Why did you choose Principal Corps, as opposed to other principal preparation programs?
As a member of the first cohort of the Principal Corps, I didn't have the benefit of past experiences or an established reputation to guide my decision. However, the concept of a cohort of aspiring leaders and a program specifically tailored to the principalship was highly appealing.
The University of Mississippi's long-standing tradition of excellence, combined with the opportunity to learn leadership skills under the guidance of Dr. Tom Burnham, were crucial factors in my decision to apply. Additionally, the program provided a pathway to earn my specialist degree without incurring personal debt.
Can you explain how Principal Corps’ curriculum prepared you for your first administrative role after completing the program?
The Principal Corps curriculum provided a solid foundation, but the true learning came from the hands-on experiences during the internship and the rich discussions with staff and cohort members. These conversations allowed us to explore real-world situations and scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Staff members with school-level experience were instrumental in demonstrating how the curriculum applied to the realities of educational leadership.
Principal Corps uses a cohort model. Can you explain what that brought to the experience?
Do those relationships with your cohort and other Principal Corps alumni persist after you graduate?
Absolutely. While I may not have regular communication with my Principal Corps cohort, the network remains strong and has expanded with each new cohort. Regardless of whether you know someone personally, if they went through the Principal Corps, there's an immediate connection, fostering a sense of trust and openness.
This network has been particularly valuable in seeking advice, assistance, or references within the field of education. My school district has supported nine participants in the program, has employed as many as six Principal Corps graduates at one time, and currently employs five administrators who are alumni. This connection has greatly benefited our district by providing a broad network of highly qualified professionals.
What benefits did you gain from the full-time administrative internship?
The internship is what truly sets the Principal Corps apart. Rather than merely accumulating hours or relying on a mentor for leadership opportunities, you're fully immersed in a school administration environment on a daily basis.
This immersion allows you to gain a wealth of insights and experiences that traditional educational leadership students would typically only encounter once they were on the job. The internship is where the theoretical knowledge becomes practical, real-world learning.
Principal Corps is an intense, 13-month program. How were you able to balance all your various responsibilities during that year?
Success in the program requires entering with the mindset that it will be a challenging 13 months, but the end result is well worth the time and effort.
The experience, exposure, and networking opportunities offered by the Principal Corps program far outweigh the demands placed on your time and energy.
Moreover, it prepares you for the reality of life as a school administrator—long hours, numerous responsibilities, and the inability to fully disengage from your role as a leader.
What was the best thing about Principal Corps for you?
For me, the most valuable aspect was the year-long internship. It provided a safe environment designed for learning, where I gained experience working as part of an administrative team, leading adults, planning for contingencies, prioritizing responsibilities, and maintaining a positive attitude throughout.
By the end of the internship, I felt more marketable and better prepared than other new administrative graduates, thanks to the practical experience I had gained. This experience was invaluable during the early days of my administrative career, providing me with a toolkit of strategies to draw from when challenges arose.