West Lincoln-Broadwell principal completes Aspiring Superintendents Academy

 

[July 30, 2016]  LINCOLN - West Lincoln-Broadwell Principal Heather Baker recently was one of 40 educators to complete the inaugural week-long Aspiring Superintendents Academy in Springfield sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA).

“The most important thing I took away from the academy is the difference a school leader can make for a district and for each child served in that district,” said Baker, who has been an educator for 15 years, serving in various teaching and administrative roles before becoming principal of the West Lincoln-Broadwell Elementary School two years ago.

IASA implemented the academy for aspiring superintendents to help prepare educational leaders and develop a pool of qualified candidates for school leadership positions in the future. The academy included five full days of intensive professional development that covered topics such as school finance, legal perspectives, communications, evolving technology and legislative issues. Veteran “guest” superintendents from around the state also shared their stories and expertise.

“As our superintendent colleagues across the state continue to retire, we felt it was important to help encourage and develop the next generation of school leaders in Illinois,” said Dr. Nick Polyak, superintendent of Leyden Community High School District 212. Polyak and Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, superintendent of Deerfield District 109, served as program directors for the Aspiring Superintendents Academy. “The participants left the academy with the confidence to tackle new tasks and a network of colleagues from across the state who will support them. That increased confidence and support network will help them in their current roles and any future roles they pursue.”

Baker got her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Illinois State University, her Master’s in Teacher leadership from the University of Illinois-Springfield, her certification from Greenville College and her Superintendent’s Endorsement from Concordia University, where she is working on her Doctorate. She said the academy not only helped prepare her for future roles, but that it also helped her in her current role as principal.

“I wanted to further my knowledge of the superintendency and I also learned many different aspects of administration that I can take back to my district,” Baker said.

[Mary Ellen Buch, Illinois Association of School Administrators, Legislative/Communications Assistant]