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February 8, 2008, Volume 2, Issue 22

This page can also be viewed by clicking http://www.ilprincipals.org/principal_connect/index.html

Give Back to the Profession... Mentor

The Illinois New Principal Mentoring Program is in need of qualified Principals to serve new educational leaders as mentors for the 2008-2009 school year.  If you are interested in serving as a mentor or finding out more about the Illinois New Principal Mentoring Program, please visit www.ilprincipalmentoring.org.

Have You Taken Time to Invest in You?!

If you are in need of high quality professional development and Administrator Academy Credit, don't miss out on these opportunities still to be offered by the IPA this year.  Click here to view:  http://www.ilprincipals.org/pages/workshop_flyers.html.  If you're having trouble getting away from your building,don't miss out on these workshops offered online.  Click here to view:  http://www.ilprincipals.org/pages/pro_dev_workshops.html

Earth Day in the Parks

The IDNR is now accepting applications for the 2008 "Earth Day in the Parks" - a program to promote stewardship of Illinois' natural resources by school children. On April 17, students and their teachers from throughout Illinois will visit participating Illinois state parks to take part in natural resources stewardship activities such as planting
native trees, grasses and wildflowers; building and installing nesting/roosting boxes; removing invasive exotic plant species; and, constructing woodland ponds for amphibians.  The IDNR is accepting applications from teachers who would like the opportunity for their class to participate in the program.  For more information, including the list of participating state parks, and to download an application form, visit http://www.dnr.state.il.us/lands/education/CLASSRM/EDITPinstruct.htm. The application must be received by Feb. 29.   For more information, phone 217/524-4126 or e-mail to dnr.teachkids@Illinois.gov.

14th Annual Institute for School and Public Librarians (ISPL)

The 14th annual Institute for School and Public Librarians (ISPL) has been scheduled for Sunday, June 8 – Friday, June 13, 2008.  This week of library related educational programs and activities will be held on the campus of Bradley University in Peoria and is sponsored by the Illinois State Library, in cooperation withBradley University.

This Institute is an educational, information rich, and very rewarding week.  Programs focus on basic skills and knowledge needed by school and public librarians to serve patrons and students. Program topics include reference, collection development, dealing with different personality types, technology issues and trends, grant writing, developing effective patron programming and more. ISPL offers opportunities to gather knowledge and
develop job-related skills that will enhance the attendees' abilities to provide better library services for their patrons/students.

Lodging, all meals, handouts, and educational resource materials are provided for the attendees. The only cost incurred by participants is a $50.00 registration fee.  A Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant covers all additional costs, with funding provided by the Illinois State Library, a Division of the Office of Jesse White, Secretary
of State and State Librarian. The State Library administers LSTA grant funding provided by the federal Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS).  Applications should be submitted via fax at 217-782-1877 on or before Thursday, March 20.  A maximum of 50 school and public librarians will be selected, with the intent of maintaining a balance between the two types of libraries and geographic representation.  Attendees will be notified of their selection in April. 

Additional information may be obtained from Ron Winner or Karen Egan at 1-800-665-5576, ext. 1. The announcement and application are located at: http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/whats_new/2008institute.html.

History Teacher of the Year

Preserve America and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is proud to announce the fifth annual History Teacher of the Year Award honoring outstanding teachers of American History across the country. To nominate a teacher, send an email to moses@gilderlehrman.org with the teacher’s name, school and a short paragraph
describing why the teacher is exceptional. Winners are selected from each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia,the Department of Defense schools and US Territories. Each winner receives $1,000 and a collection of history books and educational resources is donated to his or her school’s library. These state winners become finalists for the National
History Teacher of the Year. This program is sponsored by Preserve America and the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Guidelines can be found on the Illinois State Board of Educations website at http://www.isbe.net/curriculum/Default.htm. For more
information please visit: www.gilderlehrman.org/teachers/student8.html or contact Mike Hatfill, Curriculum & Instruction,at 217-557-7323 or by e-mail at dhatfill@isbe.net.

13th Annual IASB Job Fair for Teachers, Administrators, and Education Majors

Saturday, March 15, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The Shannon Center
of Saint Xavier University
3700 West 103rd Street
Chicago, Illinois

Are you putting the finishing touches on your education degree? Are you ready to take that first step? Or, are you preparing to take the next step in your career? Whether you are just completing your education or are ready to advance your career, the time to act is now!

Come to the 13th Annual IASB Job Fair for Teachers, Administrators, and Education Majors for on-site interviews with school recruiting teams from Illinois schools. The IASB Job Fair is the perfect opportunity to get your name, face, and credentials known to the people who will make hiring decisions for both current and future positions.

Register online at www.iasb.com/jobfair08 - $5 in advance or $10 at the door. Advance registration closes at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11 th . Registration fees are non-refundable; only confirmed registrants will be allowed to enter the Job Fair. Each recruiting school district will receive the IASB Job Candidate Database containing information provided in the online registration form.

Approximately 45 school districts are anticipated at Job Fair, so bring enough copies of your résumé to share with each representative you meet. Doors will open to candidates at 9:00 a.m. and parking is free!

This event is an Equal Employment Opportunity.

Please feel free to share this information with your colleagues. Hope to see you on Saturday, March 15th at the Job Fair!

IASB is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization dedicated to training and advocating on behalf of local school boards. Its mission is excellence in local school governance and support of public education.

Not to be Forgetten IPA Service

If you haven't already taken a look, be sure to visit IPA's Members Only section of the website to find archived newsletters and bulletins, legal information, and recertification advice.  You can access the Members Only section by inputting the username:  ipamember and password: everystep.