MPS and Minnesota State University, Mankato at Edina Aspiring Transformational Principal Academy Lead the change you want to see in urban schools

Why an Aspiring Transformational Principal Academy? MPS has 13 schools designated as “priority” schools and 23 schools designated as “focus” schools by the state’s 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 low-performing 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 school’s 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

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? InnovativeRigorousPracticalCollaborative

What is the Academy? It’s Innovative Uniquely focused on preparing principals to be transformational leaders in underperforming, urban schools Partnership between MPS and Minnesota State University-Mankato at Edina, with support from General Mills, Cargill, and Medtronic

What is the Academy? It’s Rigorous Very selective – small cohort of 6-8 exceptional leaders Full-time for 13 months – including some evenings and weekends Standards-based Regular assessment, including exit panel interview Counseled out if standards not met

What is the Academy? It’s Rigorous Program Standards Personal Behavior Accountability for Professional Practice Resilience Supervision Communication Leadership Development Focus on Student Performance Climate and Culture Situational Problem-Solving Time, Task, and Project Management Learning Technology

What is the Academy? It’s Practical Problem-based, experiential learning Academic-year residency Regular, constructive feedback

What is the Academy? It’s Collaborative Work as a team with other cohort members – Develop collaborative, interpersonal, and management skills – Leverage and disseminate colleagues’ knowledge and skills Receive individualized coaching and support with leveraging strengths and developing areas for growth Create lasting bonds with a broad community of educational leaders committed to improving outcomes and opportunities for students throughout MPS

How does it work? Summer Intensive July-August Residency and Weekly Seminars September-June Planning Summer July-August

Who are we looking for? Additional qualifications include… Master’s degree or 30 credits beyond a bachelor’s 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 , Subps. 3a and 4

What we have completed to date... Curriculum and Program Design BOSA approval Cost Center and Student Registration Determined Program Facilitators/Instructors Selected May Attend NYC Training Program Launch June 2013

Outcome – Expanding the Initiative... Graduate six highly skilled principals who are hired to lead MPS turnaround schools Seek expanded funding from General Mills, Cargill, and Medtronic Expand the program to include St. Paul Public Schools Launch Cohort #2 June 2014 Create a consistent pipeline of highly skilled principals in Minnesota Urban Schools

How do you apply? Visit and click on APPLY Complete the MPS online employment application – 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 22, 2013 Please contact Stacy Strauss with any questions