The American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA) acknowledges a national crisis in the recruitment, preparation and retention of strong school leaders. It is the obligation of current school administrators to identify and encourage potential school leaders. AFSA supports the creation of specific initiatives designed to recruit and retain competent and credentialed public school administrators and supervisors. The implementation of such initiatives must include the input and participation of AFSA locals. The preparation of school leaders must include:
- rigorous academic training;
- data driven instruction;
- standards based curriculum;
- organizational leadership;
- strategic planning;
- conflict resolution;
- this should be followed by an intensive internship experience.
The retention of school leaders requires:
- that compensation be commensurate with the scope and responsibilities of the position;
- the appropriation of necessary human, fiscal and technological resources;
- the maintenance of quality facilities;
- ongoing professional development;
- mentoring/coaching.
AFSA supports federal, state, and local loan and grant programs and/or loan forgiveness programs to encourage the recruitment and preparation of school leaders.