Center Special Education Task Force – January 23
The Work Force on Special Education meets to discuss critical issues in special education teacher preparation including:
- How do we increase the special education work force? What are the current policies in place that propose to strengthen special education preparation programs? What policies will increase the number of candidates who enter special education classrooms and stay to teach effectively?
- What does teacher preparation for special educators look like?
- How does preparation of all teachers and administrators strengthen and support special education?
- What professional development would be helpful to educators working in and with special education?
Teacher Leader Research – January 23
The Teacher Leader Task Force meets to continue its research on Teacher Leadership from Preservice to Inservice.
Culturally Responsive Teaching Task Force – January 23
The Culturally Responsive Teacher and Leader Task Force is working with educator prep programs using a digitalized rubric for the CRTL standards.
Center for Success Literacy Task Force – January 23
The Literacy Task Force will focus on ICLP Alignment: Next Steps for Educator Preparation Programs. This will be a a focused discussion on the current ISBE guidance, expected timelines, and collaborative planning needed to align our Educator Preparation Programs with the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan. Our objectives are to:
- Review current ISBE expectations and implementation timelines for ICLP.
- Identify program components that may require revision or development to meet ICLP requirements.
- Outline immediate next steps and shared action items to prepare EPPs for successful alignment.
Project LEAD Task Force – January 23
Project LEAD will meet to work on their research on teacher leadership and culturally responsive teaching as they plan for the Spring Summit on Friday, April 10 at North Central College.
Navigating Ethical and Practical Challenges of AI in Education
This session examines the complex challenges educators encounter when integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into teaching and learning. Participants will consider issues of academic integrity, equity of access, bias in AI systems, and the responsibilities teachers hold in modeling appropriate use. The discussion will also address strategies for preparing students to use AI tools critically and responsibly, balancing innovation with ethical considerations. Through case studies and collaborative dialogue, preservice educators will develop a deeper understanding of both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with teaching in an AI-augmented learning environment.
Following your registration, you will receive an email from EVENTSMART with a link to join the workshop, speaker or networking discussion. There is no charge for these professional learning experiences. ISBE approved professional development hours are available upon completion of the ISBE evaluation. Students may receive a Certificate of Completion for their portfolios.
What All Preservice Candidates Need to Know About AI
Explore how AI can enhance lesson design, support differentiation, and strengthen instructional strategies. This session will introduce practical approaches and AI tools that teachers can integrate into their classrooms. Participants will practice writing and refining prompts, examining how different types of prompts influence the quality of AI-generated responses. The overall goal is to develop AI literacy that empowers effective lesson design.
Following your registration, you will receive an email from EVENTSMART with a link to join the workshop, speaker or networking discussion. There is no charge for these professional learning experiences. ISBE approved professional development hours are available upon completion of the ISBE evaluation. Students may receive a Certificate of Completion for their portfolios.