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Join Our Family West40 offers job opportunities serving schools and communities in West Suburban Cook County. See if we have the right opportunity for you. WHAT WE VALUE West40 team members serve education through student advocacy, professional development, licensure, safety, and more! We value being the support system our students and district partners can count on. 01. RELATIONSHIPS We forge lasting bonds with each other and with the people in our communities. 02. SAFETY We create safe, welcoming environments where each person can be who they’re meant to be. 03. FUN We look for moments of joy throughout our workday and celebrate them together. WEST40 JOB OPPORTUNITIES ALL ALOP GRANTS PROFESSIONAL LEARNING ROE TECHNOLOGY TRUANCY & TEEN PARENT NONE AT THIS TIME NONE AT THIS TIME NONE AT THIS TIME PE Teacher for our Regional Safe School NONE AT THIS TIME NONE AT THIS TIME PE Teacher for our Regional Safe School NONE AT THIS TIME NONE AT THIS TIME DISTRICT JOB OPPORTUNITIES BELLWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT 88 BERWYN NORTH DISTRICT 98 BROOKFIELD - LAGRANGE PARK DISTRICT 95 ELMWOOD PARK CUSD 401 FRANKLIN PARK SCHOOL DIST. 84 J. S. MORTON HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 201 LA GRANGE HIGHLANDS SCHOOLS DISTRICT 106 LA GRANGE SOUTH SCHOOL DISTRICT 105 LEYDEN COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 212 LYONS SCHOOL DISTRICT 103 MANNHEIM SCHOOL DISTRICT 83 NORRIDGE DISTRICT 80 OAK PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT 97 PENNOYER DISTRICT 79 PROVISO TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 209 RIDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 234 RIVER GROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT 85.5 RIVERSIDE | BROOKFIELD TOWNSHIP DISTRICT 208 SCHILLER PARK DISTRICT 81 WESTCHESTER SCHOOL DISTRICT 92.5 BERKELEY DISTRICT 87 BERWYN SOUTH DISTRICT 100 CICERO SCHOOL DISTRICT 99 FOREST PARK DISTRICT 91 HILLSIDE DISTRICT 93 KOMAREK SCHOOL DISTRICT 94 LA GRANGE NORTH SCHOOL DISTRICT 102 LADSE LINDOP DISTRICT 92 LYONS TOWNSHIP DISTRICT 204 MAYWOOD-MELROSE PARK-BROADVIEW DISTRICT 89 OAK PARK & RIVER FOREST DISTRICT 200 PAEC (PROVISO AREA FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN) DISTRICT 803 PLEASANTDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT 107 RHODES SCHOOL DISTRICT 84.5 RIVER FOREST SCHOOL DISTRICT 90 RIVERSIDE SCHOOL DISTRICT 96 ROSEMONT DISTRICT 78 UNION RIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT 86 WESTERN SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT 101

West40 ISC #2 believes every child deserves a chance for success. We work alongside educators, administrators, families and communities, to ensure students have every opportunity to become who they are meant to be. We will transform every student in West Cook County—regardless of their past or circumstances—into a powerful, influential member of their community. THE LIFELINE FOR STUDENTS & SCHO O LS We believe every child deserves a chance for success COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION SERVICES COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION SERVICES Professional Learning Grants Support Student Programs Heart 2 Heart Program Community Resources Networks Yourth Support Programs Click the circles to learn more about our programs! WE WALK ALONG SIDE STUDENTS, EDUCATORS AND FAMILIES. Funded by the state of Illinois and the school districts we serve in West Cook County, we work alongside educators, administrators, families and communities, to ensure students have every opportunity to become who they are meant to be. LEARN MORE ABOUT US LATEST STORIES West40 Holds New Furniture Giveaway at St. Joseph Campus West40 helped arrange for the gift of a good night’s sleep for more than thirty families from across West Cook County on Monday, thanks to a generous donation. On a blistering cold day outside, residents selected from more than one hundred new mattresses, as well as pillows, bed frames and more inside the St. Joseph gymnasium. Leslie from Berwyn said she learned about the free mattresses from the Heart 2 Heart Food Mart. “We were in need of them and with the holidays coming 4 days ago Auto Mechanic Shares Her Career Journey with West40 Students Hailey Muellner compares working on cars to a big, satisfying puzzle. “It makes me excited because I get to take it apart, see how it works, and see how all of it connects. It’s never-ending of essentially learning,” Muellner said. Muellner is a certified auto mechanic who started her career journey in a high school trades program. Later she earned an associates degree in automotive technology and gained valuable experience working at privately-owned auto repair shops and car Dec 8 Leyden's Dr. Nick Polyak Named 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year West40 congratulates Dr. Nick Polyak, superintendent of Leyden High School District 212, for being named the 2026 Illinois Superintendent of the Year by an independent panel commissioned by the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA). According to the IASA, nominees are judge d on the following criteria: academic achievement, preparing students for the future, social-emotional support, teaching and instruction and leadership. “Dr. Polyak’s recognition as the 2026 Nov 24

Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter! When you subscribe, you will receive the following: The West40 newsletter every two months (Please scroll down to see our past Newsletters.) The semi-monthly Learning BEAT filled with Professional Learning opportunities such as AAs , Empower ED and Networks The Comprehensive Education Services Newsletter twice a year informing you of important dates Which Newsletter(s) would you like to subscribe to?* Learning BEAT: A catalog of Administrator Academies and Empower ED learning sessions CES Professional Learning West40 Newsletter Email* Join Our Mailing List Yes, subscribe me to your newsletters. * Holiday Wish List December 2025 Download Horizons & Highlights June, 2025 Download Give to Grow December, 2024 Download Don't Forget About Yourself June, 2024 Download Let's Be Real October, 2025 Download Forward Thinking April, 2025 Download Everything. Everywhere. October, 2024 Download Embracing Change April, 2024 Download Elevating Education August, 2025 Download Meeting Your Needs February, 2025 Download Getting Ready for School August, 2024 Download Rolling Up Our Sleeves February, 2024 Download

West40 at St. Joseph PROGRAM DESIGN OUR JOURNEY STATS PARTNERS CONTACT Every child deserves a place to belong. In Illinois, too many youth in foster care are left sleeping in offices, hospitals, and detention centers—spaces never meant to be home. At St. Joseph’s, we’re changing that. We’re creating a healing community where youth in care find stability, compassion, and opportunity—a place to grow, to thrive, and to rewrite their story. This isn’t just shelter. It’s a new beginning. ABOUT US Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied PROGRAM DESIGN At West40 at St. Joseph’s, we envision more than a program—we are building a sanctuary of healing and possibility for youth in foster care. Designed with intention and care, our holistic model integrates trauma-informed practices, personalized education, and essential life skills. This is not just about meeting needs—it’s about restoring hope and igniting potential in young people who have endured profound disruption and loss. Every element—from warm, welcoming residential spaces to structured, nurturing daily routines—creates the safety and stability youth need to rebuild trust, discover their strengths, and envision a future filled with opportunity. At St. Joseph’s, we are preparing youth not only for the next chapter, but for a lifetime of connection, growth, and thriving. *Scroll over any image below to learn more Designed with Care “A place where environment becomes a catalyst for transformation.” Imagine a home where every detail—every room, every routine, every corner—is intentionally crafted to nurture safety, dignity, and belonging. At St. Joseph’s, we’ve reimagined residential care. Private bedrooms honor personal space. Calming communal areas invite trust and connection. Classrooms and sensory spaces reflect a deep understanding of trauma and its impact. This is not institutional care. This is a sanctuary of hope—a foundation for young people to begin rebuilding their lives. With your support, these spaces don’t just exist—they become places where healing begins. A Culture of Healing “An ecosystem of compassion where young people can reclaim their story.” At St. Joseph’s, care is not a checklist—it’s