Aspiring Superintendents Academy

by | Jan 26, 2020

TASA is proud to announce that a redesigned Aspiring Superintendents Academy will be offered in conjunction with the TASA Midwinter Conference. This annual academy, offered over the course of the four consecutive days of the conference, is designed for those who aspire to become superintendents with focuses on both how to get the job and how to be successful in the job.

2020 Schedule

Day 1 | Sunday, January 26
2–7 p.m., includes attending the TASA Midwinter Conference Welcoming Reception, 6-7 p.m.

Day 2 | Monday, January 27
8 – 11:45 a.m.

Day 3 | Tuesday, January 28
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., includes the TASA Future-Ready Leadership Luncheon plus a brief session debrief

Day 4 | Wednesday, January 29
7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., includes breakfast beginning at 7 a.m.

Detailed Draft Agenda

2-2:30 p.m. Welcome

Kevin Brown, TASA Executive Director

Networking Activity

2:30-3:15 p.m. The Calling to this Work

LaTonya Goffney, Aldine ISD Superintendent and 2017 Texas Superintendent of the Year

Share Your “Why”

3:15-3:45 p.m. The Path to the Superintendency

Jill Siler, Gunter ISD Superintendent

Analyze Your Path & Superintendent Readiness Typology

3:45-4 p.m. Break

4-4:30 p.m. Developing the Resume & Entry Plan

Mini-Presentation on Resume Tips

Deconstructing the Resume

Entry Plan Online Gallery Tour & Planning Tool

4:30-5 p.m. Preparing for the Interview

Preparing for the Interview

Interview Question Practice Session

5-5:45 p.m. From the Calling to the Contract

Panel Discussion: Matt Kimball, Blue Ridge ISD Superintendent; Martha Salazar-Zamora, Tomball ISD Superintendent; Roosevelt Nivens, Community ISD Superintendent; and Cade Smith, Brock ISD Superintendent

5:45-6 p.m. Reflections on the Day

6-7 p.m. TASA Midwinter Conference Welcome Reception

8-9 a.m. Negotiating the Superintendent Contract

Cory Hartsfield, Attorney, Adams, Lynch & Loftin, P.C.

Debrief and Q&A

Superintendent Contract Review

9-10 a.m. Board Relations & Governance

Panel Discussion: Doug Williams, Sunnyvale ISD Superintendent; Michael Kuhrt, Wichita Falls ISD Superintendent; Dana Bashara, Alamo Heights ISD Superintendent; and Charles Dupre, Fort Bend ISD Superintendent

Board Scenarios w/Discussion

10-10:15 a.m. Break

10:15-11:30 a.m. Navigating Search Firms

Panel Discussion: Butch Felkner, TASB Executive Search Services; Russell Marshall, Arrow Educational Services; David Thompson, Thompson & Horton; George McShan, George McShan Consulting; Jess Butler, Waterford School Services

Small Group Discussion

11:30-11:45 a.m. Reflections on the Day

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Future-Ready Leaders Luncheon

Group Debrief following Luncheon

7:30-8:15 a.m. Transformational Leadership

John Horn, Associate with the Schlechty Center/TASA Consultant

8:15-9 a.m. Thriving in the First Years

Panel of Newer Superintendents: Michael Goddard, Lovejoy ISD Superintendent (2017); Matthew Gutierrez, Seguin ISD Superintendent (2017); Tory Hill, Sweeny ISD Superintendent (2017); Tanya Larkin, Pampa ISD Superintendent (2015); and Nicole Poenitzsch, Bellville ISD Superintendent (2019)

9-9:15 a.m. Making our Days Count

Keith Bryant, Lubbock-Cooper ISD Superintendent, 2019 Texas Superintendent of the Year and Texas Nominee for 2020 National Superintendent of the Year

9:15-9:30 a.m. Closing Remarks

Reflection Activity

9:45 a.m. Midwinter Conference General Session

 

Midwinter Conference Sessions to Consider

The following concurrent sessions on the topics of curriculum, finance, bonds and construction, HR, etc. might be of interest to aspiring superintendents:

  • Design and Construction for the Beginner: What to Expect on your First School Construction Project
  • What Your Lawyer Wishes You Knew
  • Curriculum Audit
  • Coaching: A Win-Win for Everyone
  • The Journey to Future-Ready, Jill Siler – Gunter ISD Superintendent
  • So You Want to Be a Superintendent
  • Changes and Mandates on School Safety
  • Lessons Learned from First Year Superintendents

Registration

TASA Midwinter Conference registration is required, along with an additional fee for the academy. The $150 academy fee includes lunch on Tuesday and breakfast on Wednesday.

Online registration is closed; however, you may register on-site. On-site registration will open at 9 a.m., Sunday, January 26, in the Atrium on Level 1 of the Austin Convention Center.

Please note that there is a special discounted registration rate for Midwinter Conference for TASA Student Members. If you are currently enrolled in a college or university department of educational administration and you are not employed in a full-time district-level administrative position, you are eligible for Student Membership.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION