Aspiring Superintendents Academy® for Latino and Latina Leaders

Representation Matters: Empowering Latino and Latina Leaders in Education

Group of graduates of the Aspiring Latino Academy smiling

As the Latino student population continues to grow, the need for Latino and Latina leaders at the district level has never been more urgent. When schools are led by people who reflect and understand the communities they serve, every student gains access to the kind of leadership that opens doors and expands opportunity.

The ܲAVƵAspiring Superintendents Academy® for Latino/a Leaders is your pathway to the superintendency — preparing you to lead with vision, cultural insight, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.


The Aspiring Superintendents Academy® for Latino and Latina Leaders will address critical issues of leadership designed to support Latino and Latina candidates aspiring to the superintendent role.

Academy Curriculum:

This academy's curriculum is tailored specifically to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Latino/a leaders in their professional environments.

Core Curriculum Areas Include:

  • Framing the Superintendency as a Latino or Latina Leader
  • 3 C's of Leadership: Culture, Community and Communications
  • The Latino or Latina Superintendent Leading Systems of Learning
  • Balancing Leadership
  • Governance and the Superintendency for a Latino or Latina  Superintendent
Who Should Apply?

Anyone who aspires to be a superintendent is encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to principals and central office professionals.

Daniel A. Domenech Scholarship

This scholarship supports aspiring superintendents who, due to financial hardship, are unable to participate in the Aspiring Superintendents Academy®️ for Latino and Latina Leaders. This needs-based scholarship provides two recipients with up to $3,500 in financial support to enroll in the academy.

The scholarship is part of the academy application process and does not require a separate form. If you're interested, simply indicate this within the general academy application.

Program Dates and Details

In-Person Meeting Dates

July 6 - 8, 2026 | ܲAVƵHeadquarters, Alexandria, Va.

October 20 - 22, 2026 | Aldine ISD, Texas

February 23 - 25, 2027 | Prior to AASA's 2026 National Conference on Education, Atlanta, Ga. Academy participants will receive complimentary registration to AASA’s 2027 National Conference on Education ($1,000 value).

Virtual Meeting Dates

June 4, 2026: 5:00-6:30 pm ET | Academy Orientation

August 6, 2026: 5:00-6:30 pm ET

September 3, 2026: 5:00-6:30 pm ET

November 5, 2026: 5:00-6:30 pm ET

December 3, 2026: 5:00-6:30 pm ET

January 7, 2027: 5:00-6:30 pm ET

Never stop learning and working toward your goals as you can accomplish more than you realize. The extra effort that you put in at any level will then inspire the next generation of leaders.
Gustavo Balderas

Superintendent, Beaverton School District (Ore.)

Gustavo Balderas

"In this cohort, I learned that only 1% of superintendents in the entire country are Latina. Considering that a quarter of students in our nation’s public schools are Latino/a, this disparity really struck me. The gap between representation and student population was something I could not ignore. Through the guest speakers and learning activities, I emerged ready to re-enter my research journey."

Mallory Umar

Director of Curriculum and Instruction, School District of Cudahy (Wisc.)

Details

July 6, 2026 to February 25, 2027

Applications now open! Applications due June 30, 2026.

$4,500

Member Price

$4,800

Non-Member Price

Not a member? Join today.

Apply Today

Contact

  • Valerie Truesdale

    Senior Vice President, Leadership Network

    AASA, ܲAVƵ

    vtruesdale@aasa.org

    703-774-6930

 Ready to start your own journey?

Watch the recording for AASA’s  3rd Annual Journey to the Superintendency Webinar —a powerful virtual event where seasoned superintendents shared real-world insights, tools, and support for navigating the path to district leadership.

Discover how mentorship, networks, and authentic leadership can shape your journey.

ܲAVƵLeadership Network

The Leadership Network Advantage

Premier professional learning for educational leaders at any stage of their careers.

No matter where you are in your leadership journey, AASA’s Leadership Network programs help you grow and thrive to support you in meeting the needs of your school community!

Learn More