Your Career

Support every step of the way - before, at the start, and during your leadership journey. 

About this section...

Explore the many ways The Council & LEAF, Inc. can help advance your career and achieve your goals.

Cabinet-Level Programs

Questions?

Contact:
Vreneli G. Banks
Associate Director / Director of LEAF, Inc.
E: vren@nyscoss.org
T:  (518) 694-4875
LEAF, Inc. strives to find new ways to support today's education leaders and tomorrow's future superintendents. This work is led by the Cabinet Planning committee to gauge the current needs of the field. Cabinet-level programs provide assistant superintendents, principals and directors with a supportive learning community to network and participate in customized opportunities for professional growth. We offer the following programs throughout the year:

  • Aspiring Superintendents Workshops: The Aspiring Superintendents Workshop is a one-day program for school leaders with an interest in learning more about the superintendency. Topics include an overview of the superintendency as a career; instructional and financial leadership; superintendent/school board relations; resume, credentials, and hiring process; and the rewards and challenges of the superintendency.

  • Pathways to the Superintendency Workshops: This one-day workshop provides a deeper dive into the critical topics faced by superintendents on a daily basis: board relations, financial leadership/budgeting, communications, human resources/personnel, and district culture.

  • Future Superintendents Academy (FSA): A comprehensive and competitive program to prepare high level administrators aspiring to become superintendents within the next few years. This program requires a year-long commitment, as participants are required to attend a summer institute and eight weekend sessions throughout the year. FSA focuses on communications; change, systems and planning; governance; financial leadership; human resources; instructional leadership; and the search process.2023-2024 Future Superintendents Academy Brochure .

  • Cabinet Institutes: Pre-conference sessions offered prior to the opening of the Fall Leadership Summit and the Winter Institute, they provide an opportunity for cabinet-level administrators to convene, share best practices and learn more about topics of interest.

  • Cabinet Leadership Summit: Our annual summit designed to bring assistant and deputy superintendents, directors and principals together to promote community and share knowledge with colleagues from across New York State.
Cabinet Level Programs

Financial Leadership Series

Questions?

Contact:
Vreneli G. Banks
Associate Director
Director of LEAF, Inc.
vren@nyscoss.org
T:  518.694.4875
The Financial Leadership Series for School Superintendents and their teams is offered several times a year and focuses:

  • on long-range planning,
  • maximizing resources using district analytics, and
  • best practices for capital projects, budget development and budget communication.
Financial Leadership Series

New Superintendents Institute

The New Superintendents Institute is specifically designed for first year superintendents
or superintendents new to New York State. As a new superintendent stepping into the
role of educational leadership, the journey ahead may seem both exhilarating and daunting.
However, with the support and guidance of the New York State Council of School Superintendents
(NYSCOSS), its professional development foundation, the Leadership for Educational Achievement
Foundation, Inc. (LEAF) and colleagues around the state, your transition can be a smooth and
empowering experience. From an orientation session and workshops to networking opportunities
and statewide conferences, we offer a comprehensive array of resources tailored specifically to
help new superintendents succeed. 
The New Superintendents Institute is led by Dr. Phyllis Harrington
and taught by high-caliber, highly experienced superintendents and educational experts.


The New Superintendents Institute Includes:
  • four in-person sessions and three virtual check-in meetings throughout the year
  • All new superintendents who register for the New superintendents Institute have the option to add a leadership coaching component
    to their first year.
    Opting in at a reduced rate of $2500 for coaching for 10 monthly meetings with a coach to discuss issues of concern and delve into leadership 
    challenges. Coaching sessions help you unleash your potential by tapping into your thinking, focusing on what is important. All sessions are confidential


NYSCOSS provides free contract negotiation services for all new
superintendents and annually renegotiates superintendent contracts.
Contact Jazz Conboy, General Counsel at jacinda@nyscoss.org or
Greg Berck, Assistant Counsel at greg@nyscoss.org.

Questions?

Contact:
Vreneli G. Banks  
Associate Director
Director of LEAF, Inc.
vren@nyscoss.org
T:  518.694.4875

New Superintendents Institute

Early Career Superintendents Institute

Questions?

