Starting Over Career

Type: Infographic
Topics: School Administrator Magazine

August 01, 2026

STATE OF THE SUPERINTENDENCY

Pie chart showing percentages of superintendents who would choose the career againThe vast majority of 1,095 superintendents responding to AASA’s mid-decade survey on the state of the profession indicated they would choose to serve as superintendents again if they had the chance to begin their careers anew.

A similar question on AASA’s 2000 survey found 66 percent of 2,200 respondents saying they would want to be superintendents again in a new life. Those running school districts of 25,000 or more students had the highest positive response.

In the latest survey’s open-ended responses, many superintendents pointed to positive changes in instruction, culture and facilities, though a substantial proportion said they found fulfillment in the growth of others, primarily their students but also teachers and administrators.

Sources: “The 2025 American Superintendent Study: Mid-Decade Update” edited by Christopher Tienken and the “2000 Study of the American School Superintendency,” AASA

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