Estimada IALAS familia,
In October we have much to celebrate and reflect upon in the field of education. This month, we proudly observe National Principals Month, recognizing the outstanding leadership and dedication of our principals, who continue to shape the educational journey of countless students. Their efforts, especially in the face of new challenges, are a reminder of the importance of strong, visionary leadership in our schools.
We proudly continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the profound contributions of the Latino community to the fabric of our nation’s history, culture, and future. It is more than just a celebration, it is a reminder of the resilience, strength, and diversity that Latino voices bring to every facet of society, especially in education. At the same time, National Bullying Prevention Month calls us to reaffirm our commitment to creating safe, inclusive learning environments where every child is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. These moments urge us to reflect on the impact we make as educators and the responsibility we carry to ensure equity and belonging for all students.
This past week, I had the privilege of attending the ALAS 21st Anniversary National Education Summit in Portland, alongside some of our IALAS Executive Board members. It was a powerful gathering of education leaders from across the nation, where we reflected on the importance of equitable education for Latino youth and historically underserved communities. Meeting educational visionary Pedro Noguera was a highlight, and I left feeling deeply inspired to continue our work in expanding access and opportunities for all students.
With that inspiration, I am excited to invite you all to our IALAS Fall Networking Mixer on October 25, 2025. This is a chance for us to come together as a community, share ideas, and build stronger relationships that will help us continue to champion equity and excellence in education. Whether you’re a new or longtime member, your presence will enrich the conversation and our shared mission. ¡Esperamos verlos a todos!
Let’s continue to push forward with renewed energy for equitable education, and I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming mixer!
Warm regards,
Maria Burgos
President, IALAS
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 do not have any applications, 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.
Thank you to everyone that has signed up for the mentorship program. We are still in need of a few Mentees. WE WILL prepare you for your next role with our current slate of mentees. Please consider signing up!
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. Upon receiving all interest forms, we will pair our mentors/mentees based on their goals and individual needs.
Partnerships by Treasurer Kris Rivera
Sponsoring the Illinois Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (IALAS) contributes to their mission of fostering educational equity and leadership development in Latinx communities. Through sponsorship, organizations support programs that uplift Latino educators, create leadership pathways, and enhance educational opportunities for students.
We are grateful for all our sponsors, whose generosity allows us to continue advocating for policies and leadership that benefit diverse student populations across Illinois.
For more details, visit the IALAS website.
For information on group discounts contact Kris Rivera at: Krivera@ialas.org
Membership Announcement and Career Opportunities by Members at Large Darlene Vargas
Act now to renew or take advantage of a group discount for teams with 3 or more administrators! Enjoy a range of benefits, including 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
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Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching
Elena Aguilar is the Queen of Educational Coaching; If you can only read one of her books, this is it.
An indispensable “how-to” guide for Transformational Coaches and leaders working in school environments, Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching (2024) is the hands-on and practical roadmap to results that professionals in this area have been waiting for. Transformational Coaching is radical in its scope: this model is both teacher- and student-centered; our collective well-being is centered.
This book will guide you through the skills, beliefs, and dispositions that will enable you to thrive at work and in life–and to create the conditions in which all those around you thrive as well. You’ll learn how to listen expansively, how to plan conversations effectively, how to coach across lines of racial difference, how to navigate resistance, and much more.
SLA is in the house!
Our president and historian are proud members of SLA XII! We had a fantastic time at the ALAS National Education Summit, with one of the highlights being the Superintendents Leadership Academy (SLA) reunion. What an AMAZING group of education leaders—so much talent and expertise in one room! It was truly inspiring to connect with such a passionate and dedicated group.
Dr. Pedro Noguera
We were thrilled to have Dr. Pedro Noguera, the Emery Stoops and Joyce King Stoops Dean of the USC Rossier School of Education and one of the nation’s leading scholars on issues related to race, inequality and education, as our keynote speaker for Day 3 of the ALAS National Education Summit!
Thank you Curriculum Associates
We had an amazing time connecting with so many educational leaders who are both changemakers and friends that support our organization. A special thank you to Elda Garcia from Curriculum Associates for their continued support. We are grateful for the partnerships that help us drive impactful change 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.
