Testimonials

Being part of the 2024-2025 Aspiring Leaders cohort has been a transformative experience that allowed me to revisit and reevaluate my leadership identity and the impact I strive to make across all stakeholders. This journey challenged me to think critically about how we make informed decisions, the systems that shape education, and the profound effects those decisions have on the very individuals we aim to serve—our students. Engaging in rich dialogue with colleagues across the district gave me a fresh perspective on how personal experiences, data-driven insights, and intentional systems play a crucial role in fostering meaningful change. This experience has reinforced my commitment to creating equitable opportunities, driving student success, and empowering others to grow as educational leaders.

Prior to participating in Aspiring Leaders, I knew I wanted to be a leader, but I wasn’t sure how I would lead effectively.  I knew that supporting teachers was the thing I enjoyed most about being an educator.  Seeing my colleagues' impact in the classroom fuel students’ learning touched my heart. 

 Upon participating in Aspiring Leaders, I learned how my current position in IPS could grow into a larger reach by utilizing the leadership strategies and resources to hone my skills as an instructional coach.  I have stepped up my role as member of our campus Instructional Leadership Team.  I have become more vocal in regard to the needs of teachers and students.  I often advocate for the processes that help teachers learn new strategies to utilize with students, and the need for training teachers and students before we evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts.  

I recommend Aspiring Leaders to anyone who wants to grow their leadership skills and help to foster the growth of others.

Thanks Aspiring Leaders, Facilitators, Principals, Mentors, and Coaches who took time to allow me to glean from your wealth of knowledge and experience.

I left my old district in search of professional growth and leadership opportunities. While a hard decision, I have not regretted that decision a moment since. IPS has provided me with many opportunities to grow as an educator and future leader, ALA being at the top of that list. Being surrounded by a strong group of fellow aspiring leaders has been nothing short of an amazing experience. We are able to collaborate by sharing ideas, thoughts, and experiences based on the various topics and real-life events in the classrooms/schools we support. Being led by Mr. Jon George has been incredible. He offers amazing insight and resources that are instantly applicable and equally prepare us for our futures in leadership. The ALA experience with IPS has undoubtedly helped prepare me to be a successful future leader. 

True leadership is not about a position held instead it’s the posture one takes no matter the role that they currently serve in. This is what aspiring leaders has taught me. Aspiring leaders academy has helped me find my voice, learn how to leverage my influence, and how to be confident in my leadership abilities both now as well as for the future. Coming into the program I thought we were simply going to be trained on how to become Assistant Principals but instead we were equipped with all of the tools needed to be the best leaders we are now as well as in the future. Aspiring leader is a great program for anyone that is interested in sharpening their leadership skills to become the equitable leader that is needed for today’s students and stakeholders. If one is ready to take their leadership abilities to the next level this program is for you! Join today!!!