ACSA gives California school leaders the tools, learning and support they need to thrive.
ACSA serves more than 18,000 California school administrators, supporting educators in their positions, careers and into retirement.
Whether you’re a student administrator, new principal or veteran superintendent, work in a rural school or urban district, are starting your career or winding it down, ACSA is here to provide you with professional resources and support.
Regular members make up ACSA’s largest category, encompassing most educational leaders.
We also offer Associate memberships for administrators in transition and individuals interested in educational leadership; Student memberships for aspiring administrators; and Retired memberships for school leaders who want to stay involved after retirement.
Find out what ACSA can do for you.
If you believe in excellence and you want to exude that excellence from a professional standpoint, ACSA and its programs will help you to get there.
Dr. Erin Simon, Superintendent
I would not have advanced in my career through the different ranks and different jobs in administration without the support and collegiality of ACSA.
Dr. Ralph Porras, Deputy Superintendent
I joined ACSA to link my story with the stories of other professionals who share the same drive and passion for students coming from the same lens. Joining ACSA … has given me a tribe.
Arronda Douglas, Principal
Protect Your Career
Your rights matter. With ACSA membership, you gain expert advocates and access to discounted legal assistance when challenges arise.
Grow as a Leader
Leadership is a journey. Tap into professional learning and resources that help you thrive and deliver more for your district.
Elevate Your Voice
When the spotlight is on, you don’t stand alone. Get direct PR and communications support to strengthen your reputation and your district.
Expand Your Network
Connect with administrators across California who understand your challenges and share your vision for education.
With Your Membership…
Become a Leader of Leaders
You already lead. With ACSA, you can expand your impact through committees, policy work, and the Board of Directors. Influence education across California.
Share Your Voice, Shape the Future
Your story matters. As an ACSA member, you can submit content to the Resource Hub, as well as contribute to EdCal and Leadership magazine to inspire others.
Be Ready Before a Strike Happens
ACSA equips you with strike-preparation training, step-by-step guidance, and support so your district is ready when crisis strikes.
Advance Your Career with Confidence
Whether you face a layoff, reassignment, or new opportunity, ACSA helps with resume reviews, career tools, liability coverage, and member discounts to keep you moving forward.
Choose Your Membership Category
ACSA memberships are offered in different categories, based on your individual needs.
Regular ACSA Membership
ACSA’s largest membership category, encompassing most California school administrators. Regular membership is available to:
1. California employees in a district or other educational agency designated or functioning as:
2. Professors of Education (may opt for Associate or Regular membership).
3. Employees of the California Department of Education (CDE) or Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
Regular membership annual dues are calculated using the member’s previous fiscal year’s salary, using the following formula: Annual salary x .009 = total annual dues.*
* Minimum = $532.80 for members earning under $59,200. Maximum = $1,690.56 for members earning $187,800 or more. Administrator/teachers: use administrator earnings only.
Associate Membership
Associate membership is open to those not eligible for other membership categories, but who have an interest in educational leadership.
Associate membership may be appropriate for:
Associate membership dues are $250/year
Student Membership
Student membership is open to individuals who:
1. are graduate students verified to be enrolled at an accredited institution of higher learning in programs of education administration leading to an administrative credential, or
2. are not eligible for Regular membership and who are enrolled in an accredited higher education institution related to educational leadership, leading to a Masters or Doctoral Degree or other certification.
Student membership dues are $125/year.
Retired Membership
Retired membership is available to ACSA members not currently employed in the field of education, but receiving compensation from the State Retirement System, or members who are certified disabled.
Retired membership dues are $125/year ($10.42/month)
Emeritus Retired Membership
ACSA’s Board of Directors has developed a lifetime membership option to honor retired administrators.
Emeritus Retired memberships have a one-time cost of $700
School Board Membership for Districts
Institutional memberships for school boards can help districts stay informed about key issues facing schools and connect to a network of educators.
Includes a five-to-nine-member school board.
Institutional membership dues are $1,000/year
Maximize Your Benefits
Check out the benefits for your membership category:
View a matrix of benefits by category
| Benefits | Regular Member | Associate Member | Student Member | Retired Member | Retired Emeritus Member | School Board Members |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP RATES | Annual salary as of June x 0.009 | $250 | $125 | $125 | $700 one-time cost | $1,000 |
| EdCal weekly newspaper (print or digital edition) |  | | | | | |
| Leadership Magazine (print or digital edition) | | | | | | |
| Discounts on ACSA professional development, up to 50% savings | | | | | | |
| Knowledge resources and publishing opportunities | | | | | | |
| Members-only discounts and special offers | | | | | | |
| Local networking events | | | | | | |
| Online Career Center | | | | | | |
| Eligibility for ACSA awards | | | | | ||
| Serve as officers or directors at state, region, and charter levels | | |||||
| Serve as member on state councils and committees | | |||||
| Serve as member on region and charter councils and committees | | | | |||
| Serve as officers or directors in charters for retired members | | | | |||
| Professional legal assistance | | |||||
| Professional liability coverage | | | ||||
| Interim job opportunities | | |
Regular member benefits include:
Protection & Support
Access to Professional Legal Assistance* and free professional liability coverage.