Contact:
Vreneli G. Banks
Associate Director
Director of LEAF, Inc.
E: vren@nyscoss.org
T:  518.694.4875

The Early Career Superintendents Institute is specifically designed by and for superintendents in their early years of the superintendency.

Featured topics are chosen by participants every year. 

The program offers practical advice from veteran superintendents and experts in the field and provides time to reflect on professional practice.

Sessions are offered as pre-conference events prior to the Fall Leadership Summit and the Winter Institute
Early Career Superintendents Institute

The Council's Women's Initiative

Questions?

Contact:
Vreneli G. Banks
Associate Director
Director of LEAF, Inc.
vren@nyscoss.org
T:  518.694.4875
The goal of The Women's Initiative is to support women leaders, identify women in education who have leadership potential and help those who aspire to leadership roles. In education, the teacher workforce is made up of over 77% women, yet in the superintendency that number is about 27%.

We strive to support and cultivate leadership potential of women in their organizations. Through this initiative, we provide opportunities for women and men to learn the importance of increasing the numbers of women in leadership. We encourage creating supportive networks for personal and professional growth.

Thank you to our Title Sponsor Signature Partner New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal (NYSIR)  for their support of this initiative.
Women's Initiative

The Council's Commission on Diversity & Inclusivity

Questions?

Contact:
Vreneli G. Banks
Associate Director
Director of LEAF, Inc.
vren@nyscoss.org
T:  518.694.4875
The Council, as the primary membership organization in New York State for superintendents, has established a Vision and Core Values. Among these values, The Council "is committed to helping ensure gender, racial and economic equality among those serving as superintendent." It is our goal to cultivate diversity, among our members, to reflect equity in the superintendency of currently underrepresented populations.

To compliment the work currently underway with The Women's Initiative, the Commission on Diversity & Inclusivity focuses efforts on racial equity; and is charged with:
  • Gathering and reviewing relevant and current research to assist in identifying factors that contribute to the lack of diversity among members of New York State Council of School Superintendents;
  • Identifying specific strategies which support a pipeline for diverse groups toward the superintendency;
  • Establishing collaborative efforts with other professional educational organizations to support the goal;
  • Creating a sustained effort to support the success of superintendents who represent diversity in our membership.

Thank you to our Title Sponsor Signature Partner Utica National Insurance Group for supporting this important initiative.

Diversity Symposium of Thought Leaders:
Cultivating Excellence & Equity 2023

Join us in Ithaca, NY, on August 7-8, 2023 for our annual Diversity Symposium of Thought Leaders to discuss diversity and inclusion and to connect in thoughtful dialogue with school districts from across New York. The summer symposium will feature three keynote sessions with high-caliber speakers and engaging breakout sessions on topics of equity and inclusion over the two days (August 7-8). There is a welcome event on August 6 and a networking reception on August 7. 

Keynote Speakers

 Dr. Monique Couvson is an award-winning author and social justice scholar with three decades of experience in areas of education, civil rights, juvenile and criminal justice. Dr. Couvson is the President and CEO of Grantmakers for Girls of Color, the nation's premier philanthropic intermediary exclusively focused on resourcing movements and organizations led by, and in support of cis and trans girls and young femmes of color.
 
 Joe Feldman has worked in education for over 20 years as a teacher, principal, and district administrator, and is the founder and CEO of Crescendo Education Group, which since 2013 has supported K-12 schools, districts and colleges, universities nationwide to improve grading and assessment practices. He leads the Equitable Grading Project, and his book, Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms (Corwin) was published in 2018.
 Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz is an award-winning Associate Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her research focuses on racial literacy in teacher education, Black girl literacies, and Black and Latinx male high school students. Dr. Sealey-Ruiz works with K-12 and higher education school communities to increase their racial literacy knowledge and move toward more equitable school experiences for their Black and Latinx students.  

Who Should Attend:

This program is designed for teams (administrators, teachers, staff, BOE members, parents and students), as well as individuals who are focused on equity in outcomes.

