Seminar I
The Toughest Job You Will Ever Love

• The dynamics of superintendent and school board relationships
• Career paths to the superintendent’s position
• Developing an effective entry plan

The process for coaching and mentoring will be presented along with the organization of the reflective journal. Participants will share reflections based on session discussions and activities.

Seminar II
Elements of Effective Leadership

• Discovering the context and politics where you work and live
• Managing difficult people and situations
• Effective communications and proactive media relations
• Interview practice and critique

Participants will discuss interactions with their coaches and the assigned readings as well as share their reflections based on session discussions and activities.

Seminar III
Preparing for Your First Superintendent Position

• Identifying vacancies, the search, and the application process
• Preparing your resume and contract negotiations
• Current issues facing superintendents
• Ethical leadership

This seminar takes place during Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS) Annual Conference and participants will attend several sessions in order to gain an insight to the issues that are currently being addressed by Virginia superintendents.

Program Dates

Seminar I - Jan. 6-7, 2022

Seminar II - Mar. 10-11, 2022

Seminar III - May. 1-3, 2022

*All Seminars being at 1pm on the first day. Seminars I and II end at 4pm on the second day and Seminar III ends at 1pm on the third day.

"Program facilitators provided personal stories, powerful insights, and practical strategies for participants. Who knew I’d begin my superintendent journey during a very unprecedented time (during a pandemic)? The lessons learned and the relationships developed as a result of participating in the Aspiring Superintendents Program have proved to be invaluable."
- Dalphine A. Joppy