Dr. Alisha Cloer
Alexander County Schools proudly announces that Dr. Alisha Cloer was among 39 distinguished school and district leaders across the state to graduate from the ninth cohort of the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA) Aspiring Superintendents Program.
“The program is designed to support the growth, expansion, and enhancement of school and district leaders in their current roles while providing high-quality professional development to strengthen their knowledge of the skills and dispositions required for future superintendents,” said Jack Hoke, Executive Director of the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association.
The North Carolina Aspiring Superintendents Program is a highly specialized leadership development initiative tailored for select district leaders who have demonstrated exceptional success in their administrative roles and aspire to the superintendency. Offered through the NCSSA and the North Carolina Alliance for School Leadership Development, the program equips future superintendents with technical expertise, leadership strategies for navigating the complexities of the role, and contemporary skills essential for 21st-century educational leadership. Participants engage in multiple face-to-face leadership development sessions and benefit from an embedded Executive Coaching component with proven leaders in the field. To date, 52 alumni from the program’s first eight cohorts have been appointed to superintendencies across North Carolina.
Reflecting on Dr. Cloer’s participation, Hoke remarked, “Dr. Cloer cultivated a strong network of district leaders and actively contributed to discussions on emerging challenges, innovative practices, and strategic solutions impacting Alexander County Schools.”
Dr. Cloer shared, “My experience participating in the Aspiring Superintendents program provided the opportunity to engage with fellow participants and seasoned professionals from across the state. Each session was extremely interesting and full of relevant information. Through networking and conversations, I gained profound insights into the challenges and responsibilities of leadership in education. The discussions were not only inspiring but offered practical advice and new perspectives. I am thankful to have been selected to participate in the program.”
About the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA)
The North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA) is dedicated to supporting the state’s 115 superintendents through high-quality professional development, leadership training, and advocacy for strong public schools. NCSSA provides a range of resources, including two statewide leadership conferences, executive coaching for new superintendents, webinars, and a weekly email update, ensuring that educational leaders are well-equipped to guide their districts effectively.
Membership in NCSSA is available to all 115 local superintendents in North Carolina, as well as the directors of the state’s Regional Education Service Alliances (RESAs). Superintendents and their local boards of education may also choose to join NCSSA’s umbrella organization, the North Carolina Association of School Administrators (NCASA), as a District Member. This membership extends NCSSA benefits to the entire leadership team—including principals and assistant principals—while providing access to NCASA’s premier professional development, timely communications, and effective nonpartisan advocacy in education policy and law.
Jack Hoke serves as the Executive Director of NCSSA, bringing over three decades of experience in school administration, including 12 years as superintendent of Alexander County Schools. He leads NCSSA with the support of the NCASA team, ensuring a strong foundation for educational leadership across the state.
As a trusted resource for North Carolina’s educational leaders, NCSSA plays a vital role in strengthening public education. As a core affiliate of NCASA, NCSSA membership includes privileges in both organizations, providing a comprehensive network of support for superintendents and school administrators statewide.
For more information about the NCSSA Aspiring Superintendents Program, visit https://www.ncssa.net.