Our Why

Dare to lead? 

Join us and experience the thrill of making a profound difference!

As we enter the 15th year of the Alliance for Leading and Learning (A.L.L) partnership between the University of New Mexico (UNM) College of Education and Human Sciences (COEHS) and Albuquerque Public Schools (APS), the year-long residency pilot during the 24-25 school year has shown the importance of a depth of understanding of principalship and allowed the principal residents to have a full year of experience. 

The Full-time, full-year principal residency offers an optimal environment for aspiring school leaders to apply leadership theories in practice, equipping them to lead a school upon completion of their program. The dedicated, year-round principal residents engage thoroughly in school leadership initiatives as they integrate into the school community, foster professional connections, and make significant contributions to leadership teams. They assist with teacher development, enhance school performance, and bolster systems for student achievement.

The full-time, full-year principal residency immerses participants in daily school operations. It offers real-world opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge from their courses to practical learning, providing a comprehensive hands-on experience that part-time or short-term programs cannot match.

Many of the strategies and enhancements referenced in this application are the direct result of activities supported by the Residency Implementation Pilot for Principals during the 24-25 school year. This includes but is not limited to Community of Practice workshops, dialogue with current and former A.L.L. participants, step-back meetings with focus groups, principal resident surveys (BOY-EOY), and working with a consultant to adjust to understand the A.L.L. opportunities for improvement.