Publications
Timely news and practical information through EdCal, ACSA’s weekly newspaper, and Leadership, the association’s magazine.
Service in Leadership
The ability to serve on a state, region or charter committee, council or board, providing leadership experience, growth, and advancement.
Statewide Influence
Voting privileges if serving as a delegate or voting member for ACSA’s Leadership Assembly.
Precision Coaching
Up to 25 hours of personalized coaching to help address specific needs in a school or district.
Public Relations
Brand support, messaging, community engagement, crisis management, and more.
Career Development
Résumé review and feedback from experienced administrators and members of the ACSA Human Resources Council.
Job Postings
Weekly postings of administrative job openings in EdCal and on ACSA’s online Career Center.
Legislative Updates
Up-to-the-minute news on State and Federal budget and legislative issues that impact K-12 funding and policy.
Professional Learning
Discounted rates on ACSA’s professional development programs, including conferences, academies and workshops.
Discounts
Group insurance plans and discount purchasing on fitness, entertainment, identity protection, pet insurance and more.
Research & Publishing
Access to extensive knowledge resources, and publishing opportunities in EdCal and Leadership magazine and online.
Peer Networking
Extensive professional networks at the local and state levels.
Awards & Recognition
Eligibility for ACSA’s highly lauded awards, including Administrator of the Year and Exemplary Woman in Education.
Featured Authors
Members who have authored a book can be featured at the Leadership Summit Bookstore.
* Available after a minimum of six months of Regular membership.
Associate member benefits include:
Publications
Timely news and practical information through EdCal, ACSA’s weekly newspaper, and Leadership, the association’s magazine.
Public Relations
Brand support, messaging, community engagement, crisis management, and more.
Career Development
Résumé review and feedback from experienced administrators and members of the ACSA Human Resources Council.
Job Postings
Weekly postings of administrative job openings in EdCal and on ACSA’s online Career Center.
Legislative Updates
Up-to-the-minute news on State and Federal budget and legislative issues that impact K-12 funding and policy.
Professional Learning
Discounted rates on ACSA’s professional development programs, including conferences, academies and workshops.
Discounts
Group insurance plans and discount purchasing on fitness, entertainment, identity protection, pet insurance and more.
Research & Publishing
Access to extensive knowledge resources and publishing opportunities in EdCal and Leadership magazine and online.
Peer Networking
Extensive professional networks at the local and state levels.
Awards & Recognition
Eligibility for ACSA’s highly lauded awards, including Administrator of the Year and Exemplary Woman in Education.
Featured Authors
Members who have authored a book can be featured at the Leadership Summit Bookstore.
Student member benefits include:
Publications
Timely news and practical information through EdCal, ACSA’s weekly newspaper, and Leadership, the association’s magazine.
Public Relations
Brand support, messaging, community engagement, crisis management, and more.
Career Development
Résumé review and feedback from experienced administrators and members of the ACSA Human Resources Council.
Job Postings
Weekly postings of administrative job openings in EdCal and on ACSA’s online Career Center.
Legislative Updates
Up-to-the-minute news on State and Federal budget and legislative issues that impact K-12 funding and policy.
Professional Learning
Discounted rates on ACSA’s professional development programs, including conferences, academies and workshops.
Discounts
Group insurance plans and discount purchasing on fitness, entertainment, identity protection, pet insurance and more.
Research & Publishing
Access to extensive knowledge resources and publishing opportunities in EdCal and Leadership magazine and online.
Peer Networking
Extensive professional networks at the local and state levels.
Retired member benefits include:
Publications
Timely news and practical information through EdCal, ACSA’s weekly newspaper, and Leadership, the association’s magazine.
Interim Opportunities
Notifications of all open interim administrative positions.
Professional Learning
Discounted registration to Leadership Summit.
Discounts
Group insurance plans and discount purchasing on fitness, entertainment, identity protection, pet insurance and more.
Research & Publishing
Access to extensive knowledge resources and publishing opportunities in EdCal and Leadership magazine and online.
Peer Networking
Extensive professional networks at the local and state levels.
Awards & Recognition
Eligibility for certain ACSA awards.
Leadership Roles
Service on the Council of Retired Leaders.
Featured Authors
Members who have authored a book can be featured at the Leadership Summit Bookstore.
Retired Emeritus member benefits include:
Publications
Digital editions of ACSA publications, EdCal and Leadership magazine, as well as knowledge resources and publishing opportunities.
Interim Opportunities
Notifications of all open interim administrative positions.
Professional Learning
Discounted registration to Leadership Summit.
