Seven District 202 teachers will participate in professional learning opportunities this summer with the support of grants designed to encourage innovative teaching and continued professional growth.
The Plainfield Foundation for Excellence created the Professional Development Awards to help teachers expand their classroom skills, knowledge, and instructional practices.
The awards, worth up to $500 each, may be used for registration fees, tuition, conference or class materials, travel, lodging, meals, or other expenses related to summer professional development programs.
“We understand how important continued learning is for educators,” said Matthew Starr, Chair of the Foundation for Excellence. “We’re honored to invest in teachers as they expand their skills and continue making a difference for students every day.”
The 2026 Professional Development Award winners are:
• Nicole Conway, Grand Prairie Elementary School, will attend the 2026 SIOP Virtual Conference. The conference highlights research-based strategies that support language development and academic instruction for multilingual learners.
• Lindsey Harl, Bonnie McBeth Learning Center, will complete a virtual course focused on growth mindset, perspective taking and executive functioning. The course explores social thinking, self-regulation and social-emotional development strategies for young learners.
• Megan Kobliska, Plainfield Academy, will attend the 19th Annual International Project SEARCH Conference in St. Louis, Mo. The conference provides strategies and resources to help students develop workplace skills and achieve competitive employment outcomes.
• Cristian Larios, Plainfield North High School, will attend Estill Level 1 & 2 Training at New Trier Township High School in Northfield, Ill. The internationally recognized training focuses on evidence-based vocal pedagogy and teaching healthy, efficient singing techniques.
• Kara Regnier, Plainfield South High School, will attend the CI Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio. The professional development conference focuses on comprehensible input strategies and engaging world language instruction.
• Kimmy Schuelke, Creekside Elementary School, will attend the Innovative Schools Summit 2026 in Las Vegas. The summit features sessions on school culture, student support, leadership, counseling and innovative teaching practices.
• Jennifer Starkman, Eichelberger Elementary School, will attend the Science of Reading Mini-Con in Racine, Wis. The event provides research-based literacy instruction strategies designed to improve student reading outcomes.
About the Foundation
Since 1983, the Plainfield School District Foundation for Excellence has invested nearly $1.2 million to support District 202 students and educators through classroom grants, scholarships, and special programs. The Foundation also funds initiatives such as the District Art Gallery and high school leadership development programs.
To learn more or donate, visit www.d202foundation.org.