North Cook ISC
February 2022 News Chat
A Message From Dr. Kevin Jauch
On the news and in certain circles, the term “learning loss” is bantered about, and I cringe that not enough focus is directed on what we have learned over the last two years. Recently, I read Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine, one of the premier leadership coaching gurus, and found his stories and strategies calming and enlightening. One optimistic perspective that he emphasizes is to view every “problem” as a gift. For example, he refers to the gift of knowledge, asking, “Because this happened, what have I been fortunate to learn?” Other gifts come out of adversity because a situation pushed you out of your comfort zone, forced your hand, or changed your viewpoint.
Although we are all living through the same tumultuous times, we have experienced them differently and individually from our own personal context, so it only follows that we would each identify a unique “gift.” I encourage you over the next few days to find a quiet moment, reflect, and identify at least one gift (though Shirzad encourages us to find three) that you have personally gained from these past few years. I hope this new perspective gives you a sense of peace and accomplishment.
I am proud to continue to serve such a fine group of educators. Thank you for all you do! kjauch@ncisc.org / 847.824.8300
P.S. About the U-Haul photo: No two days are ever the same in this job. In the Gage's Park neighborhood picking up PPE for North Cook Districts!
IN THIS ISSUE
- Professional Development - Winter/Spring
- North Cook ISC Response to IARSS Report on Teacher Shortage
- New Partnership with IL-ASCD
- National Board Teacher Certification Recognition
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Promoted Year-Round
- Unfinished vs. Lost Learning
- Two Unique School Renovations
Administrator Academies
- February 15 - School Finance Made Easy for Every Administrator (AA-881) • ZOOM SESSION
- February 22 - Principal Evaluator Competency Skill Building, Retraining (AA-1865) • IN-PERSON
- February 23 - McKinney-Vento Homeless Act Advanced Training (AA-3733) • ZOOM SESSION
- March 8 - Teacher Evaluator Competency Skill Building for Teacher Evaluators (AA-1452) • ZOOM SESSION
- March 11 - Gathering Evidence During Observations and Conferencing Using the Danielson Model, Teacher Evaluator Professional Practice Retraining Academy (AA-1801) • IN-PERSON
- April 8 - Leadership Development Summit: Talent, Team, Culture (AA-3833)
There's much more! See our complete list of Administrator Academies.
Educator Workshops • Informational Meetings via ZOOM
March 4
Short-Term Substitute Teacher Training, 12:00-3:30 pm
April 19
IMRF Information Session, 4:00-5:00 pm
April 27
Micro-Credentials Information Session, 2:30-3:30 pm
North Cook ISC Responds to IARSS Report on Teacher Shortage
The Illinois Educator Shortage Study facilitated by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) reports that Illinois schools face a dire shortage of teachers and substitutes, the shortage is getting worse, and may last a few more years.
Dr. Kevin Jauch, Regional Superintendent of Schools for North Cook County said, “While COVID may have exacerbated the teacher and substitute shortage, it is certainly not the cause. Nor will the end of COVID suddenly bring a resurgence of teacher applicants great enough to address the shortfall." See full article.
New Partnership with IL-ASCD
North Cook ISC has announced a new partnership with IL-ASCD. The Illinois Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development is at the forefront of contemporary educational trends and research related to learning, teaching and leading.
Their statewide membership of 2,000 educators is comprised of superintendents, central office administrators, principals and assistant principals, department heads, teachers, university personnel, state agency personnel, and others.
As partners, NCISC and IL-ASCD will work together to bring exceptional speakers to North Cook area educators, such as Dr. Larry Ainsworth (coming this October), and various Administrator Academy presenters.
National Board Teacher Certification
We would like to recognize 31 educators who achieved or renewed their National Board Teacher Certification. This is an extraordinary undertaking while serving in a role as educator, and their dedication is commendable. They are part of an esteemed three percent of teachers nationwide who hold this honor.
North Cook ISC facilitated National Board Teacher cohort meetings through a partnership with the National Board Resource Center (NBRC) at Illinois State University to help educators navigate the two-year process. Coaches guided candidates through each of the four required components to achieve National Board Certification.
We are proud that these individuals serve students in the North Cook region and appreciate their leadership, commitment, and perseverance. VIEW THE LIST of North Cook educators.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
True, February is Black History Month and we wholeheartedly support it. However, we want you to know that North Cook ISC takes the approach of designing our work throughout the entire year to honor diversity, equity, and inclusivity. We continue to partner with organizations, authors, and consultants to present events, informational sessions, and book talks in a variety of ways.
Below are examples of professional development that support(ed) students and educators of various backgrounds. Tell us if you have a specific topic, author or consultant that you think would benefit all North Cook educators. Email Dr. April Jordan at ajordan@ncisc.org with suggestions.
- Miseducated: A Memoir, with author Dr. Brandon P. Fleming (Book Talk, Fall 2022)
- Gender 101 and Gender 102, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital
- Cultivating Genius and Joy: An Equity Model for Culturally & Historically Responsive Education (CHRE) with author Dr. Gholdy Muhammad
- Coaching for Equity, Diane Sweeney
- Culturally Responsive Teaching & Leading (CRTL) Standards in our Schools
- AA 1782 How To Be An Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi (Superintendents' Book Study)
- AA 3799 Addressing Racial Disparities in Special Education: Working for More Equitable Outcomes for Students of Color
- Moving Beyond Conversations About Race Series with Doug Reeves
- Equity, Anti-Bias/Anti-Racism Personal Development Series, Dr. Ivette Dubiel
- Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain by Zaretta Hammond (Book Study Series)
- Equity Action Plan/ Equity Implementation Plan or Equity Audit, Dr. Ivette Dubiel
- Keeping Our McKinney-Vento Students in School, Online & Engaged
- AA 3704: Creating a Trauma Informed School Culture
- AA 3010: Leading for Equity and Excellence
2022 Collaborative Series • HYFLEX Networking
February 17 • Student Services • 1:00-3:00 pm
April 7 • Curriculum & Instruction • 8:30-10:30 am
April 29 • Instructional Coaches • 1:30-3:30 pm • NEW!
Email Assistant Regional Superintendent, Dr. April D. Jordan, to be added to our email groups or receive agendas and meeting Zoom links: ajordan@ncisc.org.
Scripps National Spelling Bee
Good news! Sixteen (16) public and private North Cook districts registered to participate in this year's Scripps National Spelling Bee. District level bees must be completed by February 22. The North Cook ISC Spelling Bee will be held March 9th at the new Performing Arts Center at Gemini Middle School (East Maine District 63).
Winners from North Cook, South Cook and West 40 advance to the Regional Bee on March 29th at Triton College. Good luck to all spellers!
East Prairie • Best Education Project 2021
ENR (Engineering News-Record) Midwest named East Prairie School, Skokie District 73, the Best K-12 Education Project of 2021. Architectural firm STR Partners displayed the East Prairie School project at this year’s IASB•IASA•IASBO Joint Annual Conference where it received an Award of Merit.
The school has 32 regular classrooms, two STEAM classrooms, three science classrooms, an art classroom, music classroom, orchestra/band room with individual rehearsal rooms, small gym/fitness center, large gym with running track, and a teachers’ lounge on each floor. A three-story atrium at the entrance has a learning staircase, theatrical lighting, acoustical panels, and a small stage, so it serves as the cafeteria, auditorium, and the central gathering place.
Maine West HS Unveils New Student Hub
The long awaited Commons area at Maine West High School (District 207) is now open to students. Tap on the photo to watch the video of their reactions.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Families in Need
Robin Bergbreiter, owner of Robyn’s Nest Boutique in Arlington Heights, presented a check to Dr. Tom Bookler, North Cook ISC, to support our McKinney-Vento Homeless and At-Risk Youth Fund. Thanks also to the North Suburban Cook County Bar Association for helping provide Christmas gifts to many of our early childhood and at-risk students.
Contact Dr. Bookler (tbookler@ncisc.org) if you have families with immediate emergency needs. See more information and how to donate to the Emergency Fund.
Rocky Road
For the second year in a row, North Cook Young Adult Academy (NCYAA) received a grant to partner with Chicago Voyagers, an organization that provides adventure experiences for students.
These field trips are beneficial by giving students the opportunity to connect with peers, build community, practice mindfulness, and experience new things. In addition, Chicago Voyagers excursions lead to improved leadership skills, increased confidence, and growth in responsibility.
Recently, NCYAA students and staff members went to Brooklyn Boulders in Chicago's West Loop. Students challenged themselves by bouldering, rock climbing, and auto belaying. Some even reached the top of the wall! Although they were nervous at first, all participants faced their fears and gave climbing a try. Next up: cross-country skiing and hiking.
We're Open to Serve You
When visiting our office, masks must be worn at all times except when eating or drinking. You can also contact us by phone or email. For information about specific departments see our Contact Info.
North Cook Intermediate Service Center
CLOSED February 21 • Presidents' Day
Email newsletter@ncisc.org
Website www.ncisc.org
Location 1001 E. Touhy Av. Suite 200, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Phone 847-824-8300