Next Generation of Chicago Leaders

September 2008 – June 2009

The Next Generation of Chicago Leaders has been designed to implement a model of career advising and professional development in Chicago. This innovative project, funded by the McCormick Foundation, supports the early childhood career development system in Illinois by preparing Chicago leaders to become professional growth advisors for their agencies and communities.

The project is an advanced leadership training program designed for seasoned professionals. Experienced directors and education coordinators of nonprofit and for-profit early childhood programs in Chicago are encouraged to apply. Individuals from accredited programs will be given priority in the selection process. This unique opportunity will be limited to 18 individuals who have exhibited leadership potential and have demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the quality of care and education for young children.

This project will provide structured opportunities for you to build and refine your coaching and mentoring skills, expand your knowledge about professional development resources, and develop individualized professional development plans for your staff.

Topics include:

• Coaching and mentoring staff at different career stages
• Implementing an individualized model of professional development
• Developing a leadership succession plan for your program
• Supporting staff advancement on the Illinois early childhood career lattice
• Funding opportunities that support the professional development of the early childhood workforce

As part of the Next Generation of Chicago Leaders, participants will work closely with faculty from National-Louis University who will guide them through the process of developing individual growth plans for their staff and making organizational changes to support professional development at their centers. Participants will also identify and mentor an emerging leader at their center and develop internal organizational systems for leadership succession.

Activities will span ten months, from September 2008 to June 2009. Applicants selected to participate will attend nine professional development sessions held on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Participants will also attend the Leadership Connections conference at the Westin Chicago North Shore, May 14-16, 2009. Individuals accepted into the project are expected to complete the entire 10-month training cycle.

All training costs, books and materials, on-site technical assistance by faculty, and food and lodging for attendance at the Leadership Connections conference will be covered for those selected to be part of this professional development initiative. Graduate credit from from National-Louis University is also available by paying an additional fee.

To apply, download a brochure and complete the application form. For more information, contact Janis Jones at (800) 443-5522, ext. 3088 or janis.jones@nl.edu.

What participants are saying…

Participating in the Next Generation of Chicago Leaders was a revitalizing, motivating, and healing experience for me.  My thoughts and practices about the importance of my role as a leader and manager were challenged and I definitely improved through the support, training, and mentoring I received. –Annie Bell

The most significant change I experienced was in my rekindled spirit, remembered sense of purpose, and value of contribution to young children.  It takes time, involvement, and association with other early childhood professionals to realize the value of one’s career work.  My involvement in the Next Generation of Chicago Leaders has given me a marked threshold on which to build. –Steve Koll

The Next Generation project gave me the opportunity to build my confidence as a leader.  Through personal reflections and insight, I learned the type of personality and strengths I bring to the group as their leader. –Anna Russell

I no longer fear change, but truly embrace the evolution of our program as we transition into a new community.  –Adrienne Hamilton