical and mental health challenges after reaching a difficult crossroads in his life. His message encouraged students to pursue their passions, support one another, and remember that “people are medicine.” He challenged them to be a positive force—a “medicine”—for those around them.
After a full week of school visits, Josh’s final stops were at Maroa-Forsyth and Sangamon Valley, pictured below.
Join ROE #39 SEL Coaches Amy Jones and Shayla Fountain as they bring social-emotional learning to life for educators. With more than 30 years of combined experience working with learners from PreK through adulthood, they share practical classroom strategies, real conversations, and tools you can actually use.
Each episode focuses on helping students build self-awareness, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills while giving educators ideas to support the whole child.
👉 Tune in to grow your SEL toolkit!
https://bit.ly/4ufqkIH
Through song and storytelling, Josh engaged students and opened up about overcoming significant physical and mental health challenges after reaching a difficult crossroads in his life. His message encouraged students to pursue their passions, support one another, and remember that “people are medicine.” He challenged students to be a positive force—a “medicine”—for the people around them.
📍 Pictured: Monticello, Bement, Futures Unlimited, Meridian, and Warrensburg-Latham
➡️ Next stops: Sangamon Valley and Maroa-Forsyth
The session covered Run, Hide, Fight principles, rapid decision-making under stress, pre-planning, situational awareness, coordination with law enforcement, and post-incident procedures including accountability, medical response, and psychological support.
The team walked away equipped with actionable skills and added confidence to protect themselves and others. This critical knowledge will be shared throughout their respective school communities.
This regional team continues to train together and work together, making the safety of all of our students a top priority.
Governors State University will be hosting virtual informational sessions to discuss the LBS1 endorsement and the Master of Arts in Multicategorical Special Education program. The master’s program has initial licensure and advanced licensure options.
Wednesday, March 4th at 5:00 pm - https://apply.govst.edu/register/MSE030426
Thursday, March 12th at 6:00 pm - https://apply.govst.edu/register/MSE031226
Thursday, April 23rd at 5:30 pm - https://apply.govst.edu/register/MSE042325
Register now to attend one of the sessions!
Learn more and see if you qualify: 🎓✨https://www.heartofillinois.org
2026 Scholarship Portal closes March 1st
Hello Sunshine Educators! ☀️
Just 2 days until Come On Down — a high-energy game night inspired by The Price Is Right! 🎉
📅Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026
📍 Lincoln Square Theater
Join Sunshine Supplies for Teachers for a fun night of games, prizes, and laughs — all while supporting our FREE store for local educators. 💛
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now — grab yours before they’re gone!
https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/98610909/come-on-down-decatur-lincoln-square-theater
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Gridiron Gala on March 6, 2026, at Allerton Park & Retreat Center. The night will feature a special guest speaker, Randy Grimes, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer, who will share his powerful personal journey through painkiller addiction during his NFL career and his path to recovery.
🎟️ Get your tickets today: onecau.se/gridiron26
McKendree University offers fully ONLINE programs designed to fit your schedule!
📞 618-537-6477
🔗 mckendree.edu/apply
Dr. Weber led school improvement and leadership teams through state assessment data analysis and the new state accountability system, highlighting how meaningful data use can strengthen instructional practices. We appreciate her expertise in data literacy and accountability and look forward to her next visit to the Regional Office.
🎓 EIU One-Year Teacher Licensure Program: 2026–27 Cohort
Ready to become a licensed teacher? Eastern Illinois University offers a fully online, one-year licensure program for individuals with a bachelor’s degree.
Licensure areas include:
✔ Elementary Education: https://bit.ly/4kvWdID
✔ Special Education: https://bit.ly/4ayZ1RL
✔ Secondary Education: https://bit.ly/4bzXEDv - (English, Math, Science, Social Science, CTE, & Foreign Language)
📅 Cohort begins June 1, 2026
Take the next step toward your teaching career today!
Thinking About Becoming a Paraprofessional? There are two Paraprofessional license options, based on your current education level:
🔹 Short-Term Approval (STA) Paraprofessional License:
✔ High school diploma or equivalent
✔ Valid for 3 years (non-renewable)
Click here: https://bit.ly/45S2cBD
🔹 Paraprofessional License:
✔ 60 college credit hours or ACT WorkKeys
✔ Renewable every 5 years
Click here: https://bit.ly/46ngjik
Choose the option that fits you best—and reach out with questions anytime via email at: dwilliams@roe39.org
For more information: www.roe39.org
Short-Term Substitute Training Offered at ROE #39!
ROE #39 provides online training for Short-Term Substitute license holders. Complete your required training and get classroom-ready fast!
👉 Register today: https://bit.ly/3ZMkzEq
📚 Administrator Academy Courses:
Several organizations are offering Academy courses to help you complete your Teacher Evaluator Retraining and fulfill your annual Academy requirements.
Click on the following providers for registration details and plan your courses today!
IPA: https://ilprincipals.org/academies/
IARSS: https://iarss.org/events/month/?hide_subsequent_recurrences=1
West40: https://www.west40.org/administrator-academies
240 Tutoring offers online, self-paced test prep aligned to ILTS exams, including practice questions, diagnostics, and progress tracking to help you feel confident on test day. Learn more at https://www.240tutoring.com
Enjoy a flexible schedule, support local schools, and make a difference when it matters most.
Substitute teaching is a rewarding way to give back to your community—one classroom at a time.
#ROE39
Data Review for K-8 and High School
Presenter: Cathleen Weber, Ph.D.
Dr. Weber has over 30 years of experience in education, working across all grade levels from Pre-K through student teachers. Her school improvement work began with Rising Star and continued through her role as a School Support Manager in the IL-EMPOWER Division of the Illinois State Board of Education. She brings extensive expertise in data literacy, accountability systems, attendance protocols, systems evaluation, and the full school improvement process.
Session Overview:
This workshop is designed for school improvement and leadership teams. Dr. Weber will lead participants through identifying and analyzing state assessment report data, with a focus on IAR Evidence Statements, an overview of the new accountability system, and applying data to strengthen instructional best practices.
Details:
📅 February 5, 2026
⏰ 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
📍 Macon-Piatt ROE #39
💲 $25 per person (lunch provided)
👉 Register: bit.ly/4a3wna0
Mother Nature has other plans…
Because of extreme weather, the ROE39 office will be CLOSED on Monday, January 26th.
Safety comes first! Please stay home if you can, stay warm, and we’ll see you once conditions improve. Updates will be shared right here. ❄️
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Gridiron Gala on March 6, 2026, at Allerton Park & Retreat Center. The night will feature a special guest speaker, Randy Grimes, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer, who will share his powerful personal journey through painkiller addiction during his NFL career and his path to recovery.
🎟️ Get your tickets today: onecau.se/gridiron26
