Aspiring Superintendents Academy® for Women Leaders

Women educators, leading learning

A group of women educators

The need for visionary leadership in education has never been greater—and women are uniquely poised to meet this challenge. While women remain underrepresented in the superintendent’s chair, AASA actively works to change this demographic imbalance.

The AASA Aspiring Superintendents Academy® for Women Leaders is designed to uplift and empower women educators, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and connections to step into the superintendency. This academy is more than preparation—it’s also a movement to ensure women have a strong voice in shaping the future of education.


Aspiring Superintendents Academy FrameworkAcademy Curriculum: 

This academy covers a wide range of essential topics, providing you with a deep understanding of the leadership role of a successful superintendent.

Core Curriculum Areas Include:

  • 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
Who Should Apply?

Any woman who aspires to be a superintendent is encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to principals and central office professionals.

Academy Dates and Details

In-Person Meeting Dates:

Fall 2025 | Dates and location TBD

February 10 - 12, 2026 | During AASA's 2026 National Conference on Education, Nashville, Tenn.

June 2026 | Dates and location TBD

Virtual Meeting Dates:

Virtual meeting schedule to be posted soon!


Academy Themes

In addition to the academy curriculum, discussions will also center around these main themes:

  • Nimble and Resilient Leadership for Changing Times
  • Leading with Vulnerability and Grace
  • Leading for Equity
  • Personal Growth and WELLness
  • Networking for Collective Impact
  • Women Educators Leading Learning (#AASAWELL)
Continuing Education Units

The opportunity to obtain CEUs from the University of La Verne is provided as a service for educational leaders who are seeking a permanent record of their educational accomplishments. CEUs may be obtained up to six months after graduating from the program.

Did you recently graduate from this academy? Complete this form to begin your request!

Partners

...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

Superintendent, City Schools of Decatur (Ga.)

Maggie Fehrman, City Schools of Decatur (Ga.)

Details

September 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available after successful completion of this program.

Applications for the 2025-26 academy are due by September 1, 2025.

$4,500

Member Price

$4,800

Non-Member Price

Not a member? Join today.

Apply Today

Contacts

  • Valerie Truesdale

    Senior Assistant Executive Director, Leadership Network

    AASA, The School Superintendents Association

    vtruesdale@aasa.org

    703-774-6930

  • Gail Pletnick

    Lead Superintendent

    gpletnick@aasa.org

Learn About AASA's National Women's Leadership Consortium!

The National Women's Leadership Consortium brings together superintendents, other school district leaders and/or corporate or nonprofit leaders who are innovators and risk-takers in the field of leadership.

Learn More

AASA Leadership Network

The Leadership Network Advantage

Premier professional learning for educational leaders at any stage of their careers.

No matter where you are in your leadership journey, AASA’s Leadership Network programs help you grow and thrive to support you in meeting the needs of your school community!

Learn More