Dr. David Buck, superintendent of Wright City R-II School District, was among the more than 30 superintendents recognized for successfully completing the National Superintendent Certification Program, administered by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.Less than 1 percent of the superintendents in the state of Missouri currently hold this certification.“AASA’s National Superintendent Certification Program is among the best professional development opportunities I’ve ever had as an educator,” said Buck. “The program focuses on a number of key skills successful superintendents need to thrive as our nation works to strengthen our public schools,”Launched in 2013, the certification process is spread over 18 months and is tailored for superintendents who have been in the job five years or less. The forums, seminars and coaching provide opportunities to define and examine issues that surface in real-life situations.Examples include, providing instructional leadership; building and managing a district budget; mastering effective communication and political skills; using technology effectively in instruction and management; managing superintendent and school board relations; and designing a career path for oneself.The AASA National Superintendent Certification Program is a collaborative effort with AASA state affiliates, the National School Boards Association, and business and corporate leaders. The master teachers and guest instructors have all been sitting superintendents and have demonstrable track records of success.The recognition ceremony was part of AASA’s National Conference on Education, Feb. 15-17, in Nashville, Tenn.The conference also served as a platform to highlight AASA’s I Love Public Education campaign, a yearlong initiative designed to highlight why public schools are essential to developing the future generations who will maintain our country’s status as a world leader.The inaugural cohort gave anonymous feedback that ranked the value of the academy with a score of 4.8 on a 5-point scale. The camaraderie, honesty and openness that participants described illustrate the experience that AASA members have been asking for.

David Buck