CEHD News

The Kentucky Principals Academy was created to provide current Kentucky school principals specialized professional development that inspires and leads them to improve student learning. The academy is unique to Kentucky and is a partnership between the University of Louisville and University of Kentucky. It is supported through a grant provided by the Council on Postsecondary Education and funded by the Kentucky General Assembly.

Organizers and instructors at the academy include successful principals, superintendents, university professors and regional and national consultants.

The curriculum is based on the needs of the practitioners and was also influenced by some of the basic beliefs of the academy–that education must be learner-centered, leadership development must reinforce beliefs and practices and leaders must inspire and engage others to learn and lead.

Participants for the first KPA were selected through an application and interview process conducted by a statewide advisory committee. The first orientation session was in May and a summer institute was held in June. They will continue to have cohort follow-up meetings as needed.

The principals attending the academy created a network of support for themselves and their staff at their respective schools. They incorporated the techniques learned at the academy which resulted in a more holistic approach in time management and leadership. They learned how to improve and balance leadership responsibilities by using more efficient means of dissemination of information and establish a leadership team within their schools.

“…The activities at the academy have been outstanding, organized and helpful. As a first year principal, I am amazed at how all this information can be pulled together. I am also glad to know there is a support system to help guide me and my school.”
Brenda Warren, Principal
Menifee County High School

“This has been the best start of school I have ever had…the teachers have agreed that from the planning time to the opening day activities with students…everything has gone so well. Thanks for your help (this is a result of my planning done in KPA, it changed me as a leader).”
Shannon Treece, Principal
Owen County High School

The primary concern of each principal is student achievement. The principals and organizers hope to show in the near future a positive relationship between student achievement and the training they received at the academy. The long-term goal for the academy is to build a sustaining model were previous cohorts of principals will continue to provide an ongoing support network for one another, and hopefully some will be able to return to lead future sessions at KPA.

For more information about the academy and when applications may be accepted for upcoming sessions, visit the website athttp://louisville.edu/education/kentuckyprincipalsacademy.