a way of being. For youth who have known only instability, we create a culture where they are seen, valued, and empowered to heal. Here, trauma-informed practices replace punishment with understanding. Staff embody consistency and compassion, modeling healthy relationships and emotional resilience. Every interaction reinforces this truth: you are worthy of love, safety, and a future filled with possibility. Together, we are transforming lives—not through programs alone, but through connection. Rooted in Belief “We believe in the boundless potential of every young person.” At the heart of St. Joseph’s is a bold conviction: every young person holds potential, no matter their past. Rooted in CARE, the Circle of Courage, and West40’s unwavering belief in youth, we look beyond behaviors to the resilience, strength, and promise within each child. We cultivate belonging. We nurture mastery and independence. We inspire generosity. These are not just ideals—they are the blueprint for breaking cycles of trauma and creating lives of purpose and possibility. This is more than a program. It’s a movement. And with you, it becomes unstoppable. OUR JOURNEY *Scroll over the circles to follow our journey May 15, 2023 Bought the Former St. Joseph High School Campus in Westchester, IL September 5, 2024 Demolition of 2 dilapidated buildings on the 30-acre campus October 23, 2024 Construction & Re-imagining of West40 at St. Joseph began 2025-2026 The journey continues--build with us TODAY: The Crisis Facing Youth in Care Homelessness 40% of foster youth in IL experience homelessness within 18 months of leaving care. (1) Employment Nearly half are unemployed by age 24. (2) Mental Health 1 in 4 meet PTSD criteria—twice the rate of U.S. veterans. (3) Education Only 58% earn a high school diploma by 19. (4) Skills Gap Without life skills or support, most remain underemployed. (5) TOMORROW: What’s Possible at St. Joseph’s Stability Supportive care reduces youth homelessness by 18–30%. (6) Opportunity With mentoring, youth are 3× more likely be and stay employed at 25. (7) Healing Trauma-informed care reduces behavioral crises by 50% or more. (8) Aspiration College enrollment doubles with academic support. (9) Preparedness Life-skills training increases job placement by 40–60%. (10) View All Citations PARTNERS The vision for West40 at St. Joseph’s was never meant to be built alone. From the moment this idea was born, we’ve been joined by extraordinary partners—organizations and individuals who share our belief that every young person deserves a place to heal, grow, and belong. Together, we are more than collaborators. We are co-architects of a new model of care—one that unites trauma-informed practice, educational excellence, and community support to transform the future for youth in foster care. This is what happens when compassion meets expertise, and vision meets action. This is the power of partnership. And we’re just getting started. Together, let’s rewrite what’s possible. Contact us for more information about our program, partnerships, or how we serve foster youth. LEZLIE FUHR Director of Programming for West40 at St. Joseph lfuhr@west40.org MICHELL MARTINEZ Youth-in-Care Coordinator at St. Joseph mmartinez@west40.org LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP JOIN US ABOUT US PROGRAM DESIGN OUR JOURNEY STATS PARTNERS

