#  What We Do 

 



##  What We Do 

Superintendents must steward their communities through transformative change by cultivating the public will to engage, adapt, and co-create the future of learning. ISCL helps them get there.



 

 

 

       ![Group of superintendents standing outside of Harvard Graduate School of Education](/sites/g/files/omnuum12921/files/styles/hwp_28_10__1920x685/public/2026-02/DSC09529.JPG?h=b5d31190&itok=DT7U85zM) 

 

 



 

 



 

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The Initiative on the Superintendent as Civic Leader strengthens the leadership of superintendents by focusing on three mutually reinforcing strategies: offering direct professional learning experiences for superintendents and those who support them, creating and disseminating new research-based tools and resources for teaching and supporting superintendents, and building a community of practice to advance the field.

Each strand stands on its own and also contributes to a coherent theory of change for elevating civic leadership as a defining dimension of the superintendency.



 

### Provide exemplary executive learning 

 

- Our portfolio of executive learning offerings strengthens the civic leadership of superintendents, their leadership teams, school boards, and local teams of civic leaders.
- Our anchor institute, Civic Leadership in the Superintendency, offers a transformative experience for active superintendents who want to mobilize positive change in their communities.



 [ Explore our offerings arrow\_circle\_right ](/executive-learning) 

 



      ![Man in audience listening](/sites/g/files/omnuum12921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-02/14%20%281%29.jpg?itok=YUMTVdX-) 

 

 

  

 



### Generate research-based tools 

 

- Our library of teaching tools reflect today's opportunities and complexities and are publicly available for preparation and support programs nationwide.
- We publish a biennial Report on the Superintendency to highlight promising practices, emerging insights, and trends that can guide the field.



 [ Access our resources arrow\_circle\_right ](/research-based-tools-old) 

 



      ![Front cover of Superintendent's Political Leadership Field Book](/sites/g/files/omnuum12921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-01/Superintendent%E2%80%99s%20Political%20Leadership%20Field%20Book.png?itok=8VS2A-EL) 

 

 

  

 



### Catalyze field transformation 

 

- We host convenings and public events to engage national stakeholders, strengthen partnerships, and elevate civic leadership.
- ISCL's catalyst fund expands access to professional learning for school districts and supports innovations that advance superintendent civic leadership.



 [ Learn more about the catalyst fund arrow\_circle\_right ](/field-transformation) 

 



      ![Five leaders at the Askwith forum](/sites/g/files/omnuum12921/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-02/13%20%281%29.jpg?itok=_E1ROF4n)