Aspiring Superintendent Program

Over the past several years, the Alaska Superintendents Association has been working hard to support leadership development with all superintendents, especially new superintendents. Providing in-depth learning opportunities relevant to the Alaska’s superintendent experience is one way that ASA offers to empower Alaska’s education leaders with proven tools for success.

The Aspiring Superintendent Program is an introduction to the tools for success for any educational leader ready to learn more about next steps into the superintendent role. Developed with practical information and insight from experienced superintendents, the Aspiring Superintendent Program brings together a cohort of education leaders to empower them with effective leadership skills and connect them with seasoned superintendents who know the needs of Alaskan districts and what it takes to succeed.  

The program consists of a series of webinars and personalized, virtual meetings and (when possible) face-to-face meetings focused on core skills required in today’s Alaskan school districts. Real problem-solving scenarios are explored in-depth, along with a deep analysis of common situations confronting leaders including board relations, ethics, communications, budgeting, advocacy, instruction, politics and an overall understanding of the role and expectations of the Alaskan superintendent.

The program kicks-off with an introductory online seminar September 7, 2022 at 4pm followed by scheduled collaborative meetings in conjunction with other ASA/ACSA sponsored events. 

To register or for more information contact Program Coordinator Sean Dusek: sdusek@alaskaacsa.org

Information below on schedule details.

ACSA

The Alaska Council of School Administrators (ACSA) was created to serve as an umbrella for four of Alaska’s premier educational leadership organizations: the Alaska Superintendents Association (ASA), Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP), Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals (AAESP), the Alaska Association of School Board Officials (ALASBO) and other district office administrators.

ACSA’s unifying purpose is to support educational leaders through professional forums, provide a voice that champions possibilities for all students and provide purposeful advocacy for public education. ACSA comprises professional educational leaders of Alaska’s schools and school systems. Members include superintendents and other central office administrators, university professors, elementary and secondary principals and school business officials. ACSA is also proud to administer the Alaska Staff Development Network, Alaska’s premier, long-standing and highly regarded staff development resource. As an umbrella organization, ACSA takes a lead role in supporting and advocating for public education while recognizing the value and uniqueness of each member organization.

School Year 2022-2023 schedule:

September 7, 2022 – Registration and 1-hour online seminar to provide an overview of the program and review the meeting calendar for the year.

October 13, 2022 – Academy (3 to 4 hours) that will be focused on district level leadership skills involving authentic problemsolving from the superintendent’s perspective. This includes communication through scenario work, media relations, personnel implications, and politicalconsiderations.  This is in conjunction with the Alaska State Principals Conference.

November 16, 2022 – Online seminar – 4:00pm to 5:00pm focused on certification and superintendent support opportunities.

December 14, 2022 – Online seminar – 4:00pm to 5:00pm focused on application process and resume building.

January 27-29, 2023 – Academy in-person – ASDN Effective Inst. Conference

February 22, 2023 – Online seminar – 4:00 to 5:00 pm

March 22, 2023 – Online seminar – 4:00pm to 5:00pm focused on new position preparation mentors on planning and preparation for new positions.

The ASA Aspiring Superintendent program supports Alaskan education professionals to meet their leadership goals and develop into Alaska’s next generation of education leaders who will move the learning needle forward!