Here are some more professional development opportunities in Illinois!
The Illinois Principals Association is involved with a couple events that we think your members might be interested in. Details for each event are below, along with direct event website links for more information.
Each event is highlighted on our website at ilprincipals.org.
I-Grow Summit
April 29-30, 2026
Bloomington-Normal, Illinois
The I-Grow Summit for Educational Leaders and Teachers of Color is a statewide professional learning and networking event focused on advancing equity in Illinois education. Its core mission is to grow, retain, and recruit educational leaders and teachers of color - addressing representation and leadership pathways within schools and districts. Attendees will:
- Learn from educational leaders and teachers of color in the field, explore best practices, and think creatively alongside other passionate educators.
- Attend sessions and keynotes that explore leadership development, culturally responsive practices, and strategies to sustain and strengthen educators of color in the profession.
- Engage in networking opportunities that build community, shared leadership insights, and real connections across roles and districts.
Link:
I-Grow Summit page
This event is for High School students:
WELL Summit
March 19-20, 2026
East Peoria
The WELL Summit is a partnership of 18 statewide organizations and is designed to empower, connect, inspire, support, celebrate and develop women in educational leadership. This event can benefit women at all points in their educational career.
Our 2026 keynote speaker, LaVonna Roth, will guide us on a powerful journey through her S.H.I.N.E.® Framework. She'll blend emotional intelligence, brain sciences, and wellness to help women discover renewed confidence, clarity, and connection.
The 2026 WELL Summit is also the perfect opportunity for young women to be inspired, connect with strong mentors, and step into their leadership potential. We have 20 Student VIP passes available for high school juniors and seniors to attend the second day of this event. If you know a student who would benefit from this experience, encourage her to apply today!
Links:
WELL Summit page
VIP Pass flyer
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Thomas Ulmet (He/Him)
thomas@kdp.orgMember Experience Manager - Teacher Candidates (Midwest)
Kappa Delta Pi
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-03-2026 02:32 PM
From: Thomas Ulmet
Subject: Teach to Reach Professional Development Conference on March 21st at SIUE
Plan now to attend the Teach to Reach Professional Development Conference on March 21st from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
This conference is designed to support both current and future educators by bringing together education professionals, service providers, and aspiring teachers to explore innovative instructional practices, inclusive student support systems, and emerging trends in today's classrooms.
Participants will engage in interactive sessions and discussions that connect theory to practice, offering strategies they can immediately apply in educational settings. Featured session highlights include Building Tomorrow's Innovators: STEM in Education, Integrated Student Support: Voices from the Field, Supporting Diverse Learners, and Supporting Multilingual Learners in Today's Classrooms.
Registration is currently open, with a deadline of March 7th.
Registration Link: Registration Form
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Thomas Ulmet (He/Him)
thomas@kdp.org
Member Experience Manager - Teacher Candidates (Midwest)
Kappa Delta Pi
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