ISBA Announces Two New Employees

The Idaho School Boards Association is thrilled to announce the appointment of two new positions. 

Professional Development Director

Lisa Colón Durham brings 22 years of experience in public education. Lisa currently serves as the Director of Certification and Professional Standards for the Idaho State Department of Education (SDE.) Prior to that position, she served as the Educator Effectiveness Coordinator and Family & Community Engagement Coordinator for the SDE. Prior to her work at the SDE, Lisa served as an Elementary Principal, Elementary Assistant Principal, and Mathematics teacher in Idaho.  She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.  Lisa will assume the position of Professional Development Director on October 25, 2021. In her role, Lisa will be overseeing every aspect of the ISBA Professional Development department – including creation of training topics, scheduling in-district trainings, building online-learning modules, planning leadership institutes, and providing support for school boards across Idaho.

Communications & Program Manager

Catherine Bates has had a successful career in higher education for the past 14 years. She currently serves as the Assistant Director for the Institute for Inclusive & Transformative Scholarship at Boise State University (BSU). Prior to that position, she served as the STEM Diversity Coordinator, Educational Specialist, and Adjunct Faculty also at BSU. Prior to her work at BSU, she served as Faculty Associate at Arizona State University, a Fiction Editor for Hayden’s Ferry Review, and Seminar Advisor for the University of Virginia. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and Women’s Studies and a master of fine arts degree in Creative Writing. Catherine will assume the position of Communications & Program Manager on October 18, 2021.  In her role, Catherine will be managing the ISBA Superintendent Search Program, creating and executing strategic communications of the Association, and assisting with other member services.