IASA's Level UP Leadership program is a cohort experience designed to provide Assistant Superintendents and other Central Office administrators with experiences that build exemplary leadership, knowledge, and skill sets essential for ensuring successful student learning at the local level while providing an opportunity to connect with, and learn from, other leaders with similar positions across the state of Illinois.

The second Level UP cohort will kickoff in December and will include seven meetings through May 2026. Applications are now being accepted. The deadline to apply is November 15. 

What to Expect

During each meeting, participants will learn about and discuss a variety of topics, including but not limited to: leadership strategies, teaching and learning practices, recruitment and retention of staff, grant writing, legal hot topics, advocacy and legislation, strategic planning and social-emotional learning.

Our goal is for participants to walk away with practical and tangible ideas they can take back to their daily work. We also recognize everyone has a busy schedule. As a result, this experience will not add extra responsibilities to your workload. 

How to Apply

Complete the application survey. Each participant will need to secure a letter of support from the district superintendent to attend the cohort. A wait list will be created depending on demand.

Meeting Dates

Participants will meet every three months in person at the IASA headquarters in Springfield. Each meeting will be 1 ½ days (half day Wednesday, full day Thursday). 

Year One 2024-25

• December 10-11 
• March 19-20
• June 10-11

Year Two 2025-26

• Sept. 9-10, 2025
• January 27-28, 2026
• March 10-11, 2026
• May 13, 2026

Cost

$2,750/year (2 year commitment = $5,500 for program)