Gain a clear roadmap for your leadership growth with a research-based framework that helps you become a more effective school leader.

Stay focused, organized, and growing by using the monthly lists of responsibilities and requirements.

Gain practical guidance, planning tools, and reflection resources to confidently transition into your new school leadership role.

Get trusted guidance on everything from employment contracts and personnel matters to student issues and newly enacted education laws.

Use this powerful tool for continuous leadership and organizational growth.

Develop an evaluation system to help grow your leadership dispositions and skills.

Take advantage of these school leadership learning resources.

Review the extensive research reviewed to identify critical leadership dispositions and essential behaviors of school leaders.

Have your resume reviewed to ensure it follows best practices for school leaders.

Make informed career and contract decisions with statewide salary data and personalized salary estimates.

Have your employment contract reviewed to ensure it includes appropriate employment and due process protections. 

Subscribe to this cost-effective service for a customizable, legally reviewed foundation for school policies. Add the AI service to provide your handbook in an interactive format based on your school’s policies — anytime, from any device, and in multiple languages.

Navigate challenges and support your overall well-being with this confidential, 24/7, no-cost support for you and your family. Services include counseling, work-life resources, and financial guidance.

Never solve leadership problems alone. Ask questions, share ideas, and learn from administrators facing the same challenges.

Attend IPA’s flagship event which brings together school leaders each October for nationally recognized keynote speakers, practical breakout sessions, networking, and professional development opportunities.

Connect with school leaders in your region through meetings, networking events, and recognition programs.

Join virtually on the first Wednesday of each month for timely updates, meaningful conversations, and encouragement from fellow school leaders and the IPA team.

Attend the Women in Education Leading and Learning (WELL) Summit which brings together women in educational leadership for two days of inspiration, professional learning, networking, and celebration.

Attend the I-Grow Summit which supports the recruitment, retention, and growth of educational leaders and teachers of color through learning, collaboration, and community.

Expand your professional learning by attending conferences hosted by the National Principals Association (NPA).

Published annually, this comprehensive guide summarizes new laws, court decisions, and legal developments impacting school leaders, along with practical implementation guidance.

Build consistent, meaningful connections with local legislators.

Invite your elected officials into your school to experience the realities of school leadership firsthand and strengthen their understanding of the issues impacting students, staff, and schools.

Find the leadership role that’s the best fit for your strengths, values, and vision.

An engaging and transformative academy for new Illinois school leaders (first- and second-year) to make an immediate positive impact on their schools. Expand your professional network. Earn Administrator Academy credit. Receive school leader resources. Explore ways to build relationships and create a positive school culture. acquire tips, strategies, and inspiration to ensure your first 90 days as a school leader are a success.

Stay current on leadership, legal updates, instructional practice, and emerging issues through more than 100 ISBE-approved academies.

Access on-demand courses, learning resources, and professional development designed to help you grow as a school leader — anytime, anywhere.

Receive support from experienced school leaders through one-on-one mentoring and coaching.

Tune in to casual chats between IPA staff and experts in the field about current issues affecting school leaders.

Complete the ISBE-required training to earn or renew your teacher or principal evaluator designation through IPA’s approved Administrator Academies. 

Attend this academy, designed for first- and second-year Illinois principals, to build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and make an immediate impact.

Are you a new principal, assistant principal, or dean? If so, you face unique challenges as you transition into a new career role. Consider the support of a trained mentor to provide you with strategic questioning and opportunities for reflection, feedback, guided planning, and motivation to sustain your leadership in ongoing professional development.

Earn your Illinois Principal Endorsement through a combination of internship experiences and Micro-Credentials.

Apply for one of three IPA scholarships for graduate study, national conferences, and other professional learning opportunities that help school leaders continue to grow.