In the United States, more than 13,000 superintendents are charged with:

• Leading their districts' instructional programs.
• Building healthy relationships between their districts and other local and state agencies.
• Building healthy relationships with the citizens, especially parents, who live in their districts.
• Managing the operations of their school districts.
• Representing their districts in local, statewide and national arenas.

Superintendents work at the center of a complex network of systems that operate in, and in relationship to, each school district. Critical to the success of the system is the leadership of the superintendent.

AASA has more than 140 years of experience providing superintendents with professional development opportunities that grow and enhance their leadership skills. Through the AASA Center for System Leadership and professional development conferences, AASA gives timely attention to current concerns in education, providing complete coverage of topics confronting school system leaders.

The Center is helping superintendents and other school system leaders acquire the knowledge and skills needed to use a systems approach in the transformation of public education. Explore the many programs offered by the AASA Center for System Leadership, including:

• Opportunities for superintendents and school system leaders to influence the design of educational products and services
• Communities providing peer support and guidance for systems thinking leaders
• Process improvement and innovation projects
• Research on topics of value to superintendents and other school system leaders
• Customized program evaluation and support services

National Meetings and Conferences

AASA's first annual meeting in 1866 set the stage for 140 years of high-quality professional development and education. Many traditional formats have been and continue to be used to deliver relevant content, including speaker-to-audience general sessions, group discussions, roundtables, debates, symposia and panels. AASA has long recognized the many benefits participants reap from face-to-face education including:

• Renewed sense of purpose and motivation inspired by interaction with peers.
• Stronger professional networks built on personal relationships.
• New ideas gleaned from discussions with colleagues, thought leaders and corporate exhibitors.
• Stimulating educational experiences that give participants new tools and resources that can be used to lighten the load back home or solve a nagging problem.

AASA conferences, meetings and virtual seminars provide school superintendents with knowledge and professional development opportunities specific to their unique professional needs.

For local and regional events, check your AASA state affiliate organization's website.