AASA and ACSA Launch New Leadership Academy to Grow the Next Generation of Women Superintendents
March 19, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Naj Alikhan
Alexandria, Va. / Sacramento, Calif - AASA, The School Superintendents Association, and the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) today announced a new partnership to launch the ACSA-AASA Aspiring Superintendent Academy® for Women Leaders, a cohort-based leadership development program designed to expand and strengthen the pipeline of women pursuing the superintendency across California and the western United States.
Nationwide, women remain significantly underrepresented in superintendent roles. This new Academy responds directly to that challenge by creating a pathway aligned with AASA’s nationally recognized leadership development work, extending the impact of Aspiring Superintendent Academy® for Women Leaders through a regional partnership with ACSA.
“This partnership between AASA and ACSA represents a powerful commitment to building the next generation of women leaders in public education. The Aspiring Superintendent Academy® for Women Leaders is more than a professional development program — it is an investment in equity, excellence, and the future of our schools,” said Dr. Edgar Zazueta, ACSA Executive Director. “Women have long been the backbone of education, yet remain underrepresented in the superintendency. Together, we are changing that, and we are doing it with the urgency our students and communities deserve.”
“This Academy reflects what we’ve heard from leaders across the country - that trusted professional networks matter,” said David R. Schuler, executive director of AASA. “We’re excited to partner with ACSA to offer an experience that not only prepares women to pursue the superintendency, but supports them in excelling once they get there.”
Designed by Women, Led by Women
What sets the Academy apart is its design and delivery. The program is created and led exclusively by women superintendents, current and retired, who serve as faculty, mentors, and coaches. Participants receive candid, practical guidance from leaders who have navigated the realities of district leadership and bring lived experience to every aspect of the program.
“Women lead best when they are deeply supported, well-prepared, and connected to a powerful professional network,” said Candy Singh, co-lead of the ACSA-AASA Aspiring Superintendent Academy® for Women Leaders. “This Academy was intentionally designed to reflect those conditions while centering access and opportunity for students and communities.”
A Comprehensive, Cohort-Based Experience
The Academy blends multiple learning modalities across four multi-day, in-person convenings, including sessions hosted at ACSA offices in Sacramento, participation in the ACSA Leadership Summit, and engagement at AASA’s National Conference on Education. Participants will benefit from embedded mentorship and ongoing virtual coaching between convenings, ensuring continuity and sustained support throughout the experience.
The curriculum addresses the full scope of superintendent leadership, including governance and board relations, equity-driven systems leadership, navigating political and community complexity, leading change, and sustaining leadership through resilience and professional support.
“This partnership represents a meaningful investment in the future of district leadership,” said Valerie Truesdale, senior vice president of AASA's Leadership Network. “By combining authentic mentorship with rigorous preparation, we’re strengthening the pipeline of women superintendents and supporting their long-term success.”
Launching Fall 2026
The ACSA-AASA Aspiring Superintendent Academy® for Women Leaders will launch in Fall 2026, welcoming an inaugural cohort of women educational leaders from California and across the western United States. Additional details, including application information and program timelines, can be found on ACSA’s website.
For women leaders considering the superintendency, or seeking clarity about their next leadership step, the Academy offers a rare opportunity: to learn directly from women who have walked the path before them, supported by two organizations deeply committed to advancing equity-driven leadership in public education.
###
About AASA
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.
About ACSA
Founded in 1971, the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) is the largest umbrella organization for school leaders in the United States, serving more than 17,000 California educators. Its top priority is advocating for public school students in kindergarten through grade 12, as well as adult learners. ACSA is the only association in the nation that encompasses the full spectrum of the management and leadership team, serving school administrators across 19 regions throughout California, each comprised of local charters.
