Essential Resources for School Administrators

Last updated 3 days ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

Leading a school in today’s complex educational landscape requires more than vision and determination. It demands access to the right resources, networks, and support systems.

From navigating federal grant programs and staying current with education law to integrating innovative technology and prioritizing mental health, school administrators face an ever-expanding array of responsibilities.

An ecosystem of professional organizations, government agencies, and specialized resources exists to support school leaders at every level.

Connecting with Professional Networks: Key Organizations for School Leaders

A cornerstone of professional development and support for school administrators lies in connecting with professional networks and organizations. These entities provide a wealth of resources, including opportunities for learning, collaboration, and advocacy.

National Associations for Principals and Superintendents

Several national associations cater to the specific needs of principals and superintendents, offering tailored support and resources.

National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)

Serving elementary and middle-level principals, the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) offers a variety of key resources:

• Professional learning programs designed to allow members to connect, learn, and advance at every stage of their careers
• Events like UNITED: The National Conference on School Leadership (hosted jointly with NASSP)
• Publications such as Principal magazine and Communicator
• Advocacy efforts on issues critical to elementary and middle-level education, including ESSA, federal education funding, early childhood education, mental health, social-emotional learning, school safety, and principal and educator support

The mission of NAESP is to lead in advocacy and support for elementary and middle-level principals and other education leaders in their commitment to all children. Membership provides principals with a collective voice on national education policy and facilitates access to networks of peers for collaboration and support.

National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) offers:

• Professional development opportunities through events, webinars, and leadership networks
• Publications including the award-winning Principal Leadership magazine and Principal’s Update
• Nationwide advocacy efforts in Congress, the U.S. Department of Education, and the White House
• Student leadership programs promoting intellectual growth, academic achievement, character, and leadership development of youth

Membership in NASSP connects secondary principals to a powerful network of school leaders committed to student success, offering unparalleled support for career advancement and school leadership.

American Association of School Administrators (AASA)

Founded in 1865, the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) is the professional organization for over 13,000 educational leaders across America and in many other countries. AASA offers:

• Professional learning opportunities, including the National Conference on Education, aspiring leaders programs, certification, academies, cohorts, consortia, leadership summits, and webinars
• Publications including the School Administrator magazine and the Schools of Thought blog
• Advocacy for equitable access for all students
• Legal support program for members in certain categories, offering assistance with professional liability and employment liability lawsuits

AASA aims to support and develop effective school system leaders dedicated to the highest quality public education for all children.

Specialized Administrator Associations

Beyond the primary associations for principals and superintendents, specialized organizations cater to specific roles within school administration.

American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA)

The American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) serves as the leader in education, support, and advocacy for school personnel administrators. AASPA offers:

• Professional development activities, including an annual conference, human capital leadership summit, and various virtual events
• Access to a blog, podcasts, a career center, and legal resources
• Networking opportunities and expert guidance to help school personnel administrators perform their jobs efficiently, legally, and effectively

Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO)

Since 1910, ASBO International has provided programs and services to promote the highest standards of school business management practices. This organization caters to individuals who manage:

• Budgeting and financial management
• Purchasing
• Facility operations
• Human resources
• Technology
• Transportation
• Security

ASBO International offers tools and resources needed to advance careers and better serve students, school districts, and communities.

Navigating Federal Support: Programs and Resources from the U.S. Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education plays a critical role in the nation’s education system, with a mission to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. The department offers a wide range of federal programs and grants designed to support schools and districts across the country.

Federal Grant Programs

The Department of Education provides various grant programs for schools serving students from birth through grade 12:

• Title I, Part A: Formula grants providing financial assistance to local educational agencies to meet the needs of educationally disadvantaged children
• Title IV, Part A: Grants supporting well-rounded education, safe and healthy students, and effective use of technology in schools
• School Improvement Grants: Support for efforts to improve school programs and operations
• Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants (Title II, Part A): Resources for professional development and educator support in K-12 schools
• Grants focused on well-rounded education and teacher preparation
• Grants supporting special populations, including students with disabilities and economically disadvantaged students

Additional Resources

Beyond funding, the Department of Education offers several resources for school administrators:

• Student Engagement and Attendance Center: Tools to help improve student engagement and manage attendance effectively
• Safe Learning Environments: Information on disaster and emergency response, school safety and security, and mental health
• Support for Specific Student Populations: Resources for students in foster care and other specialized groups
• What Works Clearinghouse: Reliable information on the effectiveness of different educational interventions

