LM Jan 2023_hi

Education Elevat g We continue our series highlighting tremendous educators across Illinois who have given their time and energy to ele vating the superintendency and public education as a whole. Each month, we will feature two educators who are going the extra mile and truly making a difference beyond their school districts and local communities. While we are aware of many of the contributions administrators are making, we are open to any suggestions for someone to feature next month. To make a recommendation, contact Jason Nevel, IASA Director of Social Media and Publications, at jnevel@iasaedu.org or by calling 217–753–2213. Dr. Andrea Evers Murphysboro CUSD#186 Dr. JonBartelt Bloomingdale SD#13

Who: Dr. Jon Bartelt, superintendent What: Coaching for Leaders; Support of educators practicing mindfulness; IASA COVID-19 Transition Team; School board governance training; Fostered a positive district culture; Educational League of Illinois; Community organizations Where: Bloomingdale SD #13, DuPage Region

Who: Dr. Andrea Evers, superintendent

What: Leading Cairo USD #1 through tumultuous times; Box meal delivery program; Helping schools set up COVID-19 testing clinics; Supporting the fine arts; Setting up an educator pathway program in a rural district; IASA Global Service Project

When: Superintendent of Bloomingdale SD #13 since 2012. Twenty-two years experience as superintendent Why: The eight days of training Dr. Jon Bartelt received in the Coaching for Leaders academy transformed his leadership skills. “Sandye Brown and Dr. Nancy Blair helped me become a better listener and a better leader,” Dr. Bartelt said. “Since then, I’ve tried to facilitate that training for others. I strongly believe that learning how to develop others on your team, and being able to find that development within ourselves, will ultimately help you better serve the needs of students in your community.” Dr. Bartelt is the facilitator of Coaching for Leaders Academy, an 8-day learning experience held at Bloomingdale SD #13 designed to build competence and confidence among leaders. Participants who complete the academy are certified as a leadership coach. Since its inception in 2018, approximately 100 educators have graduated from the academy. A one-day

Where: Murphysboro CUSD #186, Shawnee Region When: Superintendent of Murphysboro CUSD #186 since 2020; Superintendent of Cairo USD #1 from 2012–20 Why: As the leader of Cairo USD #1 from 2012–2020, Dr. Evers encountered one of the most daunting situations any superintendent could ever face. Cairo is considered one of the poorest cities in Illinois and has seen its population decline at one of the fastest rates in the country. The challenges for the school district were exacerbated by a public housing crisis that forced hundreds of families to relocate. During her tenure, Dr. Evers saw Cairo USD #1’s enrollment decline from approximately 600 students to less than 400. More public housing closures, and lack of development, has resulted in enrollment dropping to 271 students today.

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LM January 2023