Dear IALAS Familia,
As we enter September, a month of transition and new beginnings, I want to reflect on the incredible progress we've made together this year. With the crispness of fall on the horizon, it’s a perfect time to embrace the changes ahead while staying connected to the core values that define us as leaders.
This month also marks an important time for celebration and reflection. As we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15), we have a unique opportunity to honor the rich history, contributions, and cultures of Hispanic and Latinx communities. These communities have played an integral role in shaping the fabric of our society, and their stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership continue to inspire us all. Let us take this time to engage in meaningful conversations, learn from diverse perspectives, and celebrate the incredible diversity within our own IALAS community.
September is not just a time to reflect on the past but also to look ahead and actively shape the future. I encourage each of you to join us in the exciting events we have planned this month, offering valuable opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together. Whether through leadership workshops or networking mixers, we are creating spaces where every voice matters and every story is celebrated. Let’s approach these moments with a spirit of inclusivity, ensuring that all members of our community feel heard and supported. Stay tuned to our social media and email updates for details on these upcoming events—we look forward to seeing you there!
I want to express my deep gratitude for the dedication, passion, and energy that each of you brings to IALAs. It’s this collective effort that makes us a strong and vibrant organization. As we look forward to the months ahead, let’s continue to lead with empathy, embrace change, and honor the diverse cultures and histories that enrich our community.
Together, we are creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Atentamente,
Maria Burgos
IALAS President
Mentorship Updates
IALAS will be continuing its mentorship program in SY25. We are still in need of mentors and mentees for SY25. IALAS has a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and resources among its membership, so 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.
Scholarship Applicants
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 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
This month IALAS has the pleasure to celebrate our relationship with Imagine Learning. Imagine Learning is a tool that serves many Latino students throughout Illinois. Their commitment to IALAS has been instrumental to the work we do for students and educators in Illinois. Please see a word from our partner from Imagine Learning, John Rocco:
“Imagine Learning is dedicated to celebrating and harnessing the unique strengths and experiences that every student brings to the classroom. We believe that every learner has the potential to succeed when given the right support. By partnering with districts, we offer tailored learning opportunities that address the needs of students across all levels—Tier 1, 2, and 3. Our expertise lies in equipping students with the language and learning tools they need to access and excel in grade-level content, and beyond.
If your team is committed to making a meaningful impact on student outcomes in reading, writing, math, or in enhancing graduation rates and expanding college and career options, we are here to support that mission. We are eager to collaborate with you to ensure that every student has the resources they need to achieve their goals and realize their full potential. Together, we can create a brighter future for all learners - Imagine Learning Resources.
Membership Announcement and Career Opportunities by Members at Large Darlene Vargas
Membership Announcement
Don’t forget! 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
We look forward to your continued involvement with IALAS!
Advocacy by Historian Rocío del Castillo
Dual language immersion programs associated with more reading growth for ELs
K-12 Dive
Certain student, teacher and school characteristics are associated with English learners' academic performance and progress toward English proficiency, according to a Government Accountability Office report released recently. Read More
Journal of Electrical Systems
The widespread use of English as a lingua franca highlights its importance in international communication, trade, and academics. As more people desire to learn English for personal, academic, and professional reasons, there is an increasing demand for efficient language learning approaches. Read More
Breaking down the monolingual wall VII: Meeting the needs of linguistically diverse students
Language Magazine
As the benefits of bilingualism and biliteracy become increasingly recognized, the demand for high-quality dual language and biliteracy programs has increased significantly. Read More
MDPI
Students whose first language is not English account for nearly ten percent of all U.S. public-school students and research has well established that English Language Learners are one of the fastest-growing, yet most underserved, populations of students across the U.S. Read More
Book: Start with Radical Love: Antiracist Pedagogy for Social Justice Educators By: Crystal Belle
In this groundbreaking book, educator, poet, and activist Dr. Crystal Belle challenges traditional educational practices and offers a new approach to teaching rooted in radical love and social justice. Combining research with personal experiences and interviews, Dr. Belle explores the roots and practical application of a social justice education framework grounded in Critical Race Theory (CRT), heart healing, educator beliefs, and a deep understanding of the structural inequities in education.
Teaching with radical love means looking beyond traditional metrics of a student's success and utilizing their brilliance, cultural wealth, and intellectual potential to create transformative learning experiences, especially for minoritized children. This innovative approach to social justice education supports educators to teach with care, understanding, and intentional support for the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities of students.
Save the Date!
IALAS Fall Network Mixer
October 25, 2024
Location details coming soon!
Join us for an evening of connection and collaboration as we bring together educational leaders committed to fostering inclusivity and advancing Latino leadership in education. This event is aligned with our mission to create pathways for Latino administrators while building a supportive network that drives meaningful impact in our schools and communities.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars!
