There are many professional associations in the area of school administration and leadership. Virtually every level of administration has a related association.
Several of the associations, including a brief description and link to the respective Web site, are listed below.
American Association of School Administrators (AASA) - AASA, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for over 14,000 educational leaders across America and in many other countries. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to the highest quality public education for all children. Located in Arlington, Virginia, more information may be found on their Web site at http://www.aasa.org/
School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) - SAANYS is a professional association comprised of a diverse group of more than 6,500 school leaders. SAANYS strives to provide direction, service, and support to members in their efforts to improve the quality of education and leadership in New York State schools. Located in Latham, New York, more information may be found on their Web site at http://www.saanys.org/
New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS) - NYSCOSS is a professional and advocacy organization with over a century of service to school superintendents in New York State. The Council provides its more than 800 members with numerous professional development opportunities, publications and personal services, while advocating for public education and the superintendency. Located in Albany, New York, more information may be found on their Web site at http://www.nyscoss.org/
National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) - The mission of the NAESP is to lead in the advocacy and support for elementary and middle level principals and other education leaders in their commitment to all children. Located in Alexandria, Virginia, more information may be found on their Web site at http://www.naesp.org/
National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) - NASSP began in 1916 when just 78 high school principals initiated its establishment. Now in their ninth decade, nearly 40,000 middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and aspiring school leaders from across the United States and more than 60 other countries around the world are members. Located in Reston, Virginia, more information may be found on their Web site at http://www.nassp.org/
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) - Founded in 1943, ASCD is an international, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents 160,000 educators from more than 135 countries and 66 affiliates. Members span the entire profession of educators—superintendents, supervisors, principals, teachers, professors of education, and school board members. Located in Alexandria, Virginia, more information may be found on their Web site at http://www.ascd.org/
Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) - Since 1910, ASBO International has provided programs and services to promote the highest standards of school business management practices, professional growth, and the effective use of educational resources. Join over 5,000 of your colleagues who, like you, manage the business side of school district operations including budgeting, puchasing, and financial managment; facility operations and maintenance; human recourse; technology; transportation and security; food service; health care; and much more. ASBO International provides the tools and resource you need to advance your career and better serve your students, your school district, and your community. More information may be found on their Web site at http://www.asbointl.org.
Learning Forward - Learning Forward is the only professional association devoted exclusively to those who work in educator professional development. Their goal is to help members leverage the power of professional learning to affect positive and lasting change. Located in Oxford, Ohio, more information can be found at www.learningforward.org.