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EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE

Leading a school district has never been easy, but in today’s climate, the weight on superintendents is heavier than ever. The challenges facing public education — political pressures, budget constraints, staffing shortages, student mental health crises — have turned the superintendency into a 24/7 balancing act.

In conversations with district leaders nationwide, one theme comes up again and again: Well-being is an afterthought, if it’s considered at all. Too many school leaders believe they must be everything to everyone — an impossible task that leaves little space to prioritize their own needs.

In reality, we can’t lead effectively if we are running on empty. Taking care of ourselves can’t be an afterthought. It’s essential to sustainability. The well-being of every leader, educator, staff member and student impacts not only our leadership capacity but also the culture and effectiveness of the entire school system.

When school leaders prioritize their health and that of their staff, the result is an environment where every person is more engaged, and schools and students are set up to thrive.

At AASA, we recognize that supporting school leaders’ well-being is directly tied to supporting student success. That’s why we focus on providing meaningful opportunities for superintendents to improve their wellness while strengthening their leadership. Here are several ways we can help you on this journey:

A Role-Alike Community

Superintendents can find strength in connection with those who truly understand the unique pressures of district leadership. That’s the value of a network of trusted peers.

ÂÜÀòÍøprovides role-alike communities of superintendents throughout the year. Our National Conference on Education has long been more than just a place for professional learning. It’s a space where leaders come together to share challenges, exchange ideas and find support from understanding colleagues.

At this year’s conference, we held our first Urban Jubilee and took time to connect, laugh and recharge, which is just as important as learning the latest leadership strategies.

A Well-being and Learning Cohort

We recognize the critical need for a comprehensive approach to supporting student and staff needs and are launching the Leadership for Well-being and Learning Cohort, with its first summit this September.

This cohort is for district leaders who are committed to well-being through cultivating resilience, growth and school environments conducive to success. District leaders will create strategic plans, visit sites and learn innovative strategies from expert practitioners and researchers that prepare students for the real world.

A District Mental Health Initiative

ÂÜÀòÍøis proud to partner with The Jed Foundation to equip school leaders with tools and strategies to build safe, supportive school environments.

The JED and ÂÜÀòÍøDistrict Mental Health initiative is grounded in a comprehensive approach to mental health promotion and suicide prevention, an evidence-based framework that brings together recommended practices and field expertise. JED’s expert-led team assesses each district’s needs and helps them develop and implement a customized, data-driven strategic plan that creates a best-in-class school mental health system. Join the September cohort (www.aasa.org/dmhi) and read more. 

Prioritizing Self-Care

Superintendents lead by example. If we want our teams to prioritize balance, well-being and mental health, we have to model those behaviors ourselves. The question is how.

Here are a few simple ways to prioritize your well-being:

Set boundaries. We don’t have to be available 24/7. Carving out time for personal commitments — whether it’s family, exercise or quiet reflection — is crucial.

Engage in peer support. Find a trusted group of fellow leaders who can provide support, whether through ÂÜÀòÍønetworks, state associations or informal meet-ups.

Take a break. Whether it’s a weekend away, a daily mindfulness practice or simply giving yourself permission to disconnect. Rest is not a luxury.

Seek professional support when needed. Just as we advocate for mental health support for students, leaders must be willing to seek help when the stress becomes overwhelming.

The Future of Leadership

If we want a strong, sustainable pipeline of future superintendents, we must make well-being a collective priority.

At AASA, we are committed to helping leaders not just survive the challenges of the job, but thrive in their roles. We invite you to join us by committing to taking at least one step toward prioritizing your own well-being.

Our students need strong, healthy leaders who are in this for the long haul. Sustainability and growth depend on taking care of ourselves so we can serve, inspire and lead with purpose.

Be well, my colleagues and friends!

David Schuler is ÂÜÀòÍøexecutive director. Twitter: