91制片

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
James Minichello
703-875-0723
703-774-6953 (cell)
jminichello@aasa.org

Gathering involves Howard University, USC; Follows Launch of 91制片 Equity Cohort 

Alexandria, Va. 鈥� Aug. 20, 2020 鈥� With an ongoing and absolute commitment to increase the number of effective school district leaders in our nation鈥檚 rapidly growing urban areas, , in partnership with Howard University and the USC Rossier School of Education, is hosting its sixth annual Urban Superintendents Academy (virtual) Conference, Friday, Aug. 21, 2020.

Today鈥檚 announcement comes a week after the launch of the , a new consortium comprised of school leadership teams that are committed to addressing the greatest social justice and civil rights issue in the U.S. 鈥� educational inequity.

The prepares educators for certification and success in urban and increasingly diverse suburban settings, and bolsters the effectiveness of district leadership in those settings. The program offers opportunities for educational leaders to become involved in a network of support, mentoring and professional development related to the challenges facing the 21st-century urban leader.   

鈥淲hen we created this program with our partners at Howard University and USC, we thought about the need for outstanding urban leaders鈥攖hose who will step up, take action and become advocates for the children whose families are largely living in poverty and not receiving the opportunities they deserve,鈥� said Daniel A. Domenech, executive director, 91制片. 鈥淔or six years, the Urban Superintendents Academy has provided sitting and aspiring superintendents with a thorough and visionary program designed to develop and support effective urban leadership for the benefit of the students and their families in these communities.鈥�

Specific goals applicable to the program include:

• Prepare for and successfully acquire a position as an urban superintendent.
• Delineate and apply key skills of 21st-century leadership.
• Address critical problems and issues facing all urban superintendents today in a strategic and creative way.
• Deal effectively and creatively with community relations and politics in the urban setting. 

鈥淎s the birthplace of Brown vs. Board of Education, Howard University is rooted in social justice,鈥� said Dawn Williams, dean, Howard University School of Education. 鈥淲e are proud to partner with 91制片 in an initiative that continues to transform our urban school settings. The Urban Superintendents Academy is the ideal solution for honoring and building the equity-driven leadership skills that we need to create the changes necessary to have a positive impact on communities across the country.鈥�

鈥淭hroughout my career as a superintendent, I鈥檝e understood the importance of having diverse leadership for students of all backgrounds,鈥� said Maria Ott, professor of clinical education, USC Rossier School of Education. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a personal commitment throughout my career to support those who have the passion in their hearts, the willingness to develop the skills to be successful, and the drive to take on the complex and challenging role of leading urban school districts. We need leaders who have an unwavering focus on equity and social justice who are unafraid to do what is needed for the success of all students.鈥�

The program brings the most effective and inspiring thought leader practitioners to serve as instructors, mentors and presenters. The Howard University and USC cohorts will engage in virtual site visits and develop capstone projects, action plans, resources and other publications that will be shared with 91制片 members and other administrators. Click here to view Friday鈥檚 agenda.

For more information about the 91制片 Urban Superintendents Academy, visit the . For questions, contact Mort Sherman, 91制片 associate executive director, Leadership Network, at msherman@aasa.org.

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About 91制片
, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. 91制片鈥檚 mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit .