1st Annual Seminar for Aspiring Assistant Superintendents/Prospective Candidates for Assistant Superintendent
The Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (M.A.S.S.) will be offering this fall and early winter a three part Seminar for those educators who may be considering becoming a school assistant superintendent and who are considering applying for the position of assistant superintendent in the near future. The purpose of this Seminar is to provide prospective candidates with information to assist them in identifying assistant superintendent positions which best meet their individual profile and align with their core values.
This Seminar for Aspiring Assistant Superintendents will familiarize participants with the roles and responsibilities associated with this position, the typical elements of the assistant superintendent search process, and effective interview strategies with a search committee.
Logistical Information
- Total cost of three-part Seminar — $250
- Dates of Sessions (Note: All Sessions are in person)
- Session 1- Wednesday, November 19, 2025 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
- Session 2- Wednesday, December 10, 2025 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
- Session 3- Wednesday, January 21, 2025 (9:00 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 the Role and the “Many Hats”
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
This session focuses on defining and identifying the many roles and responsibilities inherent in the different titles of the assistant superintendent position (Teaching & Learning, Special Education, Finance/Operations, Human Resources, etc.). Participants will have an interactive opportunity to reflect upon which responsibilities they are prepared to assume and what areas they may need additional support or preparation.
Session 2- Finding the ”Best Fit” District and Assistant Superintendent Position
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
This session will outline the search process with specific emphasis on selecting districts/assistant superintendent titles that best align to each participant’s core values and assets. Participants will have an opportunity to review their resumes with facilitated groups for feedback and revision. Participants will also have an opportunity to learn what superintendents are looking for in a candidate during the interview process.
Session 3 – The Interview Process
Wednesday, January 21, 2025 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
This session will provide participants with effective interview strategies through a panel discussion with current and former assistant superintendents, superintendents and other representatives from past search committees. The panelists will share typical search committee structures, the interview process, and the process for selection of semi-finalists, finalists and the recommended candidate.
Session Leaders
- Catherine Goguen: Gardner Public Schools, Chief Academic Officer, M.A.S.S. Assistant Superintendent Working Group Co-Leader and former Business Administrator
- Ellen Martin: Marshfield Public Schools, Assistant Superintendent and former Interim Superintendent
- Denny Conklin: Dover/Sherborn Regional School District, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning and Educational Technology
- Colleen Terrill: King Philip Regional School District, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment and former director of technology, digital learning and innovation
- Gabby Abrams: Acton Boxborough Regional School District, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
- Kimo Carter: Weston Public Schools, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
- Zachary Waddicor: Seekonk Public Schools, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
- Cheryl Kirkpatrick: Mendon Upton Regional School District, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
- Lisa Chen: Burlington Public School District, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
Session Guests
- Christine Francis, M.A.S.S. ASLS (Assistant Superintendent Leadership Seminars) & Assistant Superintendent Mentor Program
- John Doherty: Director of Professional Learning, Strategy, and Equity, M.A.S.S
- Panel Guests (TBD)
Please note- this seminar will provide an important opportunity for potential candidates to interact with experienced practitioners 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.