Two Sessions Offered:
June 30, 2025 | 8 am - 3 pm | Complete your 2024-2025 school year credit
July 1st, 2025 | 8 am - 3 pm | Complete your 2025-2026 school year credit
Each day will feature different content, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
You can register for one session or both!
Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided.
ThinkCERCA is proud to partner with the IAA to offer a course on implementing a change process. Change is a common entity within a K-12 school environment and successful implementation of change can be instrumental in improving the student learning and teacher instructional practices.
The academy will give administrators the tools they need to lead their districts through a change process. Whether that is updating standards, adopting new grading practices, or improving instructional philosophies. They will learn how to identify which change theory will best suit their building or district’s needs as they continue to lead and grow. Administrators will receive specific tools to support adult learning implementation and build capacity along with ways to assess the implementation plan.
ThinkCERCA is proud to partner with the Illinois Administrators’ Academy (IAA) to offer a two-day course focused on implementing effective change in K–12 school environments. Change is a constant in education—and successful change management can significantly enhance student outcomes and teacher practice.
Collaborative Team Planning:
Designed as an off-site retreat for leadership teams, the course blends educational activities with strategic planning. Each day features unique content to ensure a comprehensive experience.
Special Breakout for High School Leaders:
High school administrators will benefit from a dedicated breakout session focused on transitioning to the ACT and accessing ThinkCERCA’s free AP resources.
New Location for 2025:
We’re excited to host this year’s academy at the historic Newberry Library—an inspiring venue for visionary leadership.
Two Sessions Offered:
June 30, 2025 | 8 am - 3 pm | Complete your 2024-2025 school year credit
July 1st, 2025 | 8 am - 3 pm | Complete your 2025-2026 school year credit
You can register for one session or both!
Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided.
Course Cost: $150 each session
Instructor: Eileen Murphy
Founder and CEO at ThinkCERCA
Eileen Murphy is the founder and CEO of ThinkCERCA, a tool designed to support systems-level literacy growth. Eileen spent 20 years as a classroom teacher, English department chair, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction for 115 schools before founding ThinkCERCA. She is also an NCTE author and a Pahara Aspen Fellow.
Instructor: Dr. Katie McKnight
Professor, Teacher, Author, Founder of Engaging Learners
Dr. Katie McKnight is a 15-year distinguished professor, dedicated teacher, and award-winning author. She is the founder of Engaging Learners, an educational company built around her successful Literacy & Learning Center model. Her support for professional learning at the leadership and classroom level has resulted in unprecedented academic achievement in many struggling schools. Dr. McKnight has authored 20 books, including best-selling, The Teacher’s Big Book of Graphic Organizers, winner of the 2013 Teachers’ Choice Award, and Literacy & Learning Centers for the Big Kids, grades 4-12.