LM Oct 2025

Professional Learning Elevating Our Profession—Together Dr. Dawn Bridges IASA Associate Director of Professional Learning

school board presidents—both men and women—who are leading boldly and collaboratively in today’s complex educational landscape. Through stories of partnership and perseverance, they’ll explore what it means to lead with empathy, resilience, and a shared vision. Attendees will leave with practical insights on how to foster trust, elevate one another, and make values-driven decisions when it matters most. It’s free and open to all. Please pre-register to help us plan accordingly. IASA is also sponsoring seven breakout sessions. Topics this year include: • Strategic Planning that Works: Vision, Action, Results • What Will Spring 2026 Bring for School Finance? • Superintendent Employment Contracts • AI in Education: Urgency, Impact, and Leadership • What Your Superintendent Wants to Tell You, But Can’t • From the Boardroom to the Jobsite: Lessons in Public Construction • Setting Your New Superintendent Up for Success Join us in Chicago to continue the conversations and connections that strengthen our collective work - and remind us why, together, Illinois superintendents continue to lead the way!

I have always believed the success of any education conference comes down to one thing… the people. The people who take the time to share their work. The quality of our speakers and breakout presenters has always been what makes the IASA Annual Conference such a powerful, must-attend event. Year after year, Illinois superintendents step forward as innovators, problem-solvers, and thought leaders—building systems of support for students and creating ecosystems where teachers want to teach and students want to learn. I want to give a special thanks to this year’s breakout session presenters, Ignite speakers, and our three superintendent spotlights who closed the conference with courage, vulnerability, and inspiration. Your stories and insights will ripple far beyond Springfield—sparking new ideas, challenging assumptions, and inspiring leaders across Illinois to think differently, act boldly, and lead with purpose. The impact of sharing your expertise extends beyond a single event. If you’re interested in delivering an Ignite presentation or being featured in the IASA Member Showcase, please reach out to me anytime. For breakout presentations, we’re opening the application process early in 2026—be on the

lookout for an email this winter. As we reflect on the success of the Annual Conference, our focus turns to what’s next. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in Chicago for the Joint Annual Conference, November 21-23. IASA will once again host a Women in

Leadership session on Friday morning. This year’s session will feature a dynamic panel of female superintendents and

22 LM October 2025