Trinity University, in cooperation with member school districts of the Center for Educational Leadership, offers an innovative program for future elementary, middle and senior high school principals - Tomorrow's Leaders: Preparing Principals for Tomorrow's Schools. The program prepares men and women who will bring to the principalship a deep commitment to leadership, a sound background in teaching and learning, strong management skills, political acumen, knowledge of the change process, a commitment to lifelong learning and a vision of excellence.

Active learning based on the real problems that principals encounter as they seek to embody their moral commitment to transform schools into learning and inquiring communities is emphasized. Problem-based learning is designed to bring together the three pillars of professional study: theory, research and practice. Problem-based seminars, practicum experiences and school-based research and development initiatives serve as a basis for inquiry into the relevant management disciplines.

Consulting professors and in-school mentors drawn from the ranks of Center for Educational Leadership member school districts share with Trinity University faculty responsibility for advising students, for mentoring and coaching, and for offering graduate credit courses and seminars.

The majority of students admitted to the program are sponsored by their school districts in accordance with Center for Educational Leadership agreements. Sponsored students normally receive release time to engage in school district projects that support Center programs, and to engage in practicum and internship experiences in their school districts. A few self-nominated, unsponsored students who meet admissions requirements are also admitted. Students with earned master's degrees in other areas are encouraged to apply for this professional degree program in educational administration.

Students are admitted as a cohort. Study is normally on a half-time basis for five consecutive semesters (two academic years and one summer session). Sponsored students must maintain employment in their school districts. Admissions requirements emphasize strong school district endorsement, a solid record of successful teaching, demonstrated leadership potential, ability to analyze and reflect, and a strong commitment to school improvement. Applicants will be expected to present an undergraduate record and admissions test scores that meet Trinity University requirements.

For Application information please contact Sonia Mireles at 210.999.7501 or smireles@trinity.edu

The Tomorrow's Leaders Program requires five consecutive semesters of part-time study in a thirty-six semester hour program. There are three major components to the program:

• Course-Seminars - A team of university professors and consulting professors drawn from the ranks of Center for Educational Leadership member school districts conducts course-seminars that emphasize active learning and the forging of connections between disciplinary knowledge and the problems of professional practice.
• Problem-Seminars - Problem-seminars introduce students to a range of problems that principals face, develop confidence in practical and creative problem-solving, and cultivate team leadership skills necessary for effective principaling in tomorrow's schools. Students learn by dealing with such problems as responding to a request for a proposal for charter schools, creating a realistic teacher development and evaluation system, developing school-wide strategies for authentic assessment, dealing with discipline problems, developing school-community partnerships, and introducing change. Trinity University faculty and school district partners act as coaches and resources.
• Internships and Practica - Practicum experiences and internships are individually tailored to reflect the student's background and interests and school district needs. Trinity faculty work closely with mentors from school districts in crafting and providing internship experiences.

 

Fall I: 6 hours

• Educational Administration and Organization
• The School Management Functions

Spring I: 9 hours

• Administration of the Elementary and Secondary School
• Research Methods I
• Supervised Practicum

Summer I: 6 hours

• Curriculum Development
• Problems in Administration

Fall II: 6 hours

• School Law and Finance
• Advanced Problems in Administration

Spring II: 9 hours

• Independent Study: Problems in Practice
• Internship

The School Administration Program, directed by Dr. Thomas J. Sergiovanni, relies on a team of consulting professionals drawn from the ranks of the Center for Educational Leadership member schools.

The Center for Educational Leadership combines the resources of Trinity University, member school districts, and corporate and civic partners into a comprehensive collaborative directed at improving schools in our community. In addition to Tomorrow's Leaders: Preparing Principals for Tomorrow's Schools, Center programs include the Trinity Partners for School Improvement, the Trinity Principals' Center and the Smart Schools Network. Member school district superintendents, key members of the civic and business community, and policy analysts from Trinity University and elsewhere hold Center appointments as Senior Fellows.

Alamo Heights ISD Boerne ISD Comal ISD East Central ISD Edgewood ISD Fort Sam Houston ISD Harlandale ISD

Judson ISD Lackland ISD New Braunfels ISD North East ISD Northside ISD Pleasanton ISD Randolph Field ISD

San Antonio ISD Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD Somerset ISD South San Antonio ISD Southside ISD Southwest ISD

For additional information, please write or call:

Norine R. Murchison Professor and Chair of Education
Director of Center for Educational Leadership
Paul.Kelleher@trinity.edu

Lillian Radford Professor of Education
Director of School Administration Program
tsergiov@trinity.edu

Department of Education
One Trinity Place
San Antonio, Texas 78212-7200
Phone (210) 999-7501 or fax (210) 999-7592