The mission of the LEAD Denton Aspiring Administrator Academy is to develop leadership capacity to improve organizational effectiveness and promote a culture of learning and engagement for all stakeholders. The LEAD Denton Aspiring Administrator Academy will provide opportunities to explore the characteristics, skills, and behaviors required for exemplary leadership. Participants will continuously reflect on their own leadership skills and how leadership theory applies to their practice.
As a participant of the LEAD Denton Aspiring Administrator Academy, you will meet throughout the school year to engage in a variety of activities designed to extend your knowledge and hone your leadership skills.
Participants will meet seven times during the school year.
Four meetings will be held during the school day.
Participants will contribute two half-day personal absence days, one full-day personal absence day, and the district will contribute one full-day personal absence day per participant.
Three meetings will be held during the evening.
One meeting will consist of attendance at a regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting.
Participants will learn about the Denton ISD Leadership Profile, interact with campus administrators through panels and Q&As, engage in job shadowing, and meet various district personnel.
Participation in all meetings and events is critical to the success of the cohort. Any Academy member who misses more than one meeting may be removed from the Academy with the understanding that they can reapply for participation during the following school year.
In order to participate in the LEAD Denton Aspiring Administrator Academy, you must submit an application by the April 30th deadline for participation for the following academic year. The application will have a place to upload/include the following:
A letter of interest that includes:
Evidence of opportunities you have had to lead, serve, and/or volunteer in your community, on your campus, and/or within the district; and,
Personal/Professional leadership goals and aspirations; and,
Identify what outcomes you hope to gain from your participation in LEAD Denton
Two professional references, including your current supervisor
A current resume
Applications are scored utilizing a rubric (linked here). Applications are scored by a committee of campus- and district-level administrators. Each year up to fifteen participants may be selected for participation. We encourage anyone who is not selected to apply again the following year.
Applicants selected for participation will be notified no later than the last school day of the current calendar year.
Participation in LEAD Denton does not guarantee admittance in the Denton ISD Assistant Principal Pool. Interviews for the AP Pool are conducted two times per year, once in the fall and again in the spring. Candidates who have questions about the application process for the AP Pool can contact Human Resources at (940) 369-0032.
"LEAD Denton provides a great opportunity for aspiring administrators to gain insight into the experiences of current DISD administrators through the Assistant Principal and Principal panels, as well as, receive advice from the DISD Assistant Principal Pool process." ~ Randal Hare, Ryan High School
"I went into the experience without the intention of getting into administration, but I knew I would walk away with skills to help me be a better leader in my current position. I ended up being so inspired by this experience that I enrolled in an administrative certification program halfway through. Thank you for all of the support and guidance!" Molly Mason - Autism Specialist
Dr. Lacey Rainey, Assistant Superintendent of School Leadership and Academic Programs
Marla Alvarado, Administrative Assistant to Dr. Lacey Rainey