IALAS November Newsletter

Estimada IALAS familia,

As we transition into November, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our recent Network Mixer. It was inspiring to see so many of you come together to connect, share experiences, and strengthen our community. Your presence and enthusiasm truly energized the event, fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

In reflecting on the energy and spirit we shared at the Mixer, I am reminded of the immense power we hold as a collective to support and uplift Latino educators, as well as advocate for inclusive, equitable practices across Illinois. Each of you plays a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape, and together, we are driving meaningful change. Your commitment to ensuring that every student—regardless of background—has access to the tools, support, and opportunities they deserve is truly inspiring. The passion and dedication you bring to your work are not only felt in the classrooms and schools, but ripple out into our communities, creating lasting, positive impact. I am deeply grateful for the work you do each day to elevate our students, empower fellow educators, and transform our schools into spaces where all voices are valued and heard.

We’re also thrilled to announce that National ALAS will be hosting its National Conference here in Chicago next October! This event will be a remarkable opportunity to showcase our city and the dedicated work of Latino leaders in education. We have already begun planning sessions with ALAS and will be reaching out to engage our membership. Keep an eye out for updates, as we’re eager to involve you all in this exciting endeavor.

Once again, thank you for your unwavering support. Let’s continue to build on our momentum and make a lasting impact for our students and the future of education.

With appreciation and warm regards,

Maria Burgos

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

Community High School District 128, in Vernon Hills, IL, seeks an Superintendent of Schools. To complete an online application, electronically submit a resume, letter of interest, three up-to-date letters of reference, proof of appropriate licensure and copies of transcripts to https://www.bwpassociates.com/searches. The application deadline is December 12, 2024.

IALAS is also excited to share some amazing new job opportunities! If you're ready to elevate your career, IALAS is here to keep you informed about the latest openings. We encourage you to explore the links below for the most up-to-date opportunities:

http://www.schoolexecconnect.com/available-positions/

https://www.k12jobspot.com/

https://www.topschooljobs.org/

https://www.bwpassociates.com/searches

tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx

We’re excited to share that National ALAS will be bringing its annual conference to Chicago next October! This is a fantastic chance to highlight our city and the impactful contributions of Latino educational leaders. Planning is already underway with ALAS, and soon we’ll be reaching out to involve our members in bringing this event to life. Stay tuned for more details—we look forward to working together on this incredible opportunity!

Familia,

After taking a few days to pause, reflect and process the divisiveness going on in our country right now, I am reminded to celebrate the small wins and stay the course.

While the public education system may be impacted as a result of the national elections, we should recognize that our local communities came together to pass overrides to provide educational resources for our children. They approved bonds for much needed maintenance and renovations for buildings. They even voted to elect new representatives that will help our district leaders provide brighter tomorrows for their students and communities. These are all wins for our students and communities!

That being said there is much work that lies ahead…

We must remain committed to our vision for a better and brighter future for all students, especially the most marginalized.

We must maintain a MIATA ™️ (Make It About Them Always) mindset because there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to the education of our children.

We must take action by working with allies across party lines so that all students can be successful in their academic journeys.

Latino children, school principals, district administrators and system leaders need our national and state ALAS organizations to continue advocating for policies that uplift their work and that continue progress. Our voices need to be heard at every level of government and so our resolve needs to be stronger than ever. ALAS will continue to advocate for equitable policies that ensure Latino students have the resources they need to succeed. We will continue to demand greater representation not just in the number of Latino and Latina leaders, but also in the depth of commitment to our Latino communities. We will also not back down in the face of adversity, because the future of our children and our communities depend on it.

We know the challenges are real. Our students and familias face systemic barriers, inequities, and an education system that far too often leaves them behind. We have ignited a movement that cannot and will not be extinguished. The passion, energy, and solidarity we’ve built are the foundation upon which we will continue to stand and fight, and we will not stop! We will keep pushing for the change that we know is possible because juntos… together… we will make our voices impossible to ignore!

Now more than ever we must continue to stand strong for what is right and just and leverage the power of our collective strength… The Power of Us!

Somos ALAS y vamos pa’riba y pa’lante!

Uly Navarrete
Executive Director

Thank you to all our sponsors and members for making our Fall Network Mixer such a wonderful experience! Your presence, support, and enthusiasm created a warm and engaging atmosphere that fostered meaningful connections and collaborations. We are grateful for your continued commitment and look forward to many more opportunities to grow together.

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.

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