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)
Guests
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
Sale endedPara 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
Sale endedSupporting 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
Sale endedExploring 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
Sale endedHow 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
Sale endedAI 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
Sale endedIntervention /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
Sale endedComponents 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
Sale endedShine 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
Sale endedAssessment 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
Sale ended