SOWIC Academy 2025-2026

SOWIC Academy is a training program that serves as a resource for both cooperative and member district professionals. The training extension, SOWIC Academy for Families, provides training support for our SOWIC families, including students served in our cooperative programs as well as families of students who attend any of our member districts. Training session topics reflect the needs expressed by both SOWIC professionals and families and vary from year to year.

Teacher With Heart: Creating Trauma-Informed, SEL-Focused Classrooms

November 19, 2025 from 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm

In today’s classrooms, supporting the whole child is more important than ever. This training provides educators with practical tools to create safe, supportive, and emotionally responsive learning environments grounded in trauma-informed practices and social-emotional learning (SEL). Participants will explore how trauma can impact learning and behavior, how to recognize signs of dysregulation, and how to respond with strategies that promote regulation, connection, and resilience. Leave with actionable ideas to foster a classroom culture where all students feel seen, safe, and ready to learn.

Differentiation Done Right: Strategies for Reading and Math Success

January 16, 2026 from 8:30 am – 11:00 am

No two learners are the same—so why should their learning look identical? In this workshop, you’ll explore practical and proven ways to differentiate instruction in both reading and math. Discover simple strategies to support diverse learners, increase engagement, and build confidence in every student. Whether you’re managing varying ability levels, interests, or learning styles, you’ll leave with tools you can apply right away to make your classroom a place where all students succeed.

To Register

TO REGISTER:

Who: All Staff (District Employees and SOWIC Employees)

Where: S.O.W.I.C. Administrative Building – Conference Room (206) 815 N. Larkin Ave. Joliet, IL. 60435

Cost: FREE, Professional Development Credit provided

To RSVP:

Visit: https://bit.ly/SowicAcademy25-26

E-mail sowicacademy@sowic.org or Call 815-741-7777

SOWIC Academy Mini Series Sessions 2025-2026

SOWIC Academy is excited to offer a new Mini Series of remote training sessions – each designed to deliver meaningful content in just about an hour. These brief, targeted sessions are perfect for busy educators looking to build their knowledge and skills without disrupting their schedules. Flexible, focused, and practical—our Mini Series is professional development made manageable.

Routines that Reach – Positive and Predictable Classroom Management

December 1, 2025 from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm via Zoom

Create the kind of classroom that sets students up for success from the start. This session highlights proactive classroom management strategies that prioritize structure, relationships, and consistency. Walk away with ideas for routines, expectations, and proactive tools that reduce disruptions and promote engagement.

Regulation Before Instruction – Supporting Students in the Moment

January 26, 2026 from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm via Zoom

Before learning can happen, students must feel safe, regulated, and emotionally ready. This session explores the vital link between regulation and academic success, offering practical strategies to recognize dysregulation early and respond with effective, in-the-moment supports. Participants will learn how to create calming routines, use co-regulation strategies, and incorporate sensory tools that help students regain control and re-engage with learning. By prioritizing regulation first, educators can reduce disruptions and create a more responsive, supportive classroom environment.

Behavior Plans that Work – From FBA to BIP

February 12, 2026 from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm via Zoom

Creating behavior plans can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. In this session, educators will walk through the process of conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and developing clear, actionable Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). Learn how to identify the true functions of a behavior, write meaningful replacement behaviors, and implement strategies that are realistic and sustainable in everyday classroom settings. Whether you’re writing your first plan or looking to strengthen your current process, this session will help you build behavior supports that actually work.