RICHARDSON, Texas–ILTexas honored 24 graduates from their Aspiring Administrators Academy (AAA) Friday, March 3, at a special ceremony held at its headquarter location. The year-long program is for educators seeking to elevate their leadership skills by working at the administrative level with the hopes of becoming school principals.

ILTexas Founder and Superintendent Eddie Conger delivered the keynote address to the graduating class, acknowledging their accomplishments.

Attendees were given a student-led tour of ILTexas Garland High School where they were able to see the international student apartment dorms for the first time. After the tour, the graduates were given the opportunity to share what AAA meant to them on their leadership journey. 

For Keriann Oertell, a 10th grade science teacher and Grade Level Administrator at ILTexas (GLA) Keller-Saginaw High School, receiving mentorship from the AAA leaders was beneficial. 

“It was amazing to have people that we see on the website that work at HQ who know our names, know about us, and how they can best help us,” she said. 

Tinika Larry, a 7th grade GLA at ILTexas Katy K-8, looks forward to advancing in her professional journey now that she’s graduated from the program. 

“Whatever role I end up being [in education], I want to make sure that I'm still inspiring other students [and] leaders to be better and help others.”

When asked what advice she would give to prospective members, Larry highlighted common interests academy students share.

“It's an opportunity for you to talk to your peers, this on the same level aspiring to do the same thing that you're trying to do and also talk to people that are already where you're trying to go,” she said. “It will help you enhance your career.”

Learn more about the Aspiring Adminstrator’s Academy here.

Visit ILTexas.org for more campus news and events.