About Me

My name is Amy Illingworth and I am the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services in a southern CA school district.  My leadership vision is to create equitable learning opportunities where student and adult learners thrive. My core values include: equity, integrity, empathy, making a difference, and creativity.

In October 2019 my book The Coach ADVenture: Building Powerful Instructional Leadership Skills that Impact Learning was released and is available on Amazon. #CoachADV

Previously I have served as a teacher, literacy coach, vice principal, and principal at the elementary, middle, and high school level.  I have also taught at the university level. I have presented at ASCD, ACSA Leadership Summits, and local conferences on a variety of topics.  I am passionate about coaching and leadership development in education.

In August of 2013 I began my Doctoral program in Educational Leadership.  My research focused on principal professional development and the structures districts can put in place to support job-embedded, on-going professional development for instructional leaders. On April 1, 2015 I successfully defended my dissertation: Structures for Instructional Leadership Development.  I graduated on May 17, 2015.

I also began blogging around the time I began my doctoral program.  I use this space as a place for my reflections on leadership and learning. I appreciate connecting with other leaders and learners and look forward to new learning!

During 2014 I challenged myself with blog expansion ideas, such as my Abecedary of Reflection and Mentor Text Monday posts.  I have found a renewed passion for writing instruction and social justice and you will see those topics pop up often throughout my writing.  I like to share what I’m reading to support leadership and learning.  Each year I challenge myself to design a new blog series that will stretch my own thinking and reflection. 

During the 2016-2017 school year I was honored to participate in the AASA Women in Leadership Initiative called More Than a Power Lunch: Building Networks to Support and Advance Women in School Leadership.

My focus word for 2015 was mindfulness, so that showed up throughout the year.

My focus word for 2016 was rejuvenate.

My focus word for 2017 was challenge.

My focus word (and phrase) for 2018 was Possibility… adventures that stretch!

My focus word for 2019 was SHINE.

My focus word for 2020 was GRACE.

My focus word for 2021 was DARING.

My focus word for 20202 is CONNECTIONS.

Please feel free to leave comments or find me on twitter to continue the conversation.   If you are interested in contributing a post as a guest blogger, or bringing me in for a professional development workshop please contact me.

LinkedIn Profile: Amy Illingworth, Ed.D.

Twitter: @AmyLIllingworth