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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        

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AA4199 A School Administrator's Guide to Educational Programming for Autistic Learners 

June 25 | Online

Designed for special education leaders, this Academy supports a shift from isolated, This training session is designed to equip Illinois school administrators with the knowledge and tools needed to create high-quality, evidence-based educational programs for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

attend a workshop


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

Cyclical Monitoring An Overview of the Cyclical Monitoring Process and the Comprehensive Assessment of Special Education Policies and Procedures Form

Cyclical Monitoring: An Overview of the Cyclical Monitoring Process and the Comprehensive Assessment of Special Education Policies and Procedures Form

August 6 OR August 25 | Online

This webinar will provide districts with an overview of the cyclical monitoring process and the Comprehensive Assessment of Special Education Policies and Procedures form.

 

Questions? Please contact

 

Czizek, Autumn (Circle)
 

Autumn CZizek

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

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Dan Holder

Director of School Support Services
(815) 636-3060