SUSD Superintendent Receives National Certification

DrV2Sahuarita Unified School District’s own Dr. Manuel Valenzuela is one of 27 superintendents nationwide to complete a unique national training program. Dr. Valenzuela was among the very first group of educators to complete the National Superintendent Certification Program operated by AASA, the School Superintendents Association.

Curriculum for the 18-month program, which began in 2013, is focused on developing the capacity for transformative leadership, in order to improve student achievement. Over a year and a half, participants attended the multiple two-day workshops, each focused on a different facet of educational leadership.

“The AASA National Superintendent Certification Program provided an authentic and rigorous professional learning experience. This helped support my never ending commitment to be the best school system leader that I can be, in service to our students, staff and community,” said Dr. Valenzuela.

Topics included strategies for engaging parents and families, district processes for recruiting and retaining top instructional talent, and managing district resources, among many others. Sessions were led by master teachers, coaches, and subject area experts, including many former and current superintendents. The academy accepts applications from current superintendents with five or fewer years of experience.

Dr. Valenzuela’s accomplishment has been noted in area media, including the Arizona Daily Star, which ran a write-up in March.

Dr. Valenzuela has been superintendent of SUSD since 2010, following five years as assistant superintendent. He was the first teacher in Arizona to be awarded the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award in 1998.

Congratulate Dr. Valenzuela the next time you see him out in the Sahuarita community, which will be happening much more frequently with the launch of SUSD’s Community Conversations Tour.

Beginning on April 7 at the Food Truck Round Up at Club Rancho Sahuarita, SUSD administrators and board members will be out in the community to answer questions and provide updates about SUSD happenings. This is an opportunity for parents to communicate directly with SUSD leadership, and to hear firsthand about exciting developments within the District.