Pathways to School Leadership
There are a number of pathways for an educator to enter the UVEI principal internship. Here are the routes most frequently chosen. The staff of UVEI stands ready to help assist you in creating your pathway.
1. Succession Planning
The fact that so many school districts in New England face a shortage of qualified school principals suggests that school districts may want to "grow their own." Often, as principals retire or move on to other districts, school officials realize that they already have potential leaders in their midst. These may be exceptional teachers or guidance counselors who have proven their talents in working with students, colleagues, and citizens. Superintendents, principals, and school board members are looking within their schools to find, encourage, and support the next school leaders to emerge. The UVEI internship is an ideal avenue.
2. District Sponsored Leadership Development
Many districts are vigorously committed to enhancing the quality of school leadership. School officials may wish to encourage the professional growth of a school or district staff member whose emerging leadership attributes align with the district's leadership goals. Funds to support such growth through UVEI may come from a variety of local, state, and federal sources. In the past, school districts have supported UVEI training with funds from the Consolidated Federal Grant, Chapter One, as well as money saved from unfilled vacancies. You can also speak with your district's superintendent about funds that are available for staff development.
3. Sabbatical Leave
Most teacher contracts have a section identifying the criteria required for a teacher to apply for a sabbatical leave. What better way for a talented educator to spend a sabbatical than in preparing to serve the district in a leadership capacity through UVEI? In most cases, this process must begin well before March, when new contracts are prepared.
4. Administrative Upgrade
Unforeseen circumstances may require a highly-respected and talented teacher to step into an administrative role on a provisional basis. The district may wish to expedite this teacher's advance to licensure as a principal. The UVEI internship allows this to happen within a year, based upon the candidate's ability to demonstrate the required competencies, in contrast to the several years often required in traditional, course-based programs.
5. Self-Supporting Candidacy
UVEI provides access to federal tuition grants and loans for qualified candidates who are in a position to support their own professional advancement. We have a financial aid document to assist with the process and specific directions for applying for FAFSA as well as other loan and grant programs. Higher salaries for principals may allow candidates to recoup the cost of their training.
6. Partial Release for Aspiring Principals
Those seeking a principal's license who want or need to continue teaching often arrange for "job share" situations which allow them to fulfill the UVEI internship requirement while continuing limited teaching responsibilities. Note: Maintaining teaching duties during the UVEI internship may require longer time for the intern to complete the competency requirements.
7. Service Back to the District
Many districts and principal interns have entered into agreements designed to protect the investment of time and resources provided through the district by stipulating that an intern agree to serve the district for a given period after the program's successful conclusion. These written agreements have varied widely but could apply to many of the above examples.
