Black Women
Superintendent Academy
A national leadership pipeline and placement initiative from the National Alliance of Black School Educators, in partnership with Howard University’s School of Education. Built to move Black women into the superintendency.
Why the Academy exists
The Black Women Superintendent Academy (BWSA) is a national leadership pipeline and placement initiative developed through a strategic partnership between the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) and Howard University’s School of Education. Together, these two legacy institutions bring unmatched credibility, national reach, and academic excellence to address one of the most persistent inequities in educational leadership: the severe underrepresentation of Black women in the superintendency.
Although Black women are among the most highly credentialed and experienced educators in the nation, they comprise less than 1.5 percent of sitting superintendents. BWSA was intentionally designed not as a general professional development program, but as a targeted academy with placement into superintendent roles as its central outcome.
This partnership leverages NABSE’s 50-year legacy of national advocacy, leadership development, and practitioner networks alongside Howard University’s academic leadership and research expertise to create a rigorous, culturally responsive, and results-driven model. For NABSE, the Academy advances its mission to elevate Black educators into decision-making roles that directly shape student outcomes and system equity. For Howard University, the partnership extends its impact as a premier HBCU by translating scholarship and leadership preparation into national system-level change.
Together, NABSE and Howard University offer sponsors a high-impact investment opportunity that strengthens leadership pipelines, diversifies educational governance, and builds a sustainable national model for advancing Black women into the superintendency.
What the Academy delivers
Three connected pillars: development, mentorship, and network. Together they build both readiness and access.
Leadership Development
The BWSA focuses on nurturing and advancing the leadership skills of Black women in educational administration, creating a pathway for impactful roles within school systems across the country.
Mentorship Programs
Participants engage in tailored mentorship opportunities, pairing emerging leaders with experienced superintendents who provide guidance, support, and invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of educational leadership.
Collaborative Networking
BWSA fosters connections among participants, allowing them to share experiences, strategies, and resources, thereby building a strong community of Black women dedicated to educational excellence and leadership.
Cohort size and duration
The cohort size is intentionally limited to ensure depth, individualized coaching, and strong cohort relationships.
Participant Eligibility
Participants must demonstrate readiness for immediate advancement into the superintendency. Minimum eligibility includes:
- Self-identification as a Black woman
- At least three years of district-level leadership experience (assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent, chief officer, or equivalent)
- Intent to apply for superintendent positions within the next year
- Recommendation from current superintendent
- Commitment to full participation, including in-person convenings
Convening schedule
Seven sessions across seven months: four in-person convenings, each paired with a virtual follow-up. Anchored at Howard University and the field’s two largest leadership conferences.
Program Kick-Off
- Cohort launch and community building
- Leadership identity development
- Orientation to coaching and placement expectations
Kick-Off Virtual Session
26th Annual NABSE Conference
- National exposure and visibility
- Sponsor-hosted reception or luncheon
- Fireside conversation with sitting Black women superintendents
NABSE Conference Virtual Session
AASA Annual Conference Superintendents Reception
- Search firm exposure and recruitment activities
- Fireside conversation with sitting Black women superintendents
AASA Virtual Session
Program Graduation
- Leadership portfolio presentations
- Placement readiness sessions
- Public recognition and program completion
Sponsorship Opportunities
The National Alliance of Black School Educators seeks support for the Black Women Superintendent Academy through a multi-tiered sponsorship model. These investments will directly impact the future of educational leadership for Black women. Each level offers unique benefits and recognition, ensuring sponsors contribute to meaningful change while gaining visibility within the community. Funds raised are strategically allocated to training programs, resources, and support initiatives that empower participants to thrive as leaders in education.
- Academy named in recognition of sponsor
- Prominent logo placement on all materials
- Speaking opportunity at convening
- Exclusive engagement with cohort
- Recognition as Cohort Sponsor
- Logo placement and acknowledgments
- Sponsor-hosted networking event
- Branding at in-person convenings
- Recognition at NABSE National Conference
- Recognition in marketing materials and reports
Connect With the Academy
Apply to the Academy, become a sponsor, or ask a question. Applications are due September 13, 2026, with interviews on September 19 and 20.
About NABSE
Founded in 1970, the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) is the nation’s leading organization committed to the educational excellence of Black children and the professional advancement of Black educators. For more than five decades, NABSE has shaped education policy, developed leaders, and served as a trusted national convener.
Today, NABSE’s affiliates span the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean, extending the organization’s global reach and enduring legacy. NABSE members include a distinguished network of educators and leaders who hold positions of influence across public and private school systems, higher education institutions, and partner organizations.
Mission
NABSE is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the academic success of all children, with a particular focus on children of African descent. Through leadership development, advocacy, and collaboration, NABSE works to improve educational experiences and outcomes for African American students while supporting the professional growth of Black educators.
Invest in Leadership
Help build a sustainable national model for advancing Black women into the superintendency, and shape who leads America’s school systems for the next generation.
Become a Sponsor
