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APRIL 1, 2025
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The softball team at York Community High School surprised assistant coach George Tasson with a cake and treats to celebrate his 80th birthday. Coach Tasson has served as volunteer scorekeeper, bookkeeper, field maintenance expert and all-around “team psychologist” for 25 years -- so far. Here’s wishing him many more!
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FIRESIDE CHAT WITH SHALINEE SHARMA: UNLOCKING OUR STUDENTS’ MATH POTENTIAL
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Dear Colleagues:
Way back in the 1980s, the fast food chain A&W tried to compete with McDonald’s famous Quarter Pounder hamburger by offering a slightly larger “third of a pound” burger. Even though the A&W burger won all the taste tests and had a lower price, the “third of a pound” burger obviously never caught on. Why? Because many Americans never grasped fractions and mistakenly believed that one quarter of a pound has more beef than one third of a pound. Shalinee Sharma includes this tale in her book, Math Mind: The Simple Path to Loving Math, to illustrate our ongoing struggle with numbers. Shalinee is on a personal mission to change that narrative and create, as the title of her book promises, a way to help all our school students love math. You can hear her explain exactly how to do that during my next Fireside Chat, happening at 9 a.m. on May 15.
Besides being the author of a national bestselling book, Shalinee is the CEO and co-founder of Zearn, the math learning platform used by millions of students nationwide. You can get a sense of her ideas for improving math skills by watching her TED Talk. She also has been featured on Guy Kawasaki’s Remarkable People podcast, where he described her goal as “the democratization of math,” to make math understandable for everyone. Shalinee believes we can equip students to understand and fluently solve math problems – not by just memorizing facts and formulas, but by using visual pictures to work out the answers and playing games to practice skills. This combination, she says, makes learning durable, so that students feel confident and capable, even when taking high-stakes standardized tests. Shalinee has pointed out that of all the courses students take, it’s algebra that is most predictive of whether they will graduate from high school and college. Conversely, failing algebra is predictive of dropping out of high school. It’s the course that can make an enormous difference in lifetime earnings.
In Illinois, we still have too many students who don’t feel comfortable with math, and we need to confront that problem. As you know, we are in the early stages of developing a Numeracy Plan to parallel our Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan. Illinois has made significant strides in literacy and English language arts, leading the nation in growth and exceeding pre-pandemic levels of proficiency, but our progress in math has not kept pace.
As we continue to stay the course in literacy, I’m looking forward to kicking off meaningful discussions aimed at shaping the future of mathematics education in our state. Our fireside chat is open to everyone, so please register to join us!
All my best,
Tony
Dr. Tony Sanders
State Superintendent of Education
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NEW! 2025 ILLINOIS TEACHER OF THE YEAR COHORT
ISBE has announced the members of the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year Cohort, including the 13 finalists for 2025 Illinois State Teacher of the Year. The annual Teacher of the Year program honors incredible classroom educators who have made lasting impacts on the students, families, and fellow educators in their school communities. ISBE will showcase cohort members in the Weekly Message each week leading up to the announcement of the 2025 Illinois State Teacher of the Year this spring. Read more about each member of the 2025 Illinois Teacher of the Year Cohort on the ISBE Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year webpage. Congratulations to all this year’s extraordinary awardees!
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Jennifer Gruca
Far South Suburbs Regional Teacher of the Year
John F. Kennedy Middle School, Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202
Jennifer Gruca is an English language arts (ELA) teacher at John F. Kennedy Middle School in Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202. She developed a global collaboration program connecting her ELA classes with students in Portugal, Turkey, Albania, North Macedonia, and Moldova. These experiences allow students to build cultural awareness and understanding through interactions with peers across the globe.
She has received numerous honors, including a Teacher of the Month award presented by WGN and the 2020 WE Teachers Award presented by Walgreens. She is a proud Fellow with the Transatlantic Educators Dialogue (TED) Program. She completed a field study in Costa Rica in July 2024 as a Global Learning Fellow with the NEA Foundation.
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Michele Oberlin
Far West Suburbs Regional Teacher of the Year
Madison Early Childhood Education Center, Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205
Michele Oberlin is a special education teacher at Madison Early Childhood Center in Elmhurst CUSD 205. Her students regularly participate in project-based learning, an approach that encourages critical thinking, teamwork, and communication while helping students to see the relevance of their learning. She has pioneered several initiatives – such as creating an after-school program for special education students and their families to work on gross motor development and build confidence, and organizing Teacher Lunch ‘n’ Learns to share behavioral management strategies and discuss how to create supportive classroom environments. Mrs. Oberlin was honored in 2019 with the Valley View School District Pillar of Leadership award.
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NEW! FINANCE
School Maintenance Project Grants Quarterly Expenditure Reports Due
All recipients approved for fiscal year 2025 Round 1 School Maintenance Project Grants are required to submit a Quarterly Expenditure Report for the periods that ended Dec. 31, 2024, and March 31, 2025. These reports are available in IWAS under School Maintenance Project Grants. Note: If your district has not yet started the approved school maintenance project(s) and/or has not expended any funds, please report accordingly by entering $0.00 in the appropriate blank.
