Navigating the Superintendency: Lessons from the Field on Increasing Longevity and Success addresses the increasing challenges of the superintendency amid heightened accountability and leadership instability. Drawing on interviews with eighteen seasoned superintendents and leadership professionals, this book offers evidence-based lessons and strategies that promote success in the field. Designed for not only new and seasoned superintendents, professors and aspiring leaders in preparation programs will also find value from the insights and resources. The authors share practical, research-informed guidance to enhance leadership effectiveness, support longevity, and strengthen service to students, staff, and communities.

Derrick D. Jordan served as a school district superintendent for nearly a decade and now serves as Associate State Superintendent/Chief Operating Officer at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and Clinical Associate Professor at UNC-Chapel Hill. A published author and active contributor to national accreditation and editorial boards, he holds degrees from North Carolina Central University, East Carolina University, and UNC-CH, where he was elected by the graduate faculty as a Jackson Scholar.

Dionne V. McLaughlin is an Associate Professor (tenured) at North Carolina Central University and a British-born Black Jamaican American educator with experience as a bilingual elementary and high school principal. She holds degrees from Harvard and UNC-Chapel Hill, is the author of two books on school leadership, and has presented at national conferences and in school districts across several states.