New program creating next generation of principals for HISD
As a part of HISD’s focus on developing internal talent, 32 employees recently completed the inaugural Principal Candidate Development Opportunity (PCDO) program.
Board President Rhonda Skillern-Jones addresses the participants of the inaugural Principal Candidate Development Opportunity.
The five-week program, which was developed by the Leadership Development, School Leadership, and Talent Acquisition departments, along with the Office of School Support, provided aspiring principals with training on how to give teachers the guidance necessary to become effective educators.
The training focused on observation and feedback, data analysis, data-driven instructional planning, and adult/scholar culture, with the goal of creating a pipeline of future campus leaders who know the administrative and developmental aspects of being a good principal.
On April 27, the participants attended a graduation ceremony, during which HISD Board of Education President Rhonda Skillern-Jones congratulated the group for successfully completing the training and the importance of using what they’ve learned to become effective campus leaders.
Kasey Johnson, an assistant principal at Worthing High School, knew she wanted to become a principal when she first started teaching in 2004. And after going through the PCDO – which included learning and applying effective campus leadership practices – she’s ready to take the next step in her career.
“It shows that HISD values growing talent and that as a team, we are willing to believe in those who are currently leading in different capacities,” said Johnson, who has accepted a principal position within the district. “(HISD) believed in my talent and gave me the opportunity to engage in meaningful professional development. I have grown tremendously as a leader and will now apply these principles for the duration of my career.”
Of the 32 participants, most have either interviewed for or already accepted a principal position within HISD.
Participants in the inaugural Principal Candidate Development Opportunity cohort recently celebrated the conclusion of the five-week program with a reception at Chavez High School.
Queinnise Miller, director of the Office of School Leadership, said these types of grow-your-own programs are vital to producing effective and engaged candidates who are interested in helping the district reach its goals.
“It builds confidence for talented educators to conceptualize career pathways within the district,” Dr. Miller said. “Moreover, it shares commonality of investment between the participant and the district.”
Amy Poerschke, an assistant principal at Garcia Elementary School, is one such candidate.
Poerschke decided to be a part of the program because she understands the need for effective leaders to develop effective teachers in each HISD classroom. She’s eager to apply the lessons she’s learned because she believes she now has additional tools to ultimately impact student achievement.
“HISD is setting the bar high for public school districts across the country,” Poerschke said. “This is a long time coming; as the need for highly effective leadership continues, so, too, must this work.”
Miller said a second PCDO is already being planned.
