Vera Turner on Professional Learning

Inside AASA

Vera Turner has worn a lot of hats in her 30-year career in nonprofit organizations, including those of producer, mentor, fundraiser and volunteer. She brought all those hats and more to AASA six years ago in her role as grant project manager in the leadership services department. Working as the liaison between school districts and organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and The Wallace Foundation, Turner ensures a smooth and efficient grant process from start to finish. The following interview of Turner by AASA senior editorial assistant Juli Doshan has been edited for length and clarity.

What is your primary role at AASA? 

My title is project manager, but I do a lot of everything. I manage all aspects of the grants – taking something that’s already written and then breathing life into it to make it an actual program. I also help to develop content. It’s much more than project management for me. It is really starting with a blank slate for each grant and bringing that to life.

How is your work informed by past experiences at AASA or elsewhere? 

I worked in public broadcasting for 20 years at the local and national levels so I had the benefit of being in the field. It is so important as we’re rolling out the grant work to get districts’ insights about what is needed because, ultimately, we’re going to provide services, resources and tools for them and they know best because they’re on the front lines.

Why is the Women’s Leadership Initiative particularly important to the association’s goals?

Right now, with AASA’s focus on equity, it’s a natural fit with our organizational goals. When you see the statistics overall on the number of women who are working in education but are not in the top leadership roles, it’s astounding. The Women’s Initiative is designed to level the playing field for aspiring women leaders and increase the number of women superintendents.

Do the interests of the grant partners conflict at times with the direction AASA wants to take? 

AASA collaborates with grant partners who have shared interests and common goals, but sometimes we have different perspectives on the strategies to achieve those goals. To ensure that the project is aligned with AASA’s mission, the funder’s investment priorities and the goals of the other grant partners, we work together as a team to develop and execute the grant proposal and produce a win-win situation for everyone.

What do funders want to see resulting from their investment in professional development for school system leaders?

Funders want to see the impact of their investment dollars reflected in the creation of new leadership opportunities for aspiring leaders, effective practices to support and develop educational leaders and scalable solutions that can be adopted by school districts nationally.

Why is it important to provide these types of resources to superintendents?

Superintendents have demanding jobs. They are charged with improving student achievement and addressing other critical issues. They need support in their work and professional development to be successful. The leadership services department provides resources that support school system leaders at every career level.

What has been your favorite project at AASA?

This women’s initiative has been my favorite, hands down. What we’re doing here to help women advance is what I’ve always done in my life, especially with people of color. That’s just my way of giving back. I do it because somebody helped me. I’m excited to work on a project that I feel passionate about. Even if I’m up until midnight writing something, there’s a purpose behind it so it’s easier. It doesn’t feel like work, and I am happy because I know that I’m helping to make a difference.

*Inside AASA is a monthly feature about AASA services and products and the staff members behind them.*