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Educational Services The West40 Services team assists with compliance, licensure, background checks, school security, and behavioral threat assessment and management, helping schools to put student safety at the forefront and minimize downtime. HOW WE HELP COMPLIANCE LEARN MORE LICENSURE LEARN MORE FINGERPRINTING LEARN MORE HEALTH/LIFE SAFETY LEARN MORE SCHOOL SAFETY AND THREAT ASSESSMENT LEARN MORE WEST40 TESTING CENTER TESTING BY THE NUMBERS 2024-2025 152 117 69 770+ School Inspections Non-Public School Recognition Visits Building Permits Compliance Items Verified at Partner Districts $133,184,145 Total Projected Cost of Building Permits Issued HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. STEVE BOGREN Chief Comprehensive Educational Services Officer sbogren@west40.org PHILIP ABRAHAM Director of Comprehensive Educational Services pabraham@west40.org WIL GAGE Director of School Safety & Threat Assessment wgage@west40.org

Fingerprinting We conduct background checks for pre-employment screening, licensing requirements, and other authorized purposes for educators, business professionals, and community members on a Live Scan fingerprinting system. Appointments last approximately 15 minutes, and prints are submitted to the Illinois State Police and FBI. Results can take up to two weeks but are typically received within a week. SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT Wayfinding 415 Lexington St, Maywood IL, 60153 Map Directions to Fingerprinting Here! HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. TAMMY RAFFEN Director traffen@west40.org

Current Partners Forms & Documents Invoicing Funding Request General Guidelines INVOICING If you are a current partner receiving funding from a West40 grant, please use the following form to submit your monthly invoicing documentation. Google Form FUNDING REQUEST Have an idea that needs support? Submit your request through our Grants Request Form. This helps us understand your needs and explore how we can provide funding or resources to bring your project to life. Google Form GENERAL GUIDELINES ISBE Fiscal Policies and Procedures Handbook Uniform Guidance - Code of Federal Regulations Grants Glossary HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. FILL OUT THIS FORM

Licensure Serving administrators, teachers, and school staff with all aspects of their licensure needs. Find the latest information below on Illinois licensure, endorsements, approvals, professional development and license renewal. ALL FORMS RECORDS & REQUIREMENTS OTHER Educator Licensure Requirements 1. DOWNLOAD How To Create An ELIS Account 3. DOWNLOAD Illinois Licensure, Endorsement, and Approval Requirements 5. DOWNLOAD Out of State Applicant Requirement Checklist 7. DOWNLOAD Renewal and Reinstatement 9. DOWNLOAD Guidelines for Individuals Completing an Illinois State Approved Teaching Program 2. DOWNLOAD ISBE Forms 4. DOWNLOAD Out of Country Applicant Requirement Checklist 6. DOWNLOAD Renewal & Professional Development 8. DOWNLOAD Subsequent Teaching Endorsement Requirements 10. DOWNLOAD Educator Licensure Requirements 1. DOWNLOAD Illinois Licensure, Endorsement, and Approval Requirements 5. DOWNLOAD Subsequent Teaching Endorsement Requirements 10. DOWNLOAD Guidelines for Individuals Completing an Illinois State Approved Teaching Program 2. DOWNLOAD Renewal and Reinstatement 9. DOWNLOAD How To Create An ELIS Account 3. DOWNLOAD Renewal & Professional Development 8. DOWNLOAD ISBE Forms 4. DOWNLOAD Out of State Applicant Requirement Checklist 7. DOWNLOAD Out of Country Applicant Requirement Checklist 6. DOWNLOAD HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. SHARON BALDERAS Educator Licensure Specialist sbalderas@west40.org GINA SIERRA Educator Licensure Specialist gsierra@west40.org ANA MOJARRO Educator Licensure Specialist amojarro@west40.org

Networks Connect with other professionals through West40’s networks of administrators, teachers and school staff. Assistant Principals/Deans Network LEARN MORE Belonging for All LEARN MORE Curriculum Cafe LEARN MORE Facilities Management Network LEARN MORE High School Administrators Network LEARN MORE Instructional Coaches Network LEARN MORE Multilingual Network LEARN MORE PK-8 Principals LEARN MORE Special Education Leaders Network LEARN MORE Attendance Network LEARN MORE Communications Network LEARN MORE Early Childhood Network LEARN MORE Family Engagement Network LEARN MORE Human Resources Network LEARN MORE Mentor Network LEARN MORE Nurses Network LEARN MORE School-Based Mental Health Collaborative Social Work Network LEARN MORE Tech Talk LEARN MORE HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. PROFESSIONAL LEARNING TEAM plteam@west40.org MEET THE TEAM

