Illinois Principals Association

Principal for a Day

The Illinois Principals Association invites all members to participate in the “Principal for a Day” program.

“Principal For A Day” provides opportunities for principals and other administrators to build and refine relationships with their State and Federal legislators. Participation in this program involves State and Federal legislators visiting schools in their legislative district, interacting with staff and students, and performing selected administrative tasks during their visit. “Principal for a Day” will look different for the 2020-2021 school year during remote and hybrid learning, but there are still ways to engage your legislators in your day-to-day activities through virtual means.

Contact Alison Maley, Governmental Relations/Public Relations Director, at 217-241-0595 for assistance in scheduling and coordination.

Hosting Your Legislator

Find your Legislator – Enter your school’s address for a list of state and federal legislators in your area.

Send Invitation to the State/Federal Legislator

  • Use the IPA Action Center to send an introductory email and invitation to visit your school.
  • Follow up with a phone call to the legislator’s district office.
  • Contact Alison Maley at (217) 241-0595 for assistance in coordinating scheduling.

Ideas for Virtual Visits

  • Schedule a one-on-one or administrative team call with your legislators.
  • Include local legislators as guest speakers in remote or hybrid classrooms.
  • Share orientation or back-to-school welcome videos with legislators.
  • Ask legislators to record a daily/weekly announcement or a back-to-school message.
  • Many of the ideas below can also be adapted for a remote “visit.”
    • Meet with a group of students, teachers, and/or parents.
    • Read a book to students.
    • Host a Town Hall Meeting with students.

Ideas for the Legislative Visit

  • Shadow you during your day-to-day activities and duties
  • Read the school announcements and lead the school in the Pledge of Allegiance
  • Host a student “Town Hall Meeting”
  • Serve on a panel of elected officials (city council, school board, mayor, etc.)
  • Read a book to students
  • Serve students at lunch
  • Teach students about the role of a legislator, how a bill becomes a law, or other governmental functions
  • Meet with a group of teachers and/or parents
  • Attend an after-school activity (band concert, science fair, tutoring, Girls on the Run, etc.)
  • Attend an all-school assembly

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