IALAS August Newsletter

Dear ALAS Familia,

As we begin a new school year, I am filled with immense pride and optimism for the journey that lies ahead. On behalf of the Illinois Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, I extend a warm welcome to all students, teachers, and families as we step into our school buildings once again. It is with great excitement and dedication that we embrace our role in shaping the future of education for the students we serve.

At IALAS, our mission is deeply rooted in empowering and uplifting Latino administrators and superintendents to create positive change within our educational systems. However, at the heart of our mission lies the unwavering commitment to the students who walk through the doors of our schools each day.

Today, more than ever, our students need us to be beacons of hope, inspiration, and support. They need leaders who believe in their potential, who champion their dreams, and who provide them with the tools to succeed. Let us remember that our work extends far beyond the confines of our offices and classrooms; it is a transformative journey that shapes the lives of the young minds we serve. As we focus on inspiring leadership within our educational community, I encourage each one of you to lead with empathy, compassion, and vision. Our students look up to us, not only as educators but as mentors and role models. By nurturing their talents, valuing their identities, and fostering an inclusive environment, we can ignite the flame of inspiration within each of them.

Together, let us strive to create schools that are not just buildings, but vibrant hubs of learning, growth, and unity. Let us build bridges that connect our teachers, students, and families, fostering a collaborative spirit that transcends barriers and embraces diversity. By working hand in hand, we can create an educational ecosystem where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.

I am honored to stand alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals who are part of the IALAS community. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future, not only for our students but for the entire educational landscape in Illinois. As we embark on this new school year, let us keep our mission at the forefront of our minds and our hearts. Let us be unwavering advocates for the students we serve and committed leaders who inspire change. Together, we will make a profound impact, shaping a generation of empowered, compassionate, and resilient leaders.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to IALAS and the students we serve. Let us embrace this new year with renewed determination and enthusiasm, knowing that our work will make a lasting difference.

With warm regards,

María Burgos

President, Illinois Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (IALAS)

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Martín Da Costa who is joining our IALAS Executive Board and will serve as Secretary I. He will play an integral role in ensuring transparency by maintaining meeting minutes, organizing successful events, and actively supporting our organization’s mission. We give him a warm “bienvenida” and look forward to him leaving a long lasting impact within our IALAS community.

The purpose of the IALAS Mentoring Program is to increase the number of Latino/a administrators committed to closing the Latino/a student achievement gap. We believe one of the most effective ways to support the aforementioned is to provide mentoring opportunities in order to develop rising leaders and support their future career endeavors.

We offer 1:1 mentoring services based on the needs of the mentee, however, both parties will determine what this relationship will look like, sound like, and feel like. Please complete the respective survey if you are interested in being a mentor or mentee.

Mentor Interest Form

Mentee Interest Form

Ignite Learning Breakthroughs

Imagine Learning was built by educators, for educators. We are the sum of 10 million students and 20,000 American schools across 25 of the nation’s largest school districts, dedicated to embracing the unique learning journey of the individual.

As pioneers in personalized learning, we are heavily invested in education research; continually refining our adaptive digital curricula. This data makes for powerful testimony that gives educators clear insights, supporting them to maximize the potential of every student regardless of the challenges they face.

But we can’t do it alone. By working closely with teachers, administrators, and parents to create student-centered products, we are shaping the future of education together.

Feel free to reach out to IALAS if you have administrative employment opportunities in your district! We will post them on our IALAS website and will pass the word along to our membership. Please send all submissions to dvargas@ialas.org and include information regarding the vacancy along with all other pertinent information you would like shared. Thank you in advance for your support as we work together to strengthen the Latino administration pipeline. Click here to view employment opportunities listed on our website and don’t forget that IALAS members are eligible to submit job postings for free!

Intentional Interruption: Breaking Down Learning Barriers to Transform Professional Practice

We interrupt this program to bring meaningful, conceptual change to your team's professional learning!

If you're involved in professional learning, you know that big ideas can sometimes get stuck on the way to becoming real change. Steven Katz and Lisa Ain Dack explain the secret to getting unstuck: interrupting the status quo of traditional activity-based professional development to help educators embrace permanent changes in thinking and behavior. They outline a process—grounded in psychological research—for real professional learning that ultimately leads to improved student achievement.

You can enable true learning by

• Building a focus on learning, collaborative inquiry, and formal and informal instructional leadership in schools

• Recognizing the psychological processes involved in adult learning, and overcoming the psychological biases and barriers to change

• Using tools and strategies such as critical friend relationships, learning conversations, task sheets, and protocols

Illustrated with concrete, school-based examples drawn from real practice, Intentional Interruption shows how rethinking professional learning can lead to the development of a real and sustainable learning culture in your school.

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