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Five administrative interns in Dorchester School District Two recently completed the eight-month leadership development program through the district’s Leadership Academy. This innovative, award-winning program trains aspiring school leaders with identified potential in all aspects of leadership and school management. In an effort to develop “home-grown” principals and school leadership, the academy was begun in 2005 under the direction of Patsy Pye who continues to coordinate the program. The district is one of the fastest growing in the state and was concerned with how to recruit and train additional school administrators. Since its inception, the program has trained 39 interns who have all been placed in administrative positions. With interns paid a teacher’s salary and assisting schools with administrative duties, this program has saved the district more than $1 million in administrative salaries over the past four years.
Interns completing this year’s program include Debbie Call, Tamara Diebold, Nicole Leap, Yolanda Crittendon, and Nathalina Rogers-Tolbert. The 2009 graduates were recognized at the May 11, 2009 school board meeting. These interns will remain in administrative positions for the new school year.
The academy program is based on the nine state standards for principal evaluation. To participate, applicants went through a district selection process and were required to meet administrative certification. During the academy, prospective administrators receive ongoing professional development, including weekly and monthly meetings, and have regular mentoring times with the coordinator. The National School Board Association recognized this program with the prestigious Magna Award in 2007. |