Accountability Initiatives

The Department of Education implements several accountability initiatives:

• College Scorecard: Helps students and families compare colleges based on various factors
• Title VI Compliance: Requires K-12 districts to certify their adherence to civil rights laws
• State Performance Reports: Provide data on student achievement and other key indicators
• Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): Includes accountability provisions for states, districts, and schools
• Office of the Inspector General: Conducts audits and investigations to ensure the proper use of federal funds

Federal Student Support Programs

Federal student support programs address the diverse needs of students:

• Resources and support for students with disabilities under IDEA and Section 504
• Programs for students in foster care
• Support for students in rural areas
• Correctional education programs

Applying for Federal Funding

Administrators seeking federal funding can utilize Grants.gov, the central portal for federal grant opportunities. The website allows users to:

• Search for grants using keywords such as “education” or “schools”
• Filter results by category, eligibility, and funding agency
• Access detailed information about each grant opportunity
• Download application packages
• Register on Grants.gov
• Submit applications electronically

Leveraging Technology for Efficiency and Innovation in School Administration

Educational technology plays an increasingly vital role in enhancing efficiency, fostering innovation, and improving learning outcomes in schools. Several organizations and websites provide valuable resources for administrators seeking to integrate technology effectively.

ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education)

ISTE is a leading organization focused on empowering educators to advance and elevate learning through impactful pedagogy and meaningful technology use. ISTE offers:

• Learning Library: Books, blog posts, topic guides, podcasts, webinars, and journals centered around technology in education
• ISTE Standards for Administrators: A comprehensive framework to guide administrators in using technology to promote excellence and support transformation
• Open Educational Resources (OER): Support for educators to adapt and share materials freely

CoSN (Consortium for School Networking)

CoSN is the premier professional association for K-12 EdTech leaders, providing:

• Toolkits: Including the EmpowerED Superintendents Toolkit and the Digital Leap Success Matrix
• Professional Development: For school technology leaders
• Conferences: Like CoSN2025, focusing on critical issues such as cybersecurity and digital equity
• Certification: The Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL®) certification, recognizing the expertise of EdTech leaders

EdSurge

EdSurge provides news, research, and guides on educational technology for administrators and educators, covering:

• Personalized learning
• Artificial intelligence
• Selection and implementation of edtech tools
• Efficacy of technology
• Challenges and opportunities of integrating technology into educational settings

THE Journal (Technological Horizons in Education)

THE Journal serves as a comprehensive resource on educational technology for school administrators, offering:

• Webcasts, whitepapers, microsites, videos, and articles
• K-12 news, features, opinions, and research related to technology
• Dedicated portals on topics like AI, cybersecurity, and learning tools

SETDA (State Educational Technology Directors Association)

SETDA supports state-level educational technology leaders and provides valuable resources for district-level administrators. SETDA focuses on:

• Digital equity
• Digital content
• Interoperability
• Professional learning

They offer reports, guides, and dashboards, such as the State EdTech Trends Report and the Digital Instructional Materials Acquisition Policies for States (DMAPS).

Leading Academic Excellence: Resources for Curriculum Development and Instructional Leadership

Effective curriculum development and strong instructional leadership are fundamental to fostering academic excellence in schools. Several organizations provide resources to support administrators in these critical areas.

ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development)

ASCD offers a wealth of resources including:

• Curriculum Development: Topic-specific pages and articles
• Instructional Leadership: An Instructional Leader Certification Program and resources covering assessment, classroom management, equity, and instructional strategies
• Professional Development: Annual conference, books, and webinars relevant to instructional leaders

Learning Forward

Learning Forward focuses on professional learning for educators and leaders, recognizing its crucial role in improving teaching practices and student results. They offer:

• Standards for Professional Learning: Guidelines for effective professional development
• Leadership Resources: Articles, issues of The Learning Professional, webinars, and tools designed for school leaders
• Leadership Team Institute: A yearlong professional development opportunity for principals and other school leaders focused on evidence-based practices

New Leaders

New Leaders provides resources aimed at developing effective school leaders, with a strong emphasis on instructional leadership and equity. Their resources cover:

• Data-driven instruction
• Equity-focused leadership
• Building a positive school culture
• Frameworks and practical guidance to help principals and other administrators deepen their leadership practice and improve student outcomes

Wallace Foundation

The Wallace Foundation has conducted extensive research on school leadership and offers numerous resources on instructional leadership, including:

