Assistant Principal Preparation Program

Program Description

Assistant Principals in Austin ISD must understand the dynamics and culture of not only their  campuses, but the diversity, needs, and vision for the district as a whole. The Assistant Principal Preparation Program (AP3) prepares a select cohort of experienced Austin ISD educators to develop  and hone their craft through the lens of the Austin ISD  Leadership Framework. The program provides cohort members the opportunity to gain targeted  professional development focused on knowledge, experience, and skills needed to be a  successful assistant principal on an Austin ISD campus. Learning opportunities will be led by  Leadership Development, associate superintendents, and executive directors.

Objectives

• To target, plan, and implement learning opportunities that align with the Austin ISD  Leadership Framework

• To develop campus leaders that embody the four leadership competencies identified in  the AISD Leadership Framework

• To prepare teacher leaders for assistant principal positions within Austin ISD

Cohort Membership Criteria

Selected cohort members must meet the following minimum criteria to be considered: 

• Be a current Austin ISD teacher, instructional coach, or non-teaching professional

• Currently hold an Administrative Certification or are scheduled to complete Master’s  Degree coursework and Principal Certification by August 31, 2023

• Has two years of successful service as a teacher or non-teaching professional

• PPfT final rating of “Effective” or better

• Applicants already on the AP Highly Qualified list will automatically be admitted 

Program Components

Professional learning experiences will take various forms, including the following:

• 2 Hour Monthly Meetings 

These face-to-face learning sessions will  focus on core content to prepare aspiring assistant principals for future positions. Guest  instructors will often facilitate the learning. All content is based on the Leadership  Framework with a focus on equity. 

• Lead NOW Project:

The Purpose of the Assistant Principal Preparation Program (AP3) Lead NOW Project is to facilitate a rich, job-embedded learning experience in which aspiring leaders make tangible contributions to school improvement. Under the supervision of their principal and with guidance from their LD coach, AP3 members will engage in a long term project that requires participants to identify a Problem of Practice through thorough data-driven planning, campus informal observations and discussions with the principal, purposeful collaboration, and a comprehensive evaluation of results that specifically impact student achievement.

• Coaching Sessions (one per semester):

Cohort members will meet for one-on-one virtual coaching sessions with Leadership Development to support the development and implementation of Lead NOW Projects. Additional coaching is available on an as-needed or as-requested basis.

Cohort Selection 

• Announcement of upcoming cohort and call for applications takes place in April.

• Recommendation Form from Current Principal

• Interview