May LM 2024_1

Participants, Coaches Say Goodbye to Dr. Nancy Blair ISAL VII Cohort Graduates

By Jason Nevel IASA Director of Communications

was building life-long friendships with so many amazing superintendents across the state. Thank you to Brent Clark for his leadership in building this program for the Illinois Superintendents.”

Dale Heidbreder didn’t hesitate when the opportunity to apply for the seventh cohort of the IASA School for Advanced Leadership presented itself in September 2022. “Especially after COVID, I felt like I was struggling with my career and even struggling personally,” said Heidbreder, who is in his ninth year as superintendent of Central SD #51 in Washington. “It may sound cliche, but ISAL really is life changing professional development. It helped me find myself again and helped me develop who I want to grow into.” Heidbreder was one of 25 district administrators to graduate from the 15-month program during a ceremony held May 17 in Springfield. By completing the program, he joins the list of 175 Illinois superintendents since the academy’s inception in 2010 to earn the unique distinction of being named an ISAL Fellow. The mission of ISAL is to provide experiences that build exemplary leadership, knowledge and skill sets essential for ensuring successful student achievement at the local level. As part of the academy, each superintendent develops a personal and professional growth plan, as well as a district plan for student achievement that includes conducting a comprehensive needs assessment. Each ISAL participant is assigned a veteran superintendent as a coach. Rebecca Jenkins, superintendent of Libertyville SD #70 since April 2022, was among the 25 graduates. She described ISAL as the best professional development she’s ever received. “I have grown personally and professionally these past two years and would highly recommend this program to any superintendent,” said Jenkins. “The icing on the cake

Last Cohort for Dr. Blair May 17 also marked the final cohort for one of the program’s foundational leaders and facilitators. Dr. Nancy Blair concluded her seventh and final cohort. Dr. Blair is Professor Emerita of Doctoral Leadership Studies at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee. IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark and co-ISAL Facilitator Dr. Gary Zabilka both reflected on Dr. Blair’s contributions to the program and to the profession. “It’s hard to find the words to repay her for the deep development of leaders across Illinois,” Dr. Clark said.

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LM May 2024