SUPERINTENDENTS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (SLA)
To recruit and prepare Latinx school system leaders to become superintendents of school districts in the United States with an emphasis on Latinx- serving school districts, those school districts having a population of Hispanic students 20% or higher.
Create an exclusive yearlong leadership training institute that allows participants to continue in their present jobs while being trained, coached, and mentored by high-powered, successful practitioners.
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.
ALAS Superintendents Leadership Academy
Due to the absence of programs to prepare Latinx Superintendents, the ALAS Superintendents Leadership Academy (SLA) was developed in 2011 by the ALAS Board to recruit, mentor, and train the next generation of Latinx Superintendents.
ALAS is currently hosting its ninth SLA Cohort for 2019-2020. With over 122 academy graduates, the ALAS SLA Program continues to be the premier leadership academy in the nation.
View the 2020 SLA & Events Calendar
Please read the information below for program requirements, selection criteria, selection decisions, and program session attendance.
Selection Criteria
ALAS seeks to mentor and prepare aspiring Latinx superintendents with the knowledge, skills and contacts necessary to lead a school district with an emerging Latinx student population or a Latinx-serving school district having a Latinx student population of 20 percent or more. The selection process is highly competitive due to the limited number of slots available. Ideally, candidates should be in their current position for at least one year and in a high-level central office leadership position for 3-4 years. Most candidates are serving at a cabinet level position. Candidates can also be principals, or program directors. In addition, a candidate should have:
- 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 Latinx-serving school district or in an urban setting
- Commitment to equity, excellence, and closing achievement gaps for all students;
- Passion for improving public education and a long-term commitment to K-12 education; and
- Commitment to the mission and ideals of ALAS.
Selection Decisions
All applications are reviewed by the ALAS SLA Selection Committee. The ALAS SLA Selection Committee Members have a strong understanding of the skills needed to succeed as a superintendent. Final decisions on admission are made in July of each year following the in person interviews.
Program Session Attendance
Participants are required to attend program sessions held monthly (except for December and March) beginning in July and ending in May of the following year. The program is comprised of eight sessions covering various content strands. Participants are provided required readings, assignments and activities as part of each session.
ALAS Superintendents Leadership Academy Application Process:
ALAS is currently accepting applications for the SLA Program Cohort X.
To apply:
Download the application form and submit to ALAS via email: operations@alasedu.org by May 31, 2020.
