American Association of School Administrators

AASA, The School Superintendents Association, is the premier association for school system leaders and serves as the national voice for public education and district leadership on Capitol Hill.

A professional community of more than 10,000 educational leaders, AASA and its members are committed to providing high-quality public education to all students.

AASA (formerly the American Association of School Administrators) develops and supports school system leaders through the national exchange of ideas; access to professional learning, publications, and resources; and opportunities to champion initiatives to help transform the future of public education.

AASA Mission Statement
AASA, The School Superintendents Association advocates for equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education, and develops and supports school system leaders.

AASA is the premier association for school system leaders and serves as the national voice for public education and district leadership on Capitol Hill

Its practicing superintendents and other school system leaders establish and oversee AASA’s goals.

AASA’s governance structure engages the considerable talents of its diverse, dynamic membership. This structure assures that AASA is truly a national organization with an agenda that reflects the viewpoints of school administrators throughout the country.

AASA Governing Board
AASA policy is set by its 135-member Governing Board, drawn from seven distinct U.S. geographic regions. The Governing Board meets twice each year.

Membership on the AASA Governing Board is based upon the number of eligible voting members in each state affiliate. Each state affiliate is guaranteed at least two representatives on the Governing Board.

Governing Board members have dual responsibilities. They represent their home state on the Governing Board and they report the work of the Governing Board to their home state affiliate. Through the Governing Board elected representatives, members have a voice in AASA decision making.

In 1865, AASA was founded by a small group of individuals in Harrisburg, Pa. It was initially named the National Association of School Administrators.

Shortly after the conclusion of the Civil War, a group of city and state superintendents gathered at the National Teachers Association meeting in Harrisburg, Pa. These school leaders saw the need to form an organization comprised of individuals engaged in supervisory work in schools.

In February 1866, this new organization called itself the National Association of School Superintendents. In a period of our country’s reconstruction, school people were concerned about the role of education.

In 1870, the National Association of School Superintendents along with the American Normal School Association merged with the National Teachers Association to create the National Education Association. Within the NEA, the Department of Superintendents was formed.

Decades later, in the 1930s, the administrators decided to break away and became the American Association of School Administrators. Today, we are known as AASA, The School Superintendents Association.

From the very beginning, it was apparent that advocacy would be the driving force behind this newly formed organization. AASA is the premier association for school system leaders and serves as the national voice for public education and district leadership on Capitol Hill.

Professional Learning

Premier Professional Learning for Educational Leaders at Any Stage of Their Careers
To ensure each child has access to equitable, rigorous, and relevant educational opportunities, the AASA Leadership Network is committed to supporting a pipeline of diverse school superintendents and educational leaders as they refine the knowledge, skills, and dispositions for highly effective leadership.

ASSA CERTIFICATION

AASA National Superintendent Certification Program®
Through our in-depth curriculum, dynamic in-person and virtual sessions, one-on-one mentoring, Capstone Project, and long-term professional networks, the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program® delivers the comprehensive leadership development superintendent leaders need.

Our program focuses on key issues:

> Transformational Leadership and Visioning
> Understanding and Developing Effective Board-Superintendent Relations Including Legal Matters
> Understanding and Ensuring Equity
> Navigating Community, State and National Politics
> The Impact of Economic Pressures, Budgeting and the Global Pandemic
> Effective Instructional Leadership and Continuous School and System Improvement
> Impactful and Effective Communications including Social Media for All Stakeholders
> Serving Effectively as CEO and Education Leader in the District and Community

Advocacy

The leading voice for public education and district leadership on Capitol Hill.
AASA advocates for equitable access to the highest quality public education for all students. The goal of AASA advocacy is to influence federal education policy and legislation through the collective efforts of AASA members across the country. AASA’s advocacy is driven by a commitment to ensure that the voice of the nation’s public school superintendents informs federal policy decisions.

Legislative Agenda

The AASA Legislative Agenda is shaped by recommendations on federal policy issues compiled annually by the Committee on Federal Policy and Legislation, which is comprised of the AASA Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee recommendations are presented to the AASA Governing Board twice annually for approval. Each legislative position sunsets annually, but may be carried forward if determined by the committee.

The guiding principle of AASA’s Legislative Agenda stems from the important role the federal government stands to play in creating equitable learning opportunities for all students. This starts with equitable policy and resources, both of which should remain available to all students, schools and states. It also includes the protection and preservation of federal education funding when compared with other federal investments.

AASA MEMBERSHIP

The premier association for school system leaders and the national voice for public education and district leadership on Capitol Hill.
A professional community of more than 10,000 educational leaders, AASA and its members are committed to providing high-quality public education to all students.

AASA develops and supports school system leaders through:

* the national exchange of ideas;
* access to professional learning, networking, publications and resources; and
* opportunities to champion initiatives to help transform the future of public education.

Benefits of Membership

Be part of a community of more than 10,000 school system leaders committed to providing high-quality public education to all students.
Why Join AASA?
National Advocacy. Regional Collaboration. District Outcomes. Community Impact.
Looking for tools and resources to make your job easier? Want to make lasting connections with school leaders across the country? Interested in providing equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education?

By joining AASA, you’ll unlock access to

> professional support and learning opportunities;
> the latest information, news, research and resources for school system leaders;
> personal connections with thousands of school leaders across the country.

Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to champion initiatives to help transform the future of public education and make your voice heard on Capitol Hill.

Legal Support Program
Members in the Active and Small-School District categories receive up to $20,000 in legal assistance and up to $1 million in damages arising from professional liability and employment liability lawsuits.

Federal Advocacy & Representation
AASA represents the voice of public education and school system leaders on Capitol Hill. Members have access to the latest federal policy updates and the ability to help shape national advocacy efforts and the future of public education.

Subscription to School Administrator Magazine
Members get a free print & digital subscription to AASA’s award-winning monthly magazine. Get big-picture perspectives and collegial advice on a broad range of topics specific to K-12 education and school leadership.

Member-Only Discounts on Premier Professional Learning
Save on essential programs to help you grow and thrive. Learn from national thought leaders, share ideas and practices, contribute to ongoing research and resources, and network with colleagues from across the country. No matter where you are in your leadership journey, AASA has a program for you.

Discounts on AASA’s National Conference on Education
Get member-only discounts to the annual National Conference on Education, a must-attend event for educational leaders.

Access to Exclusive Resources
Stay current on the latest educational and leadership trends with access to member-only reports, articles, toolkits, case studies, webinar recordings and more.

Networking Opportunities
Connect with colleagues from around the country through virtual and in-person opportunities. Using AASA’s member-only online community, you can enjoy a safe space to discuss hot topics and share resources.

Awards & Recognition Programs
AASA awards and scholarship programs recognize excellence, profile best practices in public education, and honor leaders whose contributions have made a significant impact on the lives and learning of children.

Leadership Opportunities
Volunteer leaders are the heart of AASA and help direct the future of the organization. Active, Small-School District, and Professor Members can vote and hold office at AASA. Enhance your resume and provide a strong member voice to the decision-making process.

CONTACT AASA:

General Contact Information:
AASA, The School Superintendents Association
1615 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm ET

General Inquiries & Support:
Phone: 703-528-0700
Email: info@aasa.org
Fax: 703-841-1543

Membership Services:
Phone: 703-875-0700
Email: membership@aasa.org

Professional Learning:
Phone: 703-875-0726
Email: msherman@aasa.org