Branching Out is a weekly, bite-sized video series from our Professional Learning Department filled with engaging instructional strategies that can be implemented in any classroom. You can find a sample of the topics covered below.

To browse all Branching Out videos, visit the playlist on our YouTube page.

COACH THE CONVERSATION

How can we help students disagree respectfully and listen to each other? Instructional Coach Elsa Glover shares a practical strategy that empowers students to stand by their ideas while welcoming new perspectives.

BAROMETER ACTIVITY

Kicking off the return of Branching Out for the 2026-2027 school year is Instructional Coach Faye Licari, who highlights a discussion strategy that encourages students to share their perspectives and engage in respectful dialogue.

PROUD, SURPRISED, READY

Are your students starting to wind down as the school year wraps up? Try this strategy from Elsa Glover to help them recognize their progress, build confidence, and create forward momentum!

Online Courses

We provide timely and relevant support to educators in their journey to meet the ever-increasing demands of teaching and leading through a variety of synchronous and asynchronous online workshops. All offerings provide participants with research-based, relevant resources and help address the critical issues facing educators today. 

Through these opportunities, educators are empowered to make immediate and long-lasting changes in their professional practice to help increase student achievement while also meeting their social and emotional needs.

Administrator Academies

By statute, every administrator must complete a minimum of one approved academy annually and a minimum of five in each administrator certificate renewal period.  

The Illinois Online Academy provides a range of online academies that meet this criteria while providing research-based strategies to help you on you journey. Topics range from combatting educator burnout, meeting and presentation tips, restorative practices, and more.