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Superintendents are under constant pressure to elevate student achievement, provide communications updates, set goals, be visible in the community, oversee finances, keep students safe and handle personnel matters — all while balancing a home life.


Instead of adding more, now may be the perfect time to better handle what's on your plate. 


IASA’s School for Advanced Leadership (ISAL) is a trusted professional coaching program that helps superintendents improve their work/life balance while also building skill sets essential for successfully impacting student achievement at the local level.


Applications are now being accepted for ISAL IX, the ninth cohort. The 18-month program launches in February 2027 and runs over the course of eight sessions through May 2028. The deadline to apply is Nov. 13.

 

Why Apply to ISAL


IASA's School for Advanced Leadership (ISAL) is unlike any professional development experience available to superintendents in Illinois because it integrates personal and professional growth plans with the cultivation of lifelong relationships. 


Twenty-five superintendents are accepted into each cohort, beginning a journey that past participants have called "life changing."


Each participant is paired with a leadership coach, who is a current or retired superintendent who graduated from ISAL. The leadership coach serves as a trusted mentor that you can contact anytime with questions about professional or personal matters. 


Over the course of eight sessions, participants disengage from their districts and gather in Springfield for enriching learning sessions and training that is focused on the superintendent's role in the support of student achievement and work/life balance. The sessions also include nightly dinners that foster new friendships and relationships. 


Questions: Email Kristy Ponsler or call IASA at 217-753-2213.

What is the cost?

 

The cost of the program is $6,250. Payment can be split over two fiscal years. 


This cost covers the expenses incurred for the program, such as books, meals, and materials, but does not cover travel or housing expenses. 


All sessions are held at the IASA Office in Springfield on Thursdays (full day) and Fridays (until Noon). A welcome reception will be held Feb. 3.


Watch Video

Facilitators and Leaders


Sandye Brown, Master Certified Coach and leadership reinvention consultant.


Curt Nettles, retired superintendent from Clinton CUSD #15 and member of ISAL I.


Dr. Dawn Bridges, IASA Associate Director of Professional Learning

Coaches


Matt Stines, current superintendent of Grant CCSD #110


Kathy Countryman, retired superintendent from Sycamore 
CUSD #427


Julie Kraemer, retired superintendent from Hutsonville CUSD #1


Dr. Lynn Glickman, retired superintendent from Grayslake 
CCSD #46


Dr. Lindsey Hall, retired superintendent from Mahomet-Seymour CUSD #3


Dr. Tim Arnold, retired superintendent from Will County SD #92

Increase Your Marketability 


Upon successful completion of the program, superintendents earn the unique distinction of being named an ISAL Fellow, increasing your marketability for your next job. Since the program's inception in 2010, 194 Illinois superintendents have been named an ISAL Fellow.

IASA | 2648 Beechler Court | Springfield, IL 62703-7305 US

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