LM Feb 2025

Professional Learning

Dr. Dawn Bridges IASA Associate Director of Professional Learning

Pathways to the Future: Innovating for the Next Generation Why Your Voice Matters at IASA’s 61st Annual Conference

61st Annual Conference September 24–26, 2025

Innovating for the Next Generation Pathways to the Future

At The BOS Center and the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield–A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

Topics That Matter This year’s conference seeks proposals on a broad range of critical topics, including: • AI and Innovation • College/Career/Life-Ready Skill Development

The future of public education in Illinois is shaped by the collective wisdom, vision, and innovation of our superintendents. Every year, the IASA Annual Conference serves as a powerful forum where district leaders come together to share insights, inspire one another, and push the boundaries of what is possible in education. This year’s conference theme, Pathways to the Future: Innovating for the Next Generation, calls upon us to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead with bold, forward-thinking leadership. We invite you to take center stage at this year’s conference by submitting a breakout session or Ignite presentation proposal. This is an opportunity to showcase the groundbreaking work happening in your districts, amplify best practices, and foster meaningful dialogue that strengthens public education in Illinois. Why Share? Because We Grow Better Together Education is not a solo endeavor. Our success as school leaders depends on learning from one another, challenging old paradigms, and continuously refining our approaches to better serve students. By sharing your experiences—whether it’s an innovative AI initiative, a strategy for staff recruitment and retention, or a fresh approach to social-emotional learning— you contribute to a collective knowledge base that benefits superintendents across the state. IASA’s conference is where ideas take root and spark real change. Your insights can help a fellow superintendent navigate a challenge, inspire a district-wide transformation, or validate a new initiative that’s gaining momentum. When we elevate our work together, we elevate the future of Illinois public education.

• Staff Recruitment & Retention • Social-Emotional Well-Being • School Safety • Leadership, Legal Updates, and more

Whether you want to lead a full breakout session, or a dynamic 5-minute Ignite talk, your voice can help shape the conversations that drive our profession forward. Submit Your Proposal by March 28, 2025 Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the future of Illinois public education. Our goal every year is to feature districts from urban, suburban and rural areas, ensuring that the unique perspectives and innovations from all corners of our state are represented. It’s also critical we have sessions for elementary, unit and high school districts, as each faces distinct challenges and opportunities in preparing students for success. Please help us round out our schedule and have all IASA regions represented. Proposals are due by Friday, March 28, 2025. Be part of the movement to innovate, lead, and shape the next generation of learning. Contact me directly with any questions. Together, we are stronger. Together, we will build the future. Let’s take this journey toward a brighter 2030 together.

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LM Feb 2025