Aspiring Superintendents Academy® for Latino and Latina Leaders

Forging pathways for Latino and Latina district leaders

Aspiring Latino group photo during N.C.E 2023

The Aspiring Superintendents Academy® for Latino and Latina Leaders is a highly interactive year-long program that provides participants with the real-world skills a next generation Latino and Latina superintendent will need to thrive. The Academy will cover topics essential to developing a deep understanding of the leadership role of a successful Latino and Latina superintendent. Graduates of the academy should be well equipped to lead 21st century schools with creativity, vision and a commitment to equity and excellence.  

This standards-based professional learning opportunity will provide Latino/a leaders with an insightful blend of theory and practice through a combination of in-person sessions and on-line webinars. The Academy is led by highly skilled, nationally recognized Latino and Latina educational leaders and mentors. Cohort members will participate in experiential learning tasks designed to expand their understanding of self and the critical skills necessary to achieve success as a superintendent. Members of this academy will explore problems of practice, simulations, and engage in a series of learning experiences culminating in a Capstone Project.


The Aspiring Superintendents Academy® for Latino and Latina Leaders will address critical issues of leadership designed to support Latino and Latina candidates aspiring to the superintendent role. The Aspiring Superintendents Academy for Latino and Latina Leaders program will include the following modules and focus areas: 

  • Framing the Superintendent Role:  Knowing Yourself and Your Leadership Strengths and Areas for Growth as a Future Latino and Latina Superintendent
  • Leading for Equity with Urgency: Unique Challenges Facing Latino and Latina Superintendents in Confronting Bias, Limited Access and Opportunity, and Inherent Structural Inequities
  • Understanding Governance: Building Effective Relationships While Confronting the Unique Challenges Faced by Latino and Latina Superintendents
  • Building a Community of Support: Cultural Responsiveness and Leadership Strategies for Addressing the Unique Strengths and Challenges of Latino and Latina Students, Families, and Stakeholder Groups
  • Balancing leadership: Addressing Operations and Fiscal Management
  • Leading Learning: The Role of the Latino and Latina Superintendent in Reinforcing Evidence-Based Practices in Curriculum and Assessment, Including Cultural and Linguistic Proficiency  
Program Dates and Details

Virtual Meeting Dates:

  • August 16, 2024- 5:30-7:30pm ET
  • September 6, 2024 - 5:30-7:30pm ET
  • October 18, 2024 - 5:30-7:30pm ET
  • November 15, 2024 - 5:30-7:30pm ET
  • December 13, 2024 - 5:30-7:30pm ET
  • January 10, 2025 - 5:30-7:30pm ET
  • February 21, 2025- 5:30-7:30pm ET

In-person Meeting Date:

  • July 12, 2024 – 12:30 – 5:00 pm (ET) Alexandria, VA -  Academy Launch
  • July 13, 2024 – 9:00 am - 2:00 pm ET Alexandria, VA
  • March 5, 2025 - at the 2025 national Conference on Education (NCE). 8:00 am – 4:00 pm New Orleans - LA Final Session & Graduation
  • March 6, 2025 - at the 2025 National Conference on Education (NCE) 8:00 – 10:00 am New Orleans LA - Combined with Advisory and Alumni Breakfast
Who Should Apply?

Latino and Latina leaders who aspire to be a superintendent are encouraged to apply.  Priority will be given to Latino and Latino principals and central office professionals. Superintendents and members of district governing bodies are encouraged to nominate professionals.  

Participation will be limited to 30 per cohort. Applications will be screened for the highest quality candidates.  Those selected for participation in the program will be outstanding, high-performing leaders whose next logical career moves would be to the superintendency.

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!

Never stop learning and working toward your goals as you can accomplish more than you realize. The extra effort that you put in at any level will then inspire the next generation of leaders.
Gustavo Balderas

Superintendent, Eugene School District 4J in Eugene, Oregon

Gustavo Balderas

Details

July 12, 2024 to March 6, 2025

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available after successful completion of this program. The application for the 2024-25 academy is now closed. Stay tuned for when it opens again this fall!

$4,500

Member Price

$4,800

Non-Member Price

Not a member? Join today.

Contacts

  • Gail Pletnick

    Lead Superintendent

    gpletnick@aasa.org

  • Debbie Magee

    Director, Leadership Network

    AASA, The School Superintendents Association

    dmagee@aasa.org

    703-875-0716

Daniel A. Domenech Scholarship

This scholarship supports two aspiring superintendents with financial assistance to participate in the Aspiring Superintendents Academy® for Latino and Latina Leaders!

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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!

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