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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

Attend the Conferencerk

ROE4 is proud to share that we're partnering with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Special Education Leadership Association (ISELA) to host this year's two-day Special Education Directors Conference on June 22 and 23 in Bloomington, IL. This year's theme is Building What Works: 50 Years of IDEA, and is focused on balancing the essential compliance-related and technical content with space for what makes special education leadership truly possible: building trust, leading through change, and sustaining yourself and your teams.

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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

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 4253 From Compliance to Coherence: Leading Cross-Department Partnerships for Special Education Success

AA4253 From Compliance to Coherence: Leading Cross-Department Partnerships for Special Education Success

April 30 | Online

Designed for special education leaders, this Academy supports a shift from isolated, compliance-driven work to cross-department systems leadership, exploring how competing priorities, accountability pressures, and role boundaries can undermine inclusive practice and service delivery.

AA 820 Legal Standards for the Management of School Personnel (1)

AA 820: Legal Standards for the Management of School Personnel

May 21 | Online

Presented by attorney Brandon Wright, this course provides information to school administrators on standards for the conduct, misconduct, ethics and rights of school personnel. 

attend a workshop


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

After orientation: Building systems to support paraprofessional growth thumbnail. From ISELA, ISBE, & ROE4

After Orientation: Building Systems to Support Paraprofessional Growth 

April 16 | Online

Paraprofessionals play a critical role in special education, yet their training and support are often inconsistent and informal. This session focuses on how special education leaders can build clear, sustainable systems to support paraprofessional growth beyond initial onboarding. Participants will explore practical approaches to role clarity, ongoing training, and feedback that strengthen instructional support without increasing teacher workload. Designed for administrators, the session emphasizes systems that improve effectiveness, consistency, and retention. 

Leading Well When the Work is never Finished Sustaining Leadership Capacity

Leading Well When the Work is Never Finished: Sustaining Leadership Capacity 

May 12 | Online

Special education leadership is complex, high-stakes, and rarely slow. This session focuses on how administrators can protect their decision-making capacity and effectiveness over time while navigating constant urgency, compliance demands, and relational pressure. Participants will examine common patterns that erode leadership sustainability and identify practical strategies for setting boundaries, prioritizing, and leading with clarity in demanding systems. Designed for special education leaders, the session emphasizes staying effective in the role—not just surviving it. 

Initiative Triage Prioritizing the Work That Matters Most Next Year

Initiative Triage: Prioritizing the Work that Matters Most Next Year

June 11 | Online

Special education leaders are often asked to carry more initiatives than time, capacity, or systems allow. This session focuses on how administrators can prioritize the work that matters most next year while maintaining compliance and instructional focus. Participants will explore practical tools for evaluating initiatives, clarifying non-negotiables, and making intentional decisions about what to pause, sequence, or let go. Designed for special education administrators, the session emphasizes strategic focus, transparency, and sustainability in complex systems. 

 

Questions? Please contact

 

Czizek, Autumn (Circle)
 

Autumn CZizek

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

Approved Learning Partner flyer (2)-1
 

Dan Holder

Director of School Support Services
(815) 636-3060