What can the Academy do for you as a school administrator?

The Academy offers you one of the most exciting professional development experiences of your career. It provides valuable training with nationally recognized consultants, fosters the development of professional friendships and a network with principals throughout the entire state. By thoughtful reflection, conversation and planning, the Academy fellows become change agents in their schools.

Vision

The Utah Principals Academy was organized in 1985 for the purpose of training principals as instructional leaders. Academy experiences help these principals become empowered with effective leadership skills and proficiencies. The Academy Fellows set the pace for statewide educational improvement and reform. They are recognized as exemplary educational leaders.

Membership

Any Utah Public School Principal or Assistant Principal may apply to be a Utah Principals Academy Fellow by submitting a completed application in the spring of each year. Each application is accompanied by the recommendation of the applicant’s superintendent.

The Academy Sessions

The content of the Utah Principals Academy Sessions is a direct response to the information provided by the Fellows in their initial survey. The survey contains most components of school reform and the weighted responses of the Fellows determine the course of study for the sessions throughout the year. Often nationally recognized educators are invited to work with the Fellows. Too, local educators also work with the Fellows in providing invaluable information and visits to local schools of success. Fellows are invited to participate in the state sessions of UASCD, UASSP, and UAESP. At the request of Superintendent Steven Laing, the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium: Standards for School Leaders are incorporated into the sessions. These standards provide a framework for the work of the Fellows at each session.

Commitment

The Utah Principal Academy Fellows commit to the participation of all sessions. All assigned readings and participation in question completion are expected from all Fellows. As a result of their leadership training throughout the year, Fellows are often asked to share their session information with their districts and other administrators.