IALAS December Newsletter
December 2024
Estimada IALAS familia,
As 2024 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the strides we have made as a community committed to equity, leadership, and excellence in education. This month, let us celebrate the spirit of togetherness that fuels our shared mission while preparing for an exciting year ahead.
I am excited to invite you to our Winter Educational Conclave, taking place on Saturday, January 18, 2025. This year’s theme, "Unidos: Leading Together for Equity and Empowerment," reflects our shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and transformative action in education.
We are proud to announce the Presentation Strands for this year’s Conclave:
Unidos in Advocacy: Shaping Policy for Educational Equity
Share innovative strategies, research, or success stories that highlight how educators and leaders are advocating for policies that address the needs of Latino communities. These sessions will explore the impact of responsive, informed policy-making in promoting equity across schools and districts.Unidos in Leadership: Building Capacity for Educators
Showcase best practices, programs, or leadership frameworks that empower educators and administrators. Proposals should focus on cultivating leadership, fostering cultural responsiveness, and building capacity within schools and communities.Unidos for Student Success: Empowering the Next Generation
Present your work in creating high-quality learning opportunities for Latino students. We welcome proposals that explore innovative approaches to teaching, student empowerment, and collaborative efforts that drive equity and success for all learners.
As we prepare for this exciting event, I want to thank you for your dedication and contributions throughout the year. Let’s close 2024 with orgullo in what we have accomplished and step into 2025 with energy and determination to lead together for equity and empowerment.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace, hope, and meaningful connections. I look forward to seeing you at the Conclave in January!
In unity and service,
Maria Burgos
IALAS President
Mentor Spotlight! We want to shout out one of our members, Dr. Claudia Ortiz, who has volunteered to be a mentor this school year. If you are interested in receiving mentoring from her, please complete the Mentee Form or reach out to me at Nguerrero@ialas.com.
Dr. Claudia Ortiz
Bilingual, Student-Focused Educational Leader
With over two decades of experience, Dr. Claudia Ortiz’s dedication for fostering academic success, promoting teacher excellence, and building inclusive communities has left a lasting impact on every school she has served. A bilingual leader specializing in Dual Language programs, bilingual/biliteracy education, and diverse learner support, Dr. Ortiz excels in creating inclusive school climates that nurture intellectual, social, and emotional growth. She has a proven track record of driving school performance through data-driven strategies, innovative program development, and equity-focused leadership.
Professional Highlights
- Principal, Tarkington School of Excellence (2021–Present)
- Elevated the school’s performance from targeted to commendable for two consecutive years.
- Implemented and expanded Dual Language programs, growing from Pre-K to third grade.
- Increased state test scores for English Learners through rigorous bilingual pedagogy.
- Reduced chronic absenteeism by 10% and achieved a 12.14-point index score Increase.
- Strategic Development
- Designed and implemented data-driven professional development based on classroom observations.
- Fostered a teacher leadership program that empowered peer coaching and collaboration.
- Secured grants totaling $36,000 to enhance afterschool programs and emotional support services.
- Special Education Advocacy
- Collaborated with case managers to design individualized schedules for diverse learners.
- Introduced Branching Minds, improving STAR360 data results for students meeting benchmark goals.
DO YOU WANT FREE MONEY! Yes, that is not a typo.
If you are pursuing a graduate degree or certification, then you qualify for the SY25 IALAS scholarship. IALAS is offering $1,000 scholarships to three IALAS members in Latino/a serving districts. At this time, WE ONLY HAVE ONE application, so your chances of winning the scholarship are high! The deadline to submit applications will be 1/31/25.
If you are interested in applying, please complete the Google Form HERE. You can email Nicholas Guerrero at Nguerrero@ialas.org with any questions.
Partnerships by Treasurer Kris Rivera
December Newsletter
We're thrilled to recognize Curriculum Associates as our featured sponsor this month. Under Dr. Elda Garcia's leadership, they're making a significant impact on student learning by providing high-quality, differentiated resources. These resources empower educators to support the unique needs of the diverse learners we serve. Below is a word from Dr. Garcia:
Curriculum Associates
Curriculum Associates is proud to partner with IALAS in empowering the Latino community. Together, we are committed to creating equitable opportunities for Latino leaders, educators, and students. By providing engaging, high-quality instructional materials and targeted assessment tools, we support Illinois schools in fostering inclusive and personalized learning environments that maximize the capabilities of all students. To learn more about Curriculum Associates, click here!
Membership Announcement and Career Opportunities by Members at Large Darlene Vargas
Take action today to renew or secure a group discount for teams of three or more administrators! Gain access to exclusive benefits like professional development, networking events, and mentorship programs. Don’t miss out on these great opportunities!
· If you are interested in an individual membership click here!
· If you are interested in an organizational membership click here!
For information on group discounts contact Kris Rivera at: Krivera@ialas.org
We look forward to your continued involvement with IALAS!
Advocacy by Historian Rocío del Castillo
Edutopia
I started my teaching career about 20 years ago, in a public school English language learner program. I was the reading and writing teacher for four levels of ELLs. Read More
How I became invisible as a teacher of color in the classroom
EdSurge
It is the weekend before my students arrive for the new school year. I am in my classroom listening to Lofi beats, pondering what has been and what is to come. All around my room are reminders of my identity as a 6'2, 280-pound Black and Puerto Rican man, husband, father, math teacher and basketball coach. Read More
Putting multilingual students at the center of curriculum-based professional learning
ERIC
Teachers in a Nevada district office have been reading and discussing Sandra Cisneros' book, "Hairs/Pelitos," and are collaborating on a poster that uses figurative language to describe 38 a character from the text. The participating teachers are preparing to lead this same activity with their elementary students who are newcomers to the United States. Read More
Enhancing prep of future bilingual science teachers
UTA
The National Science Foundation has granted the College of Education a three-year Improving Undergraduate STEM Education award, "Enhancing Preparation of Bilingual Science Teachers: Linking Pedagogical Content Knowledge to a Cross-Linguistic Approach." Read More
Thrive Through the Five: Practical Truths to Powerfully Lead through Challenging Times, by Dr. Jill M. Siler, is an award-winning book that debuted as the #7 Best Education Book of All-Time by BookAuthority. It recently won 4 awards in the 2021 Eric Hoffer Book Awards, including FINALIST for the Montaigne Medal for the most thought-provoking book and the WINNER of the Best Reference Book.
Don’t miss the opportunity to meet Dr. Siler at the:
December 10-13, 2024
Tinley Park Convention Center
Winter Educational Conclave 2025
📅 Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Chicago Teachers Union Foundation, 1901 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
This year’s theme, "Unidos: Leading Together for Equity and Empowerment," highlights our shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and transformative action in education.
Call for Proposals
Submit your proposal to share your insights, strategies, and experiences!
Nominate a Spotlight Leader or Teacher
Help us recognize excellence! Each quarter, IALAS highlights exceptional members in our Spotlight Leaders feature, showcasing one administrator and one teacher in our newsletter. Nominate individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their roles, embodying the phenomenal work of our diverse membership.
Networking Event
After the Conclave, join us for a fun and engaging Networking Event – Winter Jam from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Connect with fellow educators and leaders to share ideas, build relationships, and celebrate the day’s achievements!
Join us in celebrating and advancing equity and empowerment in education!
IALAS is hosting a variety of events in the coming months that offer members a chance to learn from and collaborate with one another, as well as to get up-to-date on the latest research and trends in the educational field. Additionally, they provide members with the chance to expand their professional networks, which can be invaluable for career growth. Please keep the following dates open:
Winter Educational Conclave: January 19, 2024- More Information to Follow
