2026 ROE8 Summer Institute

2026 ROE8 Summer Institute

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8:00am CDT

Sign In

Monday June 8, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am CDT

Plan to arrive between 8:00-8:30 with enough time to grab your swag, find your seat, and digitally sign in.

Monday June 8, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am CDT
201B

8:30am CDT

Welcome

Monday June 8, 2026 8:30am - 8:45am CDT

Monday June 8, 2026 8:30am - 8:45am CDT
201B

8:45am CDT

Coregulating Brains & Bodies: Practical SEL for Real Classrooms

Monday June 8, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am CDT

This session explores how teachers can use activators, settlers, and grounding practices to stabilize classroom nervous systems. Participants will learn how to identify dysregulation patterns, use bottom-up strategies, and create routines that help all students transition, focus, and engage. Through guided practice, they will experience several strategies firsthand—such as back-to-back breathing, box breathing, and tactile hand-clap patterns. Educators will leave with a ready-to-implement daily regulation toolkit.

Speakers

Eric Junco

Director of Academic Cultivation and Engagement, Northern Illinois University

Dr. Eric Junco is a Director of Academic Cultivation and Engagement and Assistant Professor in the College of Education at Northern Illinois University. He teaches a range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Science Methods, Classroom Management for Elementary Educators... Read More →

Monday June 8, 2026 8:45am - 9:45am CDT
201B

Keynote Speaker

10:00am CDT

Regulate, Connect, Teach: SEL Routines That Strengthen Belonging and Student Achievement

Monday June 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This interactive workshop introduces educators to practical classroom routines that help students regulate their bodies, connect with others, and engage in learning. Participants explore the science of co-regulation and belonging through case studies and classroom scenarios that reveal how student behaviors often reflect stress, uncertainty, or fear of failure rather than defiance. Through guided reflection and role-play, educators practice responding to these moments by slowing down, recognizing dysregulation, and using supportive teacher moves that restore psychological safety and participation. The session also models simple activators, settlers, and emotional check-ins that can be embedded throughout the school day to build predictable routines for belonging and focus. By the end, participants leave with practical strategies and a planning framework for designing classrooms where regulation and connection create the conditions for deeper learning.

*This same session is offered multiple times.

Speakers

Eric Junco

Director of Academic Cultivation and Engagement, Northern Illinois University

Dr. Eric Junco is a Director of Academic Cultivation and Engagement and Assistant Professor in the College of Education at Northern Illinois University. He teaches a range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Science Methods, Classroom Management for Elementary Educators... Read More →

Monday June 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
201B

Keynote Speaker

10:00am CDT

Brain Architecture Simulation

Monday June 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

208

Limited Capacity seats available

This interactive workshop explores the science of brain development and how early experiences shape learning, behavior, and lifelong outcomes. Participants will learn how the brain builds itself over time, the impact of stress and trauma, and practical strategies to support cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Educators and caregivers will leave with research-based insights and actionable tools to create learning environments that foster resilience, curiosity, and thriving in every child.

Speakers

Grace Heimerdinger-Baake

SEL + Family Education and Engagement Specialist, Regional Office of Education #47

Grace Heimerdinger-Baake is the SEL & Family Education and Engagement Specialist for the Regional Office of Education #47. She brings more than 13 years of experience as an educator, crisis counselor, and advocate supporting children, families, and communities. Grace specializes in... Read More →

Monday June 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
208

SEL

10:00am CDT

Chair Yoga

Monday June 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This is not your usual yoga class. Your mind, spirit, and body will leave refreshed and with tools that will help you to cope with today's stress and busy lifestyles.

Speakers

Patricia Kessinger

Yoga Instructor, Living Energy Inc.

Patricia Kessinger is the owner and creator of Living Energy Inc., a total person concept of Mind, Spirit, and Body. She is an experienced personal trainer and fitness coach who has dedicated over twenty years to teaching health, wellness, and fitness across multiple states. As a... Read More →

Monday June 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
201A

SEL

10:00am CDT

One Size Does NOT Fit All

Monday June 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

210

Limited Capacity seats available

This dynamic training explores practical, real-world strategies for addressing challenging behaviors in today’s school environments. Participants will gain ready-to-use tools and examples they can implement immediately in their classrooms. The session also examines how stress and trauma impact the brain and body, helping educators better understand and respond to the root causes of difficult behaviors while fostering a more supportive learning environment.

*This same session is offered multiple times.

Speakers

Amy Finn

Dean of Students, Northwest Academy/NWSE Cooperative

I have been a Special Educator for 30 years with a strong emphasis in therapeutic intervention strategies and supports for behavioral needs in the classroom environment.