Compliance West40 conducts inspections of more than 300 items, including students' and staff files, health records, fingerprinting and background checks, mandated teacher training and school curriculum, to improve and support the programs necessary to provide quality educational experiences to students. ALL FORMS RECORDS & REQUIREMENTS OTHER AED Example Plan 1. DOWNLOAD Annual Review of Crisis Plan 3. DOWNLOAD Counseling Service Needs Assessment 7. DOWNLOAD IL Mandated Trainings 11. DOWNLOAD Integrated Pest Management Plan 13. DOWNLOAD Mandated and Recommended Training Requirements FY25 16. DOWNLOAD Safety Drill Documentation FY25 20. DOWNLOAD Website Publishing Requirements for School Districts 26. DOWNLOAD Accelerated Placement Act 2. DOWNLOAD Clarification Immunization Requirements School 5. DOWNLOAD District Safety Review 8. DOWNLOAD IL Mandated Units of Study 12. DOWNLOAD Mandated Units of Study FY24 15. DOWNLOAD SSDA Requirements FY24 19. DOWNLOAD Student Permanent Records 24. DOWNLOAD Concussion Items 6. DOWNLOAD LTC Reference Guide Website Publishing 14. DOWNLOAD Transitional Bilingual Education Code 25. DOWNLOAD Erin Merryn 10. DOWNLOAD NDEP School Guide 17. DOWNLOAD Checklist for Individual Employee 4. DOWNLOAD Non Cert. Personnel Checklists 18. DOWNLOAD Sex Equity Survey 22. DOWNLOAD Employee Bus Driver Checklist 9. DOWNLOAD Sample Pupil Personnel Services Survey 21. DOWNLOAD Sex offender and child murder Form 23. DOWNLOAD AED Example Plan 1. DOWNLOAD Annual Review of Crisis Plan 3. DOWNLOAD Clarification Immunization Requirements School 5. DOWNLOAD Counseling Service Needs Assessment 7. DOWNLOAD Employee Bus Driver Checklist 9. DOWNLOAD IL Mandated Trainings 11. DOWNLOAD Integrated Pest Management Plan 13. DOWNLOAD Mandated Units of Study FY24 15. DOWNLOAD NDEP School Guide 17. DOWNLOAD SSDA Requirements FY24 19. DOWNLOAD Sample Pupil Personnel Services Survey 21. DOWNLOAD Sex offender and child murder Form 23. DOWNLOAD Transitional Bilingual Education Code 25. DOWNLOAD Accelerated Placement Act 2. DOWNLOAD Checklist for Individual Employee 4. DOWNLOAD Concussion Items 6. DOWNLOAD District Safety Review 8. DOWNLOAD Erin Merryn 10. DOWNLOAD IL Mandated Units of Study 12. DOWNLOAD LTC Reference Guide Website Publishing 14. DOWNLOAD Mandated and Recommended Training Requirements FY25 16. DOWNLOAD Non Cert. Personnel Checklists 18. DOWNLOAD Safety Drill Documentation FY25 20. DOWNLOAD Sex Equity Survey 22. DOWNLOAD Student Permanent Records 24. DOWNLOAD Website Publishing Requirements for School Districts 26. DOWNLOAD HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. STEVE BOGREN Chief Comprehensive Educational Services Officer sbogren@west40.org PHILIP ABRAHAM Director of Comprehensive Educational Services pabraham@west40.org

CES Specialist < Back JEFF SMITH CES Specialist jeffsmith@west40.org I have great work experiences meeting people in our districts, building professional relationships while learning together, working directly with families and I love being a part of the CES team! Some of my roles include Health, Life/Safety Inspections and reporting; Compliance visits and Non-Public School Recognition visits. In addition, I spend a lot of time collecting and approving state items for districts such as School Calendars, AFR’s, SMPG’s, Institute Day Applications, e-Learning Plans and Treasurer Bonds. I also get to do some work with McKinney-Vento, Minor Work Permits and general support for districts and families as calls and questions come in! West40 is full of positive, experienced and resourceful professionals that all contribute to making customer service a rewarding experience! Previous Next

Coordinator for Morton East/ Morton Freshman Center < Back MIRIAM CRUZ Coordinator for Morton East/ Morton Freshman Center Previous Next

< Back North Central College About Our partnership with NCC supports graduate coursework and licensure programs designed for aspiring teacher leaders and instructional coaches, including customizable cohort models. https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/graduate-studies Previous Next

< Back Brookfield Zoo About Through our partnership with Brookfield Zoo, educators engage in real-world science experiences that inform instructional planning and student inquiry. Programs emphasize conservation, ecosystems, and inquiry-based teaching. https://www.czs.org/Education Previous Next

Assistant Executive Director < Back DR. JAYME TIGHE Assistant Executive Director Dr. Jayme Tighe As the Assistant Executive Director at West40, I play a key role in supporting the organization’s mission by overseeing strategic initiatives and leadership development efforts. I work closely with the Executive Director to align West40’s goals with its strategic plan and represent the organization in key statewide education initiatives. Additionally, I support program development, ensuring that West40 continues to provide high-quality services to schools and students. A significant part of my work includes serving as a liaison to the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) regarding the role of Regional Offices of Education and Intermediate Service Centers in ISBE’s statewide system of support. With a background spanning teaching, administration, and school improvement, I have served as a principal, assistant principal, and instructional leader, as well as a consultant providing guidance to districts on data-driven decision-making and strategic planning. My experience includes leading district and school teams through comprehensive needs assessments, instructional coaching, and improvement planning to ensure all students receive high-quality learning experiences. One of the accomplishments I am most proud of at West40 is my role in shaping a statewide system of support that helps schools on their continuous improvement journeys. Collaborating with state and regional leaders, I work to develop structures that enhance school effectiveness and sustainability. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and cheering on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field during the summer. Main Office Previous Next