School Administrators of Montana

Aspiring Principal Cohort

SAM Aspiring Principal Certification Program 

Strengthening the Principal Pipeline


Why Strengthen the Principal Pipeline?

Principals play an integral role in overseeing and providing the strategic direction of a school/district. In recent years we have found a decline in the number of highly qualified educators applying for administrative positions.

The SAM Aspiring Principal Certification Program is designed to support districts in identifying strong teacher-leader candidates who are committed to developing their educational leadership skills in preparation for becoming a building administrator.

The SAM organization is partnering with local districts to help facilitate the development of these future local leaders through one-hour monthly evening academy sessions focused on leadership development and a glimpse of administrative responsibilities.


Who Should Participate?


This program is intended for educators who...

  • are interested in pursuing educational leadership credentials,
  • are currently pursuing educational leadership credentials,
  • hold educational leadership credentials but have not secured their first administrator position.


Benefits of Participating in the SAM Aspiring Principal Certification Program


Participants will...


  • Engage in interactive one-hour monthly evening sessions.
  • Focus on leadership development and administrative responsibilities.
  • Gain an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of educational leaders.
  • Engage in parallel conversations with current administrators
  • Connect with practicing principals and fellow program participants at the Montana Principals Conference, January 21-23, 2024 in Butte and receive a reduced conference registration rate (Montana Principals Conference:  Register as Retired/Intern for a reduced rate)
  • Register as Retired/Intern for a reduced rate
  • Earn continuing education renewal units and a Certificate of Completion


Discussion Topics and Timeline:

Monthly Meeting Topics

September 20:  The Foundation

  • Uncovering your leadership strengths
  • Introduce the Professional Standards for Educational Leadership

October 18:  The Foundation

  • Understanding the role of a principal

November 15:  The Transformation

  • Dealing with difficult situations
  • Effective communication skills

December: No session

January 21-23:  The Transformation

  • Montana Principals Conference in Butte
    • Being an instructional leader
    • Building a leadership team and empowering staff
    • Establishing a work/life balance

February 21:  The Elevation

  • Leading school operations
  • Creating and sustaining a positive school culture

March 20:  The Promotion

  • Exploring Montana higher education programs

April 17:  The Promotion

  • Understanding the components of  application materials 
  • Anticipating and preparing for interview questions and scenarios 

*  All sessions will be held virtually from 7:00-8:00 pm

 
Timeline:
Sessions are scheduled virtually from September through April on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM.  Participants are encouraged to engage in parallel conversations with their current administrator to further the discussion outside of these monthly discussion meetings.


Eligibility:

  • Preferred three years of experience as a teacher
  • Actively engaged in a building and/or district-level leadership team
  • Nomination or recommendation from an administrator
  • Completion of application by September 8, 2023 with administrator approval


School/District Responsibilities:

  • Recruit and nominate candidates for the program
  • Pay applicant's registration fee ($500)
  • Support candidates by furthering exploration of monthly topics with follow-up discussions and provide on-site leadership opportunities
  • Support attendance at the Montana Principal Conference, January 21-23, 2024 in Butte


Candidate Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to attending (virtually, being prepared, and engaging in and reflecting upon monthly interactive webinars)
  • Commitment to having parallel conversations with a current school administrator centered around monthly topics (preferably building administrator)
  • Commitment to attending the Montana Principal Conference, January 21-23, 2024 in Butte


Registration:

Please submit nominations/registrations by September 8, 2023. 


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
SAM Aspiring Principal Certification Nomination/Registration Form