The Infrastructure of AASA

School Administrator, Sept, 1997 by Karl V. Hertz

The ritual begins anew. This fall, nearly 50 million students will enter our nation's schools. Each of those students is unique, and each represents our future.

Since these are the only children we have, we need to be sure every one receives an excellent education. That's why it is so important for each of us, as school leaders, to continue our own learning and to be on the front line for our kids.

An important step in becoming a champion for children and public education is membership in the American Association of School Administrators.

At the heart of any organization are the people who belong to it. AASA is no different. Our infrastructure is only as sound as our membership.

As a professional group of people, we belong to AASA for a variety of reasons. Our research tells us most people are members because they want up-to-date information on significant issues in education. Many join to become affiliated with an organization that advocates on behalf of children, public education and the superintendency. As members, some of us offer ourselves as AASA policy makers.

In any case, I believe that it's up to each of us to build membership in our national organization. At the core of the effort is a simple fact--in order to get people to join, we must ask them. Of course, some will join on their own. Our research tells us that many people don't even need glamorous reasons; they just have to be asked.

When you're aware of people who are new to the superintendency, please make it a point to urge them to join AASA. Also, invite other administrators in your district to become members; it will be a great compliment to them.

Our challenge is to attract even more bright, kind, thoughtful people into the superintendency. To be honest, it is not a role that is so inherently attractive that people are easily drawn to it, but the position is key to the education of our children.

With that in mind, a superintendent or any other AASA member should specifically invite educators who might one day aspire to the superintendency to join our association. AASA will help them focus on the big picture in their school districts and will aid them in developing their leadership skills.

It is my personal judgment that we should all be interested in having AASA represent us in Washington. This organization effectively watches over the actions of the Congress. Would any of us be comfortable not having some organization at the state level monitoring our state legislature? I think not. The same instinct should prevail regarding monitoring Washington.

I also urge you to enhance your leadership skills and expand your vision through our publications. Get access to the latest news through our fine AASA web site on the Internet (http//:www.aasa.org), where more than 500 people a day pay us a visit. Join us at our 1998 National Conference on Education, Feb. 27-March 2, in San Diego and at other professional development conferences.

In addition to fostering goals for public education, AASA provides legal support for its active members, offers special discounted rates for meetings, conferences and publications, and helps keep people informed of new career opportunities. Most important to me is our AASA goal of keeping the needs of children foremost in people's minds.

One final reminder: Ask people to join AASA. Make it a goal to get at least one new member for AASA during 1997-98.

Have a great school year!