Aspiring Leaders
Prepare for one of the most challenging and rewarding positions in school leadership.
Aspiring Superintendents Academy®
Are you ready to take your career to the next level?
The role of the superintendent has never been more complex—or more important. Today’s school districts require leaders who can navigate challenges with vision, foster equity-focused solutions and inspire teams to create transformative learning experiences for every student.
AASA’s Aspiring Superintendents Academy® is your opportunity to prepare for this leadership role. Our year-long, highly interactive programs are designed to equip you with the practical skills, innovative strategies, and forward-thinking mindset needed to lead learner-centered, future-driven school districts!
Aspiring Programs Tailored to Your Unique Leadership Journey
AASA offers a variety of aspiring programs to meet your specific needs, so you can choose the program that is right for you.
This academy provides aspiring leaders with the real-world skills to thrive and lead a school district to success. Learn More
AASA, through the University of La Verne, offers Continuing Education Units (CEUs) after successful completion of these programs. (As of April 2024)
This academy brings together women aspiring to the superintendency, creating a supportive space for growth, connection, and self-reflection. Led by accomplished women in education leadership, this academy is dedicated to uplifting and inspiring the next generation of women 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)
This academy is designed for those who want to take on leadership roles in our nation's large and 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.
What will you learn?
Each of AASA's 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.
...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
Questions? Contact:
Questions?
Contact Gail Pletnick, lead superintendent of AASA's aspiring programs, at gpletnick@aasa.org.