“The ultimate goal of the supervisor is to instill in school leaders the ability to continuously self-assess, develop cycle of inquiry plans (growth plans), analyze data, reflect, and grow not only themselves but the schools they lead.”
(School Leader Collaborative, 2022). 

This leadership program is offered to administrators in District 214 who are seeking professional development opportunities or aspire to become building principals or district-level leaders. It is entirely voluntary and intended to help support professional growth. The program is led by our District Executive Council members who have extensive building and district experience and whose work reflects the values and commitments that drive our organization.  

The program’s foundation centers around the School Leader Paradigm developed by the Illinois Principals Association. This work focuses on the “Learning Leader,” a convergence of personal, social, and systems intelligence (Illinois Principals Association, 2024). These will be reference points for our work. The complete document, School Leader Evaluation Plan (2024), can be found here.

The program consists of five sessions. Two half-day meetings will take place during the school day, and three additional meetings will occur at the end of the school day and after school.  

Session 1: Board Policy and Procedure, Case Studies in Human Resources/Difficult Conversations
October 1, 2024 (8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)

Focus: 
Personal Intelligence: Balanced, International, Resilient
Social Intelligence: Trustworthy, Collaborative, Facilitative
Systems Intelligence: Affiliative, Responsive

Session 2: Executive Leadership, Well-being and Fulfillment (personal and professional)
October 17, 2024 (2:00–4:00 p.m.)

How to foster a team at the top. Setting the tone for boundaries and personal responsibilities. Developing meaningful professional relationships.      

Focus: 
Personal Intelligence: Fit-Healthy, Self-Aware
Social Intelligence: Guiding, Communicative, Generous
Systems Intelligence: Articulate, Affiliative, Articulate

Session 3: Advanced Crisis Management
October 29, 2024 (8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.)

Committing to adequate training. Taking charge and making decisions. How and when to engage stakeholders. Leadership and grief.

Focus: 
Personal Intelligence: Self-aware, Resilient, Courageous
Social Intelligence: Communicative, Facilitative
Systems Intelligence: Visible, Responsive

Session 4: Resource Management: Sources and Distribution
November 11, 2024 (2:00–4:00 p.m.)

Understanding funding, staffing, and the bigger picture

Focus: 
Personal Intelligence: Organized, Balanced, Accountable
Social Intelligence: Trustworthy, Conciliatory
Systems Intelligence: Strategic, Responsible, Global

Session 5: Distributive Leadership and Empowerment
December 5, 2024 (2:00–4:00 p.m.)

Empowering other leaders. Fostering the ideas of guardrails and trust. How to help those around you grow. 

Focus: 
Personal Intelligence: Intentional, Resilient
Social Intelligence: Protective, Conciliatory
Systems Intelligence: Articulate, Responsive, Methodical