We’re excited to be celebrating the legacy and achievements of Black history this February!
Practicing what we preach
IEL President Eddie Koen leads the organization as our first Black President. We’re proud to have a staff and board who bring experiences and expertise from all walks of life and backgrounds – leaders dedicated to developing and connecting adults and youth leaders who strengthen communities and education systems in pursuit of greater opportunity for all.
The Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program
The Ready to Achieve Mentoring Program (RAMP) is a high-tech, career-focused mentoring program for youth involved with or at risk of becoming involved with the juvenile justice system, geared toward youth with disabilities.
Leaders of Tomorrow
Leaders of Tomorrow (LoT) is a leadership program created by IEL with a curriculum co-designed by immigrant and refugee youth. The LoT program is designed to help immigrant and refugee youth develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to participate in decision-making processes and structures to improve their own lives, as well as the lives of others in their communities. Through the program, youth are equipped to become leaders and agents of change, while also promoting equity and social justice for all children, youth, adults, and families.
Network Co-Chairs
IEL’s Coalition for Community Schools and Family & Community Engagement Network have several learning networks that help Community School leaders, Coordinators, and stakeholders connect, deepen their knowledge and skills, and advocate for excellent and sustainable Community Schools. Each network is led by elected co-chairs. We’re lifting up the leadership of some of these dedicated professionals this Black History Month!
IEL Board Chair Michael Sims
Michael Sims is an accomplished financial professional, whose career has spanned over 18 years in accounting and finance. Half of his career has been dedicated to ensuring that the mission and financial stewardship of Scholastic, Inc., the beloved children’s publishing company, continue to be fulfilled and evolve during changing times.
During his tenure at Scholastic, Michael has partnered with leadership and other contributors throughout the organization to develop the strategic vision and financial models for the Education division. Leveraging his success, Michael is now Vice President of Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis, reporting directly to the CFO.
More ways to support Black Leaders and Communities
IEL Services
Leadership plays a vital role in uniting the varied knowledge, skills, and talents within local communities to promote opportunity for all. We work hand in hand with communities, teaming up with local organizations to bolster local leadership at all levels, driving positive change through education and interconnected systems. To do this, we build innovative programming, experiences, and services to help leaders change education systems.
The National Community Schools & Family Engagement Conference
The Institute for Educational Leadership is proud to host the 2026 National Community Schools and Family Engagement Conference in Long Beach, California! This national conference brings together people from across the country who believe all children deserve a safe place to live and opportunities to learn and thrive. Inspired by our theme, Guiding Lights, Brighter Futures, the conference catalyzes collaboration, action, and a renewed commitment to transforming our practices, partnerships, and systems.