Cost: $359 per person

REGISTER

Registration deadline is July 5, 2023. Registration fee includes breakfasts, breaks, lunch for two days and networking receptions.

Hotel Information:

Marriott Downtown Commons
Room Rate: $189
Rooming deadline: July 6, 2023
Reservation Link:
Book your group rate for Leadership for Educational Achievement Foundation

Courtyard Ithaca Airport/University
Room Rate: $ 149
Rooming deadline: July 6, 2023
Reservation Link:
Book your group rate for Leadership Educational Achievement Foundation

Hotel Ithaca
Room Rate: $189
Rooming deadline: June 21, 2023
Reservation Link:
https://reservations.travelclick.com/95060?groupID=3868562

Canopy by Hilton
Room Rate: $189
Rooming deadline: July 6, 2023
Reservation Link:
https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/ithsspy-dstl-237fd034-ed65-4d5c-b137-8bd3a2a0129d/

Questions on the program? Contact Vren Banks, Director, LEAF, Inc. at 518.694.4875 or vren@nyscoss.org.

Questions on billing? Contact ewemmer@tstboces.org.

 


The Council's Commission on Diversity & Inclusivity

Raymond R. Delaney Memorial Scholarship

The Raymond R. Delaney Memorial Scholarship was inaugurated during the centennial year of The Council in 1983 in honor of "100 Years of Educational Leadership." In 1990, it was renamed as the Raymond R. Delaney Annual Memorial Scholarship in memory of a past president of NYSCOSS.

2024 Raymond R. Delaney Memorial Scholarship Award

The Distinguished Service Committee selected Stephen Hancock, Assistant Superintendent of Humans Resources, in the Brewster Central School District. Stephen is pursuing his doctorate in Education Leadership at Manhattanville University. “I believe my strengths lie in being goal-oriented, a systems thinker, a reflective practitioner, and a lifelong learner,” he said.  

Brewster superintendent Michelle Gosh remarked that, “Stephen has continually impressed me with his curiosity, thoroughness, authenticity, and outright care for all that he comes in contact with.” The scholarship was presented at our Tuesday Morning Keynote on September 24, 2024 during our 2024 Fall Leadership Summit. 

Thanks to Partner Utica National Insurance Group for sponsoring this year's award. 

Pictured at the Tuesday award presentation in Saratoga Springs, NY: President Lars Clemensen, Hampton Bays UFSD; award sponsor John J. Acee, Educational Institutions Segment Specialist, Utica National Insurance Group; Dr. Ray Sanchez, Superintendent, Public Schools of the Tarrytowns and who nominated Stephen; Stephen Hancock; Dr. Michele Gosh, Superintendent, Brewster; and Executive Director Chuck Dedrick. 

2025 Scholarship Process 

The scholarship is awarded annually to one individual enrolled in a graduate study program through which a School District Administrator Certificate or Doctoral Degree may be earned. Applicants must be nominated by an active superintendent of The Council with this nomination form. Please complete the nomination form and e-mail to Deidre Hungerford at deidre@nyscoss.org by June 27, 2025. NYSCOSS will  contact each applicant directly. Candidates are responsible for sending their completed applications in by July 25, 2025.

The Distinguished Service Committee, composed of current Council presidents and past presidents who are active superintendents, screens all applications and credentials for selection of one candidate. The scholarship winner will be recognized in-person at our 2025 Fall Leadership Summit.

Special thanks to Partner Utica National Insurance Group for their sponsorship of this scholarship.

Selection Criteria:

1.
Promise for continued success as a school or district administrator or leader, as evidenced by the quality of the candidate's education, references, and previous or current experience in an administrative or supervisory role.
     
2. Readiness to grow administratively in the field of education and the likelihood that the candidate may serve in the superintendency during his/her career.

