Mission

The mission of the Illinois Principals Association is to advance learning through effective educational leadership.

Vision

The Illinois Principals Association will be the preeminent education association.

Code of Ethics

In keeping with Illinois Standards for Principals which states that, “A competent administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner,” the Illinois Principals Association supports the following Code of Ethics for its members.

Each member of IPA shall:

• Make the well-being of students the basis for all decision making.
• Honor the public trust above any personal gain.
• Fulfill professional responsibilities with honesty and integrity.
• Avoid preferential treatment and conflicts of interest.
• Enforce and obey all local, state and national rules and laws in the performance of duties.
• Respect and safeguard confidential information.
• Not allow professional decisions to be influenced by personal gain, favors or gratuities.
• Demonstrate values, beliefs and attitudes that inspire others to higher levels of achievement.
• Honor all contracts, agreements and commitments.
• Assume responsibility for individual actions.
• Treat all people fairly and equitably and with dignity and respect.
• Maintain personal and professional standards that enhance the image of the school and the profession.

Beliefs

The Illinois Principals Association believes:

• It is an advocate for children.
• Learning is a continuous process.
• The principal is the primary agent of change in the building.
• Sustained improvement comes from collaborative efforts.
• Schools must provide a safe, caring, and healthy environment conducive to learning.
• Each and every child deserves the opportunity for an equally high quality of education.
• All children must have opportunities to learn and develop to their highest potential.
• Continuous high quality professional development is essential.
• A successful organization encourages and promotes new ideas.
• Education is the cornerstone of quality life in a democratic society.
• Educational leaders follow the IPA Code of Ethics.
• In recognizing and celebrating the diversity of people and ideas.
• Educational leaders should balance their personal and professional responsibilities.
• That adequate and equitable resources should be available for education.
• That quality education meets a child’s social, emotional and academic needs.
• In the value of collegial support and professional networking.