Career Crisis in the Superintendency

This publication examines the findings from a study conducted by Fordham University researchers Bruce Cooper and Lance Fusarelli and assistant principal Vincent Carella that asked superintendents across the country what they think about their profession overall, their own skills, a range of career concerns, and their future interests. This study, conducted with support from AASA and the National Center for Education Statistics, is based on a new, validated survey instrument (Superintendents' Professional Expectations and Advancement Review) created by the researchers. Based on their findings, the authors make recommendations about ways to increase the number of high-quality candidates for the important job of superintendent of schools. Among the recommendations: increase opportunities for women and minorities; enhance superintendent's technical skills and expand/improve doctoral programs; de-segment the job market for superintendents; make pensions more portable; reorganize the superintendency by increasing district and university support for superintendents, as well as superintendent salaries; and find meaningful ways to recognize, value and reward superintendents' contributions. This book is a must-read for board members charged with hiring high-quality superintendents as well as for educators who are currently or aspire to be superintendents.