Have you pondered your leadership qualities or the leadership qualities of individuals within your education organization? Many of us move into leadership positions without the knowledge and skills needed to successfully lead. Education administrators must be able to lead change, set strategic priorities, understand when a system needs to be revamped, and know how to implement change.

The primary purpose of the Illinois Career and Technical Education Leadership Institute is to strengthen the role of career and technical education through effective leadership. The Institute's goal, to more fully prepare career and technical education administrators to meet the challenges of providing leadership in a changing environment, is supported through a year-long program based on the belief that leaders are not born. Through effective leadership development, individuals can gain effective leadership skills as Institute Scholars.

The Institute, now in its second program year, has selected a new group of Scholars representing a wide geographical area of the state. The map (left) depicts the education areas represented by the current year Scholars (2004-2005) and the graduated 2003-2004 Scholars. The program format creates an opportunity for those who believe in the importance of career and technical education to lead change at the local and state levels. The 2004-2005 program focus is on: • Functioning with political and financial challenges. • Developing and leading education/change processes. • Becoming effective users of research and evaluation. • Identifying the need for planning and implementing effective programs. • Engaging in continuous learning. • Determining the role and responsibilities of a leader.

Scholars engage in a set of learning experiences that include six face-to-face seminars, webcasts, development of an Individual Leadership Development Plan, an internship activity, and a mentoring experience as well as participation at a state and national policy conference. Current resources are also provided to further strengthen the learning process. The graduated Scholar class cites the National Policy Seminar in Washington , D.C. as a highlight of the program year. Scholars visited with their legislators on Capitol Hill, visited the Department of Education headquarters, and networked with conference participants. Much to the surprise of the Scholars, Department of Education staff gave more than just a tour; they used the opportunity to learn more about state needs through the Scholars' expertise and knowledge of career and technical education in Illinois . The current year Scholars are looking forward to their trip to Washington , D.C. for the National Policy Seminar in March 2005.

The Institute invites aspiring career and technical education leaders and program supporters to visit the program's web site ( http://leadership.ioes.org ) . The web site provides a wealth of information about the program. Also, to stay up-to-date on the Institute's activities, join the Affiliate Update Program. Members are provided an e-mailed newsletter that shares outcomes, archived webcasts, and other pertinent program information. Many of us have the ability to develop leadership skills; stay informed and be one of the first to submit an application to join the class of 2005-2006 (beginning July 2005).

Ms. Kitchens is a Researcher in the Illinois Office of Educational Services in Springfield, Illinois . She can be reached via phone at 800-252-4822 , ext. 234 or e-mail at jkitchens@ioes.org.