LM Summer 2025

Professional Learning

Dr. Dawn Bridges IASA Associate Director of Professional Learning

Pathways to the Future: Why You Can’t Miss the 2025 IASA Annual Conference

REGISTRATION SET TO OPEN NEXT WEEK

As education continues to evolve, so must our leadership. This year’s IASA Annual Conference— “Pathways to the Future” —is more than a gathering; it’s a movement. Held September 24–26, 2025, in Springfield, this event is designed to spark ideas, ignite bold leadership, and connect superintendents across Illinois around one powerful truth: the future of public education demands that we think differently, lead courageously, and act with purpose. We are at a pivotal moment. Our students are different. Their needs are more complex. The world they’re stepping into is reshaped daily by AI, workforce transformation, and societal change. If we’re going to prepare them for what lies ahead, we must reimagine our systems now—not someday. That’s what this conference is all about. You won’t want to miss our featured keynote from Thomas C. Murray , a nationally recognized thought leader, bestselling author, and advocate for future-ready schools. With his dynamic storytelling and deep understanding of innovation in education, Tom will challenge and inspire us to lead with purpose, prioritize what matters most, and create learning experiences that empower every student. His message is rooted in hope, equity, and the belief that leadership is about people first—exactly the kind of inspiration we need in this moment of transformation. You’ll also hear from visionary superintendents during our keynote spotlights, including personal reflections like “Stronger Than the Storm” and “Life Happened: How the Superintendency and Chickens Reframed My Perspective on Life.” We’ll feature dynamic thought leaders like Dr. Bill Daggett and Ray McNulty , who will push us to reexamine what readiness looks like in an AI-powered world—and how systems-thinking and courageous leadership must evolve. Our Ignite Sessions will shine a spotlight on the incredible work happening in districts across Illinois—led by your peers. These fast-paced, high-impact talks will explore powerful themes like

cultivating hope in an anxious generation, reimagining career readiness through real-world student experiences, solving the teacher shortage with strategic data practices, and designing innovative solutions like on-site childcare to support staff recruitment and retention. You’ll hear how districts are investing in the next generation of female leaders, building stronger cross sector partnerships for student success, and reminding us all that self-care and wellness are essential leadership practices. These sessions aren’t just inspirational—they’re packed with replicable ideas and fresh thinking that you can take back to your district immediately. Add to that more breakout sessions than ever before, extended networking opportunities, and powerful problems-of-practice roundtables—this year’s agenda has been intentionally redesigned to move away from passive learning and into connection, collaboration, and collective action. We’re also proud to elevate the incredible work being done across the state. More than ever, this conference is a celebration of our members —your ideas, your resilience, your willingness to share what’s working and wrestle with what’s not. This year, we’re especially honored to hear from Illinois Superintendent of the Year and National SOY finalist, Dr. Sharon Kherat , whose inspiring leadership story will set the tone for the conference and remind us what’s possible when courage, vision, and community come together. We encourage you to attend—and bring others with you. Support your colleagues who are presenting. Show up for your network. And walk away with renewed clarity, actionable ideas, and the relationships that will sustain you as we co-create what’s next. Join us in Springfield this fall. Because the pathway to the future isn’t paved alone—it’s forged together.

26 LM Summer 2025