Illinois School Leader Pipeline Program
The Illinois School Leader Pipeline Program (ISLPP) provides tuition support and mentoring for individuals enrolled in NCE's M.Ed./Ed.S. Educational Leadership program who are committed to earning their Illinois principal endorsement and serving as a school leader upon graduation.
The purpose of the Illinois School Leader Pipeline Program (ISLPP) is to identify, develop, support and sustain diverse cohorts of aspiring school leaders as they progress through preparation to attainment of school leadership (principal or assistant principal) positions.
Program Supports
The ISLPP will offer 100 aspiring school leaders entering their first year of principal preparation the following support:
- $7500 of tuition support ($2500 for each of the Fall 2022, Spring, 2023, and Summer 2023 Semesters).
- 20 hours of mentoring by an experienced school leader who has received significant mentor training.
- $500 to offset 5 days of subbing costs so the aspiring leader can engage in school-based leadership activities.
- Aspiring IPA Membership to connect the aspiring school leaders to the largest professional learning network of school leaders in the state of Illinois.
ISBE has requested as part of their FY 23 state budgetary request for funds to be available to pay for participants second year of preparation. Final determination of the availability of funds will come with passage of the FY 23 state budget.
Aspiring School Leader Requirements
In order for students to participate in the ISLPP, they must commit to the following:
- Be committed to becoming a school leader (principal, assistant principal, dean, etc.) upon completion of their preparation program
- Gain acceptance into a state approved principal preparation program
- Satisfactorily complete all principal preparation program requirements
- Be willing to be mentored by an experienced school leader
- Complete program evaluations and provide other appropriate information as needed by the ISLPP
Application Process
To be considered for the Illinois School Leader Pipeline Program, students must complete this application by May 1, 2022, at 5:00 PM. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the program by mid-June 2022.
Informational Meeting
IPA, in conjunction with the NBCT Resource Center, will be holding a three-hour information session for aspiring school leaders on Saturday, April 9. During this session, participants will hear about the role of the principal, learn about grant details, interact with a panel of sitting principals and be introduced to the requirements of the Illinois principal preparation program for ISBE-approved university and colleges. A flyer with details of the meeting is attached.
You can register for the Informational Meeting here
If you have questions about the Illinois School Leader Pipeline Program, please contact Deputy Executive Director for Professional Learning Dr. Susan Homes at sue@ilprincipals.org.
