Elevating

Strengthen your practice and grow your impact. Strengthen leadership practices, grow your school, and build a sustainable, rewarding career.

Lead

Build your leadership capacity through tools, guidance, and expert support.

School Leader Paradigm

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

School Leader Calendar

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

School Leader Entry Plan

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

Legal Support

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

Cycle of Inquiry

Use this powerful tool for continuous leadership and organizational growth.

School Leader Evaluation Plan

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

School Leader Hiring Guide

Plan, recruit, and select the school leader that best meets the needs of your learning organization.

School Leader Paradigm: The Learning Resources

Take advantage of these school leadership learning resources.

School Leader Paradigm: The Research

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

Resumé Review

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

Salary, Benefit, Career Planning and Job Satisfaction Study

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

Contract Review

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

Model Student Handbook (MSH) and MSH AI

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.

Member Assistance Program

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.

Engage

Connect with peers, mentors, and communities that encourage, challenge, and support you.

IPA Connect

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

IPA Education Leaders Annual Conference

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.

IPA Region Meetings

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

IPA Social Media

Follow IPA on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and YouTube for leadership resources, advocacy updates, member recognition, and timely information.

IPA Plugging In & Breaking Out

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

WELL Summit

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.

I-Grow Summit

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

Assistant Principal/Dean Summits

Attend these summits for opportunities to network, learn, and connect with peers as they are designed specifically for assistant principals and deans.AP/Dean Summit NorthAP/Dean Summit South

Region Leadership

Volunteer in a region leadership role.

Moderate or Present at an Event

Share your expertise at an IPA event.

Committees

Help shape the future of the IPA by serving on a statewide committee.

IPA Congressional Delegate

Represent your region as a voting delegate at the Association’s annual business meeting and help shape the future direction of IPA.

National Conference

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

Mentor or Coach a School Leader

Share your experience, provide guidance, and support the professional growth of fellow school leaders through meaningful one-on-one relationships.

IPA Education Leaders Annual Conference Planning Committee

Help shape IPA’s flagship professional learning event by providing input on conference programming, speakers, and experiences that meet the needs of school leaders.

Nominate a colleague for an Award for Excellence

Recognize outstanding leadership by nominating a deserving colleague for an IPA Award for Excellence and celebrating the impact of exceptional school leaders.

Advocate

Elevate your voice, influence policy, and champion the needs of students and school leaders.

Advocacy in Action

Stay informed with regular updates on state and federal legislation affecting Illinois schools and school leaders.

Legislative & Case Law Update

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

IPA Policy and Action Center
Use the IPA Policy & Action Center to help you identify and connect with your elected officials at the state and federal level. Legislative information and ideas for legislative engagement are provided, including action alerts and talking points when needed.

Principal Partners

Build consistent, meaningful connections with local legislators.

Principal for a Day

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.

Legislative Committee

Help shape education policy by joining IPA’s Legislative Committee. Members provide feedback on proposed legislation and policy initiatives and may have opportunities to testify before the Illinois General Assembly or serve on statewide task forces.

Region Legislative Chair

Serve as your region’s legislative leader by sharing updates, engaging members in advocacy efforts, and representing your region on the IPA Legislative Committee.

IPA Bill Tracker

Stay informed about proposed Illinois legislation affecting schools and school leaders by tracking bills, monitoring their progress, and reviewing legislative developments.

IPA Legislative Platform

Explore IPA’s legislative priorities and policy positions to better understand the issues shaping public education and guide your advocacy efforts.

Testify Before the General Assembly

Share your expertise and firsthand experiences with Illinois lawmakers to inform legislative decisions and advocate for policies that support schools, students, and educators.

Statewide Task Force

Help shape education policy and practices by contributing your leadership perspective and expertise to statewide committees and task forces.

Learn

Access high-quality learning opportunities that meet you where you are and fuel where you’re going.