Similarly, recipients of the FY 2024 Round 1 School Maintenance Project Grant are required to report quarterly expenditures and obligations from project beginning date through March 31, June 30, Sept. 30, and Dec. 31 of each fiscal year until the Final Expenditure Report has been submitted. The FY 2024 SMPG Final Expenditure Reports should be submitted by Dec. 31, 2025.
Quarterly Expenditure Reports are required by the Illinois Grant Funds Recovery Act and are due 20 calendar days after the expenditure through date.
Please follow the instructions to complete the Quarterly Expenditure Report. Note the following:
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Quarterly reports must be done even if you have not started any of the work items on the grant. Please enter “0” for any work item that has not been started.
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Quarterly Expenditure Reports must be submitted until the Final Expenditure Report has been submitted in IWAS to close out the grant.
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All work items must be updated every quarter until the work item is 100 percent completed.
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A Final Expenditure Report must be submitted within 20 days after the project is 100 percent completed. Please follow the instructions to submit a Final Expenditure Report.
Please contact 217-785-8779 or SMPG@isbe.net if you need assistance.
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NEW! MULTILINGUAL/LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
2025 Summit for Bilingual Parents
We cordially invite you to register Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee leaders and parents in your district to attend the 2025 Statewide Summit for Bilingual Parents on Saturday, May 3 in Oak Brook. This dynamic day-long event features educational presentations on topics, such as services for English learners and higher education access and issues affecting immigrant communities, along with cultural performances and opportunities to connect with state agencies and community-based organizations.
Registration costs $30 per person and includes breakfast and lunch. The deadline to register is April 18. Districts may use Title III or EL-EBF funds to pay for registration. Space is limited. We hope to see you at this powerful gathering of parent leaders!
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EDUCATOR EFFECTIVENESS
Illinois Licensure Testing System Committee Recruitment
Pearson and ISBE have worked together to update the Committee Recruitment webpage for the Illinois Licensure Testing System, making it easier than ever for Illinois educators to become involved in the test development process. In addition to an improved user experience, updated information on the various types of test development activities has been made available.
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SAFE & HEALTHY CLIMATE
Register for the ISBE School Wellness Conference
The two-day ISBE School Wellness Conference begins Monday, April 7, at the Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. Your $20 registration fee includes breakfast and lunch on Tuesday, April 8, as well as breakfast on Wednesday, April 9. The conference will end at noon on April 9.
Two pre-session administrator academies are offered on April 7 for $10, which includes administrator academy professional development credit and lunch
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What Do You Think About the Resiliency Toolkit?
Last month, we introduced the Resiliency Toolkit, a collection of resources designed to foster safe and healthy school climates. You and your staff are encouraged to provide feedback about the Resiliency Toolkit through a brief survey. We need your input!
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SPECIAL EDUCATION
Summer Training for IEP Interpreters
Registration for the Training for Qualified IEP Interpreters (TQII) program will open on April 8, with the Special Education module beginning May 12.
A second summer course registration will open on April 16, with the Special Education module beginning on June 2.
Seating is limited and is on a first-come, first-served basis. All information about this program can be found on the TQII website.
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Now Available: The Illinois IDEA Part B Application
The federal fiscal year 2025 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part B Annual State Application is posted on the ISBE Special Education webpage for public comment and review. The application seeks funds that support provision of special education services to children ages 3 through 21 in Illinois. The public comments are reviewed and considered by ISBE as it relates to supporting Local Education Agencies’ funding of services for students with disabilities.
Approval of the Illinois IDEA Part B FFY 2025 application by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs will enable the state to receive a federal grant award for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
Written public comments may be submitted to PartBapplications@isbe.net until May 1.
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STANDARDS & INSTRUCTION
Webinar: The Magnitude of Us: Moving Towards Action
Part II of this professional development series will build upon the insights shared in Part I (but don’t worry if you missed it — feel free to join us for Part II) by diving deeper into what culturally responsive teaching truly looks like and how Dr. Marlee Bunch’s book, “The Magnitude of Us,” provides actionable strategies for creating and sustaining culturally responsive classrooms. We will recap key concepts from Part I, revisit the un/HUSH teaching framework, and begin developing an action plan to implement culturally responsive practices in your own classroom.
Join Dr. Marlee Bunch and ISBE’s Dorlande Charles 5-6 p.m. April 8 for this webinar. Please register at this link by April 7 so that you can receive the packet of materials you will need to fully participate in the session.
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FY 2025 District Literacy Plan Implementation Grant Applications Now Available in IWAS
The FY 2025 District Literacy Plan Implementation Grant is now open for applications in IWAS. All public school districts and Regional Offices of Education (ROEs)/Intermediate Service Centers (ISCs) have an allocation and are eligible to apply! This grant supports school districts in developing and implementing their Comprehensive Literacy Plans, enhancing literacy instruction, and expanding access to high-quality literacy interventions. Funding may be utilized to support the creation or revision of a local literacy plan and implementation. Funding allocation and use are flexible to meet local literacy needs.