Monday June 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
210

SEL

10:00am CDT

Supporting Regulation, Behavior, and Mental Well-Being in Special Education

Monday June 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This session focuses on trauma-responsive and strengths-based approaches to
supporting emotional regulation, executive functioning, and mental health in students
receiving special education services. Participants will explore how trauma, stress, and
neurodiversity impact behavior and learning, and learn practical strategies to promote
self-regulation, resilience, and positive behavioral supports. The session emphasizes
proactive, inclusive practices that build on student strengths, foster emotional safety,
and support well-being across school settings.

Speakers

Kelly Marcum

Regional Specialist, Illinois Elevating Special Educators (IESE)

...

Monday June 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
201D

SEL

11:00am CDT

Regulate, Connect, Teach: SEL Routines That Strengthen Belonging and Student Achievement

Monday June 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This interactive workshop introduces educators to practical classroom routines that help students regulate their bodies, connect with others, and engage in learning. Participants explore the science of co-regulation and belonging through case studies and classroom scenarios that reveal how student behaviors often reflect stress, uncertainty, or fear of failure rather than defiance. Through guided reflection and role-play, educators practice responding to these moments by slowing down, recognizing dysregulation, and using supportive teacher moves that restore psychological safety and participation. The session also models simple activators, settlers, and emotional check-ins that can be embedded throughout the school day to build predictable routines for belonging and focus. By the end, participants leave with practical strategies and a planning framework for designing classrooms where regulation and connection create the conditions for deeper learning.

*This same session is offered multiple times.

Speakers

Eric Junco

Director of Academic Cultivation and Engagement, Northern Illinois University

Dr. Eric Junco is a Director of Academic Cultivation and Engagement and Assistant Professor in the College of Education at Northern Illinois University. He teaches a range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including Science Methods, Classroom Management for Elementary Educators... Read More →

Monday June 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
201B

Keynote Speaker

11:00am CDT

Chair Yoga

Monday June 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This is not your usual yoga class. Your mind, spirit, and body will leave refreshed and with tools that will help you to cope with today's stress and busy lifestyles.

Speakers

Patricia Kessinger

Yoga Instructor, Living Energy Inc.

Patricia Kessinger is the owner and creator of Living Energy Inc., a total person concept of Mind, Spirit, and Body. She is an experienced personal trainer and fitness coach who has dedicated over twenty years to teaching health, wellness, and fitness across multiple states. As a... Read More →

Monday June 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
201A

SEL

11:00am CDT

Let Them Grow – The Amazing Generation

Monday June 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

208

Limited Capacity seats available

Today’s students face rising anxiety and disconnection, yet they also hold incredible potential. Drawing on The Anxious Generation, The Amazing Generation, and Let Grow, this session explores how schools can balance connection and independence to support student well-being. Participants will learn relationship-centered, SEL-aligned strategies that build resilience, confidence, and essential life skills while still maintaining strong, supportive relationships.

Speakers

Grace Heimerdinger-Baake

SEL + Family Education and Engagement Specialist, Regional Office of Education #47

Grace Heimerdinger-Baake is the SEL & Family Education and Engagement Specialist for the Regional Office of Education #47. She brings more than 13 years of experience as an educator, crisis counselor, and advocate supporting children, families, and communities. Grace specializes in... Read More →

Monday June 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
208

global Y

11:00am CDT

One Size Does NOT Fit All

Monday June 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

210

Limited Capacity seats available

This dynamic training explores practical, real-world strategies for addressing challenging behaviors in today’s school environments. Participants will gain ready-to-use tools and examples they can implement immediately in their classrooms. The session also examines how stress and trauma impact the brain and body, helping educators better understand and respond to the root causes of difficult behaviors while fostering a more supportive learning environment.

*This same session is offered multiple times.

Speakers

Amy Finn

Dean of Students, Northwest Academy/NWSE Cooperative

I have been a Special Educator for 30 years with a strong emphasis in therapeutic intervention strategies and supports for behavioral needs in the classroom environment.

Monday June 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
210

SEL

11:00am CDT

Supporting Behavior Through SEL

Monday June 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Explore how SEL practices can transform student behavior. Participants will learn how to identify the “why” behind behaviors and use practical, inclusive strategies to support all learners. This session will also highlight how MTSS frameworks can be used to provide tiered supports for behavior and SEL across all students.

Speakers

Shauna Dinges

Program Advisor, IESE

Shauna Dinges has been in education for over 20 years. She started her teaching career by teaching Business Math and Accounting classes at the community college level. Because she wanted to be a more positive influence on younger students, Shauna decided that she could make a significant... Read More →

Monday June 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
201D

SEL

11:50am CDT

LUNCH

Monday June 8, 2026 11:50am - 12:50pm CDT

Open Campus (any room)

Enjoy lunch featuring delicious pork chop sandwiches prepared by the Carroll County Pork Producers, along with a variety of sides, desserts, and beverage options.

