Principal Leadership Academy

Program Overview

Held Monday through Friday, the academy welcomes a select group of up to 40 principals each year. Throughout the week, participants engage in transformative professional learning led by expert facilitators, focusing on key areas of school leadership and instructional improvement. 

Topics Covered Include: 

• Creating and communicating a clear school vision 
• Leading meaningful school reform initiatives 
• Enhancing personal and instructional leadership practices 
• Building and sustaining Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) 
• Designing and evaluating effective staff development programs 
• Implementing shared leadership models and fostering collaborative school cultures 

The Goal

The goal of the Tointon Institute’s Principal Leadership Academy is to increase the number of quality schools and, as a result, student achievement, in the state of Colorado through effective leadership development of school principals. 

Objectives

The Tointon Institute for Educational Change holds the following objectives for its Principal Leadership Academy: 

• To provide the opportunity for deep self-reflection and planning as each principal examines their leadership work and areas for growth and change.
• To increase principals’ knowledge of the change process and the dynamics of change in a school and with staff.
• To expand principals’ understanding of how to design a culture for sustained and continuous student achievement in a school-based, team-centered, collaborative environment.
• To develop and support principals’ knowledge about and use of five research-based practices of effective leaders.
• To use specific and individual data about performance as a school leader to increase awareness of behaviors and to guide planning for improvement.
• To increase principals’ knowledge of and ability to implement effectively research-based collaborative practices with their staff.
• To create a formal and informal state networking apparatus that will foster a sustained exchange of ideas as well as to create a forum in which to explore the current challenges and dilemmas facing educational leaders.

Tointon Leadership Community in Practice

The professional development doesn’t stop at the end of the academy. For one year following the completion of the Tointon Principal Leadership Academy, graduates continue their learning through online follow-up sessions held every 6–8 weeks, facilitated by the Institute’s Director and experienced facilitators. Additional personalized coaching and support are also available as needed.  

Our facilitated conversations allowed for continued learning on topics that are timely and universal, ongoing support of one another and the sharing of ideas, concerns and joys. These short periods to reconnect proved to be valuable for all participants and provided a way for relationships to be forged at the Principal Academy in June to continue. 

Hear What People Say About Us

“What an amazing experience and one that I wish all school leaders could access! This week has served to remind me of my purpose and has provided me with actionable tools to improve my practice and lead better for my school and my community.”

– Amy Miller, North Folk High School, Delta County School District 50J

“I’ve been in administration for a while and this week both inspired and recharged me. The focus on both learning and reflection has been impactful. This will make my school a better place for both our staff and students!”

– Patrick Schumaker, Chinook Trail Elementary School, Academy School District 20

“I participated in Tointon to refine my foundation and overall skills as an administrator of 19 years. My experience at Tointon has been beyond and above any expectations I had. I have new clarity and understanding in my role of being a leader for my school and community. I am excited and inspired more than I can remember from years past. I feel more knowledgeable, empowered, aware, and capable of being thoughtfully responsive to my staff, students, families and myself, as well as with my colleagues.”

– Matthew McDonald, Indian Ridge Elementary School, Cherry Creek School District 5