First-Time Superintendents Academy
TASA’s First-Time Superintendents Academy (FTSA) — the go-to training for beginning Texas superintendents for the last 30+ — has been designed around the most important learning outcomes for first- and second-year superintendents.
School Year Start/End
Learn how to handle both the beginning and end of a school year – from the mechanics of orchestrating convocation and graduation to the broader work of establishing leadership strategy and planning for changes in the district.
Vision & Communication
District Finances
School Board Relations
Superintendent's Contract & Evaluation
Public Relations
Advocacy
Need a Mentor?
If you’re a first-time superintendent in need of a mentor to meet State Board for Educator Certification requirements, register for the First-Time Superintendents Academy today! TASA’s Superintendent Mentoring Program is embedded in the academy, allowing participants to meet state requirements for mentoring with 36 hours of professional learning and monthly meetings with their mentors.
2023-24 Academy Sessions
You may start the academy anytime during the school year and continue into the next school year. For example, if you start with Session 2, scheduled for September 6-7, you may then participate in Session 3 in November, Session 4 in February, and then attend Session 1 in fall 2024. Sign up for the full academy or individual sessions in TASA’s Member Services Center. Click on the Events tab.
Session 1
Understanding the Dynamics of Your District, Community, and Board | July 26-27, 2023
Learn strategies for gaining a better understanding of the dynamics of your new district, including the logistics of working with your school board and assessing the district’s financial situation. Connect with mentors and formulate a plan for the first 90 days of the school year. Session 1 includes a special kick-off dinner and reception.
Session 2
Establishing Leadership and Prioritizing Change | September 6-7, 2023
Dive into prioritizing the needs of your new district, the most effective board practices, and shaping the narrative about your district through public relations. Begin work on a portfolio of supportive evidence for your superintendent’s evaluation.
Session 3
Advocating for Your District, Your Students, and Yourself | November 1-2, 2023
Check in on the success of your 90-day plan, find out what you need to know about advocacy at the state level, and dig into superintendent contract issues, the superintendent evaluation instrument, and managing crisis through communication. Continue work on your portfolio.
Session 4
Setting Direction for Your District | February 21-22, 2024
Focus on finance and end-of-year issues, learn about engaging your board in school transformation, and setting a vision and direction as superintendent. Create a plan for moving into the next school year.
Luncheon at Midwinter Conference
Participants also have the opportunity to meet and engage with others during the Inspiring Leaders Luncheon during the TASA Midwinter Conference.
Plus! Satisfy State Requirements for Superintendent Mentoring
FTSA Participants will meet State Board for Educator Certification superintendent mentoring requirements through participation in the academy. TASA’s Superintendent Mentoring Program is embedded in FTSA.
New for 2023-24! Potential Opportunity for Executive Coaching
By enrolling in FTSA, participants will potentially have the opportunity to work with an executive coach. Coaching assignments will be based on the number of FTSA members desiring a coach, but an effort will be made to provide coaching to all interested FTSA participants.
CPE Hours
The First-Time Superintendents Academy offers up to 48 hours of Continuing Professional Education credit.
