As the superintendent of the Columbus Municipal School District in Columbus, Mississippi, since 2014, Dr. Philip Hickman has received national recognition for his focus on technology and instructional transformation. Considered a leading expert in determining best practices for educational uses of technology, Dr. Philip Hickman regularly speaks at a variety of educational meetings, including one in 2016 for the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).
In 1870, the National Association of School Superintendents merged with the National Teachers Association to form the National Education Association. From this merger, the Department of Superintendents was formed, and in the 1930s the administration broke away and became its own entity as the AASA. Today the AASA advocates for school system leaders and serves as a voice reaching the leaders on Capitol Hill.
One of the events sponsored by the AASA is the annual National Conference on Education. The 2017 event, scheduled for March 2 through 4 in New Orleans, Louisiana, features exhibitors, educational sessions, and workshops. Global keynote speaker Ravi Hutheesing will speak about bridging the gap between baby boomers and millennials. On the final day of the conference, real-life political couple James Carville and Mary Matalin will discuss pertinent political issues as well as behind-the-scenes politics in Washington, D.C.