CONNECT Teachers with Professional Development Resources

 

As Regional Superintendent, Rebecca will take proactive steps to make professional development more accessible by offering inclusive scheduling and ensuring educators are actively informed about these opportunities. She recognizes that meaningful follow-up and ongoing support are essential to helping educators successfully implement new strategies and make the most of their training.  Additionally, Rebecca will work to provide professional development resources that connect our educators with the various career paths available to students. 

 

CONNECT School Districts with Local Governments and Community Resources

​​

Rebecca understands the importance of collaboration across agencies, governing bodies, and communities to ensure that students, families, and schools can access the full range of support services available to them. We are failing to utilize valuable resources and effectively partner with government entities and local organizations, such as trade unions and grassroots organizations, in meaningful ways. As Regional Superintendent, Rebecca will transform the office into a central hub to connect and unite educators, families, community partners, and government agencies. She will take proactive steps to not just share resources and information, but will work to develop deep relationships with providers and community groups.   Her leadership will ensure that support is not only available but easily accessible to anyone who needs it.

​

PROTECT Schools and Stakeholders from Constantly Changing Political Landscape

​

Our public schools have many programs that rely on federal funding, and recent actions by the Federal Government have created an unstable and unpredictable environment for administrators, teachers, and students alike. Recent changes at the U.S. Department of Education could significantly impact how resources are distributed to our public schools, which can affect how our students are supported in programs such as special education and multilingual services. Additionally, schools have received conflicting directives, including pressure to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies, with no real guidance from the Regional Superintendent’s office on how to navigate these challenges.

​

Rebecca will stay closely informed of the ever-evolving political landscape, from state government to federal government, and advocate for policies that support all stakeholders in our public school system. As a union leader, she brings a forward-thinking approach grounded in planning and preparation, ensuring our schools have the strong foundation needed to respond to any crisis.

​

PROTECT Students and Schools in Managing Teacher Shortage

​

Locally, our schools are experiencing a shortage of teachers and substitute teachers, which puts additional pressure on administrators, staff, and educators currently in the classroom. Fewer teachers can result in larger class sizes, reducing individual attention and support for students and straining overall resources, ultimately impacting the quality of education.

​

Rebecca is committed to playing a more active role in recruiting and supporting educators. She will collaborate with local schools, colleges, and community partners to develop a strong and sustainable pathway into the teaching profession.  While events like career fairs are important in recruiting educators, we need to think about ways we can grow interest in education careers starting before high school through programs such as Educators Rising and Grow Your Own programs.

​

ENGAGE All Stakeholders with Interest in our Public Schools

​

The Regional Superintendent’s office currently focuses on support and communication with administrators, overlooking other key stakeholders such as teachers, support staff, and parents. Many community members don't even know that this office is something that provides support for education in DuPage County. Rebecca will return the office to a welcoming space where educators, administrators, support staff, parents, and community members can access services, share feedback, and find solutions together by developing meaningful relationships with stakeholders.