The statewide Distinguished Service Award program honors individuals who have consistently gone above and beyond on behalf of their schools, and whose efforts have enhanced education and conveyed its importance to the community at large. Distinguished Service Award winners are public relations ambassadors who have made a positive impact on communication and education.

The Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association coordinates the only awards program in Illinois specifically recognizing high-quality school publications and materials that promote the mission and message of a school district. This contest honors publications and materials created by a district, school or education foundation.

Click here to download the program brochure and entry form.

INSPRA took the show on the road to Normal, IL, to connect with colleagues in Central Illinois. The group took part in an NSPRA PR Power Hour, networked over lunch, and then took part in a social media conversation lead by President-elect Mary Todoric and Faith Behr.

INSPRA is offering a free program on April 5 in Normal, Illinois, for those who have a communication responsibility as part of their role. Participants will be able to listen to an NSPRA PR "Power Hour" on the subject of effective communication messages to parents and non-parents. There will be time for lunch and conversation with Illinois colleagues, as well as a program on social media usage, "How Social Media Can Make Your Job Easier ... Yes, easier."

There's still time to nominate a deserving faculty or staff member, Board member, parent, or student for a Distinguished Service Award! The deadline to submit a nomination form for the Distinguished Service Award recognition program has been extended to Feb. 20. The Illinois chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (INSPRA) sponsors the annual Distinguished Service Awards to honor deserving education staff and supporters of local school districts. This statewide program brings recognition to the award recipient and nominating school district.

The INSPRA Education Foundations Conference, "Putting the Pieces Together! Creative Fundraising Given Our Economic Climate," is scheduled for Feb. 1. The event will feature two keynote speakers: Sharon Wherry, president of the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Linda Lopez, Director of Foundation for Lincoln Way High School District 210's Foundation for Excellence in New Lenox, Illinois.

Congratulations to the 2012 National School Public Relations Association 35 under 35 Professionals who have been nominated by their NSPRA peers and selected as this year's young professionals.

Four communications practitioners from Illinois have been honored. “The inclusion of four INSPRA members on this prestigious national list is a testament to the caliber of our members,” said INSPRA President Carla Erdey.

INSPRA Members,
 
As Thanksgiving approaches, I am thankful for my INSPRA colleagues who readily share their experience and expertise to help us grow as school communicators and support learning for all students. On behalf of the entire INSPRA Board, have a relaxing and safe holiday surrounded by those who matter most to you.
 
Here are a few items to note….
 
INSRPA Members Present at Triple I

Thank you to Peg Agnos, Executive Director of LEND, and Calvin Jackson, Legislative Liaison for IASBO, for presenting INSPRA's Oct. 19 Tips & Tactics Session, "Legislative Changes: What's New on the Legal/Political Front." Please see the presentation to learn more about PERA (the Performance Evaluation Reform Act), new requirements for teacher evaluations, pension reform and other topics.

And don't forget to register for the December 7 Tips & Tactics, "The Annual Idea Exchange: Give (and Get!) the Gift of Networking."

INSPRA is pleased to present a morning workshop to help you understand the implications of major pieces of legislation out of Springfield, including Senate Bill 7, the Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA), and Senate Bill 512. This session features Calvin C. Jackson, Legislative Liaison and Professional Development Consultant for the Illinois Association of School Boards, and Peg Agnos, Executive Director of the Legislative Education Network of DuPage County. Please see the flyer for more information about this professional development opportunity.