Aspiring Superintendents Academy®

The time for visionary leadership is now.

Aspiring leaders graduation group photo during AASA's annual conference

In today’s evolving educational landscape, districts need leaders with a bold vision, a strong commitment to access for all, and the ability to inspire teams to reimagine what learning can look like for every child. Superintendents are no longer just administrators; they are catalysts for transformative change, and AASA leads the charge in developing educators who can effectively navigate and inspire systemic change in education.

The AASA Aspiring Superintendents Academy® is your gateway to becoming the leader public education needs! This immersive program is crafted to prepare you for the multifaceted challenges of leading a student-centered, future-driven district. Through a blend of hands-on learning and forward-thinking strategies, you'll build the skills, confidence and network to thrive.

Academy 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 Superintendency
  • 3C's of Leadership: Culture, Community and Communications
  • Leading Systems of Learning
  • Balancing Leadership
  • Governance and the Superintendency
Who Should Apply?

Anyone 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

July 8 - 10, 2026 | AASA Headquarters, Alexandria, Va.

October 20 - 22, 2026 | Aldine ISD, Texas

February 23 - 25, 2027 | Prior to AASA's 2026 National Conference on Education, Atlanta, Ga.

Virtual Meeting Dates

TBD June 2026: 5:30pm - 7:30pm ET | Academy Kickoff!

TBD August 2026: 5:30pm - 7:30pm ET

TBD September 2026: 5:30pm - 7:30pm ET

TBD November 2026: 5:30pm - 7:30pm ET

TBD January 2027: 5:30pm - 7:30pm ET

TBD March 2027: 5:30pm - 7:30pm ET 

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!

Details

July 8, 2026 to February 25, 2027

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

Applications now open! Applications due June 30, 2026.

$4,500

Member Price

$4,800

Non-Member Price

Not a member? Join today.

Apply Today

Contact

  • Valerie Truesdale

    Senior Vice President, Leadership Network

    AASA, The School Superintendents Association

    vtruesdale@aasa.org

    703-774-6930

 Ready to start your own journey?

Watch the recording of AASA’s 2nd Annual Journey to the Superintendency—a powerful virtual event where seasoned superintendents share real-world insights, tools, and support for navigating the path to district leadership.

Discover how mentorship, networks, and authentic leadership can shape your journey.

Access Recording

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