3. Enrollment in a graduate study program leading to the School District Administrator Certificate or Doctor Degree.

4. Currently employed teachers are eligible under some, but not all circumstances. Teachers who work part time in administrative or leadership roles may be considered. For example, teachers who serve as department chairs, academic facilitators, summer school or program principals or directors, coordinators and/or directors of adult or continuing education. Teachers who have assumed a leadership role such as a staff developer, full-time technology support staff or coordinator, or full-time subject matter specialists who works as a department chairs may also be considered. Teachers who have no track record in a continuing administrative or leadership role will not be eligible. 

5. Financial need.

6. Superintendents are not eligible.

For details or to nominate a candidate contact:

Deidre G. Hungerford
Associate Director for Business Development

E:  deidre@nyscoss.org
T:  518.694.4885
Twitter: @deehungerford28 #NYSCOSSWell

Raymond R. Delaney Memorial Scholarship

Past Presidents' Scholarship

The Past Presidents’ Scholarship was initially established in 2009 through an inaugural gift from then outgoing President District Superintendent Clark Godshall and has been generously supported through contributions from those who have served as President of the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS/The Council) and Partner zSpace.

2024 Past Presidents' Scholarship Award Presentation

Sarah Cioffi
K-12 Academic Administrator, World Languages and English as a New Language
Shenendehowa Central School District


Sarah Cioffi is the first recipient of this inaugural Past President’s Scholarship.

She was selected by the Distinguished Service Committee because of her dedication and commitment to excellence in education and her leadership experience. Sarah is currently pursuing her Doctor of Educational Leadership through the Russel Sage Doctoral program. 

This scholarship was presented at Tuesday’s Closing keynote at our 2024 Winter Institute and sponsored by Partner Edjuncture. Also pictured L to R: Executive Director Chuck Dedrick; President Jason Andrews, Windsor; Laura Feijoo, VP of Leadership and Development, Edjuncture; Sarah Cioffi; Superintendent Oliver Robinson, Shenendehowa; and Past Presidents' Chair Maureen Donahue, Southwestern. 

2025 Scholarship Process


NYSCOSS Past Presidents are pleased to offer once again one scholarship in the amount of $2,000 to be awarded at the 2025 Winter Institute & Lobby Day. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to those individuals interested in pursuing a higher educational degree or certification leading to credentials for acquiring or furthering their position as a public-school administrator serving in a district-wide position.
 
Nominations of aspiring leaders can be made by superintendents and college and university faculty. 

Please consider nominating a colleague from your district by completing this online nomination form here.

Online nominations are due by Friday, January 3, 2025. Once nominated, Council staff will send the student nominee access to the online application. 
 
Scholarship Eligibility Requirements 

The scholarship of $2,000 is awarded annually and presented to those individuals enrolled in a graduate study program through which a Doctoral Degree and/or Certification as a School District Administrator. It is presented at our Winter Institute.

All applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Actively pursuing graduate level studies leading to a senior administrative credential. 
- Demonstrating leadership qualities, i.e., community and/or association involvement and other professional participation.
- While membership in The Council is not a prerequisite, it is a criterion for consideration. 
- Serving the children of New York State. 

Application Details
  1. Complete and submit an online application on his/her objectives/aspirations in the field of public-school central office administration by answering four short questions.
  2. Present and upload a letter of interest and a current resume.
  3. Demonstrate financial need in the letter of interest. 

Applications are due by Friday, January 17, 2025 to be considered for the 2025 scholarship. 

Note: Submission files can be no larger than 500 KB or the online system will reject the entire application if the file is too large. You can easily upload files through the drag and drop option. File types can include pdf, doc, docx, xls, csv, txt, rtf, html, zip, mp3, wma, mpg, flv, avi, jpg, jpeg, png, or gif.

For more information contact:

Theresa Wutzer Moore, CMP
Associate Director / Director of
Marketing & Communications

E:  theresa@nyscoss.org 
T:  518.694.4884



Past Presidents Scholarship

Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship 

Dr.  Mary Barter was an exceptional educational leader during a time when few women held the title of superintendent. The scholarship was initiated to inspire and promote more diversity for those interested in the field of educational leadership. The Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship was renamed to honor Dr. Mary Barter, the first female president of NYSCOSS.

