AASA Expands Certification Portfolio with Two New Programs for Leaders at Every Stage

“New professional learning credentials support the full arc of educational leadership, from the classroom to the coaching relationship. The Public Education Promise asks something of leaders at every stage of their career — not just while they’re in the seat, but in how they develop the leaders who come after them, and in how they ensure every child leaves school genuinely ready for what's ahead. AASA is expanding the resources available to answer that call, with two new certification programs launching this fall! Educational Leadership Executive Coaching Certification Program In partnership with Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation Developed for retired, transitioning, or active superintendents, the Educational Leadership Executive Coaching Certification Program is the only national coaching credential designed specifically for the realities of public education leadership. The program formalizes what experienced superintendents have always done — developing leaders, redirecting careers, asking the right question at exactly the right moment — and makes it intentional, scalable, and credentialed. Coaches who earn this credential will join the roster AASA turns to when districts and leaders are looking for coaching grounded in real superintendent-level experience. The program runs October 2026 through September 2027, with an in-person launch at the Possibilities Summit at Arizona State University, October 28–30, 2026. Applications are now open. Apply Today Real Skills for Real Life Certification Program In partnership with the Families and Work Institute and University of Minnesota For superintendents and educational leaders focused on what students carry out of school with them, the Real Skills for Real Life Certification Program provides a research-backed practical framework for embedding executive function skills — working memory, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, and reflection — across an entire district. The six-module virtual program connects directly to Principle 2 of the Public Education Promise, equipping leaders with the language and tools to build the skills that make learning, and lifelong success, possible for every child, in every community. Learn More Two programs. One promise. Explore AASA's full certification portfolio.

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