LM August 2024

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“ L i f ISAL Cohort VIII Applications Now Being Accepted e C h a n g i n

ISAL VIII

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Jason Nevel IASA Director of Communications

The eighth cohort will have some different faces leading the program, albeit not new to the ISAL experience. The lead facilitators are Sandye Brown, a highly sought after leadership reinvention consultant, and Curt Nettles, the retired superintendent of Clinton CUSD #15 as well as an ISAL Coach in five of the last seven cohorts. In addition, Dr. Dawn Bridges, IASA’s Associate Director of Professional Learning, will help lead the experience. Nettles said new participants should not expect changes to the format and experience. IASA still aims to help superintendents improve their work/life balance while also building skill sets essential for successfully impacting student achievement at the local level. “Without question, Dr. (Nancy) Blair and Dr. (Gary) Zabilka stepping away was significant, but both Sandye and I have been heavily involved since the conception of ISAL in 2010. “We have zero plans to overhaul the type of professional development that is delivered.”

For years, Dr. Corey Tafoya put off advice from his colleagues about joining IASA’s School for Advanced Leadership. The superintendent of Harvard CUSD #50 in Lake County would tell himself he would get around to applying, but life and a busy schedule always got in the way. When registration opened for ISAL VII in September 2022, Dr. Tafoya knew he couldn’t miss another deadline. Like his colleagues told him, the experience was life changing. “They were right,” Dr. Tafoya said. “It’s a fantastic program. I have 25 new-ride-or-die amigos I can reach out to about any situation, but I also have a great plan to take care of myself and sustain myself. I almost waited too long. It was worth it. I can’t recommend it highly enough.” Join ISAL VIII Applications are now being accepted for ISAL VIII. Twenty-five superintendents will participate in the 18- month professional coaching program that kicks off in January 2025 and runs through May 2026.

32 LM August 2024