National Principal Academy Fellowship

Program Participants

The National Principal Academy Fellowship (NPAF) is for principals who are looking to gain in-depth training to launch the school year strong and continue to level up their instructional, cultural, and strategic leadership practices throughout the year. Participants work in a variety of K-12 settings, including traditional school districts, independent schools, and charter management organizations across the U.S.

Program Focus

Research has shown that school leadership matters, influencing student outcomes in significant ways. NPAF develops school leaders’ skills in culture and instruction, helping leaders to align their decisions to the needs of their students, teachers, and communities. We place a particular focus on improving outcomes for Tier 1 instruction.

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We delve deeply into areas such as:

• Centering Equity: Strengthening awareness and strategies to systematically increase opportunity and remove barriers for historically underserved students.
• Instructional Rigor: Building deep knowledge of the rigor required by grade level standards, and supporting teachers in aligned instructional planning that meets students’ needs.
• Coaching: Building skills in observation and coaching, to better support all teachers.
• Data-Informed Instruction: Leading teachers to analyze student work, identify gaps in their current understanding, and then plan effective instruction to close those gaps.
• Strategic Planning: Planning for implementation, monitoring progress, and practicing strategies to close gaps. 
  

Program Experience

NPAF is a one-year program consisting of an 8-day hybrid (in-person and virtual) Summer Intensive, followed by three hybrid multi-day Intersessions throughout the year. Based on a cohort model, leaders learn alongside their colleagues from across the country, including participation in virtual Learning Teams and submission of job-embedded assessments.

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Participants will benefit from:

• Expert faculty: Learn from experienced practitioners who have demonstrated effectiveness in the field.
• Feedback: Practice new skills and receive regular feedback via video assessments and learning teams.
• A network of peers: Join a national network of instructional leaders who can help support implementation and problem-solve critical challenges.
• ‍Electives: Attend optional, virtual elective sessions before Intersession 1 and during Intersession 2. Electives provide additional resources to support inclusion and equity.
  

NEW! Optional Services: Local Intersessions 1 and 3

We know how important it is that professional development meets the specific needs of educators. In School Year 2024-25, partner schools or school systems may request that Intersessions 1 and 3 be held on site in their community, with a focus on content that supports their system’s initiatives and priorities! This service is available for an additional cost.

About Partnership

What makes a great partnership? Learn more about what kind of organizations we work with and how we support them in Conditions for Effective Partnership.

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Or, look for answers to any general questions you may have on our FAQs page.