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VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS

Virginia Superintendents Leadership Academy (2022-2023)


Applications Closed for the 2022-2023 Cohort

The need for excellent leadership has never been more important than now. VASS is leading the way through its sponsorship of the Virginia Superintendents Leadership Academy (VSLA), created to support Virginia superintendents at all levels—whether you are in your first year in the position or your 20th year.

VSLA is 12-month competency-based training program designed for Virginia superintendents who desire to serve as leading change agents through innovation and deeper learning. The Academy basis its curriculum on the acquisition of leadership competencies identified in the Profile of a Virginia Leader which was presented to the Virginia Board of Education in July 2020. There are a number of superintendent academies throughout the country; however, the VSLA is the only academy uniquely designed to meet the challenges and opportunities of Virginia superintendents. The VSLA incorporates elements of the American Association of School Administrators’ (AASA) national models for superintendent “Professional Standards for Educational Leaders” (National Policy Board for Educational Leaders), that serve as the basis for AASA’s Leadership Academy and National Superintendent Certification Program®.

Capstone Project

Participation in the VSLA is a significant investment in personal and professional growth. Participants institutionalize lessons learned in the process that result in tangible follow-up and implementation in local school divisions that lead to student success. The Capstone project is the authentic artifact produced by participants in the Academy.
The VSLA Capstone project implements features of the AASA Capstone process developed by Dr. Bernadine Futrell, Director, Leadership Network, AASA. VSLA participants work in small groups to identify a problem of interest, and develop a recommended action plan that improves student performance in their respective school divisions while concurrently enhancing the body of knowledge for which other Virginia superintendents and educators can benefit.

VSLA Curriculum Framework

The program is structured around four module conferences, three digital meetings, executive coaching, and a capstone project focused around a contemporary problem of practice. Participants examine, analyze, and investigate approaches to innovation, deeper learning, and engagement for superintendents as lead change agents demonstrating outstanding instructional leadership, and addressing the needs of increasingly diverse student populations through the lens of equity for all students. Each participant is assigned an Executive Coach—a current our recently retired superintendent, thought partner and role model who commit their time and talents partnering with participants to navigate challenges that keep their division focused on student learning and success. The VSLA Executive Coaching Framework is designed in alignment with the AASA® Leadership Development Program.

Executive Coaching

The VSLA offers participants an executive coach to serve as a partner and ensure support throughout the program. The relationship among the coach and superintendent has proven to be a national best practice for superintendent academies. Coaches work collaboratively to develop meaningful experiences for the superintendent. The experiences include planning, active listening, visioning, observing, implementing, communicating, reflecting and mentoring. The executive coach and superintendent document their plans, conversations, and outcomes. The core of the coaching experiences is organized around the creation and completion of the Capstone Project.

Capstone Projects

Congratulations to this year's VTLA cohort for completing your Capstone Projects. 

Click here to view the Capstone Projects

Application Process

Virginia Division Superintendents are encouraged to apply.
Applications for the 2022-2023 Cohort must be completed and submitted to VASS by April 15, 2022.
Tuition Costs: $1,200, payable to VASS by May 30, 2022.
Participants are responsible for their travel and lodging costs.

Applications Closed for the 2022-2023 Cohort