The Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) is proud to announce the launch of the School Nurse Academy of Incoming Leaders (SNAIL) Mentorship Program — and we’re inviting aspiring school nurse leaders to join our inaugural cohort!
Whether you’re interested in a leadership position at the organizational level, or ready to lead right where you’re at, this program offers a meaningful opportunity to grow, connect, and lead.
For New School Nurses (Mentees):
Leadership can be both inspiring and intimidating—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. As part of your IASN membership, our mentorship program offers one-on-one support, expert guidance, and leadership development resources to help you grow with confidence throughout the school year.
For Experienced School Nurses (Mentors):
Your knowledge and leadership can make a lasting difference. By serving as a mentor, you’ll help shape the future of our profession—empowering aspiring school nurse leaders to step confidently into their potential and become the next generation of leaders in school nursing.
Special Recognition:
As part of the inaugural SNAIL Mentorship Program, all mentors and mentees will be honored at the 2026 IASN Spring Conference with a special pinning ceremony, and again at a completion celebration at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
Applicants must be:
- A current IASN Member
- A PEL-CSN or Non-PEL ISBE IEP Designee
- Currently working as a school nurse
- Must have two years of school nursing experience
SAVE THE DATES
In-Person Meetings:
- Kick-Off Event: Saturday, August 23, 2025 @ School Health 5600 Apollo Dr, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
- Pinning Ceremony: February 2026 at the IASN Spring Conference @ NIU Naperville 1120 E. Diehl Rd. Naperville, IL 60563
- Completion Ceremony: May 2026 (Location TBA)
Online Meetings (Third Saturday of Each Month, 9:30 AM–11:30 AM):
- September 20, 2025 Advocacy in School Nursing (Gloria E. Barrera)
- Session Title: Advocacy in School Nursing for Leaders
Session Description:
This session equips school nurse leaders with the knowledge and tools to become effective advocates for student health and the nursing profession. Participants will explore the intersection of leadership and advocacy, examine current policy issues affecting school health, and develop actionable strategies to influence change at the local, state, and national levels.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Define advocacy within the context of school nursing leadership and its importance in advancing student health and educational equity.
- Identify current local, state, or national policies that impact school nursing practice and student outcomes.
- Apply effective advocacy strategies to influence decision-makers and drive systems-level change in school health.
- Develop a personal or team-based action plan to lead and sustain advocacy efforts within their school community.
- October 18, 2025 (Becoming a Data Champion)
- November 15, 2025 (Creating Your Brand, Stepping into Leadership
- December 20, 2025 (TBD)
- January 17, 2026 25 Legislative Updates and how they affect School Nursing Practice
- February 21, 2026 TBD
- March 21, 2026 Coaching for Leadership Development
- April 18, 2026 Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution
- May 16, 2026 Wrap Up Open Forum prior to Completion Ceremony