Leadership Matters Summer 2015

IASA News in Brief

Dr. David R. Schuler takes reins as AASA President

The superintendent of Township High School 214 in Arlington Heights began his one-year term as president of the national association for school superintendents and administrators. Dr. David R. Schuler began his one-year term on July 1 as president of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). “I’m honored to be associated with AASA—the organization which serves as a standard-bearer when it comes to strengthening school district leadership on the national scale,” said Schuler. “Through this role, I look forward to engaging with superintendents and providing professional growth opportunities so our district leaders can excel on the job. My top priority will be serving them while championing the amazing achievements occurring in our schools across the country.”

Priority Licensure Requests

The following is a message from ISBE Assistant Superintendent for Educator Effectiveness Dr. Jason Helfer:

During the summer months, applications increase as educators seek to gain licensure before the school year begins. To best serve educators and enable school districts to secure positions for the upcoming school year, the Licensure Division at the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) will focus exclusively on priority rush requests beginning Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 31, and, if necessary, extend this timeframe. During this time, licensure staff will be unavailable by phone and will respond to email questions only as time permits. Priority rush requests may be submitted by fax to ISBE by a regional

office of education or the Chicago Public School Human Resources Office. School districts should contact one of these entities to submit a request. Priority rush requests must only be made for educators who have received an employment offer that is contingent upon the issuance of a license or endorsement, and if the educator has passed all appropriate tests and submitted all documentation required for the credential. The regional office of education is responsible for verifying all required tests and documentation are on file before submitting priority rush requests to ISBE. Thank you for your support and understanding as ISBE endeavors to process rush requests in the most efficient manner to ensure educators are properly licensed prior to the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year.

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