Aspiring Administrators Academy
Like many areas across the nation, Sonoma County faces the reality of having to fill a large percentage of school leadership positions over the next five years due to the pending retirement of many current administrators. To help fill the void these retirements will create, it is essential for the county to begin developing a pool of potential candidates for these positions.
There are teacher-leaders across the county who would be interested in becoming principals if they were encouraged to do so and given greater insight into the day-to-day realities of school administration. This is the purpose of the Aspiring Administrators Academy. Developed by SCOE in partnership with local school districts and piloted in 2008-09, this year-long professional development program explores the knowledge, skills, and characteristics of exemplary site administrators.
Format
The Aspiring Administrators Academy is comprised of engaging seminars, shadowing experiences, and activities that are closely aligned with the real-world work of principals. Content is grounded in the California Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (CPSEL), McREL’s School District Leadership That Works, and the professional preparation program requirements for an administrative services credential.
Seminars are held from 4:00pm to 6:30pm four times per year. Sonoma County administrators with expertise in the topics under study serve as presenters. Individualized job-shadowing experiences take place in participants’ home district.
Content & Outcomes
The Aspiring Administrators Academy provides participants with:
- Seminars and stimulating experiences in the nine skill areas required of school principals
- Job-shadowing experiences that are aligned with the duties of school administrators
- Networking and collegial support to facilitate the transition to school leadership positions
- Research-based practices, tools, and strategies for improving student learning and closing the achievement gap
Participants who complete this program receive a certificate of completion and are placed on a register of highly qualified individuals prepared for future school leadership positions in Sonoma County.
University credit is available for course completion.
Participation
Participation is by invitation only. Districts are responsible for identifying aspiring administrators, sending out letters of invitation, and providing job-shadowing experiences. Districts should extend invitations to highly qualified teachers who have:
- At least three years of successful teaching experience
- Demonstrated knowledge of curriculum and instruction
- A passion for helping students meet high academic standards
- Demonstrated leadership potential
Cost
There is no cost to participants, but districts must contribute $300 per participant and underwrite any costs associated with the job-shadowing component of the program.
Contact
Judith Martin, Ph.D., (707) 522-3069 or jmartin@scoe.org