Discounts
Group insurance plans and discount purchasing on fitness, entertainment, identity protection, pet insurance and more.
Peer Networking
Extensive professional networks at the local and state levels.
Awards & Recognition
Eligibility for certain ACSA awards.
Leadership Roles
Service on the Council of Retired Leaders.
Benefits are available for all members of a five-to-nine-member board.
District benefits include:
Coverage Assistance
ACSA professional staff assistance during work stoppage.
Business Resources
Sample contracts and guidelines designed to help districts manage staff effectively.
Professional Learning
Professional development events for classified school administrators and managers available at a reduced member rate.
School board member benefits include:
Budget Updates
Timely updates on state and federal public budget issues as they impact K-12 education from a school management perspective.
Publications
Subscriptions to EdCal, ACSA’s weekly newspaper, which includes legislative updates and job openings, and Leadership, ACSA’s professional magazine, published five times a year.
Professional Learning
Discounted member registration rates at ACSA’s Leadership Summit and all ACSA professional learning programs. (Non-member registration rates are approximately double the member rate.)
Join. Connect. Grow.
Promotional Offers
Check out ACSA’s current promotional membership offers.
Regular Membership Promotion (Special Introductory Offer)
$2 a day or $60.83 per month until June 30, 2026.
Become a Regular member for $2 a day or $60.83 per month until June 30, 2026. Standard dues calculations begin July 1, 2026.
Restrictions: Individual must not have been a member during the previous 12 months. Must authorize payroll deduction.
Standard dues calculations begin July 1, 2026.
Student Membership Promotion (Special Introductory Offer)
25¢ a day or $7.60 per month until June 30, 2026.
Become a Student member for 25¢ a day or $7.60 per month for the remainder of the school year.
Restrictions: Individual must not have been a member during the previous 12 months.
Standard dues calculations begin July 1, 2026.
A change of employment designation to administrative or supervisory will require a change to Regular membership. Student members do not have voting privileges, and are not eligible to serve as ACSA officers, directors, or committee members, nor are they eligible for Professional Legal Services. Qualifying members may remain in the Student category a maximum of four years. Beyond that, a change in membership type and dues will result.
You will need to show educational administration program enrollment at an accredited California Higher Education Institution.
Select Urban Union Membership (Special Introductory Offer)
$1 a day until June 30, 2026.
$1 a day exclusively for: Los Angeles USD, San Diego USD, Fresno USD, San Francisco USD, Oakland USD, Sacramento City USD, and San Jose USD.
Standard dues calculations begin July 1, 2026.
Co-Administrator in Credential Development (Special Introductory Offer)
$1 a day until June 30, 2026, & $2 a day until June 30, 2027.
The Co-Administrator in Credential Development Promotion is available to Co-Administrators who are in the process of receiving their credentials, who do not qualify for student membership because they are in designated management positions, but for whom regular membership is out of their financial reach.
This promotion gives full Regular ACSA membership. Qualifying members may remain in the Co-Administrator in Credential Development category a maximum of two years. Beyond that, a change in membership type and dues will result.
You will need to provide proof of educational administration program enrollment at an accredited California Higher Education Institution.
$1/day (365 days a year) or $30.42 per month for the first school year & $2/day (365 days a year) or $60.83 per month for the second school year. Restrictions: Individual must not have been a member during the previous 12 months. Standard dues calculations begin July 1, 2027. Self-pay only.
Classified Educational Leaders Membership (Special Introductory Offer)
$1 a day until June 30, 2026, & $2 a day until June 30, 2027.
Designed exclusively for classified staff. This promotion gives full regular ACSA membership. Qualifying members receive the promotion for a maximum of two years.
CEL introductory offer is appropriate for:
$1/day (365 days a year) or $30.42 per month for the first school year & $2/day (365 days a year) or $60.83 per month for the second school year. Restrictions: Individual must not have been a member during the previous 12 months. Standard dues calculations begin July 1, 2027. Self-pay only.
Academy Registration & Membership (Special Introductory Offer)
$2 a day until until June 30, 2027.
Use the promotional code ACAD26 to become an ACSA member for $2 a day for the 2026-27 school year and receive the discounted registration price on any ACSA Academies. Offer is limited to individuals who have not been ACSA members during the previous 12 months.
ACSA membership must be active at the time of academy registration and for the duration of the 2026-27 academy year to benefit from participation at the promotional ACSA member rate.
Your signature authorizing monthly payroll deduction of 2026-27 member dues must be provided on the application form. Once your membership is active, complete your academy registration online at the member rate at acsa.org/academies with either a credit card or purchase order.
$2/day (365 days a year) or $60.83 per month. Restrictions: Individual must not have been a member during the previous 12 months. Standard dues calculations begin July 1, 2027. Payroll deduction only.
Learn what ACSA membership can do for you. Whether you’re new to the profession or close to retirement, ACSA is here to provide California’s educational leaders with professional resources and support.