David R. Schuler, Ph.D.
For more than two decades, David R. Schuler, Ph.D, has empowered educational leaders and inspired young minds to achieve success in, and well beyond, school house walls and district lines.
Nationally recognized for his transformative school systems leadership, his advancement of student achievement and his tireless advocacy for public education and equity, Dr. Schuler brings his track record of strategic innovation and visionary leadership to the role of Executive Director for AASA, The School Superintendents Association.
As the ninth Executive Director of AASA, Dr. Schuler is singularly focused on harnessing his expertise, network and lifelong commitment to learning to advance AASA’s mission of advocating for equitable access to high-quality education for all students, while developing and supporting school systems leaders.
Dr. Schuler's career as a school superintendent in rural, urban, and suburban settings in two Midwestern states is marked by a dedication to helping students to dream beyond what they can see - and supporting them to get there. At AASA, Dr. Schuler is building on this legacy with national initiatives such as "Redefining Ready!" which takes a future-driven approach to career-readiness, and the creation of the Learning 2025 Network, a project borne out of the foundational work of the AASA Learning 2025 National Commission that is re-imagining education and empowering educational leaders to shape the future of public education.
AASA's mission extends to all aspects of educational leadership, including safety, cybersecurity, and school nutrition, and is articulated through advocacy and legislative efforts that focus on expanding opportunities for every student. Dr. Schuler's work reflects AASA's mission through professional development such as academies and cohorts focused on developing the next generation of educational leaders, resources to expand support to rural school districts, and leading future-driven initiatives that harness the power of today’s innovations such as AI to create what’s next in public education.
With a strong commitment to making the increasingly challenging job of the superintendency easier and more accessible, for more members, Dr. Schuler is focused on providing the network, resources and supports required for success. His leadership has been acknowledged with various accolades, such as being the Superintendent of the Year at both state and national levels.
His unique insight from leading an ed-tech startup complements his extensive academic background from the University of Wisconsin and Carroll University. Dr. Schuler holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, a Master of Science in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Carroll University, Waukesha. His professional journey is marked by various prestigious positions and roles, such as serving as the 2015-2016 AASA President and as a member of the U.S. Department of State Overseas School Advisory Council, which has influenced educational practices and policies at a national level.
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