Frequently Asked Questions

What training will Houston A+ Challenge's aspiring principal academy provide?
The Regional Principal Leadership Academy is a unique, 14-month principal preparation program for individuals who hope to provide instructional leadership for the Houston region's most challenged public school school campuses. The Academy provides rigorous coursework, experiential training through a yearlong internship, and ongoing coaching and mentoring drawing upon Houston A+ Challenge's decade of work to develop leaders at all school levels.

For a more detailed description of Academy elements and timeline, click here.

What is required to become a principal in the state of Texas?  
In order to serve as a principal in Texas, the state requires that individuals hold a master's degree from a certified education institution, have two years of teaching experience, complete a principal preparation program, and successfully complete the state assessment.


What are the prerequisites for candidates to the Academy?
To enter the Academy, a master's degree (not necessarily in education or education leadership) is preferred, and a minimum of three years of successful teaching experience is required. The academy will seek candidates who also possess the following essential qualities: 

• Effective communicator – empathetic with good people skills 
• Reflective – results-oriented and analytical, with a track record of success 
• Knowledgeable – resourceful and eager to learn, with a strong background in instruction
• Leader – motivated by the development of others 
• Passionate – inspiring, with a "whatever it takes" attitude

How will candidates for the academy be identified, recruited and selected?
The selection of candidates is competitive and competency-based. Candidates complete essays, phone interviews and in-person interviews. Each candidate's track record of instructional success and leadership will also be considered in the screening process. 

Public school districts are important partners in the recruitment and nomination of candidates. However, to assure that a broad selection of aspiring principals enter the program, Houston A+ Challenge retains independence in candidate selection.


How many candidates will be accepted into the program?
A maximum of 25 individuals will be invited to begin the program in June 2010.


How competitive is the selection process?
In 2008, more than 240 individuals applied for the first cohort of the Academy. From this group, 120 were selected for phone interviews, 60 advanced to the in-person interview round, and 40 were invited to final selection weekend. Ultimately, 20 interns were selected for the first cohort, which began in June 2008. More than 250 candidates applied for our second cohort in 2009, and 19 interns were selected from that group.

How is the A+ Academy different from other principal training opportunities?
Because our Academy serves multiple school districts, our participants are exposed to a broad range of systems as they visit and analyze secondary school campuses across the Houston region. Also, the intensive coaching offered by Houston A+ is unparalleled -- both during the yearlong internship with a mentor principal and an A+ coach, and as new principals build their leadership team and prepare and implement a targeted plan for improving student success.

The Regional Principal Leadership Academy enjoys formal partnerships with other innovative principal preparation programs in the region, including Rice University's Education Entrepreneurship Program and Houston ISD's Aspiring Principals' Institute. Click here for a comparison of these programs. NOTE: Some program details may have changed since this joint analysis was published.


I am not from the Houston area; can I still apply?
Houston A+ Challenge is looking for the best, most qualified individuals and welcomes applicants from all over the country; however full-time placement in a local school district is required to participate in the Academy. For selected applicants, Houston A+ Challenge will facilitate a period to match "free agents" with host districts. Ultimately, district sponsorship is required to participate in the Academy. 


How can I apply?
Applications for 2010 are now available. Click here to apply online.

All application materials, including three essays (each with a 500-word maximum response), must be received no later than 5 p.m. February 26, 2010.