Principal shortage prompts innovations in hope of solutions

As school districts nationwide grapple with a shortage of teachers and principals, innovative solutions are emerging in hopes of addressing the crisis. A recent survey conducted by the National Association of Secondary School Principals revealed that 38% of principals are considering departure within the next three years.

The KIPP charter school network has implemented a program to help retain and cultivate principals within their school district. The program aims to promote leadership within their network, providing real-world experience and mentorship to aspiring principals.

Brittany Moore, an instructional leader at the KIPP Tech Valley Primary Charter School in Albany, is pursuing another degree while enrolled in the KIPP Principal in Residence program, a two-year residency designed to prepare aspiring principals.

“I’m currently working on my master’s [degree] and I’m almost done. But the skills that I’m learning through a textbook really come to life through this program,” Moore said.

The program seeks to cultivate a pipeline of leaders capable of assuming leadership roles within the KIPP network, providing participants with practical experience and mentorship opportunities.

“The program is really designed to have a pipeline of leaders so that if somebody goes to a new school or moves up to the regional, it moves up to a regional position. There is a strong candidate who’s able to take over that school,” Moore explained.

Moore highlighted the program’s approach, contrasting it with traditional routes to school leadership.

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