MACOMB – Regional Offices of Education #26 and #33 has hired a local educator to serve as Consortium Coordinator to continue its mission of ensuring children living in west-central Illinois receive the best quality education.
In her new role, Stephanie Harrison will lead and provide in-service training and staff development opportunities for area educators, schedule Administrator Academies, and create and execute a detailed regional professional development plan for educators in all school districts in the region. She will also ensure regional district staff are informed and understand the latest research on school improvement and virtual technology for childhood instruction.
Both ROE26 and #33 recently joined forces to create the Professional Development Consortium in efforts to better coordinate resources and provide more professional learning opportunities for educators in their regions.
Harrison was raised in Bushnell and is a graduate of Bushnell-Prairie City Community Unit School District #170. After earning her Bachelors in English Language Arts at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Harrison returned to teach at Bushnell-Prairie City Senior High School for four years, and then taught 11 years at Bushnell-Prairie City Junior High.
Harrison will assume her new duties with the Consortium on Wednesday, August 12.
“I’m very passionate about childhood education,” Harrison says. “I’m greatly looking forward to know what learning systems and methodologies school districts in our region currently have in place and how we may integrate new ideas and technologies that will help educators and children reach their educational goals.”
“Ensuring teachers have the tools and training so they can best instruct our children is vital in these challenging times in education,” says John Meixner, ROE26 Regional Superintendent. “As many know, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged and forced everyone in education to innovate new ways to teach. Developing effective plans to ensure kids are getting the best education possible is paramount.”
Jodi Scott, ROE #33 Regional Superintendent agrees. “Stephanie’s background in education and her dedication to children in our area is essential for education to move forward in our region,” she says. “Now is the time for new ideas in our profession. I’m confident Stephanie will bring fresh approaches to our classrooms that will benefit both teacher and student.”
The Professional Development Consortium serves an eight county area thanks to the collaboration. ROE26 represents and serves schools in Fulton, Hancock, McDonough and Schuyler counties; ROE #33 represents and serves schools in Henderson, Knox, Mercer and Warren counties.