The Center for Model Schools and AASA Partner to Support K–12 Superintendents and School Leaders

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's (HMH) Center for Model Schools (Center) and the School Superintendents Association (AASA) have partnered to help superintendents and other school leaders to improve teaching and learning to advance equity and support their communities.

The partnership will provide opportunities in a multiyear initiative for leaders to connect and collaborate to create transformation goals and plans to address the challenges of improving their schools, as demands in curriculum development, learning strategies, and industry training are all being affected by new and upcoming technology.

The two nonprofit organizations will both be supported by the new Superintendents Teaching and Learning Network, with each bringing its successful strategies to the table:

The Center supports leaders by customized consulting on leadership coaching, strategic planning, curriculum alignment, and data team implementation, HMH said. Its Model School Conference, bringing 5,000 educators together each year, is the nation's largest gathering focused on improving K–12 school districts. The next conference will be held June 23-26, 2024, at the Orlando World Center in Florida, and registration is open now.

AASA's educational leadership initiative, AASA Learning 2025, will incorporate the Center's conference as a major event.

The Superintendents Teaching and Learning Network will also sponsor the Aspiring Superintendents Academy. Other partnership initiatives and events are planned.

"As a former superintendent, I always sought out colleagues who were interested in pooling our collective knowledge and learning from experts about how to improve our practice and better serve our students," said Joshua P. Starr, a managing partner at the Center. "Being in a learning network was instrumental to my success, and I'm thrilled that our new partnership will enable more superintendents to apply evidence-based practices to their work and accelerate learning and achievement."

"For years, AASA has created a myriad of partnerships, involving the best of the best in public education on behalf of the thousands of outstanding men and women who are leading our public school districts," said David R. Schuler, AASA's executive director. “This partnership with the Center for Model Schools exemplifies our drive to deliver effective instructional leadership specifically designed for members of our organization."

The first Superintendents Teaching and Learning Academy virtual meeting date is Dec. 8, 2023. There are several more to follow in 2024, along with in-person meeting dates. Visit the academy page to learn more.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

Featured

  • silhouetted student stands before the White House, surrounded by abstract digital graphics of brains, circuits, and AI elements

    White House Sets Sights on AI Education

    A new executive order from President Donald Trump aims to advance America's position in artificial intelligence technology by incorporating AI into education and providing AI training for educators.

  • repeating abstract pattern featuring cloud icons, neural network shapes, data streams, and circuit-like elements in muted tones

    Report: Infrastructure Is the Missing Piece in Gen AI Strategy

    While generative AI has become central to digital transformation strategies, a new report from Google Cloud reveals most organizations aren't yet equipped to support it at scale.

  • abstract pattern of cybersecurity, ai and cloud imagery

    Report Identifies Malicious Use of AI in Cloud-Based Cyber Threats

    A recent report from OpenAI identifies the misuse of artificial intelligence in cybercrime, social engineering, and influence operations, particularly those targeting or operating through cloud infrastructure. In "Disrupting Malicious Uses of AI: June 2025," the company outlines how threat actors are weaponizing large language models for malicious ends — and how OpenAI is pushing back.

  • brass balance scale with a black rotary telephone on one side and a stack of gold coins on the other

    Supreme Court Upholds Universal Service Fund

    In a 6-3 decision, the United States Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund, the primary funding source behind the E-Rate program.