• Reports, articles, and tools focused on effective principal practices
• Research on shaping a vision for academic success, creating a climate hospitable to education, and improving instruction
• Work aimed at informing policy and practice in principal preparation and leadership development

Learning Policy Institute (LPI)

The Learning Policy Institute provides research and resources highlighting the critical role of principals in school success, particularly in instructional leadership, including:

• Reports and briefs examining principal professional learning, turnover, and effective leadership practices
• Policy recommendations aimed at strengthening school leadership

Understanding the Legal Framework: Key School Law and Policy Resources

Navigating the legal and policy landscape is a critical aspect of school administration. Several organizations provide resources to help administrators understand the key legal and policy issues impacting schools.

Education Commission of the States (ECS)

Education Commission of the States serves as a trusted source for comprehensive knowledge and resources on education policy issues, including governance, safety, and funding. ECS offers:

• Policy tracking tools
• Research reports to help administrators stay informed about state and national education policies

U.S. Department of Education’s Laws & Policy Section

The U.S. Department of Education’s Laws & Policy section provides essential information on federal education laws and policies that impact students and protect their rights across all levels of education, including:

• Laws related to civil rights
• Laws related to individuals with disabilities

National School Boards Association (NSBA)

The National School Boards Association offers legal resources from the perspective of school boards, including:

• NSBA Legal Desk Reference on School Law
• Various legal briefs and guides
• Council of School Attorneys (COSA), which provides valuable professional development opportunities and resources for school lawyers

Education Law Center (ELC)

The Education Law Center focuses on advocating for the rights of underserved students and provides resources on school law topics such as:

• Special education
• Discipline
• Funding equity
• Litigation and policy advocacy to ensure all students have equal opportunities to a high-quality education

Ballotpedia’s Education Policy Resource

Ballotpedia’s Education Policy in the United States offers a non-partisan overview of current education policy issues, helping administrators understand the context and debates surrounding key topics like:

• School choice
• Academic performance
• Educational policy trends

Securing Financial Stability: Exploring School Funding and Grant Opportunities

Securing adequate funding is a perennial challenge for school administrators. Numerous resources exist to help navigate the complex landscape of school finance and grant opportunities.

Federal Grant Resources

• Grants.gov: The primary federal portal for finding grant opportunities across all government agencies
• U.S. Department of Education Grants: Comprehensive information on various grant programs for schools, districts, and educators

Data and Analysis Resources

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing education data, including:

• Detailed data and reports on school funding at national and state levels
• Tools such as the Public School District Finance Peer Search, allowing for in-depth analysis and comparisons of school funding data

Additional Funding Resources

Beyond federal and state sources, several other grant clearinghouses and organizations can assist administrators in finding funding:

• NEA Foundation: Provides grants specifically for educators to support teaching and learning
• WeAreTeachers: Compiles a comprehensive list of education grants available for teachers and schools
• Discovery Education: Offers resources on understanding education funding and how it aligns with federal legislation like ESSA
• AVID: Provides resources and guidance on leveraging various funding sources to support AVID programs in schools

Fostering a Supportive Environment: Resources for Student and Staff Mental Health and Well-being

Creating a supportive and nurturing school environment is crucial for the well-being and academic success of both students and staff. Numerous organizations offer resources to help administrators address mental health and well-being within their schools.

Student Mental Health Resources

• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP): Provides resources for school psychologists and valuable information for administrators on supporting student mental health
• U.S. Department of Education Mental Health Resources: Offers a curated collection of mental health resources for students and families, along with training packages for trauma-sensitive schools
• SchoolSafety.gov Mental Health Section: Provides resources on various aspects of student mental health, including school-based services and suicide management
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Offers extensive resources on adolescent and school health, including mental health education and strategies for creating supportive environments
• American School Counselor Association (ASCA): Provides position statements and resources on student mental health, suicide prevention, and crisis response

Staff Well-being Resources

• CDC’s Employee Wellness Section: Offers guides and tips for promoting staff wellness and creating wellness programs
• SchoolSafety.gov Working Well Resource Directory: Features various approaches to support staff well-being
• American Association of School Administrators (AASA): Provides resources on health and wellness for school leaders

Creating Supportive School Environments

• SchoolSafety.gov School Climate Section: Offers a framework and tools for improving school climate
• Positive Action: Provides strategies for building a positive school climate through shared vision and safety

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.