If you haven't registered yet to be a member here is the link. Please share with others so they can be part of our IALAS familia.

Dear IALAS Familia,

Thank you for attending our Winter Conclave: Living and Leaving your Legacy Now: Equity, Leadership and Educator Pipeline! It truly was inspiring to hear from so many of our IALAS members presenting and sharing their Legacy. We also heard from our out going Superintendent, Dr. Carmen I. Ayala. Her words and actions will live on forever.

We also welcome our incoming State Superintendent, Dr. Tony Sanders. You can read further on Dr. Sanders in his interview with John Garcia from ABC news.

It is Black History Month. This is a special time to celebrate the contributions of our Black brothers and sisters in the story of America. Carter E. Woodson, was the first to dedicate and celebrate the historic contributions of Black people that led to the establishment of Black History Month. He felt the importance to have a theme each year to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis. This year's theme for learning and understanding is Black Resistance. This is a great time to have in-depth discussions in our classrooms.

Join us on March 16, 2023 at

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Oak Park 950 Lake St, Oak Park

from 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

engage.renaissance.com/ialasdinnerconversations

Questions? Kim.Walsh@renaissance.com

See flyer below to register.

It is time for you to join the IALAS Board. The President and VP position will be opening. VP Mary Kassir has served for 5 years and we are so grateful for her labor of love. I have served my term and will not be running again. It is your time!! We are excited for you to lead and be part of this organization on the board and take it to the next level. Please apply here.

2nd Annual Black Educational Advocacy Coalition- Districts Leading with Equity Conference (April 27 and 28 at UIUC) (see previous program and Save the Date flyer)

• The Black Educational Advocacy Coalition (BEAC) is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to promoting equity and ensuring the success of Black students and educators. Founded in 2018, BEAC seeks to improve the educational opportunities and experiences of Black students and educators including educational leaders and decrease barriers to their success.
• The mission of the Black Educational Advocacy Coalition (BEAC) is to advocate on matters affecting Black students and educators including educational leaders based on research, and cultural and historical traditions by way of a holistic approach.
• Conference information: To ensure all students have the resources they need to be successful in their K-12 school experience, districts need to make sure the right support systems, structures, supports, and practices are in place from the boardroom to the classroom. The 2023 Districts Leading with Equity conference will provide specific resources and tools to support school board members and district personnel to continually promote and enhance equity throughout their districts. Sponsorships are available.

Visit www.thebeac.org

Our Spring Conference is coming soon. We want to learn from you. Please consider turning in a proposal so we can learn from your expertise and wisdom. Here is the the RFP which is due March 29, 2023.

We See You, We Hear You, We Need You!

The Illinois Grow Summit for Educational Leaders and Teachers of Color was the first event in Illinois with the specific goal to grow, retain, and recruit educational leaders and teachers of color. Join us for the 2nd annual event and register here!

WHEN

June 1-2, 2023

COST

$149 (individual)

Group rates:

3–5 participants ($129)

6–10 participants ($109)

11+ participants ($99)

WHERE

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington - 10 Brickyard Drive, Bloomington, IL 61701

#ILGrowSummit

Summit registration open!

June 19-21, 2023

Vancouver, Washington

When Women Lead is an education leadership summit for women by women, focused on executive leadership, equity policy, and digital inclusion. It takes place this year from June 19th through June 21st, 2023 on the beautiful Vancouver, Washington waterfront. Register and book your hotel stay today!

Register here.

Through these fully-funded professional exchange programs, elementary and secondary educators travel to one of more than 25 countries worldwide to enrich their educational practice. Fulbright Teachers forge lasting connections with other educators and bring global knowledge, skills, and perspectives back to their schools. Explore 2023-2024 program offerings and apply today to join this global network!

Thank you for all you do for our children, families and communities and especially for choosing to be an IALAS member. Continue to spread your IALAS wings as anti-racist, equitable, educational leaders. We look forward to seeing you soon at your next IALAS function.

Respectfully,

Elizabeth Álvarez, Ph.D.

IALAS President