Aspiring Superintendents Program

Program Highlights

About the Program

Program Overview

The Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) launched the Aspiring Superintendent Program in 2021 as part of the Kentucky Executive Leadership Academy (KELA). This biennial program is designed to prepare school leaders who are considering the superintendency and want to explore readiness, demands, and opportunities of the role.

Why This Program Matters

Unlike typical leadership development programs, this initiative emphasizes cultivating an expansive, agile leadership mindset—one that embraces innovation, builds coalitions, and sustains transformational change.

Program Impact

Since its inception, the Aspiring Superintendent Program has supported two cohorts of leaders. Of the 45 total participants, 12 have been hired as superintendents in Kentucky school districts.

Cohort Number of Participants Number Hired as Superintendents % Hired
Cohort 1 (2021–2022) 26 8 30.8%
Cohort 2 (2023–2024) 19 4 21.1%
Total 45 12 26.6%

Program Highlights

Career Preparation

Engage with The Leadership Challenge® and resources designed to help you secure a Superintendent role.

Expert Mentoring

Learn directly from experienced, successful superintendents who provide personalized guidance.

Mock Interviews

Practice interview skills, receive résumé reviews, and refine your professional presentation.

Six In-Person Sessions

Tuition includes six engaging sessions plus access to the Education Law & Finance Institute and the Annual Leadership Institute—a strong return on your investment.

Collaboration Time

Each agenda includes opportunities for individual and team work, along with progress reporting.

Credentialing

Earn program credentialing opportunities upon program completion to further your leadership career.

The Leadership Challenge®

As a core part of the KELA curriculum, participants will join a two-day training led by KASA staff. Based on the research of Kouzes & Posner, this program introduces five core practices and 30 proven leadership behaviors. Each cohort member also completes a 360° Leadership Practices Inventory® (LPI) at no additional cost.