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ISAL ... cont’d.

In addition, Dr. Zabilka says, the connection and network- ing that comes with being in an 18-month program with your peers from across the state creates bonds that last a lifetime. Throughout the eight weekends participants gather in Springfield for learning sessions, a social aspect is built in that includes nightly dinners where participants network and get to know each other better. “The program is designed to challenge your professional development and make you think a lot about what you are doing to elevate achievement in your schools, but also what you can do for yourself, so you can become a stronger leader,” says Zabilka, a retired superintendent, IASA Field Services Director and ISAL I Fellow. “I have seen more than 100 superintendents go through the program and can say with confidence that the people I have seen come in, and the people who come out, are different.” Larry Maynard, superintendent at Oakwood CUSD #76, says he applied to ISAL V in search of an opportunity to challenge and grow him professionally and personally. He had no idea how big of an impact ISAL V would have. “The relationships, the resourcefulness and the realness that I experienced through the quality of people and leadership and coaching—I am forever grateful,” Maynard says. Each ISAL cohort member participates in enriching and collaborative learning sessions aligned to leadership standards. Speakers are also brought in to address the group. The coach and ISAL participant are given the opportunity to meet outside of the formal cohort gatherings.

capacity distinction between change and transformation is change is trying to fix something that is broken. Transformation renews what is already there and good and uncovers the possibility people have in themselves.” For Dr. VandeWiele, the lessons she learned during ISAL V carry with her. “The beauty is it doesn’t end when the program ends, it’s actually just the beginning.” The training centers around the following five lenses: • Vision • Coherence • Change • Capacity • Culture A ceremony is held upon completion of the program and graduates earn the honor of being named an ISAL Fellow. “It’s a special distinction, and we have found that people who earn the title become more marketable,” Dr. Zabilka says. Transformational Growth The program is also led by Dr. Nancy Blair, Professor Emerita of Doctoral Leadership Studies at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Blair is a sought after consultant in leadership formation and sustainability. What attracted Dr. Blair to ISAL initially, and has made her return to lead each cohort over the past 10 years, is an unwavering commitment from IASA’s executive director, Dr. Brent Clark, to superintendent professional development. She describes ISAL as a once in a lifetime opportunity for people to step away from the normal way of doing and being. “It’s really become an extraordinary opportunity for transformational growth,” Dr. Blair says. “To me, the

vision culture coherence

change

6 LM November 2020