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Illinois Special Education Leadership Academy (ISELA)

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The Illinois Special Education Leadership Academy (ISELA) provides advanced professional learning tailored to the evolving needs of special education leaders. 

ISELA, in partnership with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and ROE4, offers individualized mentoring and coaching along with targeted resources to support both new and experienced leaders as they navigate the complex and changing landscape of special education.

The academy also designs and facilitates collaborative learning and networking opportunities that build leadership capacity and promote professional growth across key areas, including:

  • Mental health & wellness
  • Disabilities & related services
  • Compliance
  • Advocacy
  • Social-Emotional development

Our Statewide Director's Conference

Each year, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Special Education Leadership Academy (ISELA) bring together special education leaders from across Illinois for a statewide conference focused on learning, collaboration, and leadership development.

The 2026 conference, Building What Works: 50 Years of IDEA, celebrated the 50th anniversary of IDEA while exploring the future of special education leadership.

Check back for more information on next year’s conference, including dates, location, and registration details.

Special Education Leadership Network

Join the network

Form connections & collaborate with your colleagues when you join our virtual network of Special Education Leaders!

  • Celebrate your successes 
  • Get support on challenges
  • Stay updated on emerging trends and requirements
  • Earn PDHs

Come back here for updates on our next network meeting to be hosted in the fall! 

Attend an Administrator academy

Administrators: Our online Administrative Academy is designed to support cross-department systems leadership. You will:

  • Learn strategies for building productive partnerships with principals and district departments
    Walk away with an action plan that supports compliance, improves coherence, and advances outcomes for students with disabilities        

AA 4124 The School Administrators Guide to the Fundamentals of School-Based Medicaid

AA4124 The School Administrator's Guide to the Fundamentals of School-Based Medicaid

October 13 | Online

This course is designed to provide school administrators with a comprehensive understanding of school-based Medicaid programs. Participants will learn about the eligibility requirements, benefits, and reimbursement procedures for these programs.

Attendees will also gain an understanding of the role of school
administrators in ensuring their districts/cooperatives meet all of the compliance requirements to optimize Medicaid reimbursement opportunities.

Participants will need access to their district or cooperative Public Consulting Group (PCG) account during the session to complete the activities.

 

attend a workshop


Join one of our upcoming workshops, created specifically for Special Education Leaders!

Decorative images with the ISELA, ISBE, and ROE4 logos and text that reads: Transition Planning for Leaders: PUNS and IL ABLE 101

Transition Planning for Leaders: PUNS and IL ABLE 101

November 19 | Online

This webinar will provide leaders with working knowledge of two important state systems. Presenters will walk through how PUNS registration and IL ABLE savings accounts work, who qualifies, and how to talk families through next steps. Participants will leave with practical talking points, referral pathways, and answers to the questions families ask most. 

 

Questions? Please contact

 

Czizek, Autumn (Circle)
 

Autumn CZizek

Senior Director of School Support Services
(815) 636-3060