Superintendents' Collaborative
Connecting superintendents for reflection, growth, and collective impact.
SAI is evolving its Executive Leaders model into a new Superintendents' Collaborative — a refreshed networking and learning opportunity designed specifically for Iowa school superintendents. Unlike the previous format, which primarily focused on advocacy, the Superintendent Collaborative offers a more intentional and structured professional learning experience.
New Program Format
2025-26 Theme: Civic Leadership in the Superintendency: Leading through Change (a five-part series)
The past ten years in education have seen an increase in complexity and polarization. How do superintendents balance the expectations of families, community groups, and school boards, while making positive change for the students they serve? This year’s SAI Superintendents' Collaborative focuses on a set of proactive strategies for managing change in a complex environment with an emphasis on visioning, communicating, political mapping, mobilizing, and relationship building — all in relation to your priorities for increasing student outcomes.
Kick-Off Event Oct. 16 with Dr. Jennifer Perry Cheatham
Wednesday, Oct. 15
5-6:30 p.m.
Sponsored evening reception and networking at the Sheraton West Des Moines. SAI group rates at the Sheraton are available. Learn more on the registration page.
Thursday, Oct. 16
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In-person learning focused on leading through change facilitated by Dr. Jennifer Perry Cheatham.
Sheraton West Des Moines
About Dr. Cheatham
Jennifer Cheatham is a Senior Lecturer on Education and Co-Chair of the Public Education Leadership Project (PELP) at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE). Since earning her Ed.D. from HGSE in the Urban Superintendent’s program, Jennifer's continued focus has been on leading for equity and transformational change in school districts.
A former superintendent, her expertise lies in creating instructional coherence, cultivating strong teams, designing systems for professional learning, and strengthening routines for organizational learning. Most recently, she has been leading an effort to better define and prepare senior education leaders with the political acumen to lead through complexity.
Stay Connected Throughout the Year with Four Virtual Dates (9-10:30 a.m.)
These 90-minute virtual meetings will include a check-in, discussion of strategies that work, navigating scenarios, and processing challenges through a Political Problems of Practice Protocol. (Co-facilitated by Dr. Lisa Remy and Dr. Dana Schon, SAI)
- Nov. 25, 2025
- Jan. 8, 2026
- Feb. 17, 2026
- March 31, 2026
How to Enroll
This program is only for Iowa superintendents who are SAI members.
Cost: $300 for the year