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SOWIC Academy 2026-2027

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. 

Easy IEP Training Session

September 1, 2026 from 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm (Via ZOOM)

Participants will receive a guided walkthrough of the EasyIEP platform via Zoom, following along step-by-step as key features and processes are demonstrated. The session will cover how to navigate the system, input data, and manage student IEPs efficiently and accurately. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of the platform and greater confidence in using EasyIEP to support compliant, student-centered IEP development.

Easy IEP Training Session

September 3, 2026 from 8:30 am – 10:30 am (Via ZOOM)

Participants will receive a guided walkthrough of the EasyIEP platform via Zoom, following along step-by-step as key features and processes are demonstrated. The session will cover how to navigate the system, input data, and manage student IEPs efficiently and accurately. Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of the platform and greater confidence in using EasyIEP to support compliant, student-centered IEP development.

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: bit.ly/SOWICAcademy2627

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

SOWIC Academy Mini Series Sessions 2026-2027

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.

Proactive by Design: Building Classrooms that Prevent Challenging Behaviors

October 6, 2026 from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Via Zoom)

Great classroom management begins long before challenging behavior occurs. This interactive workshop focuses on creating predictable, engaging, and supportive learning environments that help students succeed from the moment they walk through the door. Participants will explore how classroom routines, expectations, relationships, student engagement, and regulation all work together to reduce disruptions and increase learning. Learn practical strategies for establishing positive classroom systems, recognizing early signs of dysregulation, and responding proactively before behaviors escalate. Walk away with classroom-ready tools that foster independence, increase engagement, and create a positive learning environment where all students can thrive.

Responding vs. Reacting – What to Do When Behavior Escalates

November 12, 2026 from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Via Zoom)

When challenging behavior shows up, how we respond can either escalate or de-escalate the situation. This session provides educators with practical tools and techniques to remain calm, intentional, and effective during behavioral escalations. Learn how to recognize early warning signs, avoid common reaction traps, and use preventative and responsive strategies to maintain safety and connection. By shifting from reactive to responsive, educators can model regulation and guide students back to a place of control and readiness to learn.

Motivation Matters – Igniting Student Drive to Learn

January 14, 2027 from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Via Zoom)

What gets your students going—and how do you keep that spark alive? Dive into strategies that promote intrinsic motivation, goal-setting, and student ownership of learning. Explore how mindset, feedback, and relationship-building fuel academic effort and classroom connection.

TO REGISTER:

Who: All Staff (District Employees and SOWIC Employees)

Where: Zoom!

Cost: FREE, Professional Development Credit provided

To RSVP:

Visit: http://bit.ly/SOWICAcademy2627

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