IASA GUIDE to SERVICE

DIRECTORS OF ACADEMIC EMPOWERMENT IASA’s Directors of Academic Empowerment provide no-cost, personalized support to Illinois school districts through a partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education. This team of experienced educational leaders works directly with superintendents to strengthen district performance and accelerate student achievement.

IASA Staff and Services ...cont’d.

Dr. Denean Adams Director of Academic Empowerment

Dr. Denean Adams is a dedicated educational leader, with over three decades of experience across diverse leadership roles, including Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Professor, Curriculum and Instruction Program Director, Principal and Dean of Students.

dadams@iasaedu.org

Dr. Mable Alfred Director of Academic Empowerment

Dr. Mable Alfred has over 35 years of experience in educational leadership, including six years in the superintendency at Elementary School District #159 in Matteson. Dr. Alfred prides herself in helping establish a culture of transparency and accountability while also being able to engage with different stakeholder groups.

malfred@iasaedu.org jgill@iasaedu.org Focus Area: Statewide Focus Area: Cook South and Cook West Focus Area: Rural lgross@iasaedu.org skherat@iasaedu.org

Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat served as

Districts can connect with a Director of Academic Empowerment in one of two ways:

Dr. Lori James-Gross Dr. James-Gross brings 33 years of educational leader ship experience, including 23 years as superintendent of Unity Point School District #140 in Carbondale and Murphysboro Community Unit School District #186. She has successfully led continuous school improvement initiatives using a comprehensive whole-child approach, fostering collaboration among educators, families, and students to prioritize student agency while ensuring strong alignment between curriculum, professional devel opment, and positive school culture. Springfield School District #186, one of Illinois' largest and most complex urban districts. During her tenure she led a decade-long facilities transformation that became a model for community engagement and transparent communication. Jennifer Gill Jennifer Gill spent 12 years as superintendent of superintendent of Peoria Public Schools, where she led the district's 27 schools and 13,000 students for more than a decade. Named the 2025 Illinois Superintendent of the Year by IASA, she was widely recognized for her innovative approaches to teacher recruitment, equity, and community engagement.

• Reach out directly via email

• Complete an Interest Form

Supports Include:

• Strategic Planning

• Review of Instructional Programming

• Coordination of Culture/Climate Surveys

• SEL Programming Support or any Initiative Happnening in Schools Designed to Accelerate Academic Improvement

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