Superintendents Leadership Academy
The signature program addressing the need to recruit, mentor, and prepare the next generation of superintendents who can better serve a diverse Latino community, while promoting the advancement of Latino leaders.
What is SLA?
A nine-month leadership academy (three in-person and six virtual sessions) that brings together participants from around the country to take a deep dive into the structures, strategies and challenges of the superintendency.
Every session is a rich interactive and engaging learning experience where veteran superintendents reflect on personal stories and leadership practices that support systemic transformation to better serve a diverse student population.
Academy participants commit to a collective journey to share ideas, resources, and experiences to foster mutual learning, appreciation for one another and to collaborate to address current educational issues. Included are opportunities for one-on-one virtual coaching and learning sessions. Participants have developed deep bonds with fellow cohort members that have lasted for years in past cohorts.
Why SLA?
The ALAS SLA Program continues to be the premier leadership academy in the nation due to its competitive and balanced selection of cohort candidates and latest strategies in the preparation of superintendents.
“The SLA provided me with the skills needed to successfully obtain the position of superintendent by equipping me with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead a diverse school community. It provided me with in-depth training on equity-driven leadership, strategic decision-making, and fostering inclusive environments... Lastly, the networking opportunities and collaborative experiences strengthened my capacity to build partnerships and lead with confidence and vision.”
Dr. Evelyn Nuñez
Esperanza Academy Charter School, Philadelphia | SLA Cohort XII
Our Goal
To recruit and prepare Latino and Latino- serving school system leaders to become superintendents of school districts with an emphasis on Latino and historically marginalized youth.
Our Vision
A yearlong leadership academy that allows participants to learn current organizational leadership proficiency in a hybrid learning environment from superintendents who are known for their success and skilled in their practice.
Our Mission
The mission of the ALAS Superintendents Leadership Academy (SLA) is to improve and expand opportunities for emerging school system leaders by providing coaching, mentoring, and support to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to assume high level roles especially in high poverty and minority serving school systems.
Program Information
The ALAS Superintendents Leadership Academy (SLA) signature program addresses the need to recruit, mentor, and prepare the next generation of Superintendents who serve Latino communities, while promoting the advancement of Latino leaders.
The ALAS SLA Program continues to be the premier leadership academy in the nation, due to it’s competitive and balanced cohort selection of candidates.
Please read the information below for program requirements, selection criteria, selection decisions, and program session attendance.
Selection Criteria
ALAS seeks dedicated and aspiring district level administrators in their development of the knowledge and networking skills necessary to lead a school district. The selection process is highly competitive due to the limited number of participants as designed by the cohort model. Ideally, candidates are serving at a cabinet-level position. In addition, a candidate should have:
- Served in a district level leadership position for a minimum of 5 years
- A proven track record of leadership and/or management in an educational organization
- Ability to understand, lead and manage in a complex political organization and work well in a diverse setting
- High level of energy, determination, and perseverance to act as a change agent in a demanding organization
- Ability to learn quickly, possess analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work and succeed as a school system leader in a school district that serves all children with an emphasis on historically marginalized students
- Commitment to equity, excellence, and closing achievement gaps for all students
- Passion for improving public education and a long-term commitment to PK-12 education
- Commitment to the mission and vision of ALAS
Program Session Attendance & Dates
Participants are required to attend program sessions held monthly beginning in September and ending in May of the following year. The program is comprised of six (6) virtual sessions and three (3) in-person sessions covering various content strands. Participants are provided required readings, assignments, and activities as part of each session.
Program Requirements
- All Superintendent Leadership Academy participants must be members of ALAS.
- All SLA participants will pledge to attend all sessions of the ALAS SLA including the ALAS Education Summit.
- ALAS Superintendent Leadership Academy participants will be required to pay a $3,000 registration fee upon acceptance within 30 days.
- ALAS will cover most meals provided at the in-person SLA sessions.
- SLA participants are required to self pay lodging and airfare to attend all SLA sessions.
- ALAS reserves the right to make necessary adjustments to these program requirements as circumstances may change from time to time.