Aspiring Superintendents Academies
Personal & professional growth for aspiring district leaders.
Looking to take the next step in your career? Want to become the most effective school system leader you can be?
AASA's Aspiring Superintendents Academies have a proven track record of preparing the next generation of superintendents.
The academies cover topics essential to developing a deep understanding of the leadership role of a successful superintendent and each program is led by nationally-recognized superintendents and feature thought leader practitioners and mentors.
Graduates will be transformational leaders who are well equipped to lead student-centered, equity-focused, future-driven schools with creativity, vision and a commitment to the whole learner.
Which Academy is Right for Me?
AASA offers a variety of aspiring programs to meet your specific needs, so you can choose the program that is right for you.
The academy provides participants with real-world skills a next generation superintendent will need to thrive. Two cohorts are offered each year.
AASA, through the University of La Verne, offers Continuing Education Units (CEUs) after successful completion of these programs. (As of April 2024)
Brings together women who are on the path to the superintendency with the goal of creating the time and space for learning, connection and introspection. This academy is lead by experienced female superintendents who seek to lift up the next generation of female leaders. Learn More
AASA, through the University of La Verne, offers Continuing Education Units (CEUs) after successful completion of this program. (As of April 2024)
Specifically designed for aspiring Latino and Latina superintendents, this academy covers topics essential to developing a deep understanding of the leadership role of a successful Latino/a superintendent committed to equity and excellence. Learn More
AASA, through the University of La Verne, offers Continuing Education Units (CEUs) after successful completion of this program. (As of April 2024)
Designed for those who want to take on leadership roles in our nation's rapidly growing urban areas. Ideal for leaders who want to help accelerate academic performance growth and be a champion for historically underrepresented and diverse populations.
AASA offers two cohorts of the Urban Superintendents Academy in partnership with premier universities:
- AASA/Howard University Cohort: A blended learning program where participants meet both virtually and in-person on a monthly basis.
- AASA/USC Rossier Cohort: An all-virtual program where participants enjoy biweekly online sessions.
Who Should Apply?
Anyone who aspires to be a superintendent is encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to principals and central office professionals.
...an experience for me like nothing else in my career development...I will look back forever on my career and attribute the growth and my personal development to the things I've learned through this course.
Maggie Fehrman
What Will I Learn?
Each of the five (5) different academy programs ensures mastery of the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) and alignment to the research-based recommendations for leadership priorities.
Participants engage in a series of learning experiences culminating in a Capstone Project, and all programs utilize a master curriculum that ensures participants are prepared to become transformational, future focused leaders.
Academy Curriculum Covers: 
- Framing the Superintendent Role: Knowing Yourself and Your Leadership Strengths and Areas for Growth
- Leading for Equity with Urgency
- Understanding Governance
- Building a Community of Support
- Balancing Leadership
- Leading Learning
Resources and activities utilized to deliver each academy’s curriculum address the unique strengths and challenges confronting the specific group for which the program was designed, and each academy is personalized to best meet the needs of the cohort members.
Upcoming Aspiring Programs
Questions?
Contact Gail Pletnick, lead superintendent of AASA's aspiring programs, at gpletnick@aasa.org.