An Overview of the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program

Dr. Matthew Wendt leverages years of experience as a school superintendent as an independent foreign teacher and consultant in China in Shenzhen and Beijing. Prior to his work in China, Mathew Wendt became one of the first superintendents in the nation to receive the National Superintendent Certification.

The National Superintendent Certification is administered by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), a leading voice for public education and school system leaders. For more than 150 years, the AASA has represented educational leaders. Today, it represents more than 13,000 educational professionals.

In addition to advocacy, the AASA supports school leaders through educational programs and professional enhancement initiatives like the National Superintendent Certification. The certification program provides early career superintendents and those looking to enhance their skill sets with a comprehensive curriculum that includes dynamic, in-person sessions, a capstone project, and one-on-one mentoring. Moreover, each certified individual receives access to professional networks within the AASA community.

For additional information on the National Superintendent Certification, visit www.aasa.org.

The Qualities of a Great Leader

Former school district superintendent Matthew Wendt has always believed that leading by example is the best approach. The youngest superintendent in Kansas State history, Matthew Wendt is now a foreign principal in Shenzhen, China, where he puts his skills to use to create international partnerships and development. Here are the main qualities that make a great superintendent.

1. Having a clear vision is at the top of the list. Good school district leaders should have the ability to work with school boards to arrive at a cohesive vision. Furthermore, they need the experience and wherewithal to link that vision to clear goals and work toward them.

2. Teaching is at the core of everything that a school leader does. To create the best learning environment, a good leader should be well versed in the best educational methods and practices.

3. As in any other field, communication is key. A school district leader is often called on to mediate all manner of disputes, including sometimes even being the district liaison with the media. Having good written and verbal communication skills is essential for the job.

4. Finally, a good district leader is a good manager. At the end of the day, the job is to use a limited amount of resources in the most efficient way possible.

AASA Membership Categories and Benefits

American Association of School Administrators
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Former superintendent Dr. Matthew Wendt currently works as an overseas principal and consultant for international schools in Beijing and Shenzhen, China. With more than 20 years as a school administrator (including as a superintendent), Dr. Matthew Wendt leverages his experience and knowledge in the field. He is also a member of several professional associations, such as the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).

There are seven membership categories available on the AASA website. Basic membership is for teachers, graduate students, or anyone who is employed in non-administrative positions and would like to pursue a career as a school system leader. Meanwhile, anyone who is retired as a school administrator can apply for the retired membership. The dues for both basic and retired membership are $77.

The associate, district cabinet, and professor membership dues are $204, while the small-school district leader membership dues are $230. Active membership typically caters to superintendents and assistant or deputy superintendents, whose dues are $460.

AASA members benefit from access to several services, depending on the membership category. These include legal support, a team of education consultants who provide training, print and digital issues of the award-winning magazine “School Administrator,” certifications, and several professional learning programs. Other benefits include networking opportunities, such as participation in conferences and meetings.

The Duties of a Superintendent

Drawing on more than 20 years as a school leader, Dr. Matthew Wendt currently works as an overseas principal in two Chinese schools in Beijing and Shenzhen. There, he provides leadership and instruction, oversees faculty, develops curriculum and policies, and creates exchange programs. Dr. Matthew Wendt is a former superintendent who worked in several schools in the United States before launching his consultancy firm.

Serving as the public face of a school district, the superintendent also serves as the chief executive officer of the institution. Superintendents must be effective leaders in order to oversee the daily operations and long-range planning of a district while keeping the board of education informed about happenings and events in the schools.

Usually, superintendents begin their career as teachers, and later become principals before moving up to superintendent. The essential requirement to become a superintendent is to earn a master’s degree in school administration or education. Often, a doctorate in educational administration is also needed to be competitive in the field.

A superintendent of schools needs to possess strong leadership and communication skills, since they are responsible for solving problems, hiring staff, managing finances, and lobbying for additional resources when needed. In some school districts, superintendents also need to develop new curricula, instructional materials, and assessments, drawing on a broad pedagogical foundation.