Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.)
12th Annual Seminar for Aspiring Superintendents / Prospective Candidates for Superintendent
The Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) will offer this fall a three-part Seminar for educators who considering becoming a school superintendent and who are considering applying for the position of superintendent in the near future. The purpose of this Seminar is to provide prospective candidates with information to assist them in identifying Superintendent positions which best meet their individual profile and align with their core values.
This Seminar for Aspiring Superintendents will familiarize participants with the roles and responsibilities associated with this position, the typical elements of the superintendent search process, and the interview techniques and strategies with the search committee and the school committee.
Many past participants have been successful in securing positions as School Superintendents.
Logistical Information
- Total cost of three-part Seminar: $200 for M.A.S.S. members, $250 for non-members.
- Dates of Sessions (Note: All Sessions are in person.)
- Session 1: Monday, September 29, 2025 (8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
- Session 2: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 (8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
- Session 3: Monday, November 17, 2025 (8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
- Location – All sessions are located at:
- Assabet Valley Collaborative, 28 Lord Rd. Suite 125, Marlborough MA 01752, (508)460-0491 www.avcollabortive.org
Session Information
Session 1 – Defining and Identifying the Ideal Position
Monday, September 29, 2025 (8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
This session focuses on the many roles and responsibilities inherent in the current position of the superintendent. Participants will have an interactive opportunity to reflect upon those responsibilities that they are prepared to assume and those aspects where they may need additional support. The second portion of this session outlines the importance of knowing your own core values and how those values can best be communicated to a search committee and/or school committee. This session also provides information about the New Superintendents Induction Program (NSIP) and the Mission and Strategic Plan of M.A.S.S.
Session 2 – Applying for the Position and Learning from Successful Candidates
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 (8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
This session will outline the search process and the role of the search consultant with specific emphasis on the different search formats, recruitment techniques, and certain protocols. The session leaders will also address how to structure a site visit for representatives from the prospective district and how to manage your own site visit to the district. Participants will learn from those superintendents who were recent successful candidates for the position.
Participants will also have the opportunity to submit their draft application materials including statements of educational philosophy, leadership philosophy, resume, and letters of reference. This will provide another opportunity to assess how your core values are reflected in the content of these materials. Participants will be asked to submit these materials by Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The session leaders will review these materials in preparation for our work during session two.
Session 3 – The Interview and the Post-Interview Process
Monday, November 17, 2025 (8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
The session will begin with a review of the revised individual application materials. The session will provide participants with effective interview techniques through the simulation of interviews with a search committee. The search committee will be comprised of current and former school committee members. The session leaders will review how search committees and school committees structure the interview and reach consensus on the selection of semi-finalists, finalists and the recommended candidate. The session will also address the risks and the challenges inherent in participating in a public interview.
Session Leaders
- Mary Bourque, Executive Director, M.A.S.S.
- Thomas Scott, Director of Finance and Member Services, M.A.S.S.
- John Doherty, Director of Professional Learning, Strategy, and Equity, M.A.S.S.
- Irwin Blumer, Retired Professor, Boston College, and former Superintendent in the Concord Carlisle and Newton Public Schools
- Chris McGrath, Retired Superintendent and Retired M.A.S.S. Director of Member Support
- Joan Connolly, Coach in NSIP, Former Superintendent in Malden and Winthrop
- Glenn Koocher, Executive Director, Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC)
- Alicia Mallon, Field Representative / Search Consultant, MASC
- Margaret Driscoll, Executive Director, Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO)
- Maryellen Brunelle, Facilitator and Coach (NSIP), Former Superintendent in Auburn
Please note: This seminar will provide an important opportunity for potential candidates to interact with experienced practitioners and search consultants, but participation in this program does not represent any endorsement of your candidacy for specific positions.
Please email Erica Hedrick at ehedrick@massupt.org or John Doherty at jdoherty@massupt.org for more information or questions.
Sold out for 2025.