Videos CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL! West40 Intermediate Center Play Video Play Video 02:00 What Year Did You GRADUATE High School? It's West40's turn to play "What Year Did You Graduate High School?" After all, we are an educational support organization! Play Video Play Video 01:55 Former West40 Student Shares How Internship Program Opened a World of Opportunities West40 walks alongside students so they can succeed in the classroom and beyond. Recent graduate Melany, who participated in the West40 employability program, describes how working and being trained in an IT position has impacted her life. West40.org Play Video Play Video 32:05 Guest Speakers Share Lessons & Stories at 2025 Illinois School Safety Conference The 2025 Illinois School Safety Conference was held on October 1st in Niles. Keynote speakers and guest panelists shared their stories so those in attendance could hear insight and solutions to making learning environments safe for everyone. West40 and its partner hosts would like to thank each of the people featured in this video for taking the time to be interviewed. Play Video Play Video 02:09 A Partner for Continuous School Improvement West40 walks with Chicago Public Schools in its mission to support students and staff through continuous school improvement. CPS principal Dr. Larue Fitch explains the journey so far and what it means to have a thought partner along the way. Play Video Play Video 03:03 Students Help SAVE Friend's Life with CPR Skills Learned in School Four Ridgewood High School (Norridge, IL) juniors experienced the unthinkable in the summer of 2025 when a member of their group suffered a cardiac arrest during a run. Using life-saving skills they learned at school, the boys performed CPR on their friend until paramedics arrived. Months later, the friends shared their story with West40. WEST40.ORG Play Video Play Video 03:02 Mannheim District 83 and West40: A Partnership for Success As an intermediate service center, West40 provides three core services to our district partners. These include student programs, professional learning opportunities, and health/life safety support. Mannheim District 83 utilizes all three of West40's core services. In this video, hear from District 83 principals as they explain how partnering with West40 supports students and staff. West40.org Play Video Play Video TEST West40 Live Stream This is a TEST live stream. Play Video Play Video 01:52 Realistic School Incident Training by West40 The West40 STAT (School Safety & Threat Assessment) Team conducts training exercises with school districts and first responders to test functional roles expected in real-time events. In this video example recorded in August 2025, West40 coordinated a mock crisis scenario at a south suburban school and reviewed the reactions of district staff, police, and first responders. Play Video Play Video 02:14 Build With Us: West40 at St. Joseph Offering hope to foster children in a residential setting. That's West40's goal for the former St. Joseph High School in Westchester, Illinois. While we continue to transform St. Joseph into a state-of-the-art residential program for youth-in-care, we are exploring funding opportunities to complete renovations. Learn how you can help: https://www.west40.org/st-joes Load More

Seniors Plus Walking alongside students to the finish line HOW WE HELP Seniors Plus advocates support students by helping them restart or finish high school. We do this by helping students work through barriers to achieve credit recovery so they can reach their full potential by earning their high school diploma. In helping the students the schools also benefit from higher graduation rates and enrollments. WHO WE SERVE Seniors Plus serves students, ages 17-21, who have missed their original graduation date. The program is designed primarily for students needing anything from half a credit (1 class) to five credits (10 classes). We are currently serving Leyden, Proviso, & Morton. Seniors Plus at Morton College Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied BY THE NUMBERS IN 2024-25 243 Total Students Served 89 Students Graduated (High School & Seniors Plus) 547 Online Credits Recovered HEAR THEIR STORIES LEARN MORE Explore powerful stories of redemption, success, and creativity. Learn how West40 is affecting lives in our communities. JOE GAGE Senior Director of Student Programs jgage@west40.org RENEE MAKRIS Senior Director of Student Programs rmakris@west40.org HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT.

General Support Funding Opportunities Funding Request Form General Guidelines Illinois Funding Opportunities Federal Funding Opportunities ISBE Funding Opportunities ISBE Fiscal Policies and Procedures Handbook Uniform Guidance - Code of Federal Regulations Grants Glossary 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 HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. FILL OUT THIS FORM

GRANTS Identify potential funding sources to support your students, teachers, and communities. Grants can provide for amazing opportunities but also require a great deal of project management to maximize their benefit. Our hope is that this site will help to shed some light into the grants abyss and make the entire process seem a bit less overwhelming. CURRENT PARTNERS GENERAL SUPPORT INVOICES Google Form When ready to submit approved Fiscal Year 2026 grant expenses, please use the following link for invoices and supporting documentation covering July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026: REQUEST FORM Google Form 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. HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. FILL OUT THIS FORM

Illinois School Safety Conference Live-Stream Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT. SCHOOL SAFETY & THREAT ASSESSMENT TEAM 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 RANDY BRAVERMAN School Safety & Threat Assessment Specialist rbraverman@west40.org ALEX CAMPOS CES/STAT Specialist acampos@west40.org ERIC ARNOLD School Safety & Threat Assessment Specialist earnold@west40.org

