Illinois Key Leaders

Selected Key leaders will directly impact the local and regional successes as we reach toward the goal to:

Key Leaders must have the following qualifications:

• Personal experience incorporating the National Science and/or Mathematics Standards, the Illinois Learning Standards and the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards into classroom activities, programs, and/or professional development experiences;
• Recognized leadership qualities in science and/or mathematics education at local, regional or state levels;
• Enthusiasm for life-long learning about science and/or mathematics;
• Organizational skills;
• Communication and presentation skills; and
• Local administrative support for participation.

• Attendance and full participation in IBaP for minimum of two years including a 2-day professional development conference training;
• Email address and internet access;
• Establishment and maintenance of email and/or personal contact with Points of Contact from up to 25 schools within an approximate 25 mile geographic radius to relay, distribute and collect information and materials, and to submit applicable reports;
• Assistance in identification of stakeholders whose interest in the science and mathematics education learning community will be beneficial for the success of the program; and
• Leading local conversations on the awareness and internalization of the National Science Education Standards, the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, the Illinois Learning Standards, and the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards.

• Tangible personal and professional rewards including:
  • Participation in a national communications network linked both electronically and via a program newsletter;
  • Certificate Renewal credits;
  • Materials and resources;
  • Eligibility for a discounted one-year membership in certain professional organizations; and
  • Advance notice for professional development opportunities, grant programs, and other pertinent information.
• Recognition in multiple arenas including:
  • Printed acknowledgement in conference brochures;
  • ISTA/ICTM convention recognition;
  • Local press releases and notices to local school boards for contributions to IBaP; and
  • Submission of local success stories for publicity and recognition.
• Intrinsic personal and professional growth rewards including:
  • Enhanced professional recognition as a leader in the effort to improve science and mathematics teaching;
  • The opportunity to play a major role in a national effort to improve science and mathematics education;
  • Multiple benefits as part of a professional education network;
  • The opportunity to share challenges and solutions with other Key Leaders at special conference sessions;
  • An increased understanding of the national and state frameworks; and
  • Direct access to decision-making process for science and mathematics education in Illinois.

• Pertinent contact information, including: name, school and home addresses, phone and fax numbers, email address(es); current position; preferred discipline focus (for science only - example, earth sciences, biology, chemistry, physics, environmental, physical, general sciences).
• Science/Mathematics teaching and learning résumé to demonstrate personal attention to life-long learning including your educational background, teaching assignments, memberships in professional organizations and/or school leadership responsibilities. This should demonstrate that you have stayed current in your field and have exhibited leadership talents.
• Describe your own personal vision for teaching and learning science and mathematics. Describe how you have incorporated the teaching and/or learning standards in your current role.