LM Nov2020

“” It enhanced everything for me... and allowed me to be a better parent and leader.

ISAL V Fellows Discuss the Program’s Impact and Why Superintendents Should Apply for ISAL VI

Dr. Terri VandeWiele enrolled in IASA’s School for Advanced Leadership (ISAL) in 2019 in a position familiar to many superintendents—on the fast track. The demands of the job and her desire to support and care for her family consumed her life, pushing her personal well- being to the back burner. “I had been so busy taking care of my school district, my family, including my parents, that I wasn’t taking care of myself,” says Dr. VandeWiele, superintendent of Silvis SD #34. “During ISAL, I discovered that I needed to be more mindful of what I was doing and why I was doing it.” Dr. VandeWiele was one of 25 graduates of the ISAL V cohort in August, earning her the distinction of being named an ISAL Fellow. She encourages her peers to consider enrolling in the ISAL VI cohort because of the value the program adds to both your personal and professional life. By Jason Nevel IASA Director of Social Media and Publications

“It enhanced everything for me and allowed me to get through personal tragedy,” VandeWiele says. “It also allowed me to be a better parent and a better leader.” Applications are now being accepted for the 18-month professional development program, available exclusively to IASA members. IASA’s goal is to hold ISAL VI in person, in Springfield, beginning April 8. Completed applications must be submitted by Friday, February 5, 2021. LifeChangingProfessional Development Since its inception in 2010, ISAL has produced 123 graduates, many of which have described the experience as “life- changing.” Each cohort typically includes 25 participants. What makes the program unique, according to one of its facilitators, Dr. Gary Zabilka, is that participants are partnered with a coach and create personal and professional growth plans. Each of the coaches are current or retired superintendents who graduated from ISAL.

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LM November 2020