Eligibility Requirement:
All public school districts and ROEs/ISCs are eligible to apply. Interested applicants must complete the District Literacy Plan survey within IWAS. Applications are due by April 15, 2025, to receive a Jan. 1, 2025, start date, or the final approval date of a substantially approvable application if the initial application is received after April 15. Entities that do not submit an application by April 30 may be at risk for deobligation of funds.
Additional funding may be available. Applications received by April 15 will have priority for any additional funding that may become available.
Key Information:
Please email literacy@isbe.net for more details.
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IN BRIEF
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Information For Families
Important Income Tax Information for Educators
IBSE, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR), is working to make educators aware of a simple, free way for qualified taxpayers to file both federal and state individual income taxes. In addition, we want to share information regarding the availability of important, money-saving tax credits.
New This Year: IRS Direct File
Illinois is participating in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Direct File program this year. Eligible taxpayers can use this program to electronically complete their 2024 federal tax returns for free. Help spread the news by sharing the IRS Direct File flyer, available in English and Spanish.
After filing a federal return using Direct File, the program will automatically connect taxpayers to Illinois’ free state income tax filing system, MyTax Illinois, allowing Illinois state returns to be filed.
IDOR encourages taxpayers to file electronically and choose direct deposit in order to ensure the fastest processing and issuance of any refunds. If a taxpayer electronically files an error-free Illinois return, they should receive a direct deposit refund in approximately four weeks. Note: Taxpayers also may choose to file using tax-prep software, a tax professional, or the paper Form IL-1040.
Tax Credits
Illinois offers several tax credits that may help reduce the amount of taxes owed or increase the amount of refunds due, including:
We encourage you to share this information and check out the IDOR Taxpayer Assistance webpage or call 800-732-8866 or 217-782-3336 if further assistance is needed. For the most up-to-date information, forms, schedules, and instructions for the 2025 tax season, please visit IDOR's website.
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Educator Recognition
Nominate a School Social Worker and Citizen of the Year Today
The Illinois Association of School Social Workers honors an exceptional School Social Worker and Citizen of the Year at its annual conference in October. Take a moment to recognize someone deserving by submitting a nomination today! Nominations are due June 15.
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Educator Opportunities
Ed Leaders Network
The Impact of Authentic Leadership – Unlocking the True Human Potential
3-4 p.m. April 15
Authentic leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about influence, integrity, and self-awareness. This session explores how leading with authenticity unlocks potential in both leaders and those they serve, fostering deeper connections and sustainable impact.
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Define and cultivate authentic leadership practices that align with personal values and organizational mission.
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Empower others to reach their full potential by fostering a culture of trust, psychological safety, and accountability.
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Apply reflective leadership techniques to continuously grow, adapt, and make purpose-driven decisions.
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Empowered Futures: Tools to Strengthen Your Students’ Mental Health
3-4 p.m. April 8
This session will provide attendees with practical tools to create inclusive school cultures around mental health, introduce auxiliary resources such as student and staff awareness into action activities, and offer opportunities to engage in activities that can be brought into school classrooms. These activities can be implemented in school buildings as part of a strategy to strengthen Tier 1 universal programming. Participants will learn how utilizing student voice can promote meaningful conversations around the topic of mental health and promote help-seeking as an early identification and prevention strategy. Participants will receive access to free Tier 1 mental health programs and resources.
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Educator Wellness Lunch ’n Learn
Prevent Child Abuse Illinois and ParenTeach Institute have partnered to present a free virtual Lunch ’n Learn on from noon-1 p.m. April 29. Educators will receive one professional development hour for attending this wellness webinar focused on classroom resiliency practices, brain research, and burnout mitigation. Educators will also learn about ParentABLE, an evidence-based, trauma-informed SEL curriculum that empowers educators with the tools to deliver essential parenting and caregiving education. Register for the Educator Wellness Lunch ’n Learn.
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Leadership Opportunities From Teach Plus
Teach Plus Illinois is thrilled to announce four different fellowships for educators this fall. Teach Plus Illinois’ programs are highly selective leadership opportunities for outstanding teachers looking to expand their influence without leaving the classroom. They span the 2025-26 school year and offer selected teachers a generous stipend for their time and effort. Grow as a teacher leader by exploring one of these four opportunities!
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Lunch and Learn: Exploring Instruction for Elementary Social Studies
District leaders, curriculum directors, and educational administrators are invited to join ISBE’s Dorlande Charles at Elmhurst District 205 on May 1 for a free event dedicated to exploring elementary social studies instruction aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards for Social Science. Registration is required.
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Featured ISBE Career Opportunities
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The Illinois State Board of Education is the State Education Agency for Illinois. Our mission is to provide each and every child with safe and healthy learning conditions, great educators, and equitable opportunities by practicing data-informed stewardship of resources and policy development, all done in partnership with educators, families, and stakeholders.
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