ACSA’s Academies are coming up fast. The academies are an excellent learning opportunity for anyone considering getting into a particular field of education.
There are seven job-alike academies, which include the Curriculum and Instructional Leaders Academy, the Personnel Administrators Academy, the Principals Academy, the School Business Managers Academy, the Pupil Services Academy and the Special Education Academy. ACSA also offers a Categorical Programs Academy.
The Superintendents Academy is a terrific learning opportunity for those new or aspiring to district leadership. In 70 hours of instruction, given over the course of seven weekends, participants will learn much invaluable information on the skills needed for effective school district leadership.
“The ACSA Superintendents Academy provides aspiring superintendents with the tools to move to this important leadership position,” said Carmella Franco, superintendent of Whittier City ESD and director of the Whittier Academy. “It offers practical, hands-on sessions with superintendents, networking opportunities and camaraderie with colleagues who have the same goal. Session topics range from ethical leadership to being the political leader to overseeing the district budget in difficult times and more. Participant evaluations show that this academy is meeting their needs.”
One of the best parts of the Super-intendents Academy is that, along with other professionals such as attorneys, the information and skills will be shared with participants from those who are experienced school district leaders in the field. They already know what district leadership requires and how to be effective in the position. Management theory is offered in the context of the practical knowledge of applying it on the job.
The Superintendents Academy will focus on five primary themes. These include the superintendency, district management, human relations, instructional leadership, and policies and procedures.
“Very few new superintendents have experience in all of the aspects of leading a school district,” said Pat Godwin, superintendent of Folsom-Cordova USD and director of the Sacramento Academy. “The academy allows the participants to learn from experienced practitioners to expand their understanding in areas where they may have knowledge or skill gaps. Having some prior knowledge of the varied responsibilities for the role of superintendent will increase the confidence and competence of new and aspiring superintendents.”
“A participant gains knowledge of the multiple roles a superintendent plays and will hear from superintendents who have successfully negotiated the turbulent waters of this highly visible and politically charged environment in which they live,” said John Aycock, superintendent of Vacaville USD and director of the Vacaville Academy. “Academy attendees will also hear from heads of other agencies and representatives of other organizations that have profound influence on their world. Regardless of the complexity of the job, future superintendents in the academy will realize it’s still all about the kids.”
The ACSA Academies are all designed around the California Professional Standards for Educational Leaders, and provide a solid foundation of training and information for those new or aspiring to a particular field of endeavor in education. Indeed, they are viewed as the fast-track into a job-alike area.
In addition, the Principals Academy, the School Business Managers Academy, the Special Education Academy and the Superintendents Academy meet the non-university program standards for the Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential, also known as Tier 2.
The Vacaville Superintendents Academy begins in September, with Sacramento and Whittier slated for an October start. For further information, contact ACSA’s Educational Services Department at (800) 608-ACSA or (650) 692-4300.