Create lasting change and leave a legacy. Maximize your impact by continuously growing yourself, your school, and the leaders who follow.
LeadBuild your leadership capacity through tools, guidance, and expert support.

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.

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

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

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.

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
Volunteer in a region leadership role.

Share your expertise at an IPA event.
Help shape the future of the IPA by serving on a statewide committee.
Represent your region as a voting delegate at the Association’s annual business meeting and help shape the future direction of IPA.

Continue your leadership journey by serving as a State Director, helping guide the Association’s mission, strategic priorities, and long-term vision.

Expand your professional learning by attending conferences hosted by the National Principals Association (NPA).
AdvocateElevate your voice, influence policy, and champion the needs of students and school leaders.

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

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.
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.

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

Represent Illinois school leaders at the NPA Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., where IPA leaders meet with members of Congress to advocate for policies that strengthen public education and support school leaders.
LearnAccess high-quality learning opportunities that meet you where you are and fuel where you’re going.

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

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.

Find important event information, IPA updates and information from the field.

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

Demonstrate your expertise by earning digital badges in focused leadership competencies aligned to the School Leader Paradigm.

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