Aspiring Transformational

Principal Academy
Lead the change you want
to see in urban schools

Agenda
Why an Aspiring
Transformational
Principal Academy?
What is the Academy?
How does it work?
Who are we looking
for?
How do you apply?

Why an Aspiring Transformational

Principal Academy?

MPS has 10 schools designated as priority

schools and 22 schools designated as focus
schools by the states new accountability
system
Thousands of students at these schools are not
getting the quality education they need and
deserve in order to be college and career
ready
Most of these schools have been lowperforming for years -- multiplying the negative
social and academic impact on students,
families, and our community

Why an Aspiring Transformational

Principal Academy?
While the causes for the problem are complex, research shows that investing in
human capital, specifically principals, is a critical solution

There are virtually no documented instances of troubled schools

being turned around in the absence of intervention by talented
leaders. While other factors within the school also contribute to such
turnarounds, leadership is the catalyst.
Principals account for 25%, and teachers 33%, of a schools total
impact on achievement.
How Leadership Influences Student Learning, Wallace Foundation 2004

It is the combination of highly effective teaching with highly capable

school leadership that will change outcomes for children in our schools
not one or the other, but both.
A New Approach to Principal Preparation, Rainwater Leadership Alliance

Link to Acceleration 2020

Why an Aspiring Transformational

Principal Academy?

Why an Aspiring Transformational

Principal Academy?
Our Objective
To develop a new approach for attracting and
preparing aspiring principals to effectively
transform underperforming schools and
dramatically increase outcomes and opportunities
for students

What is the Academy?

Innovative

Rigorous

Practical

Collaborat
ive

What is the Academy?

Rigorous
Very selective (small
cohort of 5-7)
Full-time for 12 months
Standards-based
Regular assessment,
including exit panel
interview
Counseled out if
standards
not met

What is the Academy?

Its Rigorous
Program Standards
Personal Behavior

Accountability for Professional

Practice

Resilience

Supervision

Communication

Leadership Development

Focus on Student
Performance

Climate and Culture

Situational ProblemSolving

Time, Task, and Project

Management

Learning

Technology

What is the Academy?

Practical
Problem-based,
experiential
learning
Academic year
residency
Regular,
constructive
feedback
11

What is the Academy?

Collaborative
Work as a team with other
cohort members
Receive individualized
coaching and support to
leverage strengths and
develop areas for growth
Create lasting bonds with
a broad community of
educational leaders
committed to improving
outcomes and
opportunities for MPS
students
12

How does it work?

How does it work?

Participants receive a salary and benefits
Successful graduates
Are eligible for a MN K-12 principal
license and a Specialist degree through
the partnership with our University
partner.
Apply for open principal positions in the
district
Fulfill a 3 year service commitment to
work in MPS

Who are we looking for?

Aspiring Transformational Principals have

A firm belief that all children can and must excel

academically
A relentless drive to transform an underperforming school
An urgent desire to lead change focused on dramatically
improving student outcomes
A desire to be challenged and a track record of resilience in
the face of challenges
Instructional expertise and exceptional student
achievement results
A commitment to high expectations and constant learning
for themselves and others
Results with effectively leading and empowering adults
A commitment to and success with building relationships
with diverse stakeholders to inspire excellence.

Who are we looking for?

Additional qualifications include
Masters degree or 30 credits beyond a bachelors
degree
Minimum of 3 years teaching experience and a valid
license in the grade and subject area taught*

*Or ability to meet this requirement following Rules of the Minnesota State Borrd of
Education, Chapter 3512.0700, Subps. 3a and 4

How do you apply?

How do you apply?

Visit www.mpls.k12.mn.us/atpa and click on APPLY
Complete the MPS online employment application by going
to the main page and clicking on Careers.
Fill out your current information, very important to
include your references.
Upload a current resume
Complete and upload the Aspiring Transformational
Principal Academy Application into the Cover Letter
section
Ensure that 2 Letters of Recommendation are received by
February 20, 2013
Hold March 3 and 4 on your calendars for possible
interviews