In an Education Writers Association Special Report from the Department of Education, experts emphasized the importance of improving leadership skills among superintendents and other district authorities instead of just among teachers and principals. It is important for superintendents to have access to the latest tools for improving their knowledge and education systems. These conferences can help greatly.
1. AASA National Conference On Education
This conference is scheduled for February 11 through February 13 in Phoenix, Arizona. According to the NCE homepage, the keynote speakers will be announced in the weeks leading up to the conference. This annual event is a good place for new and seasoned superintendents to make connections and build support networks. With a focus on making positive changes in each district, the conference will cover common core standards, board relationships and how to personalize education this year. It will also focus on leadership, instructional leadership, building healthy education environments and innovation in technology.
2. Opening Minds 2016
From January 20 through January 23, this event will take place in Chicago. It focuses on building the minds and the learning environments for younger and older children. Although online registration is closed, walk-in registration is still open. Tickets are $225 per person. Superintendents can take away several valuable tools for sculpting the minds of today’s youth and helping them open their minds to the world, cultures, careers and ideas. They can also meet and build relationships with experts such as nurses, doctors, government educators, library science professionals and more.
3. CoSN 2016
This conference is scheduled from April 4 through April 7 in Washington, D.C. Innovation is the main focus. Since technology is constantly changing, the conference will cover how it affects the way educators teach and the way students learn. Many topics will focus on e-learning and what it takes to make it a success. This conference is valuable for superintendents because it identifies and addresses the challenges of e-learning. It also shows superintendents how to make e-learning a part of their institution’s educational culture. Registration is open online, and rates vary based on membership and attendance packages.
4. Early Learning Leaders Annual National Conference
“How Successful Directors Lead” is the name of this year’s conference, which will focus on empowerment and success for early childhood leaders. For superintendents who are responsible for early childhood education, this conference is a must. It takes place from April 21 through April 23 in New York City. Event coordinators encourage early registration, which varies in price depending on attendance packages and membership status. There will be over 40 separate events to cover marketing, administration, leadership, program quality and business practices. Superintendents will gain actionable plans, learn breakthrough strategies and enjoy networking opportunities.
5. ASCD Annual Conference
For Atlanta residents or superintendents across the country, this conference offers several valuable administrative and educational tools. Participants can choose the events they attend, and there are over 200 sessions scheduled for the conference. From marketing to special education programs, superintendents have access to the latest innovative tools and information at this conference. There is also an expo with booths from the top education companies in the country. The conference is from April 2 to April 4. Registration can be completed online and starts at $199 per person based on membership status, registration date and attendance packages.
Every superintendent should plan to attend at least one national conference each year and several regional or local conferences. Connecting with other superintendents to exchange ideas, solve problems and develop new innovations will help schools across the country.
See also: Then vs. Now: How Technology In Schools Has Changed Over Time (Infographic)
