Cohort Two

“To generate the much needed momentum and urgency for change, people need to fully understand the ‘why’ behind the journey they are beginning.”

– Tony Wagner, Change Leadership

In Spring 2009, more than 250 individuals applied for the second cohort of Houston A+ Challenge's Regional Principal Leadership Academy.

From this pool of candidates, Houston A+ Challenge selected a cohort that consists of 18 highly motivated, highly qualified individuals -- eight assistant principals, four classroom teachers and six content specialists/school-based coordinators.  They come to A+ from seven different local school districts, and range in age from their mid-20s to their late 30s. We are pleased to introduce them to you here.

Academy interns in Cohort Two began their three-year journey on June 8 with a week of Critical Friends Group training, which provided tools and strategies for creating instruction-focused professional learning communities on their campuses.

Four public school districts are hosting Principal Interns for the 2009-10 school year: Aldine, Houston and Humble ISDs and YES Prep Public Schools.

The Regional Principal Leadership Academy is made possible through the generosity of Houston Endowment, The Brown Foundation and corporate donors, and through formal partnerships with the six host districts.  Rice University, Region 4, the University of Houston, and Teach for America Houston have been thought partners throughout our development and launch of the Academy.