The path to school leadership begins long before an educator accepts an administrative position. It begins in credential programs, in conversations with mentors and in opportunities to learn alongside those already doing the work.

To support that journey, ACSA is sponsoring two years of student membership for eligible students enrolled in Tier 1 administrative credential programs. The initiative represents an investment in California’s administrator pipeline, connecting aspiring leaders with professional learning, career resources and a powerful network of colleagues.

ACSA is calling on county offices of education, professors of education and administrative credential program leaders to share this opportunity with every student in their programs and encourage eligible candidates to participate.

“Welcoming future administrators into our network early on is key to supporting their growth,” said Berryessa USD Superintendent and ACSA President-Elect Dr. Roxane Fuentes.

“Student membership gives them opportunities to connect what they’re learning in their credential programs with the experiences of practicing school leaders. By sponsoring two years of membership, ACSA is investing in their growth and in California’s leadership pipeline,” Fuentes said. “Those of us already in administration can build on that investment by welcoming them, sharing what we’ve learned and helping them find their place in the profession.”

Preparing future administrators requires both strong academic preparation and opportunities to understand leadership in practice. ACSA membership can complement credential coursework by helping candidates build relationships, explore career possibilities and engage with the issues shaping California schools.

Student member benefits include:

Professional connections: Networking opportunities with educational leaders locally and across California.

Professional learning: Member pricing on ACSA conferences, academies and workshops.

Career preparation: Résumé review and feedback from experienced administrators and ACSA’s Council of Human Resources Leaders.

Career exploration: Administrative job listings through EdCal and ACSA’s online Career Center.

News and resources: EdCal, Leadership magazine, legislative and budget updates, and access to knowledge resources.

Member discounts: Special offers on a range of professional and personal products and services.

Membership also creates an opportunity to begin building a professional community. Students are encouraged to attend local charter and region activities, introduce themselves to practicing administrators and participate in conversations about leadership. Those connections can help aspiring leaders find people to learn from and turn to as they prepare for their next steps.

County offices and professors of education can help make that connection meaningful. Along with sharing enrollment information, programs can invite an ACSA representative to speak with a cohort, introduce students to local charter and region leaders, and encourage participation in an upcoming activity.

Current administrators have a role as well. A personal invitation, an introduction at a networking event or a conversation about the realities of leadership can help an aspiring administrator feel welcomed into the profession. Strengthening the administrator pipeline means helping future leaders develop both their skills and their support systems. Through sponsored student membership, ACSA is opening that door earlier.

To learn about eligibility and enrollment, visit acsa.org/membership or contact ACSA Member Services. County offices and credential program faculty are encouraged to share the opportunity throughout their programs.