11th Annual Seminar for Aspiring Superintendents
Fall 2024
Total cost of $200- all sessions are in-person at:
Assabet Valley Collaborative
28 Lord Rd. Suite 125, Marlborough MA 01752
(508)460-0491 www.avcollabortive.org
The Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S) often receives inquiries from individuals who are considering becoming a school superintendent. In response to these inquiries, M.A.S.S is once again offering a three-part Seminar for individuals who are considering applying for the position of superintendent in the near future. The purpose of the Seminar is to provide prospective candidates with information to assist them in identifying those positions which best meet their individual profile and align with their core values. The Seminar will also familiarize participants with the roles and responsibilities associated with this position, the typical elements of the superintendent search process, and the interview techniques and strategies with the search committee and the school committee.
Many past participants have been successful in securing positions as School Superintendents.
Session One- Defining and Identifying the Ideal Position
Wednesday September 25, 2024 8:30 to 12:00 noon
This session focuses on the many roles and responsibilities inherent in the current position of the superintendent. Participants will have an interactive opportunity to reflect upon those responsibilities that they are prepared to assume and those aspects where they may need additional support. The second portion of this session outlines the importance of knowing your own core values and how those values can best be communicated to a search committee and/or school committee. This session also provides information about the New Superintendents Induction Program (NSIP) and the Mission and Strategic Plan of M.A.S.S
Session Two- Applying for the Position and Learning from Successful Candidates
Wednesday October 23, 2024 8:30 to 12:00 noon
This session will outline the search process and the role of the search consultant with specific emphasis on the different search formats, recruitment techniques, and certain protocols. The session leaders will also address how to structure a site visit for representatives from the prospective district and how to manage your own site visit to the district. Participants will learn from those superintendents who were recent, successful candidates for the position.
Participants will also have the opportunity to submit their draft application materials including statements of educational philosophy, leadership philosophy, resume, and letters of reference. This will provide another opportunity to assess how your core values are reflected in the content of these materials. Participants will be asked to submit these materials by Wednesday October 16th. The session leaders will review these materials in preparation for our work during session two.
Session Three- The Interview and the Post Interview Process –
Wednesday November 20, 2024 8:30 to 12:00 noon
The session will begin with a review of the revised individual application materials. The session will provide participants with effective interview techniques through the simulation of interviews with a search committee. The search committee will be comprised of current and former school committee members. The session leaders will review how search committees and school committees structure the interview and reach consensus on the selection of semi-finalists, finalists and the recommended candidate. The session will also address the risks and the challenges inherent in participating in a public interview.
Session Leaders– Mary Bourque, Executive Director, M.A.S.S, Thomas Scott Director of Finance and Member Services, M.A.S.S, Christine McGrath, Director of Support Networks, M.A.S.S. Irwin Blumer, Retired Professor, Boston College, and former Superintendent in the Concord Carlisle and Newton Public Schools, Meg-Mayo Brown, Director of the new Superintendents Induction Program (NSIP), Joan Connolly, Coach in NSIP, Glenn Koocher, Executive Director for Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC), Alicia Mallon, Field Representative/Search Consultant (MASC) Margaret Driscoll, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) and Maryellen Brunelle, Facilitator and Coach (NSIP).
Please note- this seminar will provide an important opportunity for potential candidates to interact with experienced practitioners and search consultants but participation in this program does not represent any endorsement of your candidacy for specific positions.
Please email Chris McGrath at cmcgrath@massupt.org if with any questions
Registration for the 11th Annual Seminar is open.