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Illinois Principals Association

About IPA

School leadership matters. While this may seem intuitive, research has now made it very clear. Principals and their leadership teams influence student and adult performance in their schools by:

  • Nurturing a positive, student-centered culture;
  • Attracting and retaining the best teachers and support staff who are focused on doing what is best for ALL of their students;
  • Facilitating research-based continuous improvement efforts that result in systemic organizational change;
  • Maintaining a growth mindset which encourages ongoing personal and professional growth;
  • … and much, much more.

To this end, our mission at the Illinois Principals Association is to develop, support, and advocate for innovative educational leaders. To achieve our mission, we work to provide our over 6,600 members high quality professional development, networking opportunities, and advocate on their behalf with state and federal legislators and the Illinois State Board of Education. Services we provide include:

  • Professional development experiences that are second to none. Non-administrative staff can attend at the IPA member rate when their building level leader is a member;
  • Access to the online, on-demand professional development;
  • Access to free, expert general counsel available to assist you with contractual and school issues;
  • IPA Connect provides a platform for members to network, collaborate and encourage one-another in a dynamic, online learning community;
  • Opportunities to serve in Association leadership capacities as well on statewide groups that impact policy and the work done for students across the state;
  • Support from former accomplished school leaders who are only a phone call away;
  • … and much, much more.

If you are already a member of the IPA, be sure to navigate this website to get a comprehensive view of the services and supports available to you as a school leader. Also, be sure to take a look at our 50th Anniversary commemorative book that outlines the IPA's rich history. If you are not an IPA member, please join us!

IPA 50th Anniversary Commemorative Book

What We Believe

Our Why

School leadership matters.

Our Vision

Effective, sustained educational leaders for every Illinois school community.

Our Mission

Develop, support, and advocate for innovative educational leaders.

Our Beliefs

For educational leaders:

  • The IPA membership, leadership, and staff must reflect the diverse communities we serve.
  • Educational leaders follow the IPA Code of Ethics.
  • The School Leader Paradigm is key to ensuring effective, sustained educational leaders for every Illinois school community.
  • Educational leaders are accountable for adult and student performance in their schools.
  • Educational leaders are a key component of a high-quality education.
  • The principal is the primary facilitator of change in the building.
  • Educational leaders must have access to continuous professional development, mentoring/coaching, collegial support and professional community.
  • Educational leaders should balance their personal and professional responsibilities.
  • Current educational leaders are responsible for identifying, nurturing, and supporting future educational leaders.

For schools:

  • Schools must provide a safe, caring, and healthy environment conducive to learning.
  • Sustained school improvement comes from stakeholders collaboratively engaging in continuous cycles of inquiry that boost adult and student performance.
  • A successful organization encourages continuous learning, innovation, and new ideas.
  • A balanced assessment system is needed to inform instruction.
  • Every child deserves access to an equally high-quality education.
  • All children must have opportunities to learn and develop to their highest potential.
  • Quality education meets a child’s social, emotional, mental health and academic needs.

For education:

  • The IPA is an advocate for children, teachers, parents, and communities.
  • Adequate and equitable resources should be available for all students.
  • Education is the cornerstone of quality life in a global, democratic society.
  • Quality education requires high standards and expectations.
  • Educators’ experiences and voices are essential to crafting effective education policy.

Our Code of Ethics

In keeping with the Code of Ethics for Illinois Educators, 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.