The Illinois Association of School Administrators has been making tremendous plans for the 48th Annual Conference scheduled October 17-19, 2012, in Springfield. We hope you are able to attend this year’s conference to strengthen your skills at building a stronger learning community, as well as to learn more about implementing the many changes occurring in K-12 education.

This year, the content of the Conference continues to evolve into a professional development conference with special speakers such as Steve Dembo, Director of Social Media Strategy and Online Community for Discovery Education; Dr. Phillip Schlechty, Chief Executive Officer with the Schlechty Center and Dr. Christopher A. Koch, Illinois State Superintendent of Schools. In addition, the breakout sessions will focus on student achievement, policy and data driven decisions, as well as improving the learning environment and experiences in our schools. Plus, in collaboration with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), there will be sessions on pertinent and timely issues regarding ISBE, Education Reform and Administrator Training - Teacher Performance Evaluations.

The Conference will kick-off with the Opening Ceremony/First General Session on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m., to be followed by the annual Welcoming Reception that begins at 6:00 p.m.  The exhibitor’s hall will be open Thursday only and the Thursday luncheon will be served within the hall for all conference attendees.

The Crowne Plaza Ballroom will be the site of the late night President’s reception on Thursday evening.  The reception is being reorganized to mirror the Wednesday reception with an opportunity for members to network.  The Conference will wrap-up on Friday with a discussion on Pension Reform.

Be sure to take a moment and visit the sponsors and exhibitors and thank them for their continued support. I am looking forward to greeting everyone at the Welcoming Reception on Wednesday evening and hearing about your work as you start off the school year.

Thanks for doing all that you do for the students of Illinois!

Yours for better schools,