Paper Title
The Role of School District Superintendents in Creating Professional Learning Communities in the United States

Abstract
Leading efforts to change the culture of schooling is arguably one of the most complex and multifaceted enterprises facing school district superintendents. These chief executive officers are examined in this case study provide an example of how a group of educators struggled to achieve such a professional learning community. Their efforts provide important insight into the nature of leadership that is at once top down and bottom up; constant and changing and involves individual as well as organizational learning. In this context, leaders define themselves first and foremost as learners. These qualities also suggest that the next generation of leaders should be selected from among promising individuals inclined to work in collaborative ways and willing to persist over time to change the culture of schooling and improve the quality of education. Keywords: Superintendent, Leadership, Learning, Reform