Join IPA

The Illinois Principals Association is a membership organization currently serving over 6,000 educational leaders throughout the state of Illinois. Members include principals, assistant principals, deans, special education administrators, central office leaders, aspiring leaders and retired administrators. Curious about what the IPA does for our members? Visit our School Leader Continuum to learn all about it. Answers to frequently asked questions can be found below including the cost of membership.

Q: What benefits are there for being a Member?

A: Professional Support; Representation at the State and National Levels; Networking; Professional Growth; Publications; Resources and Value Added Programs; Visit the School Leader Continuum to learn more.

Q: How much are the dues to join the IPA and do most districts pay for dues?

A: Full administrative dues (principals, assistant principals, deans, supts.) are based on a multiplier of your salary. Your salary x .00425 = your annual IPA dues. There is a $339 minimum and $439 maximum on dues amounts.

Dues for other member categories:

Retired Administrators $75.00

Aspiring Administrators $50.00

Professional (part-time university professors, regional office staff, professional association staff) $100.00

It is estimated that approximately 85+% of districts pay for their building administrators’ IPA dues. (This is something that we can assist in negotiating into your contract.)

Q: Is an IPA membership based on the school calendar year?

A: No, your IPA membership is good for 12 months starting the date you join.

Q: Can I join online and is the site secure?

A:Yes and yes.

Q: What does IPA do for the education community?

A: We provide a wide variety of knowledge resources, learning experiences, and other tools and resources to help Members of the educational community grow and maximize their performance. We also serve as the voice for building administrators and advocate on their behalf.

Q: Who does IPA serve?

A: We focus primarily on educational leaders at the building level. Our membership is a diverse mix of building administrators from both public and private schools at the elementary, middle and secondary school levels in rural, suburban and urban areas. Membership is comprised of principals, assistant principals, deans, special education directors, superintendent/principals, assistant superintendents, and regional superintendents. Teachers and other staff can also benefit by IPA membership. Many workshops, for example, are for teachers and they can attend at the discounted member rate if their principal is an IPA member.

Q: Why belong to IPA?

A: The IPA is the largest professional learning network of school leaders in Illinois grounded in the belief that educational leaders impact both student and adult performance. No other education association in Illinois can provide the comprehensive supports of professional development, networking and advocacy for school building leaders like the IPA. In addition to a vast array of services, the IPA staff are only a phone call or click away to assist you with virtually anything to help you succeed in your job. This service mentality coupled with all the great benefits makes your IPA membership a true value. Click here for a complete IPA staff listing.

Q: If I have questions about one of IPA’s offerings, who do I contact?

A: Call 217-525-1383 or e-mail support@ilprincipals.org.org. We will make sure you get your question(s) answered. If you would like to contact a specific individual with a question or concern, our online staff directory includes titles, photos and basic responsibilities of each staff member.