Leadership Matters February 2014

Getting to know your IASA Region Presidents Lance Landek

One thing people probably would be surprised to know about you: The following things make me cry: when Rudy’s dad enters Notre Dame Stadium, watching Jonathan Towes pick up the Stanley Cup (both times), Jim Valvano’s “Never Give Up” speech, and watching Chief Illiniwek’s final dance. Biggest concern about public

IASA Region President - Illini School district: Oakland CUSD 5

One thing you would like people to know about your school district: Although we are a very small district, we are proud to be able to continue to offer a full range of courses in industrial technology, agriculture, family and consumer science, CNA certification, and entrepreneurship. Years as educator: 18 High School: Villa Grove High School Colleges or Universities: University of Illinois- Champaign, University of Illinois-Springfield, and Eastern Illinois University Family: Wife Annette, Daughters Lyndsey (24) and Jordan (20) Favorite hobby: Watching Blackhawks hockey Favorite movie: Goodfellas and Gran Torino Favorite book: A Repair Kit for Grading ; 15 Fixes for Broken Grades and Outliers Favorite musical artist: Eminem, REO Speedwagon, and Motley Crue

education: I worry that good people are going to quit entering the field of teaching or leave it after just a few years. I am discouraged by all the “stuff” we have to do at school (teachers and administrators) that keep us from actually educating children. Most encouraging thing about public education: I am amazed by the support most districts receive from the community as well as the support the district provides for the community. In a small district like ours, the school district is a vital provider of social services as well the largest employer in the community. This is true in most small towns throughout the State. Because of this, I am encouraged that public education, no matter how threatened, will continue to exist in small towns. and I’m really enjoying it. My plan is to make something for each grandchild, including an “Asking Bench” for the boys – on which they’ll “pop the question” on a bench Grandpa made. I’m still trying to figure out what to make for the girls. But I think I’d better get started. Favorite movie: Bullitt – Steve McQueen Favorite book: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Favorite musical artist: The Beatles One thing people probably would be surprised to know about you: Despite my coaching background, I’m just as excited to see kids perform in the Spring Musical, Christmas programs or at an FFA event. Biggest concern about public education: The coming teacher shortage, resulting from unfair pension reform, an accountability system that places emphasis on ill-conceived standardized assessments and would-be educational experts who continually blame teachers who are fighting an uphill battle against unprecedented poverty and the decline of traditional moral values in our country. Most encouraging thing about public education: The potential that technology provides our kids and the challenges they’ll be able to tackle with the “new learning” we’re working so hard on with them.

Les Stevens IASA Region President - Two Rivers

School district: North Greene Unit District 3 One thing you would like people to know about your school district: We have some really great kids who always amaze and encourage me.

Years as educator: 40 High School: Teutopolis

Community High School Colleges or Universities: Eastern Illinois University (Bachelors); Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (Masters); University of Illinois-Springfield (Post- Masters, Superintendent’s Endorsement); Illinois State University (Doctoral work) Family: Becky, wife of 15 years; one son (AJ), three daughters (Jill, Jennifer, Jessica), two step-sons (Matt, Curtis) and 11 grandchildren (2 more, on the way, in March and July); 2 great sons-in-law and 2 wonderful daughters-in-law. Favorite hobby: I am just getting into woodworking

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