American Association of School Administrators (AASA)

The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) is a professional association of school leaders. Its membership includes school superintendents, central office administrators, professors [Page 51]of educational administration, and those preparing for leadership positions.

The AASA was preceded by the National Association of School Superintendents established in 1865 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In 1870, this organization merged with the National Teachers Association and became the National Education Association. The superintendent group separated from the National Education Association in 1972 and became the American Association of School Administrators.

The mission of the AASA is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to the highest quality of public education for all children. In 2008, AASA reported a membership of 13,000.

AASA hosts an annual National Education Conference, which features nationally prominent speakers on topics of interest to school leaders. The association is actively involved in education policy discussions related to schools and school districts. AASA contributes to the national discussion and development of administrator preparation standards. The organization provides a “voice” for superintendents and schools at the national level. The association sponsors the national “Stand Up for Public Education” campaign.

AASA provides a wide range of services to members. The offerings include a number of publications, such as the monthly School Administrator journal, and AASA's Daily News, an e-mail update on issues of interest to school leaders. Legal services and advice are available to members, as is access to job postings. The Legislative Corps provides a communication network on legislative issues for members. Access to resources pertinent to leadership of school districts is available through AASA Toolkits. The Toolkits include communication resources and information about school issues and programs. The network of colleagues created by the national association is a primary benefit of membership.

AASA sponsors a study of the American super-intendency every 10 years. This is a key resource for those interested in issues in the superintendency. The report includes the national demographic portrait of the superintendency.

A number of issue- or group-specific conferences or institutes are sponsored by AASA. These include an annual meeting for rural and suburban superintendents, a women administrators conference, a legislative advocacy conference, and an institute for new and aspiring superintendents. The organization maintains the AASA Center for System Leadership. The organization's Web site provides a list of the conferences, printed materials, and services available through membership in the association.