LM May 2026

The cohort is built around three central ideas: • Finishing Strong — honoring your impact,

Illinois has long been a trailblazer in educational leadership, and our commitment to supporting leaders through every stage of their journey reflects that tradition. We know that leadership transitions matter — not only for the individual leader, but for the health and sustainability of entire systems. The final years of leadership are not simply about winding down. They are an opportunity to finish with intention, strengthen what matters most, and create space for what comes next. As you think about your own leadership journey, con sider this question: If you approached retirement with the same strategic intentionality you bring to leading your district, what might you begin planning for today? And to those preparing to close this chapter of lead ership, please accept my sincere congratulations and gratitude. Your leadership has shaped communities, strengthened schools, and impacted countless stu dents, staff, and families across Illinois. Because leadership is not defined by a title alone. It is defined by the impact we leave behind — and the purpose we continue to carry forward.

strengthening systems, and preparing future leaders • Living Well — prioritizing wellness, relationships, and identity beyond the role • Leading What’s Next — exploring opportunities for continued impact through mentoring, consulting, interim leadership, service, or entirely new pursuits What makes this work especially meaningful is that it will function not simply as a workshop series, but as a professional learning community. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in honest dialogue with peers navigating similar questions and experi ences. Together, they will reflect, plan, learn, and build individualized retirement roadmaps grounded in their own values and goals. This is another example of the broader leadership ecosystem we continue to build at IASA — one that recognizes leadership growth and support should ex tend across an entire career continuum. From aspiring leaders to experienced superintendents preparing for retirement, meaningful professional learning happens when leaders have opportunities to connect, reflect, and grow together. Leadership ecosystems are strongest when they support leaders not only in how they begin, but also in how they transition, grow, and continue contributing beyond the role.

INTERESTED IN IMPLEMENTING FRAMEWORK IN YOUR SCHOOL DISTRICT? IASA HAS YOU COVERED.

Aligned to Lead: A Leadership Summit for District Teams

South Cook ISC 4: July 20-July 21

Lake County Regional Office: July 23-24

CLICK HERE to Register

OFFERED IN TWO LOCATIONS:

BRING YOUR TEAM. BUILD ALIGNMENT. EARN AA CREDIT.

The best school years don’t start in August. They start in the summer — when leadership teams have time to think, align, and plan without the daily grind. Aligned to Lead is that opportunity for collective learning. Your entire leadership team will build shared vision, trust, and strategic direction together using Franklin Covey’s 4 Essential Roles of Leadership —a proven framework for leading self, others, teams, and organizations with clarity and purpose. WHAT YOU WILL DO: Over 1.5 days, your team will engage in interactive sessions, collaborative planning time, and team-building activities designed to strengthen how you work together.

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