The Office of Professional Development:
Leadership Development Program

Dr. Sanita Savage, Leadership Development Coordinator
Tammy M. Johnson, Director of Professional Development

The Office of Professional Development offers training and growth opportunities for pre-service, new, and experienced administrators of the district. Using varied training strategies, including project based-discovery, readings, in-basket exercises, seminars, surveys, and self-assessments, the district provides growth opportunities that will enhance leadership skills, abilities, and talents.

The district offers comprehensive programs for aspiring assistant principals and aspiring principals. The programs are based on professional standards developed by the Interstate School Leaders Consortium (ISLLC) and focuses on areas such as vision, instructional leadership, school and community partnerships, ethics, and communications. Participants who are admitted to either of these leadership development programs must complete attendance and assignment mandates before meeting eligibility requirements for assistant principal and principal positions.

In addition, new principals complete induction training and activities and are supported during the initial two years in a supportive and collaborative system, which includes mentoring support. Experienced principals continue their professional growth through instructionally-focused development opportunities and job embedded activities.

Leadership Development Program of Richland One
Employee Application Process

Steps for Admission to the Leadership Academy of Richland One

District employees who have, who are currently pursuing, or who will seek a higher education degree leading to certification in educational administration are eligible for admission to the Leadership Academy of Richland One. The steps for admission are as follows:

Step 1: Submit written application packet, including writing sample, references, proof of state certification, and transcripts. Employees will be notified of their continued eligibility based on paper screening of the application and related documents.

Step 2: Employees must register and complete a personal interview before a panel of district principals and administrators.

Step 3: Employees will complete an in-basket activity before or after the scheduled time for the personal structured interview.

Step 4: Employees who successfully complete the written application phase, the interview phase, and the in-basket item will be notified of the status of their candidacy for Richland One’s Leadership Academy.

Successful applicants will be formally admitted into the Leadership Academy for a period of one year, during which time he/she must complete all required assignments, field experiences, projects, and tasks at a standard of 85%.

Once the participants of the Leadership Academy cohort have completed all requirements, they shall be awarded a certificate of completion. Part of the completion requirements shall include development of a three year professional growth plan and a professional portfolio. Those employees who successfully complete the Leadership Academy are encouraged to participate in on-going development opportunities, including the assessment center and other seminars or trainings that may be available. It is highly recommended that the completers select a mentor to assist in their development. A team of mentors will be made available for completers in the event that they need recommendations.

The selection process for principals and assistant principals is outlined in Board policy GCF and its administrative rule.

Leadership Academy Application 2010-2011 (pdf)

The main characteristics of effective leadership are intelligence, integrity or loyalty, mystique, humor, discipline, courage, self-sufficiency and confidence. - James L. Fisher