Lake County Regional Office of Education: Championing Educational Excellence
The Lake County Regional Office of Education (ROE 34) champions educational excellence by providing leadership, advocacy, and essential services to schools, educators, and communities. Located in Vernon Hills, IL, the Lake County Regional Office of Education serves the educational needs of nearly 275 schools, and approximately 15,000 teachers, substitutes, administrators, paraprofessionals, and school service personnel in Lake County. The office provides a wide range of services including educator licensure, professional development opportunities, and specialized programs for students, families, and educators.
Foundational Pillars
The Regional Offices of Education (ROEs) and Intermediate Service Centers (ISCs) help ensure that every school district has a locally based point of access to numerous supports and services. The state of Illinois is divided into 102 counties, and there are 852 school districts within those counties. These counties are grouped together into 38 smaller regions to provide regional access to supports and services. Thirty-five of these regions have a Regional Office of Education headed by a Regional Superintendent of Education who is locally elected for a 4-year term. Cook County outside the City of Chicago is divided into 3 service areas due to its large size, and each service area has an Intermediate Service Center and an Executive Director appointed by a local governing board. These Executive Directors perform the same functions as the Regional Superintendents.
In addition to the services mentioned above, ROEs and ISCs work very closely with the district superintendents in their region and are often the first point of contact for school districts needing assistance or information. Likewise, ISBE's Regional Services Center and ROE/ISC Department act as a source of information and assistance for ROEs and ISCs. The ROEs and ISCs monitor the school districts in their region for compliance with various state and federal laws. Once a year, the ROEs and ISCs submit compliance information to the Illinois State Board of Education.
Educator Licensure and Professional Development
The Lake County ROE provides service for the nearly 275 schools, and approximately 15,000 teachers, substitutes, administrators, paraprofessionals, and school service personnel in Lake County. One of the crucial functions of the Lake County ROE is educator licensure. The office assists educators in obtaining and renewing their licenses, ensuring they meet the necessary qualifications to teach in Illinois schools. If you are retiring, you must complete professional development for the time that you are still working up to your retirement date. You cannot renew your license until that has been entered. If you keep your license renewed you may work as a substitute teacher with your PEL.
Beyond licensure, the ROE offers a variety of professional development opportunities for educators. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including best practices in teaching, classroom management, and the integration of technology into the curriculum. In addition to essential training programs like bus driver certification and trauma-informed teaching workshops, the office actively supports mental health care access for students and their families. These opportunities are designed to help educators stay current with the latest research and trends in education, improve their skills, and enhance their effectiveness in the classroom. Recently, Lake County educators gathered to dive into meaningful conversations about how AI is being used in schools, sharing insights and best practices. Conversations like these strengthen collaboration and support thoughtful, effective use of AI for student learning. Educators can also learn how to get their National Board Certification.
Read also: Enhancing Education in Lake County
Student Support and Resources
The Lake County ROE is committed to supporting students and families in the region. The Lake County ROE Foundation exists to open doors for students and help them arrive at school, every day, ready to learn equipped with the tools they need to succeed. Whether promoting early literacy, helping districts build sustainable foundations, supporting students’ post-graduation plans, or connecting educators through the Articulation Council, we focus on practical solutions that make a real difference. Public school students continue to have wants or needs after graduating high school. Whether that next step is college, trade or vocational school, becoming a first responder, or joining the Armed Services the Lake County Regional Office of Education Foundation is ready to help with the Next Step grant. When the program is fully funded, every high school in Lake County will be eligible. No application will be necessary.
The ROE also fosters community through events and resources aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and professional growth in the region. The Lake County ROE Foundation proudly partners with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to give young children across Lake County a strong start. Through this program, children from birth to age five receive free, high-quality books each month-building early literacy skills, nurturing a love of reading, and setting the foundation for lifelong learning.
Community Engagement and Collaboration
The Lake County ROE understands that strong schools are essential for strong communities. To that end, the office actively engages with community stakeholders to build partnerships and support educational initiatives. The Lake County ROE's Administrative Office and Truancy Division has moved and is now located at the Lake County Central Permit Facility, 500 W. "We're pleased to announce that this move will save the County approximately $98,000 annually in rent and utility costs," said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. The Lake County ROE's Administrative Office and Attendance and Truancy Division were recently located at the College of Lake County in Grayslake. "We would like to thank the College of Lake County for being such gracious hosts over the years," said Roycealee Wood, Regional Superintendent of Schools.
Lake County ROE Foundation: Opening Doors for Students
The Lake County ROE Foundation plays a pivotal role in supporting students by providing them with the resources they need to succeed. The foundation focuses on practical solutions that make a real difference, whether it's promoting early literacy, helping districts build sustainable foundations, supporting students’ post-graduation plans, or connecting educators through the Articulation Council. When urgent needs arise, LCROEF steps in to help. Through our Fill the Gap program, we provided direct support for Lake and Cook county students who abruptly found themselves without anticipated college tuition assistance.
Regional Services and Support
Consistency works. Membership benefits offer support from experts and peers within Lake County. Every school district is unique. Populations vary in size, demographics, budgets & participation. We offer support to whatever needs arise for Executive Directors. Support is flexible & available virtually or in-person. The Regional Offices of Education (ROEs) and Intermediate Service Centers (ISCs) help ensure that every school district has a locally based point of access to numerous supports and services. The state of Illinois is divided into 102 counties, and there are 852 school districts within those counties! These counties are grouped together into 38 smaller regions to provide regional access to supports and services. Thirty-five of these regions have a Regional Office of Education headed by a Regional Superintendent of Education who is locally elected for a 4-year term. Cook County outside the City of Chicago is divided into 3 service areas due to its large size, and each service area has an Intermediate Service Center and an Executive Director appointed by a local governing board. These Executive Directors perform the same functions as the Regional Superintendents.
Read also: Office of Education Initiatives
Read also: Your Guide to Big Lake Community Education
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