WASA Early Career Superintendent Academy

ABOUT

With support from OSPI, this academy was developed to provide support to early career superintendents. 

COMMITMENT
• Session participation
• Participation in year-end academy evaluation
• Travel and housing expenses, if applicable

2026–27 LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Lead with Strategic Clarity and Systems Thinking — Develop a coherent leadership approach that aligns strategic planning, district systems, and organizational priorities to create focus, stability, and momentum throughout the first year of the superintendency.
  
• Build Strong Governance and Board Partnerships — Strengthen superintendent–board relationships through clear roles, aligned expectations, effective communication, and goal-centered accountability practices.
  
• Navigate Communication and Political Complexity — Communicate with clarity, transparency, and purpose while effectively managing stakeholder relationships, political dynamics, and community expectations.
  
• Drive Instructional and Organizational Coherence — Use data, progress monitoring, and continuous improvement practices to align district initiatives, support instructional priorities, and improve organizational effectiveness.
  
• Align Resources to Strategic Priorities — Lead transparent budgeting, operational planning, and resource allocation processes that connect financial decisions directly to district goals and student outcomes.
  
• Sustain Leadership Through Reflection, Mentorship, and Resilience — Strengthen adaptive leadership skills through mentorship, reflective practice, and professional networks to navigate complex challenges and successfully transition into year two leadership.

FACILITATORS

Jeff Snell
Executive Director, WASA
jsnell@wasa-oly.org

2026–27 SCHEDULE

The schedule includes a combination of five full learning sessions and four “office hour” check-ins held throughout the year via Zoom to provide timely support connected to relevant leadership topics and challenges. It also includes in-person sessions at the WSSDA Conference and Superintendent Conference for further collaboration and networking.

Sessions include guidance from experienced superintendent mentors along with content aligned to the program's learning outcomes. The cadence will be as follows:

• 8 – 9 a.m. for mentors to review best mentoring practices and support prior to
  
• 9 – 10 a.m. mentees joining for a combined learning session from
  
• 10 – 11 a.m. Early Career Superintendents will have a check-in for the last hour.

The optional drop-in Office Hour Check Ins are available to provide real-time support as needed. These “office hours” are designed to offer ongoing coaching, problem-solving, and connection throughout the year. Session materials and resources will be posted above as they become available.

• September 15 | Zoom 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
  Office Hour Check In 
  
• September 29 | Zoom 8 – 11 a.m.
  Session 1 
  
• October 13 | Zoom 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
  Office Hour Check In
  
• November 3 | Zoom 8 – 11 a.m.
  Session 2 
  
• WASA Early Career Academy Cohort Breakfast 
  November 21 | In-person 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. prior to WSSDA conference sessions in Spokane | Breakfast provided
  
• December 8 | Zoom 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
  Office Hour Check In 
  
• January 5 | Zoom 8 – 11 a.m. 
  Session 3 
• February 2 | Zoom 8 – 11 a.m.
  Session 4 
  
• March 2 | Zoom 8 – 11 a.m.
  Session 5 
  
• April 13 | Zoom 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
  Office Hour Check-In 
  
• End of Academy Reflection & Celebration 
  May 2 | In-Person 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
  Campbell's Resort, Chelan | Lunch provided; Early Career Superintendent Academies in-person sessions will be held at the Campbell's Resort in Lake Chelan prior to the Superintendents Conference, which will begin at 4:30 p.m. Housing and Washington State Approved Clock Hours will become available when registration for the Superintendents Conference is launched in late February 2027.

REGISTRATION

CANCELLATIONS 

A $100 administrative fee applies to all cancellations submitted by July 10, 2026.
No refunds after July 10th.
No Show = No Refund.

If you need assistance, contact Ryan Hickerson at 360.742.6439 or by email at rhickerson@wasa-oly.org.

QUESTIONS

Contact Ryan Hickerson at rhickerson@wasa-oly.org with registration questions.