AIMS 2026 Network Institute & Illinois Horizon Schools to Watch Recognition Celebration
October 6 @ 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Join us for the AIMS 2026 Network Institute & Illinois Horizon Schools to Watch Recognition Celebration. This is a day of professional learning specific to middle-level education that brings together educators from across the state to celebrate excellence in Illinois middle schools while exploring innovative strategies and best practices. The breakout sessions are provided by some of the top educators and administrators in Illinois, offering practical insights, real-world approaches, and opportunities for collaboration focused on the unique needs of middle-grade students. AIMS will be recognizing and celebrating the 2026 Schools to Watch during the event’s luncheon, highlighting the outstanding middle schools that demonstrate academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and strong organizational structures.
Brian Faulkner, principal of Kaneland Harter Middle School in Sugar Grove, Illinois, and incoming president of the Illinois Principals Association for the 2026–2027 school year, steps onto the stage as the keynote speaker for the AIMS 2026 Network Institute & Illinois Horizon Schools to Watch Recognition Celebration with a wealth of real-world insight. Faulkner brings extensive middle-level education experience to the role. He began his career as a classroom teacher and later served as a dean of students in Valley View School District 365U. He then became an assistant principal in Huntley Community School District 158 before earning his first principalship in Itasca School District 10. Since 2015 he has led Kaneland Harter Middle School with passion and purpose. Faulkner earned a Bachelor of Science with teacher certification from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Benedictine University. His keynote, “Middle Schooler for Life: Making a Difference in the Middle,” promises to energize and equip educators to better support the unique needs of middle-grade students.
- Century Junior High, Orland Park – Redesignation Two
- Evergreen Academy Middle School, Chicago – Redesignation Five
- Hadley Junior High School, Glen Ellyn – Redesignation Two
- Arthur Libby Elementary and Middle School, Chicago – Redesignation Five
- Little Village Elementary School, Chicago – Redesignation Five
- London Middle School, Wheeling – Redesignation Five
- Stevenson Middle School, Melrose Park – Redesignation Two
- Westmont Junior High School, Westmont – Redesignation Two
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
- Check-in: 7:45 AM
- Event Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Check-in Procedure: Bring your IEIN number for the sign-in sheet
- Professional Development: Earn 6 PD hours for your participation
Registration Window: Open now