The Collaborative on Political Leadership in the Superintendency (CPLS) was formed to help equip public school district superintendents everywhere with the knowledge and tools to effectively navigate the politics of education in service of healthy and supportive school communities that cultivate excellent teaching and student learning for all.
Civic Leadership in the Superintendency: Leading During Turbulent Times is an advanced institute designed to help superintendents hone their proactive political leadership skills. With three initial days on campus followed by six monthly live Zoom sessions, you’ll learn the diplomatic skills you need to move your agenda forward and make positive change for your students, especially those positioned furthest from opportunity. The program welcomes interest and applications from all practitioners in the field.
Application Deadline: Sep 25, 2025
Our Collaborative is focused on equipping superintendents with the political acumen to make positive change in a complex environment.
Photo by Howard Lipin/AASA.
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Political Leadership in the Superintendency: an Emergent Framework
Political leadership requires specific knowledge, skills and dispositions
To increase access to specific ideas for navigating today’s politics, superintendents need tangible examples, tools, and resources. They need tools that can help them navigate politics effectively in their own communities with consideration to regional and local context, especially tools that help to discern the political pressures at play.
A curated list of guidance, articles and tools that can shed light on current political dynamics.
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