First-Time Superintendents Academy
TASA’s First-Time Superintendents Academy (FTSA) — the go-to training for beginning Texas superintendents for the last 28 years — has been designed around the most important learning outcomes for first- and second-year superintendents.
Please note: Due to COVID-19, Sessions 1-3 of the 2020-21 FTSA will be conducted virtually using the Hopin online event platform used for TASA’s Virtual SummerCon. Session 4 in February 2021 is TBD.
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.
District Finances
School Board Relations
Superintendent's Contract & Evaluation
Public Relations
Advocacy
Vision & Communication
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.
Each Session Builds on the One Before
Session 1
Understanding the Dynamics of Your District, Community, and Board | August 5-6, 2020 (Virtual)
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 2
Establishing Leadership and Prioritizing Change | September 9-10, 2020 (Virtual)
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
Advocacy at the State and Local Levels | November 4-5, 2020 (Virtual)
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 17-18, 2021 (In-Person or Virtual TBD)
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.
Bonus Session at Midwinter Conference
Participants also have the opportunity to meet and engage in an in-depth session 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.
CPE Hours
The First-Time Superintendents Academy offers up to 48 hours of Continuing Professional Education credit.
