ROE 17 POD

After 18 years at the helm of ROE #17 and over 30 years in Illinois education, Regional Superintendent Mark E. Jontry is preparing to retire. In this special episode, we flip the script and put Mark in the guest chair. He reflects on his journey from a Tri-Valley teacher to a statewide leader in education policy. We discuss the legacy of the programs he helped build, including RAS and the Central Illinois Bridge Academy, and hear his vision for the future of the office as he prepares to hand ove

With renewal season officially open, Phaedra breaks down the "must-check" items in your ELIS account to avoid last-minute surprises on June 30. We also discuss the various "short-term" licensure pathways now available for those looking to enter the classroom from other fields. Whether you are a veteran teacher in your renewal year or someone considering a career change into education, Phaedra's expert advice and "golden rule" for licensure will help you navigate the system with confidence.

Have you ever wondered why school starts when it does, or why exactly five "emergency days" are built into every schedule? In this episode of the ROE #17 POD, we turn the mic on one of our own: Victoria Padilla. Victoria walks us through the complex legal requirements and the "math" behind the Illinois school calendar. We discuss the 176-day attendance mandate, how the ROE ensures districts meet state standards, and the difference between instructional and non-instructional time. Victoria also s

In this episode of the ROE #17 POD, we dive into the vital world of professional learning and leadership development for school administrators. We are joined by Dr. Stacie France, the ROE # 17 Director of Professional Learning. Stacie is a specialist in administrator coaching, and we discuss how the role of the principal has evolved and what skills are non-negotiable for today’s educational leaders. We explore the "adult learning" challenge—how busy administrators can find time for their own gro

What is it really like to attend an alternative school? In this episode of the ROE #17 POD, we sit down with Devon Whitsey, a former student of the Regional Alternative School (RAS), to hear his firsthand account of life outside the traditional high school setting. Devon opens up about the highs and lows of his experience, explaining how the unique environment at RAS fundamentally changed the trajectory of his high school education. We discuss what Devon is up to now and what he wants the commun

In this episode of the ROE #17 POD, Regional Superintendent Mark Jontry sits down with Pat Durley, a former Regional Superintendent and current School and District Support Specialist. Pat brings a wealth of experience as a mentor and administrator to a conversation on one of the most critical behind-the-scenes aspects of education: Health-Life Safety (HLS). We demystify what HLS actually means for Illinois schools, from the annual inspections that ensure student well-being to the comprehensive 1