Dear IALAS Familia,
As we embrace the beginning of August, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the new school year ahead. Our vision and mission at IALAS have always centered on fostering equity, leadership, policy, and strengthening the educator pipeline. This commitment drives everything we do as we strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment for our students and communities. Each step we take is guided by our belief in the power of education to transform lives and uplift entire communities. We are dedicated to ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. It is through our collective efforts that we make a lasting impact.
It is that time of the year where we are all thrilled to welcome new staff members to our districts. Their unique talents and perspectives will undoubtedly enrich our educational landscape, and we are eager to see the positive impact they will have on our students. The infusion of new ideas and approaches from our new staff members will be invaluable as we strive for continuous improvement. Together, we will build on our successes and address our challenges with creativity and resolve. We are confident that our collective contributions will help us achieve our shared goals and elevate the quality of education in our districts.
As we prepare to welcome our students and communities back to school, there is a palpable sense of excitement and renewal. This is a time for fresh starts, new opportunities, and the continuation of our collective journey towards educational excellence. Our schools are buzzing with preparations, from setting up classrooms to finalizing lesson plans, all aimed at providing a welcoming and stimulating environment for our students. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, where every student feels valued and supported. As we embark on this new academic year, let us carry forward the lessons learned and the bonds strengthened over the past year, and look forward to the growth and achievements that lie ahead.
In July, our IALAS team met for strategic planning. During this meeting, we had the honor of swearing in Nicholas Guerrero for a continuing term as Vice President and Martin Da Costa as Secretary. We also set new event dates and are eagerly looking forward to seeing you at our upcoming network mixers and events. These gatherings are vital for fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and strengthening our community. Our strategic planning sessions were filled with dynamic discussions and innovative ideas aimed at driving our mission forward. We are excited about the initiatives we have planned and believe they will significantly benefit our members and the broader educational community. Your participation in these events is crucial as it brings diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich our collective efforts.
This weekend, I will be attending a Presidents state affiliates meeting in Washighton DC, where I look forward to collaborating with other Presidents across the nation. Our goal is to align our initiatives with National ALAS and explore how best to support our members. This collaboration is crucial as we work together to address the challenges and opportunities in education. By sharing best practices and learning from each other, we can enhance our strategies and make a greater impact. I am eager to bring back valuable insights and ideas that will benefit our IALAS community. Together, we will continue to advocate for policies and practices that support equity and excellence in education.
I encourage you to keep a close eye on administrative postings sent via email and posted on our website and social media. These communications will keep you informed about important updates, events, and opportunities within our network. Staying connected and informed is essential as we work together to achieve our shared goals. Your active engagement and feedback are invaluable in shaping the direction of our initiatives.
If you haven't already done so, we invite you to renew your IALAS membership. Our memberships run from July 1 to June 30. Renewing your membership ensures that you remain connected and benefit from the resources and support we offer. Please click on this link to renew your membership today. Being an IALAS member provides you with access to a wealth of resources, professional development opportunities, and a network of dedicated educators and leaders. Your membership is a vital part of our community, and we are grateful for your continued support. Together, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of our students and the broader educational landscape.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our vision and mission. Together, we are making a significant impact on the lives of our students and communities. I look forward to another year of shared successes and continued growth. Let us embrace the new school year with enthusiasm and determination, knowing that our collective efforts are creating a brighter future for all. Your passion and dedication inspire me every day, and I am honored to lead such an incredible community of educators and leaders.
Warm regards,
Maria Burgos
IALAS President
IALAS will be continuing its mentorship program in SY25. If you are interested in being a mentor or mentee, please complete the interest form below.
The purpose of the IALAS Mentoring Program is to increase the number of successful 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 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 this survey. so that we may be better equipped to gauge interest.Upon receiving all interest forms, we will pair our mentors/mentees based on their goals and individual needs.
Scholarship Applicants
IALAS is offering $1,000 scholarships to three IALAS members in Latino/a serving districts. The deadline to submit applications will be in early 2025.
If you are interested in applying, please complete the Google Form HERE. You can email Nicholas Guerrero at Nguerrero@ialas.org with any questions.
Introductory essay.
Brief biography.
Profile picture.
Professor letter of recommendation #1.
Professional reference letter of recommendation.
IALAS member letter of recommendation.
Partnerships by Treasurer Kris Rivera
Welcome to the new school year! I’m excited about the opportunities we have to learn, build relationships, and enhance our support for administrators working with Latino students. My role involves connecting administrators with vendors who align with our vision: "To unify and cultivate educational leaders serving Latino communities to promote equity and empower all students."
Our high-quality speakers and event venues are made possible thanks to our generous sponsors. A heartfelt thank you goes out to last year’s sponsors: Imagine Learning, Grand Canyon University, Wepalibros, Blue Point Alert Solutions, and Teach for America.
I encourage you to make the most of the mentoring, scholarships, professional development, and networking opportunities we offer. I’m looking forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
Membership Announcement and Career Opportunities by Members at Large Darlene Vargas
Our new membership cycle has started and now is the time to renew or get a group discount with 3 or more administrators. We offer many benefits and opportunities such as professional developments, networking events, and mentorship programs.
Join IALAS today!
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
If you are ready to take your skills to the next level, IALAS is committed to ensuring that its members are aware of the latest job opportunities. We encourage you to explore the following links as they provide the latest opportunities:
http://www.schoolexecconnect.com/available-positions/
https://www.topschooljobs.org/
https://www.bwpassociates.com/searches.
Advocacy by Historian Rocío del Castillo
Title IX 'milestone' goes into effect for students in less than half the country The 74
New protections against sexual harassment and discrimination, including for LGBTQ students, went into effect in less than half the country recently as legal challenges to the Biden administration's Title IX rewrite pile up. Read More
Leveraging AI to help special education teachers
eSchool News
Technology has long been viewed as having the promise to make schools more effective and educators more efficient. In the late 1990s, the American Association of School Administrators provided recognition to school districts that were using technology in effective and efficient ways. Read More
Eliminating barriers for English language learners in gifted and talented programs in the US
Concordia University
An increase in the English Language Learner population, specifically in elementary public schools in the U.S. in recent years, has not been met with a proportional increase in the number of ELLs being identified and enrolled in K-5 Gifted and Talented programs. Read More
With some many folks starting new roles this upcoming school year, we couldn't think of a more appropriate book to share during our summer newsletter. Transitions are a critical time for leaders. In fact, most agree that moving into a new role is the biggest challenge a manager will face. While transitions offer a chance to start fresh and make needed changes in an organization, they also place leaders in a position of acute vulnerability. Missteps made during the crucial first three months in a new role can jeopardize or even derail your success.
In this updated and expanded version of the international bestseller The First 90 Days, Michael D. Watkins offers proven strategies for conquering the challenges of transitions--no matter where you are in your career. Watkins, a noted expert on leadership transitions and adviser to senior leaders in all types of organizations, also addresses today's increasingly demanding professional landscape, where managers face not only more frequent transitions but also steeper expectations once they step into their new jobs.
By walking you through every aspect of the transition scenario, Watkins identifies the most common pitfalls new leaders encounter and provides the tools and strategies you need to avoid them. You'll learn how to secure critical early wins, an important first step in establishing yourself in your new role. Each chapter also includes checklists, practical tools, and self-assessments to help you assimilate key lessons and apply them to your own situation.
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
Fall Network Mixer: October 25,2025
Winter Educational Conclave:January 18, 2025
Annual Statewide Conference: April 11, 2025
