LM april 2021 final hi

“One of our challenges as leaders is to make sure our students, faculty and staff members leave school each day with more chips than they came with,” Zimmerman said.

Highlights from Day 2 Similarl to Day 1, the second day of the conference opened with a Mindfulness Session led by Dr. Nancy Blair, Professor Emerita of Leadership Studies at Cardinal Stritch University. The session offered participants an opportunity to get centered for the conference and focus on their own mindfulness as a leader. State Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala shared a welcoming message and IASA honored Past President Paula Hawley. Hawley served as IASA President in 2020. A special in memoriam video was also played in tribute to Dr. Scott Helton, DuPage HSD #88, and Bill Wrenn, Midland CUSD #7.

Dr. Victor Zimmerman, IASA President

“One of our challenges is to make sure our students leave school each day with more chips than they came with.” Day 1 also included Ignite presentations from Dr. Donna Leak, CCSD #168, and Jon Green, Meridian SD #101. Furthermore, 28 breakout sessions were held Wednesday that provided important professional development to school administrators. The first ever Supt2Supt sessions were also a chance for leaders to connect and discuss timely issues and hot topics over lunch.

Paula Hawley, IASA Past President

“Keep everything in perspective. Take time for you. Keep yourself healthy.”

Dr. Donna Leak, 2021 Illinois Superintendent of the Year

Dr. Richard J. Voltz, 2020 IASA Exemplary Service to Education Award Recipient “I challenge all of you to keep doing your best for Illinois students.” Seven more breakout sessions plus three more Ignite presentations were held on Day 2. The Ignite presenters were Dr. Hillary Stanifer, Blue Ridge CUSD #18; Brett M. Elliott, Stark County CUSD #100; and Tony Sanders, SD #U-46. At 10 a.m., participants watched a conversation between new Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Dr. Clark. In the interview, Speaker Welch recalled how he called Dr. Clark and asked for advice when he was broached by Michael Madigan about becoming the next Speaker. IASA’s 56th Annual Conference wrapped up with Yaeger’s keynote address. Dr. Clark closed the conference and said he hopes to see everyone in Springfield for IASA’s 57th Annual Conference, September 29 to October 1, 2021. The conference is slated to be held at the Bank of Springfield Center and the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield— A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. continued...

“We have shown the personification of resilience, grit and grace.”

The lineup also included remarks from Dr. Leak, 2021 Illinois Superintendent of the Year, and giving the 2020 IASA Exemplary Service to Education Award to Dr. Richard J. Voltz. The award is presented to individuals in recognition of exemplary leadership contributions to Illinois public schools, the field of school administration and students.

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LM April 2021