Houston A+ Challenge's new executive director, Scott Van Beck, is a 23-year veteran of Houston ISD, most recently serving as West Region Superintendent. But while he's new to the Houston A+ staff, Scott has been an active participant with the organization for nearly a decade.

In 1999, when Scott was principal of Revere Middle School, the campus was awarded an original Annenberg Lamplighter Grant recognizing promising practices.  From 2000 to 2004, he served as a coach and mentor for area principals through Houston A+ Challenge's New Visions in Leadership Academy, a voluntary, two-year professional development program.

After 23 years at Houston ISD, what appealed to you about becoming executive director of Houston A+ Challenge?

Truly, it was the opportunity to have a hand in developing the new principal leadership academy. What I learned as principal of Revere and then Westside High School is that the principal is ultimately the person responsible for making sure that equity occurs on campus. He or she is responsible for the school's vision, and in a large part for the motivation of teachers and students. Because of this, excellent training of principals is extremely important. Hands-on preparation is critical, and I believe that public school districts are eager for the extra support and resources that an organization like Houston A+ Challenge can bring.

How has the role of the principal changed over the years?

Running a school of 3,000 students as a single decision-maker just doesn't work anymore. The trick in the new century is to figure out how to flatten and distribute leadership throughout the organization. Teachers, students and parents all need to feel empowered. In fact, my years with Houston A+ helped me realize the importance of partnerships and collaboration in improving children's education.

What types of principal candidates will Houston A+ be looking for in the new academy?

We're looking for individuals who have a track record of success in the classroom, and who have a passion for social justice. They'll need to have an entrepreneurial spirit, but also a good grasp of how to get things accomplished within the current systems. And we're looking for natural leaders with great people skills -- effective communicators, who are motivated by the development of others.

The selection process will be highly competitive -- we only have 30 spots for this first class, which is scheduled to start this summer. I'm excited to meet our candidates. I think they're going to make a great impact for children in the Houston region.