Who We Are

The Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) is a private nonprofit member service organization representing educational administrators throughout Minnesota. Our members include school superintendents, directors of special education, curriculum and technology leaders, central office administrators, and higher education administrators and professors. In addition to our active members, MASA also serves over 250 retirees.

MASA membership supports excellence in professional practice, enhances your leadership network, and provides members with a variety of valuable benefits. Our services include professional learning opportunities, legal assistance, mentoring, legislative advocacy, and association communications. Our staff of experienced, skilled and dedicated individuals serve as a resource to our members.

MASA is a state affiliate of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). Our organizations work collectively on educational issues of national importance.

Mission, Beliefs, and Bylaws

Mission Statement

As advocates of a world-class education for Minnesota’s learners, MASA’s members serve as the leading voice for public education, shape and influence the State and National education agenda, and empower leaders through high-quality professional learning, services, and support.

Equity Statement

It is MASA’s responsibility to prioritize and allocate the resources necessary for each learner to thrive and reach their greatest potential in any Minnesota public educational institution or system. We fervently believe that every student deserves an educational experience grounded in high expectations that is free from bias, prejudice, and discrimination. In our roles, we must continue to lead the work of removing barriers so that every student has access to a high-quality, rigorous education to fully prepare them for whatever path they choose.

Definitions

Educational Equity – Educational practices, policies, and procedures that support academic fairness, inclusion, achievement, and opportunities to ensure that every child has access to resources, educators, and support they need to be successful.

Race Equity – Educational practices, policies, and procedures within a system or entity that focus on implementing equitable approaches to eradicate the overt and covert systems of power and privilege that have historically had significant adverse effects and impacts on populations of color. This includes the intentional shifting of policies, practices, attitudes, mindsets, and cultural messages that reinforce differential outcomes based on race.

Our Belief Statements

• MASA believes public education is fundamental for our democracy.
• MASA believes it is the responsibility of the Association to actively support school leaders as they ensure equity in order to improve student outcomes for every student.
• MASA believes leaders must continuously improve their practices to ensure all students are prepared to engage, thrive, and lead in a global society.
• MASA believes a commitment to racial equity by the organization and its members is essential for the success of every student.
• MASA believes equity is a lens through which all decisions should be made.

MASA Bylaws

MASA Bylaws | Last Updated November 2025

History

MASA was organized in 1907 as a professional association to represent the needs of school superintendents. In 1968, MASA was incorporated as a private non-profit 501(c)(6) organization with regional representation of its statewide membership. In 1986, MASA purchased its building at 1884 Como, a short distance from the State Capitol in St. Paul. As MASA grew and the profile of its members changed to include a more diverse representation of school leaders, the Association leadership recognized the need to restructure. 1996-1997 leadership representation was based on four component groups: superintendent, central office administrator, special education administrator, or service provider administrator.

In 2008 MASA added the curriculum component group to the organizational structure, with leadership representation based on five component groups: superintendent, central office administrator, special education administrator, or service provider administrator, and curriculum leaders.

Again, in 2014, MASA revised its leadership presentation by adding a technology component group. The leadership representation is now based on six component groups: superintendent, central office administrator, special education administrator, service provider administrator, curriculum leaders, and technology leaders.