EmpowerEd West40: Ignite 25/26 (August 11, 2025)
Times and descriptions listed below
|In-Person @West40 & Zoom (See Description)
West40’s EmpowerED series offers free professional development for specialists, paraprofessionals, and staff, empowering and uplifting teams across the region. Join us starting this August to walk further, together.
Time & Location
Times and descriptions listed below
In-Person @West40 & Zoom (See Description)
About the event
August 11, 2025
Please click “More Info” on ticket options below to view the times, descriptions, and location for each session. ↓
Tickets
August 11, 2025 Sessions ⬇️
This is not a ticket option. Please view the full session list for August 11th below.
$0.00
Goes on sale
Jun 02, 11:00 AM
Para 101 (New Parapros)
Aug. 11 - In Person @ West40 (12:15-3:15PM) Training for paraprofessionals on special education basics, legal responsibilities, professionalism, and communication strategies. Focuses on collaboration, relationship-building, self-care, and supporting diverse student needs.
$0.00
Goes on sale
Jun 02, 11:00 AM
Supporting Independence (Para)
August 11 - In person @ West40 (12:15-3:15pm) Empower paraprofessionals to support students with neurodiverse behavioral and learning needs. Grounded in trauma-informed practices and ABA strategies, this session offers practical techniques for fostering independence and trust.
$0.00
Goes on sale
Jun 02, 11:00 AM
Exploring Identity w/ History
August 11 - In Person @ West40 ( 12:15-3:15pm) Reflect on key historical events from 1944 to the present and how they shape personal and collective identity. Build empathy and cultural awareness through community-building activities that promote respect for all identities.
$0.00
Goes on sale
Jun 02, 11:00 AM
How People Learn
Aug 11- In Person @ West40 (12:15- 3:15pm) Prepare students for college and careers by designing learning experiences based on how people actually learn. This interactive session explores four research-based principles that transform teaching, with practical examples and time to apply ideas to your school’s curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
$0.00
Goes on sale
Jun 02, 11:00 AM
AI to Differentiate & Engage
Aug 11 - In Person @ West40 (12:15 - 3:15 PM) Specialists and encore educators, come explore hands-on AI tools to enhance lessons, save time, and boost engagement. Collaborate with peers, create ready-to-use materials, and walk away with practical resources and ideas
$0.00
Goes on sale
Jun 02, 11:00 AM
Intervention /IL Literacy Plan
Aug 11 - Virtual (12:15 - 1:45 PM) Specialists will explore how the IL-CLP addresses intervention and have an opportunity to collaborate and plan with peers.
$0.00
Goes on sale
Jun 02, 11:00 AM
Components of Literacy
Aug 11 - Virtual (2:00 - 3:30 PM) Participants will get an introduction to the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan and the 7 Components of Literacy to support their introduction to the Science of Reading and how to support classroom teachers.
$0.00
Goes on sale
Jun 02, 11:00 AM
Empowering ML Learners
Aug 11 - Virtual (12:15 - 1:45 PM) This 90-minute session offers a focused overview of effective practices for supporting Multilingual Learners (MLLs). Participants will explore key strategies and approaches that foster language development and academic success.
$0.00
Goes on sale
Jun 02, 11:00 AM
Level Up Writing w/ WIDA
Aug 11 - Virtual (2:00 - 3:30PM) In this session, participants will utlized the 4 Language Expectation (Inform, Explain, Argue and Narrate) to design writing process in the classroom curriculum. This is an hands on session in which teachers will bring their own curriculum content standards and skills to design writing lessons and systemic writing process to start off the school year!
$0.00
Goes on sale
Jun 02, 11:00 AM
Shine in Your Compliance Visit
Aug 11 - Virtual (12:00 - 2:30PM) Get ready for your next state compliance visit with confidence. This session helps early childhood leaders prepare by reviewing expectations, organizing documentation, and showcasing program strengths during reviews.
$0.00
Goes on sale
Jun 02, 11:00 AM
Assessment for Specialists
Aug 11 - Virtual (12:45-2:45PM) This session supports arts, PE, world language, CTE, and other specialists in articulating the value of their work. Learn to align assessments, communicate impact, and elevate your voice in school improvement efforts.
$0.00
Goes on sale
Jun 02, 11:00 AM