2024 Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship

Franky Simmons
Principal, OHS Castleton
Oceanside Union Free School District

 
Franky Simmons is currently enrolled in the Russell Sage College for Educational Leadership Doctoral Program. His professional and ethical leadership are just some of the reasons that the Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship Committee selected him for this award. He also possesses a visionary approach to education by creating environments where student thinking is visible, and learning is experiential. 

The scholarship was presented during the Closing Ideas Keynote on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, and sponsored by Partner Energia. Also Pictured L to R: President Jason Andrews, Windsor; Superintendent Phyllis Harrington, Oceanside; Franky Simmons; Renee Fassano, Business Development Manager, Energia, the award sponsor; District Superintendent Gladys Cruz, Questar III BOCES and Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship  Chair; Executive Director Chuck Dedrick.
 
2025 Scholarship Process 
The scholarship of $2,000 is awarded annually and presented to those individuals enrolled in a graduate study program through which a Doctoral Degree and/or Certification as a School District Administrator. It is presented at our Winter Institute.

The Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship Committee, composed of active superintendents, screens all applications against selection criteria and reviews credentials for selection of one candidate in January of each year. Applicants must be nominated by an active superintendent of The Council by sending a nomination form to Deidre Hungerford. The nomination deadline is on Friday, January 3rd for the 2025 award. Candidates are then responsible for sending all required documentation and the completed application for the award by Friday, January 17, 2025.

Criteria for Selection
  1. The scholarship was created to encourage diversity among educational leaders. Practicing school superintendents are not eligible.
  2. Must show promise for success as a school administrator as evidenced by the quality of the candidate’s education, experience, and references.
  3. Must exhibit promise for leadership as demonstrated by previous success in an administrative or supervisory role (e.g., a teacher who has demonstrated leadership activities, such as a department chairperson).
  4. Must display readiness to assume an administrative role in the field of education and the likelihood that the candidate will serve in the superintendency during his/ her career.
  5. Must be currently enrolled in a graduate study program leading to a Doctoral Degree and/or Certification as a School District Administrator.
For details or to nominate a candidate contact:

Deidre G. Hungerford
Associate Director for Business Development

E:  deidre@nyscoss.org 
T:  518.694.4885

Twitter: @deehungerford28 #NYSCOSSWell

Dr. Mary Barter Scholarship

Mary Alice Price Scholarship

The Mary Alice Price Scholarship, formerly the Future Superintendents Academy Scholarship, was renamed to honor Mary Alice Price, the first President of the LEAF, Inc. Board of Directors for her numerous years of service to The Council and dedication to education.

As a needs-based scholarship, it's awarded annually to an individual who has been accepted in the Future Superintendents Academy and covers tuition for the program. One scholarship, in the amount of $2,850 is awarded.

The Future Superintendents Academy is a comprehensive program to prepare high level administrators aspiring to become superintendents in the next few years. The program requires a year-long commitment, beginning in July and concluding in May. Participants are required to attend a summer institute and eight weekend sessions throughout the year. The program includes critical topics relevant to the superintendency such as communications; change, systems and planning; governance; financial leadership; human resources; instructional leadership; and the search and interview process.

For more information contact:

Vreneli G. Banks 
Associate Director / Director of LEAF, Inc.

E: vren@nyscoss.org
T:  518.694.4875
Twitter:  @VreneliBanks / #NYSCOSSFSA

Mary Alice Price Scholarship

LEAF, Inc. Leadership Coaching

It has never been more important than it is today to support our school leaders.

The challenges leaders face today are more complex than ever and leaders are facing unprecedented issues in an ever-changing environment.

In response, LEAF, Inc. has created a Leadership Coaching program to support school leaders through the state.

Is Coaching for You?

Interested in learning more about finding a coach or becoming a coach?

E-mail Mike Ford

Testimonial

Coaching Matters

The research of effective professional learning practices has been clear for decades. The most effective form of professional learning is job embedded, needs based, and personalized. That is exactly how coaching is designed.
— Mike Ford, Director of Leadership Development, LEAF, Inc. Leadership Coaching