Urban Superintendents Academy
Empowering Urban Leaders for a Decade
As our nation’s urban communities grow, so does the need for dynamic superintendents equipped to lead diverse school districts toward equitable success. The Urban Superintendents Academy is your pathway to becoming a transformative leader! This academy, offered in partnership with Howard University and USC Rossier, prepares current and aspiring superintendents to tackle the unique challenges of urban education with confidence, creativity, and an unwavering focus on equity.
Academy Details
AASA offers two cohorts of the Urban Superintendents Academy in collaboration with two premier universities:
Applications are due by August 1, 2025
The AASA-Howard University Urban Superintendents Academy is recognized as one of the premier programs in the country. The academy aims to address disparities in educational leadership by cultivating a network of leaders ready to assume superintendent roles, especially in districts with large and diverse populations.
Applications are due by August 1, 2025
The AASA-USC Rossier Urban Superintendents Academy is a program designed to support current and aspiring superintendents as they navigate the complexities of equity-centered leadership in school districts. Participants gain the knowledge, insights, skills and practices needed to make a lasting meaningful impact as superintendent.
Just 10% of our nation’s superintendents are persons of color. This program is designed to change that.
By participating, you’ll gain:
- Expert Knowledge: Learn from the nation’s top thought leaders in urban education.
- 21st-Century Leadership Skills: Master the strategies needed to navigate community relations, district politics, and equity-centered decision-making.
- Real-World Experience: Develop action plans to address the challenges faced by today’s urban superintendents.
- Mentorship and Networking: Join a supportive community of peers and mentors dedicated to advancing equity and excellence in education.
Academy Dates
In-Person Meeting Dates
August 15, 2025 - Urban Leadership Summit Kickoff in Washington, DC 9:00 am- 4:30 pm ET
Feb 10-11, 2026 - Prior to NCE 2026 in Nashville, Tenn.
May 15-16, 2026 - Alexandria, Va. - Capstone Presentations
Virtual Meeting Dates
September 20, 2025- 8:30 am - 3:30 pm ET
October 18, 2025 - 8:30 am - 3:30 pm ET
November 15, 2025- 8:30 am - 3:30 pm ET
December 13, 2025 - 8:30 am - 3:30 pm ET
January 24, 2026 - 8:30 am - 3:30 pm ET
March 21, 2026 - 8:30 am - 3:30 pm ET
April 18, 2026 - 8:30 am - 3:30 pm ET
In-Person Meeting Dates:
Schedule Coming Soon!
Virtual Meeting Dates:
Schedule Coming Soon!
Academy Lead(s)
Partners
The Rossier School of Education at USC has a long and proud legacy of training educational leaders who serve in school districts throughout the nation. Through our partnership with AASA we are able to bring our expertise to prepare a new generation of urban district leaders to confront the most complex challenges facing schools today.
Pedro Noguera
If you want to be a change agent, if you want to see all children be successful, and more importantly, those children who historically have been disadvantaged, if you want to push your own thinking and your own perception of reality, then you need to join the urban superintendents program.
Kimberly Mackey
Details
August 15, 2025 to June 30, 2026
See Academy Details and Dates section for additional information and application links.
Contact
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Jessica Gordon
Program Manager, Leadership Network
AASA, The School Superintendents Association
703-875-0704
11th Annual AASA/Howard/USC-Rossier Urban Superintendents Academy- Urban Summit
The 2025 Urban Leadership Summit will take place on August 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. Registration will open soon!
