Principal Leadership Academy

“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. The connections with my peers from across the state and the moments full of belly laughs were an added bonus!”

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

“I’ve been in administration for a while and this week both inspired and re-charged 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

“This past week has been all about me. Reflecting, collaborating, and learning how to become a better leader for my school and for myself has been worth every minute. Each of the facilitators were knowledgeable, humble, and authentic. I couldn’t have asked for a more engaging and unique experience!”

– Shawn Wilson, Taylor Elementary School, Mesa County Valley School District 51

“The Tointon Institute has opened my eyes to the undeniable influence a principal has on their building. Creating a network of courageous and vulnerable colleagues demonstrates I am not in it alone and have quality people in which to lean on for support. Thank you!”

– Eric Sanchez, Columbine Middle School, Montrose County School District RE-1J

“This academy was the most impactful form of self-development I have had in my career thus far. The work, reflections, and connections are incredibly valuable. I imagine that I will carry this experience with me throughout the remainder of my career and, quite honestly, while leading a more intentional and reflective life.”

– Jennifer Hooks, West Grand High School, West Grand School District 1-JT

“This week allowed me the space to truly think about my vision for my leadership and my school. To be surrounded by other principals was a gift. This position can be very isolating and to share space with others who have walked in your shoes fills your soul.”

– Eron Haubert, Strawberry Park Elementary School, Steamboat Springs School District RE-2

“The Tointon Institute honors the power of the school principal in making a positive impact on our future. If students and school, and thus, communities, are to thrive, it will come from our investment in people. Tointon is committed to ensuring the growth and advancement of educators who give their hearts to the powerful work of leading schools.”

– Julie Murray, Frontier Elementary School, Academy School District 20

“The Principal Leadership Academy was hands down the most relevant and in depth professional development I have ever been a part of. I was able to disconnect, take some time to truly reflect, learn, and plan for my school. We are given the space and time (in gorgeous Vail!) to take a step back and evaluate our current practices and learn how to be our best.”

– Liz Tucker, Centennial Middle School, Boulder Valley School District RE-2

“The Principal Leadership Academy is a game-changer: Far too often in our position, we look outward, but at the Academy, you get to look inward. A whole week of working on you! Lifelong partnerships are formed, the term ‘networking’ doesn’t even come close to describing what bonds happen here.”

– Scott Andrews, Strasburg High School, Strasburg School District 31J

“It is a rare gift to have a week of learning from some of the best educational leaders in Colorado. I’m very grateful I took this opportunity – it was genuinely transformative.”

– Abby Himlie, Dunn Elementary School, Poudre School District R-1

“I have been a principal 17 years and was beginning to feel like I’d seen it all in education and training. That was ignorant and arrogant. Tointon exceeded my expectations and has renewed my passion for the work we do. The unexpected bonus is that I now have an amazing network of principals to accelerate my game and together make this profession better and help make our students smarter and our future brighter!”

– Leigh Florita, Eaton Middle School, Eaton School District RE-2

“This experience is like no other professional development you have had. It will push you, help you reflect and refine your practices and your person understanding of yourself as a leader.”

– Pam Virden, Kyffin Elementary School, Jefferson County School District R-1

“I was unsure of what to expect going into the Tointon Academy as I had not heard of it prior to being nominated to apply. In our position there are numerous trainings, workshops, seminars, etc., that come across our desk. It is a challenge to decipher what will be the ‘ONE’ that best meets our needs. I am glad I submitted my Tointon Academy application as this has turned out to be ‘the ONE’ for me. This academy targeted and met my needs, and it has provided clarity and direction for my next steps as a leader. I feel fortunate to have been selected.”

– Candice Johnson, Cheyenne Mountain Junior High School, Cheyenne Mountain School District 12

“The Principal Leadership Academy has been a gamechanger for how I will lead my school.”

– Joshua Cooley, Aurora Highlands P-8 School, Aurora Public Schools

Sitting at lunch on day one, I had a wave of gratitude wash over me. I have truly never felt so seen. Incredibly professional experience complimented with humor, beautiful accommodations, and wonderful people.”

– Robin Wilkinson, Gunnison Elementary School, Gunnison Watershed School District RE 1J

“Attending this conference/academy has truly been an eye-opening experience. The innovative ideas and inspiring stories shared have equipped me with fresh perspectives and actionable strategies to enhance my school’s environment. I am excited to implement these insights to foster a more engaging, supportive and dynamic learning community for years to come.”

– Lacey LeDoux, Harrison K-8 School, Cañon City School District RE-1

“Having attended many conferences and professional development sessions in my educational career, I can tell you that some are informational, some inspiring, some engaging, some applicable, and some reflective. Tointon is all of these things and more. I gained so much more than strategies and insight; I gained a lifelong network of people who truly understand my work. I laughed, I cried, I grew... and I feel so fortunate to have had this opportunity!”

– Jackie Powell, Ute Pass Elementary School, Manitou Springs School District 14

“As someone who has been in education for almost 20 years, I have participated in a wide variety of professional learning. Tointon Institute is by far the best program I have ever been to. The thoughtfulness of the design, the careful consideration of candidates, and the facilitators make for an experience I will never forget. There is no doubt in my mind that this experience will make me a better leader.”

– Tyler Jones, Rocky Mountain Elementary School, Mesa County Valley School District 51