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Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · 22h

We can't wait to see all of our Peeps at the Multilingual IL Conference this December in Tinley Park! Maybe it's because we have candy on the brain with Halloween tomorrow, but to us, coming together to share ideas & connect as multilingual educators is the sweetest thing. RSVP at the IRC website!

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Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · 1d

This weekend, many of our communities will be celebrating Día De Los Muertos. Check out this great updated classroom book list on the holiday from our friends at Colorín, Colorado:

https://www.colorincolorado.org/booklist/celebrating-day-dead

Celebrating the Day of the Dead

En español Celebrating the Day of the Dead The Day of the Dead is a time of both joy and quiet remembrance as families honor their loved ones who have died. While variations of the Day of the Dead are celebrated in many Latin American countries, some of the most well-known traditions are those from…

www.colorincolorado.org

Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · 1d

"I realized that it provides students with the opportunity to interact with someone who speaks their mother tongue and to feel connected on a different level. That’s no small thing." https://www.chalkbeat.org/indiana/2025/09/25/educator-speaks-creole-to-connect-with-haitian-students/

I asked my Haitian students why they answer me in Creole. Here’s what they said.

Using his own journey as a Haitian immigrant, Websder Corneille builds a connection with Haitian students and their caregivers and offers resources beyond school walls.

www.chalkbeat.org

Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · 2d

Seeking support on unpacking the ISBE English Learner Path to Proficiency? Join Carly Spina for an exploration of the EL PtP and how to best utilize this data to support your students' language proficiency. RSVP at the IRC website.

Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · 2d

You don't have to be a coding expert to integrate computer science into content-based learning! In this in-person PD workshop from CSEL, gain practical strategies for integrating computer science concepts into your science classroom in a way that supports and empowers ELs.

Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · 4d

Looking for an energy boost as the days get shorter? We are too. That's why we're bringing together three of our specialists for a high-energy day of learning & resource-sharing centered on infusing joy in the classroom. Join us on 11/13 at NLU Wheeling; RSVP at the IRC website!

Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · 4d

Whether you attended the first of our webinars focused on making math more accessible for multilingual learners or are jumping in at the second, taking in this entire three-part, FREE webinar series is highly recommended! RSVP on the IRC website.

Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · 4d

It's #MathMonday, and the state of Illinois has released its first draft of a comprehensive numeracy plan. Learn more about the plan and how to attend ISBE listening sessions: https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2025/10/16/illinois-releases-draft-numeracy-plan/

Illinois wants to improve math teaching. Here’s a look at the state’s first draft numeracy plan.

The new draft plan encourages schools to shift away from traditional methods for teaching math, such as memorization. It comes a year after the state adopted a literacy plan.

www.chalkbeat.org

Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · 7d

A look at the importance of peer-to-peer support amidst unprecedented challenges for our students, and how educators can and should listen and learn from students around mental health: https://www.the74million.org/article/when-the-outside-world-feeds-fear-student-peer-support-becomes-a-lifeline/

When the Outside World Feeds Fear, Student Peer Support Becomes a Lifeline

Jones-McKinney: This moment demands we listen to students, not just because they are the most affected, but because they are already leading the way.

www.the74million.org

Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · 7d

Happy #FavoriteBookFridays! Today we're highlighting the National Book Award Young People's Literature Finalists, which include exciting new titles by FBF favorites Ibi Zoboi and Kyle Lukoff:

https://www.slj.com/story/2025-National-Book-Award-Young-Peoples-Literature-Finalists-Announced

2025 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature Finalists Announced

The five titles honored by the National Book Foundation include three novels in verse.

www.slj.com

Reposted by Illinois Resource Center

Carly Spina @mrsspinasclass.bsky.social · Sep 2

Will you be at the Illinois Principals Association Conference in October? I have a session that Tuesday and I'd love to see you there!

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Reposted by Illinois Resource Center

Carly Spina @mrsspinasclass.bsky.social · Sep 12

Updated this tool just this week to add Haitian Creole thanks to Karina & Evens Paul!!
"I NEED" statement cards for newcomers! movingbeyondformls.blogspot.com/2023/08/i-ne...

"I Need" Cards: Printables for Newcomers

At the beginning of the school year, I always encourage folks to prep a ton of these in anticipation of newcomer students that will arrive t...

movingbeyondformls.blogspot.com

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Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · Sep 19

What do language education and architecture have in common? Both can benefit from a universal design approach! IRC Specialist @maestraolivia.bsky.social led an energetic session about UDL and translanguaging and where these two concepts meet.

Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · Sep 19

It was an honor to welcome the brilliant Dr. Sonia Soltero from DePaul University to share her insights with us on creating culturally responsive ecosystems for multilingual learners and working with an asset-based approach to student & family language & culture. Thank you, Dr. Soltero!

Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · Sep 18

Only @mrsspinasclass.bsky.social would spend a wild Saturday night poring over a 13-year study of ELs. 😂

It's fitting then that she led a lively discussion about data, with a reminder that "ACCESS data is SCHOOL data" — it's a reflection of the way the entire school supports English learners.

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Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · Sep 18

A bittersweet morning as we celebrated the accomplishments of two ISBE leaders retiring later this school year — Seng Naolhu & Barry Pedersen.

Congrats, Seng & Barry, & thank you for all you have done & continue to do to support multilingual students!

Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · Sep 18

We were honored to have ILTOY Victor Gómez as our keynote speaker. He shared his journey to becoming a bilingual STEM teacher, & how fellow educators can continue to embrace multilingualism as an asset in STEM instruction.

Thank you, Victor, for sharing your story!

Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · Sep 18

"In Illinois, we believe a child does not need to lose a language in order to learn a language." —powerful words to start Day Two from Illinois Superintendent Tony Sanders

Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · Sep 18

A packed house in Rosemont for another fabulous day of learning, connecting, growing and sharing resources at the Statewide Meeting for Administrators Supporting English Learners! Stay tuned for more updates & insights.

Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · Sep 17

The future is here! Meet the new directors as we kick off the 2025 Statewide Meeting for Administrators Supporting English Learners! Excited to learn, grow & connect with these passionate educators.

Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · Jul 28

At our first EmpowerCon, Specialist Adelicia Brienzo led an informative workshop on culturally responsive family engagement practices. For those who couldn't make it to Rantoul, we're sharing the packed resource doc with you now!
docs.google.com/document/d/1...

Family Engagement Resource Document

Trauma Resources Refugees Understanding Refugee Trauma: For Mental Health Professionals (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network) Immigrants & Newcomers Core Stressors Tool Kit (updated 2019) F...

docs.google.com

Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · Jul 28

Thank you to all the educators, administrators, education leaders, parents, partners and elected officials in Illinois and beyond who advocated for these important funds for our schools and communities to be released. www.chalkbeat.org/2025/07/25/t...

Trump administration releases billions in education funding after a weekslong freeze

The funding delay had schools scrambling to figure out how they might fill an unexpected budget gap, and some after-school programs abruptly closed.

www.chalkbeat.org

Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · Jul 15

In case no one told you today,

Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · Jul 15

Love this idea from @mrsspinasclass.bsky.social at EmpowerCon — “No” cards. Creating cards & affirmations that celebrate students putting in effort, like trying out for a team, even if they weren’t successful.

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Illinois Resource Center @ilresourcectr.bsky.social · Jul 9

Next week, our all-new round of in-person workshops for parents and BPAC members begins! Join us at the West Lawn Library to get informed and connect with other parents. Sessions available in English & Spanish, and all are welcome!