Lake County Institute Day 2025 Grade 6-12/K-12 Fine Arts/ K-12 Librarians: Full Schedule

9:20am CST

2026 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award Nominees FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 9:20am - 10:05am CST

The Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award is an annual award given to the book voted most outstanding by students in grades four through eight in participating Illinois schools and libraries. Come and learn about the 20 books that made the 2026 RCYRBA nominee list. Attendees will hear a book talk; share ways to use the books in your classroom, library, and school; and learn how to become more involved as an evaluator.

Speakers

Ruth Gheysen

Teacher/Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award Board Member, CCSD 46

School year 24/25 marks thirty years in sixth grade ELA. I love books and reading, which is why I got involved with the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award, a student choice award for grades four through eight. Besides teaching and books, I love my cats, poetry, playing handbells... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2025 9:20am - 10:05am CST
Room B130 1350 W Hawley St, Mundelein, IL 60060

Instruction

10:10am CST

Person-Centered Transition Planning: Going Beyond the IEP FILLING

Friday February 14, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST

Room B130

Proposal: Staff from the District 120 Transition Center will present on the topic of Person – Centered Transition Planning through the implementation of structured transition planning meetings in place of traditional parent teacher conferences to supplement the IEP and focus transition planning, agency connection, and supports for the individual and their family.

Speakers

Jennifer Adame

Michelle Bank

Transition Coordinator, D120 Transition Center

A Mundelein community member, Michelle found joy in working with individuals that have disabilities as a teenager. Inspired by working at NWSRA summer camps, she developed an affection for education that followed her through college, leading to her career in special education. Thirty... Read More →

Eric Billittier

Eric Billittier is a special education teacher and case manager at the District 120 Transition Center in Mundelein, IL. He has 15 years of experience in the field of special education teaching, coaching, and managing cases for secondary and post-secondary students with a wide range... Read More →

Jennifer Ryan

Chelsea Troesch

Friday February 14, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Room B130 1350 W Hawley St, Mundelein, IL 60060

General

11:05am CST

Every Child Has a Story: Supporting Adoptive, Foster, and Kinship Children FULL

Friday February 14, 2025 11:05am - 11:55am CST

Room B130

"Participants will be equipped and empowered to care for adopted, foster and kinship students with the following knowledge gains and skills:
The myths and misconceptions of adoption and foster care.
The complexities involved in assessing and supporting children with attachment and complex developmental traumas.
The tricky element of trust.
The profound impact of grief and loss on the brain, beliefs and biology.
How emotions and behaviors can look like mental health diagnoses and turn into them when not properly supported
Foundational principles for support of adoptive, foster and kinship students.
The benefits of coordination with parents for enhanced assessment, service utilization and improved student outcomes.
How to integrate parent perspectives and historical information for student success.
How to better navigate the divide between school policies and best practices for student support.
How incorporating this knowledge facilitates more equitable care and inclusive support.

Through this presentation you will be able to improve adopted, foster and kinship student outcomes through more compassionate and effective support of children and their families. It encompasses learning standards of knowledge, equity, transformational processes, culture of collaboration and leadership.

Speakers

Laura Adams

Founder and President, iCARE4 Adoptive And Foster Families

Laura is a dedicated advocate for children and families with over 30 years of experience across nonprofits, schools, churches, and businesses. After raising her own internationally adopted daughters, she founded iCARE4 Adoptive and Foster Families, and Sequoia Families to support... Read More →

Friday February 14, 2025 11:05am - 11:55am CST
Room B130 1350 W Hawley St, Mundelein, IL 60060

Climate/Classroom Management

Lake County Institute Day 2025 Grade 6-12/K-12 Fine Arts/ K-12 Librarians