Monday June 8, 2026 11:50am - 12:50pm CDT
Open Campus (any room)

12:50pm CDT

Cool Classrooms: Chill Skills and Co-Regulation Strategies

Monday June 8, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

In this breakout session, participants will explore strategies from The Co-Regulated Classroom to support both student well-being and educator balance. You’ll learn practical “chill skills” to manage stress, respond to student dysregulation, and create calmer, more connected classrooms. Walk away with actionable tools you can use immediately and share with colleagues to make every classroom a "cool" classroom.

Speakers

Jennifer Slater

Teacher, Empire Elementary School

Hello everyone! I’m Jennifer Slater, former 1st grade teacher at Jones-Farrar, an IB World School of 11 years (my 1st dream job, loved it, but my family needed me more present). Now, I am enjoying my next dream job of being Empire's PK-5th grade art teacher! I grew up in the area... Read More →

Nichole Ambrosia

Instructional Coach, ROE 8

In my 15+ years of teaching experience in a variety of settings—public, private, and international schools—I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse group of amazing students and teachers. I’ve worked as an elementary teacher and am currently serving as an instructional... Read More →

Monday June 8, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm CDT
201B

global Y

12:50pm CDT

Keys to Successful School-Home Partnerships

Monday June 8, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm CDT

208

Limited Capacity seats available

This interactive, escape room-themed session tackles common challenges in family-school partnerships. As participants solve "clues," they'll unlock practical, adaptable tools that support students' social-emotional and academic growth both in the classroom and at home.

Speakers

Grace Heimerdinger-Baake

SEL + Family Education and Engagement Specialist, Regional Office of Education #47

Grace Heimerdinger-Baake is the SEL & Family Education and Engagement Specialist for the Regional Office of Education #47. She brings more than 13 years of experience as an educator, crisis counselor, and advocate supporting children, families, and communities. Grace specializes in... Read More →

Monday June 8, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm CDT
208

SEL

12:50pm CDT

Needle Felting

Monday June 8, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Need a brain break? Want to learn how to take a bit of fluff and make a cool doodad, ornament, or funky thing for your desk? Needle felting is an easy, low risk creative way to have some fun and make something. Give it a try!

Speakers

Dorothy Ramey

Art Teacher, Stockton CUSD#206

Art Teacher - Stockton CUSD #206

Monday June 8, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm CDT
201A

SEL

12:50pm CDT

One Size Does NOT Fit All

Monday June 8, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm CDT

210

Limited Capacity seats available

This dynamic training explores practical, real-world strategies for addressing challenging behaviors in today’s school environments. Participants will gain ready-to-use tools and examples they can implement immediately in their classrooms. The session also examines how stress and trauma impact the brain and body, helping educators better understand and respond to the root causes of difficult behaviors while fostering a more supportive learning environment.

*This same session is offered multiple times.

Speakers

Amy Finn

Dean of Students, Northwest Academy/NWSE Cooperative

I have been a Special Educator for 30 years with a strong emphasis in therapeutic intervention strategies and supports for behavioral needs in the classroom environment.

Monday June 8, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm CDT
210

SEL

12:50pm CDT

Teaching Gen Z

Monday June 8, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm CDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Today’s students bring unique strengths and challenges to the classroom. This session explores practical strategies to increase engagement, reduce anxiety, and support learning through relationships, structure, and relevant instruction that meets the needs of Gen Z learners.

Speakers

Shauna Dinges

Program Advisor, IESE

Shauna Dinges has been in education for over 20 years. She started her teaching career by teaching Business Math and Accounting classes at the community college level. Because she wanted to be a more positive influence on younger students, Shauna decided that she could make a significant... Read More →

Monday June 8, 2026 12:50pm - 1:40pm CDT
201D

global Y

1:50pm CDT

Grade Level/ Subject Networking

Monday June 8, 2026 1:50pm - 2:30pm CDT

Meet with those in your subject or grade level to connect, share, and debrief the day.

Monday June 8, 2026 1:50pm - 2:30pm CDT
201B

2:30pm CDT

Closing and Prizes

Monday June 8, 2026 2:30pm - 3:00pm CDT

Monday June 8, 2026 2:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
201B

3:15pm CDT

Graduate Credit Meeting

Monday June 8, 2026 3:15pm - 3:45pm CDT

Required for anyone looking to earn graduate credit. Information will be shared regarding LIndenwood registration and payment, options, and requirements.

Monday June 8, 2026 3:15pm - 3:45pm CDT
201B

2026 ROE8 Summer Institute

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