ALAS Celebrates its Platinum Partners for Shared Commitment to Latino-Serving Leaders

Curriculum Associates, Footsteps to Brilliance, Hazel Health, Imagine Learning, and Scholastic will all provide financial and in-kind support throughout the year

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 21, 2021) – The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) has partnered with five innovative education companies to help further its leadership development work across the country. Curriculum Associates, Footsteps to Brilliance, Hazel Health, Imagine Learning, and Scholastic will provide financial and in-kind support to the organization as they collectively work to attain ALAS’ goals.

“ALAS is committed to securing partners who share an aligned vision, mission and goals. We are extremely excited to have a new organizational structure in place that distinguishes our Platinum Partners from event sponsors,” said ALAS Executive Director Dr. Maria Armstrong. “Each of our Platinum Partners offers a unique product or service to advance our leadership skill development for national, state and community impact. We are proud, humbled and grateful for these distinct partnerships.”

These Platinum Partners each invest in ALAS programs and networks and provide in-kind support. For instance, Michael Haggen, a Senior VP and General Manager for Scholastic, was instrumental during the ALAS National Principal Leadership Academy and the ALAS Superintendent Leadership Academy by teaching attendees the process on topics such as the  Problem of Practice and in the development of a Practice of Promise. Curriculum Associates provides an annual $10,000 scholarship to an ALAS member to go toward their doctorate degree.

Curriculum Associates offers research-based online and print instructional materials, screens and assessments and data management tools to support K-12 educators and students. “Curriculum Associates is proud of our longstanding partnership with ALAS and our shared commitments to championing more diverse leadership and improving outcomes for all students. As part of this, it has been our honor for the past seven years to provide a $10,000 scholarship in support of increasing Latino leadership in schools across the county,” said Linda DuBois, Curriculum Associates Vice President of Strategic Relationships.

Footsteps2Brilliance, Inc. is the breakthrough early learning platform that accelerates early literacy achievement by uniting the power of mobile gaming technology with the latest in cognitive research. Footsteps2Brilliance provides enticing, interactive, 24/7 learning experiences that digitally link school and home to give students the edge they need for success in school today and the world tomorrow. “ALAS is the premiere organization that advocates for Latinx students who bring vibrancy and strength to the United States. Footsteps2Brilliance has chosen to invest in ALAS because of our shared vision that all students, and especially historically underserved students, receive the bilingual education and resources they need to thrive in our economy,” said Ilene Rosenthal, Footsteps2Brilliance CEO and Founder.

Hazel Health is committed to eliminating barriers to quality healthcare for children. As the national leader in delivering pediatric telehealth care, Hazel Health partners with school districts across the U.S. and currently serves almost 2 million children. Hazel's team of experienced pediatricians, therapists, educators, and best-in-class engineers are passionate about ensuring all children receive the best care in school or at home. “Hazel Health is proud to be a Platinum Partner with ALAS to extend our shared commitment to drive equity and access for all children, reach those that have been systemically underserved and ensure every child is seen, heard and cared for,” said Silver McDonald, Hazel Health VP of Growth.

Imagine Learning provides PreK-12 digital-first curriculum and assessment solutions to empower educators to inspire breakthrough moments in every student’s unique learning journey. “We are honored to partner with ALAS to make education more equitable, creating opportunity and access for all learners. We are committed to offering high-quality curricula and products that are free from bias and reflect a culturally diverse perspective,” said Sari Factor, Vice Chair and Chief Strategy Officer at Weld North Education, which includes Imagine Learning as one of its flagship brands.

Scholastic provides literacy curriculum, professional services, and classroom magazines and produces educational and popular children’s media. “We at Scholastic are proud to support ALAS and the great work they do to ensure that all students get the quality education they deserve. We look forward to continuing to work with them to promote diversity in the classroom in a way that honors the many cultures that enrich our country and leads to dynamic learning environments where everyone has the freedom and the confidence to become their best selves,” said Michael Haggen, a Senior VP and General Manager for Scholastic.

About the Association of Latino Administrators & Superintendents (ALAS)

The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents [ALAS] is committed to providing a perspective to all aspiring school and district administrators including superintendents through programs, services, advocacy and networks rooted in Latino experiences and culture.  ALAS has nearly 8,000 members across 18 state affiliates with several more states soon to be a part of the ALAS Familia. Our Vision, Mission and Goals are to provide leadership at the national level that assures every school in America effectively serves the educational needs of all students with an emphasis on Latino and other historically marginalized youth through continuous professional learning, policy advocacy, and networking to share practices of promise for our students and the communities where we serve.

By the year 2026, Latino children will make up 30 percent of the school-age population. In the nation’s largest states – California, Texas, Florida, and New York- all of whom are ALAS State Affiliates– Latinos already have reached that level. It is of vital interest to invest in the education of every child, and the professional learning of all educators who serve Latino youth.

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