Application deadline for the 2011 Academy: March 1, 2011

2011 KPA Schedule

• Louisville

  June 20 - 23, 2011
  Courtyard by Marriott, 2nd Street

Kentucky Principals’ Academy: Inspiring educators to engage, learn and lead

Now in its third year, the Kentucky Principals' Academy (KPA) continues to grow and evolve into a comprehensive professional development experience for Kentucky's principals, providing them a world-class opportunity that leads to improved student learning.

The academy, which is unique to Kentucky, 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.

"So many of our participants have told me how valuable this experience has been for them, and how it has helped them become more focused on creating the best possible learning environment for their students," stated Debbie Powers, director of KPA.

Participants in KPA are selected through an application and interview process conducted by a statewide advisory committee. The principals attending the academy create a network of support for themselves and their staff at their respective schools and incorporate the techniques learned at the academy. The result is a more holistic approach in time management and leadership. They learn 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," said Menifee County High School Principal Brenda Warren, who participated in the first KPA in 2008. "As a first year principal, I was 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."

Purpose

To provide current Kentucky school principals a world-class opportunity through specialized professional development that will inspire, enhance, and lead principals to improve student learning.

Audience

Current principals with at least three years administrative experience who have the superintendent’s recommendation and support.

Characteristics

1. Building and sustaining a school culture and climate for learning
2. Focus on principal leadership development
3. Utilization of process tools (i.e., problem-solving, conflict resolution, capacity building )
4. Delivered through a cohort model
5. Responsive to the needs of the participants’ context (opportunity for mini-grants)
6. Access to campus-wide University resources
7. Admission to KPA Network

Learn more about the Kentucky Principals Academy and see footage from the 2009 academy.