IASA Annual Report 2020-21

IASA School for Advanced Leadership Fourteen years ago, an idea was pitched to create a learning opportunity for Illinois superintendents and was initially billed as the University of IASA. Eleven years ago, that idea began to be transformed into a plan and was soon named the IASA School for Advanced Leadership (ISAL). On December 3, 2010, the initial ISAL class gathered at the IASA headquarters in Springfield to start the maiden voyage of what we believe has been a superior learning experience. The program culminated in August of 2012 with the graduation of 23 ISAL fellows, a talented and diverse group of school leaders that underwent a rigorous two-year immersion into adaptive leadership learning experiences accompanied by highly trained coaches. At this point in time, five ISAL classes and a total of 123 ISAL fellows have successfully completed the two-year cohorts. The ISAL V cohort was launched in January of 2019 with 26 members and a virtual graduation was held in June. The IASA School for Advanced Leadership continues to accomplish its mission by providing quality professional development for practicing superintendents in unique and challenging ways. The two-year ISAL cohort includes: • A professional coach; • Developing a personalized professional growth plan for student achievement; and • Conducting a comprehensive needs assessment to determine district and leadership needs. ISAL also studies the superintendent’s role through five leadership lenses: facilitator of shared moral purpose, change agent, relationship/culture promoter, capacity builder, and coherence maker. Superintendents needing more information can contact ISAL’s Facilitator, Dr. Gary Zabilka. Communications Members have direct access to Jason Nevel, Director of Social Media and Publications, for consultation and

slate of academies are designed to help educators fulfill state requirements for administrator academy credits and evaluator credentials. We also take pride in offering timely workshops that meet the ever-changing needs of superintendents, as well as help school leaders get refocused and rejuvenated. During 2020–2021, IASA produced almost 300 academies, workshops, conferences, webinars and other presentations, serving 10,400 attendees. Aspiring Superintendent Academy The IASA Aspiring Superintendent Academy (ASA) is a week-long academy designed for administrators seeking to become a superintendent. Each day includes sessions dealing with topics on School District Leadership, Communications Strategies, School District Planning and Operations, School Finance, Advocacy and Law and Action Planning and Next Steps. Since the program launched in July 2016, 175 principals, assistant superintendents and other central office school administrators have attended this week-long boot camp. The next Academy is scheduled for July 5–9, 2021 in Springfield. New Superintendent Services The IASA New Superintendents’ Conference was attended virtually by 55 superintendents in July of 2020. The event is complimentary and is a perfect opportunity to connect with other first-year superintendents, gather vital information and build a support network for your first year on the job. The two-day conference covers a variety of topics, including board relations, school finance, technology, media relations and personal health. IASA Mentoring Program During 2020–21, IASA provided mentors to 70 new superintendents and more than 138 second- and third- year superintendents. We are pleased to provide first-year superintendents with this service at no cost.

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