Starting Point
A Springboard to Success
School Administrator, December 2021

SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 2018, the AASA Leadership Network has used this springboard notion: Leaders learn best from each other. That foundational belief has led to the acceleration of professional learning of superintendents in early-career stage and those aspiring to the chief roles.

The association’s cohort model, in an ever-expanding array of subjects and niches, tailors professional development programs to job-alike peers. The distinctive process is the subject of our lead feature article this month, “Cohort Learning for School System Leaders,” by Amy Sichel, a lead superintendent in the Leadership Network.

It’s one of several informative pieces on professional growth of school and district leaders with other contributors including William Harner, superintendent of a 5,000-student suburban district in Pennsylvania and Justin Daggett, who leads a small Iowa district. And don’t overlook an article about embedding coaching and learning in district culture and another on the worthwhile investment of instructional coaching.

On a parting note, we call your attention to the Retirement Tribute about Sharon Adams-Taylor, a staff colleague whose AASA history covers virtually the same three-decade period as mine. For all that time, she’s been a vocal force (literally) for our association’s strivings in all facets of equity — and that includes her occasional pushes on the magazine editor to pay attention. I have and we’ve all benefitted.
Editor, School Administrator
Voice: 703-875-0745
E-mail: jgoldman@aasa.org
Twitter: @JPGoldman