IDEA's September's playground is all about "Setting the Tone". We'd love to share with you the ways that some phenomenal educators set the tone for the year with their students. From creating class norms, to ways they build relationships, we think these stories from the classroom are powerful and should be shared. Leave with some quick ideas to implement immediately!

How does a playground work you ask?  You will have TWO (2) weeks to watch (or listen!) up to 6 pre-recorded sessions complete with note taking doc. There is also an online forum for you to collaborate with fellow learners. 

The Playground opens at 8:00AM on Monday, September 20 and lasts until 8:00PM Saturday, October 2. Learn what you want, when you want to!  

Illinois educators can earn up to six (6) PDHs for this event. 

Students' and teachers' well-being is the single most important focus as we discuss teaching and learning. Putting students at the center of the learning can increase engagement, help students make connections to their future endeavors, and build strong relationships.

In this Wednesday Webinar, Thrively will discuss how to integrate SEL into your core curriculum while focusing on students' strengths, interests, and passions. You will walk away with resources you can use the next day in your classroom.

Illinois educators can earn 1 professional development hour for this session.

In partnership with ISCA and IDEA partner EVERFI, we invite you to attend our Wednesday Webinar, "Demystifying FAFSA: Tools to Help Your Students Apply".

Many students and families struggle with planning to pay for higher education, yet research shows that each year, students leave billions of dollars in Federal Aid unclaimed. The FAFSA can feel daunting, complicated, and overwhelming in the best of times. In today’s swirl of uncertainty, the dream of college might seem completely out of reach for many students.

It doesn’t have to be this way – educators already know the importance of empowering students with knowledge and figuring out how to pay for college is no different. There are resources and strategies available to demystify the FAFSA and empower students to take their financial aid into their own hands. And EVERFI is here to help with a High School Financial Wellness Suite that offers free online and offline tools educators can use to teach students about Financial Aid, the FAFSA, Student Loans, and important financial topics.

Join EVERFI on Wednesday, September 29, at 3:30 PM CST for a discussion about how to decode the FAFSA for your students and their families. You’ll hear strategies for increasing application completion rates in your school and get free access to digital resources that will help students understand how to finance their higher education responsibly and effectively.

Illinois educators can earn 1 professional development hour for this session.

In partnership with ISCA and IDEA partner EVERFI, we invite you to attend our Wednesday Webinar, "Combat Substance Abuse with EVERFI", to help share resources in preparation for Red Ribbon Week.

Teaching drug prevention education has never been more challenging – or more essential. Prior to the pandemic, teens sat at the nexus of an opioid epidemic and targeted advertising of nicotine and vaping companies. And while we don’t yet know the impact isolation will have on the rates of teen drug misuse or abuse, we do know that avoiding these issues is not an option.

Join EVERFI on Wednesday, October 13, at 3:30 PM CST to learn about their innovative digital resources that are empowering students with the knowledge and skills they need to make safe, healthy, and informed decisions about mental wellness, alcohol, and prescription drugs. Aligned to the National Health Education Standards, all resources are available at no cost to Illinois schools

Illinois educators can earn 1 professional development hour for this session.

Join us, in partnership with MACUL, NETA, and TCEA, on October 16 for a Virtual Mini-Conference focused on best practices for student engagement.

We recognize that the last 18 months in education has been challenging and now, more than ever, we must find unique and creative ways to engage students in a number of different ways.

Our virtual mini-conference will bring a variety of speakers from across the U.S. to share their best practices in student engagement. In addition, we are excited to bring Pernille Ripp to inspire us with her wisdom and passion.

8:30 - 8:45 - Welcome and Introductions

8:45 - 9:30 - Keynote by Pernille Ripp

9:40 - 10:30 - Sessions (four choices)

10:40 - 11:30 - Session (four choices)

11:30 - 12:00 - Reflection and Wrap Up

Illinois Educators can earn up to 3 Professional Development Hours