Identifying the Next Innovators-in-Chief

EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE

I always have been curious as to the dynamics of leadership, especially in public education. Teachers inspire and lead their students, while principals and superintendents inspire and lead their staffs, and ultimately every employee should follow the direction, mission and vision that the superintendent and board of education establish for their district.

My doctoral dissertation at the University of Wisconsin-Madison nearly 20 years ago focused on how superintendents build trust and credibility with their administrative teams. I focused on three primary characteristics: honesty, competency and the ability to inspire. Superintendents must create strong, positive relationships with their administrative leadership team, and members of their leadership team need to develop positive working relationships.

Knowing yourself as a leader, appreciating constituents, affirming shared values, developing capacity, serving a purpose and sustaining hope are just a few of the aspects addressed in my research of sitting superintendents.

I firmly believe that being a superintendent is one of the best jobs in the world. No other position can impact and influence the development and transformation of a community than that of a public school district superintendent.

Having served as a superintendent for more than 20 years in three different types of districts, from a rural district to a district with declining enrollment to a large suburban district, I have faced the challenges and opportunities of each type of system.

Vision Into Action

Superintendents need to be the innovator-in-chief of their district, having the authority to influence educational policies and practices that will shape the lives of the students under their care and future generations. The role demands a broad vision and the resolve to transform that vision into action.

Superintendents stand at the crossroads of transforming education and advancing all of society. The role calls for courage and the readiness to take calculated risks and introduce groundbreaking ideas in their school system. One decision can trigger a ripple effect of change, sweeping through classrooms and communities, toward building a stronger middle class in our country.

A core driving force behind a superintendent’s mission is an inherent love for their community and lifelong learning. They are the thread that weaves together students, parents, educators and local leaders, creating shared experiences and mutual growth.

A superintendent takes on the role of an advocate, becoming the voice of education at local, state and national levels. They serve as a lighthouse, highlighting the importance of education as the very foundation of our society’s future. Each day is a chance to turn vision into reality. But the journey, while fulfilling, is not without its challenges.

Building More Capacity

Survey after survey has shown the role of the superintendent has become more challenging, and we must identify those with leadership potential in our organizations and encourage them to pursue the next steps in their professional career, ultimately leading to the public school superintendency.

The position of public school superintendent can be seen as unmanageable and untenable. But we must continue building our own leadership capacity to inspire hope and optimism in our education workforce.

See the potential in those around you, tap colleagues on the shoulder for a new assignment to test their leadership skills and capacity, and encourage them to pursue the role of innovator-in-chief.

I have had the incredible opportunity to serve as the facilitator of the Aspiring Superintendents Academy for many years to champion those interested in the role. I encourage you to ask potential superintendent candidates in your district to join one of AASA’s academies: Aspiring Superintendents Academy, Aspiring Superintendents Academy for Female Leaders, Aspiring Superintendents Academy for Latino and Latina Leaders or the Urban Superintendents Academy.

Visit our website to learn more or contact me or an AASA team member. Encourage a colleague or several colleagues to join one of the greatest, most impactful professions in the country.

David Schuler is AASA’s executive director. Twitter: @AASA_ED