Truancy Solving challenges and removing barriers for youth to thrive HOW WE HELP At West40, we understand the critical importance of addressing truancy issues and promoting regular attendance among students. Our approach fosters academic success, supports social and emotional development, identifies early warning signs, and establishes positive attendance habits that will benefit students throughout their educational journey. WHO WE SERVE West40 partners with your district to serve K-3 truant students. We develop attainable attendance goals for students and walk alongside them to help remove barriers preventing school attendance. In an effort to serve students in grades 4-12, West40’s Truancy Outreach Director is available for consultation through the use of West40’s WELCOME Tool. This assessment is designed to help school leaders identify school strengths and explore areas for improvement, in an effort to ensure a sense of belonging and active participation amongst all stakeholders. ALL SCHOOL ANXIETY IMPORTANCE OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE RESOURCES Why Does Attendance Matter for the Illinois School Report Card? West40 Community Resources Page Attendance Works Tips for Starting School (PK-1) What Can Parents Do to Help with Attendance? Why Good Attendance Matters Why do grades PK-3 Matter? The Importance of Attendance in Early Childhood Education How Early School Attendance Sets Children Up for Future Success Riveredge Hospital Compass Health School Avoidance Alliance Podcast - Parenting Teens with School Refusal School Refusal Video When Kids Refuse to go to School -Child Mind Institute Riveredge Hospital School Avoidance Alliance School Refusal Video Compass Health Podcast - Parenting Teens with School Refusal When Kids Refuse to go to School -Child Mind Institute Tips for Starting School (PK-1) What Can Parents Do to Help with Attendance? Why Good Attendance Matters Why do grades PK-3 Matter? The Importance of Attendance in Early Childhood Education How Early School Attendance Sets Children Up for Future Success Why Does Attendance Matter for the Illinois School Report Card? West40 Community Resources Page Attendance Works BY THE NUMBERS IN 2024-25 827 Total Truant Students Served 66.8% of Referrals Exhibited Improved Attendance 552 Home Visits NANCY DEBRE Director of Truancy Outreach and Teen Parent Services ndebre@west40.org HOW CAN WE HELP? LET'S CONNECT.

Continuous School Improvement Our team provides targeted professional learning and strategic support designed to align with your school or district’s mission, strategic priorities, and the specific goals outlined in your improvement plan. Partnering with You to Achieve Your School’s Goals West40 is proud to be an approved ISBE Learning Partner and CPS-approved vendor, ready to walk alongside your school on its improvement journey. Who we've partnered with: Continuous Improvement and Data-Driven Leadership Strategic Systems for School Transformation Coaching for Change Agents (Individual Leaders and Teams) Utilizing Systems, Structures and Processes to Enhance Implementation Enhancing Discussions of Progress Towards Goals Summative Designation Navigation 5Essentials Training and Implementation Assessment Training and Support Improvement Plan Support Educator Support & Professional Capacity Instructional Coaching Cycles Leadership Coaching Administrator and Teacher Evaluation Support Early Childhood Supports Paraprofessional Training Model Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) Support for Planning and Executing High-Quality PD Mentoring and Induction Administrative Academies ( link ) Networks (free for any participant) ( link ) Connectedness and Wellbeing Classroom Management & De-escalation Techniques Assessing SEL and Wellbeing Trauma-Informed Practices Promoting a Culture of Attendance Success for All Students Tiered Intervention StrategiesClassroom Management & De-escalation Techniques Assessing SEL and Wellbeing Trauma-Informed Practices Promoting a Culture of Attendance Success for All Students Tiered Intervention Strategies Curriculum and Instruction Supports for Differentiated Instruction Instructional Innovation Labs Coaching in Evidence-Based Instructional Practices Observation to Transformation: Evaluation that Empowers Content Area Supports Literacy Mathematics Inclusive & Supportive Learning Environment Understanding & Supporting Students with Special Needs and Multilingual learners Coaching in Evidence-Based Instructional Practices Co-Teaching Implementation & Support Curriculum Adaptation Differentiation for Diverse Learners IEP Development Support Inclusion Practices Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) We offer expertise in a wide range of areas, including: INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE? Please use this form below to let us know how we can support your school community. First name* Last name* Email* Message* Submit

How-to videos Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied 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