The Exploring the Principalship Program (EPP) has been designed to provide an introduction to the principalship for people who have knowledge of instruction and leadership potential but have had limited school administration experience, and may not have considered becoming a principal. Strong educators and community leaders, regardless of their current role in or outside the Boston Public Schools (BPS), are invited to take advantage of this professional development opportunity. Participants learn from district and school leaders about the role of the principal as the instructional leader who guides efforts to improve instruction and student learning.

CURRICULUM

The Exploring the Principalship Program (EPP) consists of eight after-school seminars focused on the power of the principalship to improve instruction and student learning. Each session of EPP focuses on a different aspect of the role of the principal. Participants have the opportunity to learn about the work of effective school leaders from experienced Boston principals, the superintendent and his senior leadership team, and school-community partners. Readings, case study analysis, and discussions allow participants to synthesize their learning and consider how they might lead a school. Participants have the opportunity to visit several Boston schools, with a small group of EPP colleagues, to talk with the principals about the work of the principalship and to observe the principals in action. Program sessions include:

Building a Common Understanding of the Principalship - Facilitated discussion in which participants reflect on their current understanding of the role of principals in Boston and how the many facets of their work impact student achievement and the school community.

The Role of Principals in the District’s Improvement Effort: Discussion with Superintendent Thomas Payzant - Superintendent Payzant speaks about his perspective on the role of principals in driving school improvement. Participants have the opportunity to engage in a conversation with the superintendent about the principalship.

School Culture & Shared Leadership: Discussion with Deputy Superintendents and School Leaders - Deputy Superintendents for Clusters and School Leaders and several of the district’s talented principals talk about the importance of school culture and shared leadership in the success of a school. Panelists share what they do on a daily basis to create and nurture a culture of collaboration, collegiality, and continuous improvement.

Instructional Leadership: What Does It Look Like In Action? - The Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and school leaders discuss the evolving role of principals as instructional leaders. Participants engage in conversation with panelists regarding the most important things a principal can do to lead instructional improvement.

Leading Partnerships with Families and the Community - The Deputy Superintendent for Family and Community Engagement and a panel of principals and community partners talk about what partnerships that support teaching and learning and the important role principals play in establishing and sustaining partnerships.

School Leadership In Action: A Case Study of a Boston Principal - Using a case study that examines a Boston principal in action, participants talk about the leadership skills required to nurture instructional improvement in schools. The principal depicted in the case debriefs the case discussion with participants and talks about her practice and her theory of school leadership.

Exploring Pathways to the Principalship: A Conversation with Emerging School Leaders - Participants learn from emerging school leaders - Assistant Principals, Directors of Instruction, and Program Directors - about how their roles offer them opportunities to develop leadership skills and positively impact student learning and teacher practice.

School Site Visits: Observing a Principal in Action - Participants have an opportunity to visit several Boston schools and see principals in action. The visits focus on observing the school culture, instruction, and the leadership style of the principals. Participants visit schools in small teams and share their learning with the full group.

Synthesizing Learning and Looking Ahead - In this final session, participants synthesize their learning about the role of effective school leaders and the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required of principals, and consider how this learning affects their career goals.

ADMISSIONS

Strong educators and community leaders, regardless of their current role in or outside of BPS, are invited to participate in EPP. The program draws its participants from the ranks of teacher leaders, school administrators, higher education, and community-based organizations. The only admissions requirement is a commitment to fully participate in all of the program sessions.

The Exploring the Principalship Program runs from November to March. Sessions are held twice a month.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are there prerequisites for entrance into EPP?

The program is open to anyone interested in learning more about the evolving role of the principal in Boston. The only admissions prerequisite is a commitment to fully participate in all of the program sessions.

How long does the program run and how frequently does it meet?

The program runs from November through March. The two-hour sessions take place every other week, after-school from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Is the program only open to Boston Public School employees?

No, the program is open to any individual interested in learning about the principalship in Boston. Teachers, school administrators, non-profit managers, and business people interested in possibly making a mid-career transition into the field of education are all invited.

Can I earn professional development points by participating in EPP?

Yes, professional development points for educators can be earned at the rate of one point per hour. Participants who take part in all eight of the two-hour EPP sessions will earn a total of sixteen professional development points.

How can I get more information regarding the schedule for the upcoming EPP series?

Prior to the start of the EPP program, the School Leadership Institute (SLI) will hold an information session for prospective participants. Information regarding the date of the information session will be widely distributed several weeks prior to the date of the session and will also be posted on the SLI website. To request additional information about EPP or to be added to a database to receive information regarding when the information session for the upcoming school year will be held, please email us at mail@bostonsli.org. Be sure to include the name of the program you are interested in, your name, mailing address, and/or phone number.