On Monday, July 14, the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) launched the 2025 Early Career Superintendents Coaching Program with a full-day training session at the MASA Office in Jefferson City.
The program, aimed at supporting new superintendents across Missouri, provides essential resources, experienced mentors, and research-based strategies to ensure a successful start for these leaders.
Overview and Welcome Address
The day began with a warm welcome and an overview of the program by Dr. John Jungmann. He also facilitated key onboarding logistics during the midday session.
Dr. Mark Penny, MASA’s new Executive Director, shared an inspiring message about the future of MASA, emphasizing growth, support, and transformational leadership for the year ahead.
His visionary address set the tone for the program’s commitment to strengthening the leadership skills of Missouri’s superintendents.
Leadership Development Session
The program delved into leadership development, led by veteran educator and coach, Lori VanLeer. She introduced participants to vital topics such as “Coaching Corners,” the “Four Pillars of Leadership,” and engaged them in an activity centered on building trust.
Establishing trust is a crucial foundation for effective leadership, and the session provided superintendents with practical tools to foster strong relationships within their districts.
Effective Coaching Session Insights
After lunch, participants explored the anatomy of a successful coaching session. This part of the day focused on essential coaching skills, aligning leadership standards, and maximizing time with mentors.
The session equipped early career superintendents with strategies to ensure their coaching sessions are impactful and aligned with their professional development goals.
Table Scrambles and Group Discussions
In the afternoon, attendees participated in dynamic table scrambles—rotating discussions that encouraged superintendents to build confidence in key leadership areas.
Topics included improving communication and cadence between coaching sessions, using high-gain questioning techniques, addressing immediate district needs, and refining follow-up practices.
These discussions fostered collaborative learning and reinforced the importance of self-reflection in leadership.
Financial and Organizational Management
Dr. Carol Embree led a session on managing financial and organizational demands, which proved especially timely for superintendents navigating the increasing fiscal responsibilities of their districts.
Participants gained valuable strategies for balancing the complexities of budgeting, resource allocation, and organizational leadership, equipping them with tools to thrive in their roles.
“Stop, Start, Continue” Coaching Habit
The day concluded with an introduction to the “Stop, Start, Continue” coaching habit, presented by the MASA Coaching Team. This simple yet powerful reflection tool allows superintendents to assess and refine their leadership practices between coaching sessions.
It encourages continuous improvement and personal accountability, helping participants make lasting progress in their leadership journey.
Commitment to Ongoing Development
With its personalized coaching approach, structured sessions, and unwavering commitment to ongoing development, the MASA Early Career Superintendents Coaching Program remains a cornerstone of leadership excellence in Missouri education.
By providing new superintendents with the resources they need to succeed, MASA continues to strengthen educational leadership throughout the state.
