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SESP Summer Learning Series for Educators

Four women educators engage in animated discussion in a classroom setting. The image is branded with the Northwestern School of Education and Social Policy logo and the banner text “Summer Learning Series for Educators,” suggesting a collaborative professional development event focused on dialogue and shared learning.

Are you looking for engaging professional learning this summer? Learn in community with us and immerse yourself in joyful and dynamic professional development that centers educator care and wellbeing while facilitating new learning in justice-oriented instruction. Our three-day experience will feature community building, action planning, and voices from the esteemed School of Education & Social Policy addressing important and timely issues in the field today such as working with AI, supporting multilingual learners, and field-based STEM instruction.

As part of the program, you will select two learning strands, consisting of three sessions each, that align with your interests and needs.

Illinois licensed teachers can receive up to 20 hours of professional development hours credit to apply toward ISBE Professional Educator License renewal.

Schedule

For a visual look at the schedule, click here.

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

  • 8:45 AM – 9:15 AM

    Check-In & Registration

     

  • 9:15 AM – 12:15 PM

    Learning Strand 1 (Session 1)

  • 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM

    Lunch with Keynote Address (Lunch is included!)

  • 1:15 PM – 4 PM

    Learning Strand 2 (Session 1)

  • Time TBD

    Optional Evening Event

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

  • 8:50 AM – 9:10 AM

    Morning Wellness Experience

  • 9:15 AM – 12:15 PM

    Learning Strand 1 (Session 2)

  • 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM

    Lunch with Wellness Activities (Lunch is included!)

  • 1:15 PM – 4 PM

    Learning Strand 2 (Session 2)

Thursday, June 25, 2026

  • 8:45 AM – 9:15 AM

    Check-In

  • 9:15 AM – 12 PM

    Learning Strand 1 (Session 3)

  • 12 PM – 1:30 PM

    Lunch with Action Planning (Lunch is included!)

  • 1:30 PM – 4 PM

    Learning Strand 2 (Session 3)

Event Location

This three-day event takes place Monday, June 23rd – Wednesday, June 25th, on Northwestern University’s campus.

Norris University Center
1999 Campus Dr, Evanston, IL 60208.

Room assignments will be communicated post-registration.

Cost

The cost for the full 3 days is $750. This includes lunch, parking vouchers, instructional materials, and more!

Register before April 1, 2026 receive an "Early Bird" discounted price of $700.

Come with a team of at least 3 educators from your school, and you will each receive a $50 discount (You could reduce your cost to $650 if you combine with the Early Bird discount!).

If you are affiliated with the SESP Teaching, Learning, and Education Program as an instructor, mentor teacher, or student, you are eligible for a discount code. Please reach out to Erin Snow at erin.snow@northwestern.edu to redeem your code.

The deadline to request a refund is Monday, June 1st. If you would like to request a refund, please contact Erin Snow at erin.snow@northwestern.edu.

Event Registration

Use the button below to complete the registration form. Registration will close on May 15th, 2026.

Register Here

 Participants will be able to sign up for their learning strands of choice following registration. 

Preview Learning Strand descriptions here.

Parking

If parking on campus, please use the South Campus Parking Garage (1847 Campus Drive) at the south entrance to the university. The garage is directly attached to the Segal Visitor Center - it is the very first right-hand turn that you can make after leaving Sheridan Road. You will need to take a ticket when entering to get past the automated control arm. Please keep that ticket; you will need it when leaving the garage at the end of the day. When you check in, we will give you a validation ticket that you can use at the pay station when leaving. Please note that we will be unable to validate your parking if you park in a different location.

The entrance to the South Campus Parking Garage is immediately before the entrance to the two-level Lakeside Parking Structure. Please be sure to use the South Campus Parking Garage, not the Lakeside Parking Structure. The validation ticket only works for the garage; if you park in the two-level structure without a hangtag for your rearview mirror, your car will be ticketed. (If you don’t need to take an elevator to leave, then you parked in the wrong place.)