Dr. Tom Mulligan, superintendent at Arcola CUSD #306, has been a superintendent for more than 20 years. He says he is more excited about IASA's, "Evidence-Based Leadership: Using Data to Drive Immediate and Lasting Improvement," academy than any other professional development training he has attended in a long time. Listen to this podcast and learn why Dr. Mulligan is excited and discover how attending the academy can benefit your school district. Click here to register for the academy. Our podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education.

Staff at Diamond Lake SD #76 recently dressed as their favorite rock stars and walked the red carpet to kickoff a new school  year. Superintendent Dr. Bhavna Sharma-Lewis (who dressed as Tina Turner) says the event was a great way to take everyone's mind off the end of summer and bond and get invigorated for the start of a new school year. In this episode, Dr. Sharma-Lewis explains why kicking off the school year in a fun and exciting way with your staff can make them feel special, and she gives tips on how superintendents can plan their own events. Our podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education.

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Stawick, superintendent of CCSD #146, shares how is district is utilizing its Strategic Dashboard, powered by the ECRA Group, to not only tell the district's story to the community, but also be the main tool the district uses to measure progress toward the goals listed in its strategic plan.  Our podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education.  

Oak Lawn-Hometown SD #123 Superintendent Dr. Paul Enderle shares the steps his school district is taking to increase the engagement of culturally diverse families in his district. This podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education.  

Summer is here but that doesn't mean learning has to stop. In this episode, we speak to Dr. Nicole Howard, assistant superintendent for Academics and Student and Family Services at  Proviso Township High Schools District # 209, to learn how their district expanded its summer programming for students. Our podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education.   

In a follow up to our ESSA and Strategic Dashboard academies, IASA is offering a new academy titled Evidence-Based Leadership: Using Data to Drive Immediate and Lasting Improvements, presented by Dr. Don White and Dr. Rich Voltz. In this episode, we  interview superintendents Dr. Tim Arnold, superintendent of Center Cass SD #66, and Shane Gordon, superintendent of Bluford Unit School District #318, to learn how they benefited from the academy. This academy is scheduled for August 7 in Pontiac. You can register here. It is also being offered September 17 in Charleston. You can register here. If you are interested in scheduling the academy in your region contact IASA at 217-753-2213 or email Melissa Arney at [email protected]. Our podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education.  

Dr. David Moyer, superintendent of Elmhurst CU #205, shares with IASA how his district is tapping into the creativity of his staff to drive student learning and think about how education needs to evolve to fit the needs of a changing economy.  This podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education.  

Dr. Jason Helfer, deputy superintendent for teaching and learning at ISBE, has studied the teacher shortage extensively in Illinois. In this episode, IASA speaks to Helfer about how ISBE is addressing the teacher shortage. The conversation also focuses on where things stand with the basic skills test, alternative licensure and other factors contributing to the problem. This podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education.  

IASA spoke with new Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala to learn more about her background, views about ISBE and her goals as leader of the new state agency. This podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education.

If you have ever had questions about how the Food Distribution Program for schools works this short Q&A podcast with Paula Williams, principal consultant in ISBE's nutrition division, is a good resource for you. In the podcast, Williams answers questions like how the program can help your budget and what happens when districts don't utilize all of their allocated Food Distribution Program funds. This podcast is sponsored by American Fidelity. Consider American Fidelity for a different opinion on employer benefit solutions for education.