For Immediate Release: November 16, 2023
Contact: communications@doe.virginia.gov
Todd.Reid@doe.virginia.gov
Pilot Project Focused on New Principals Leading At-Risk Schools
RICHMOND — The Virginia Department of Education, in collaboration with the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals (VAESP) and the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP), announced today the Virginia Principal Mentoring Project, a pilot program focused on mentoring principals with a year or less experience and who are leading federally identified at-risk schools.
“Principals are the leaders in their school buildings. They set the tone and are the ones looked to establish a vision for high standards and success,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons said. “For many new principals, it can be tough, on-the-job training. With this mentoring pilot project, we are focusing on supporting our new principals leading in some of our most challenged schools and equipping them with support that can help them and their schools be successful.”
With the focus on principals leading federally identified at-risk schools with a year or less experience in the position, the project will pair current principals with successful recently retired principals best able to share their experience in the position and perspective on overcoming the challenges faced in the current educational environment.
“Studies consistently emphasize the pivotal role of principals in shaping student and school outcomes. School leaders' impact is second only to classroom instruction. They significantly influence student achievement, attendance, teacher retention, community involvement, and various other aspects,” said Krista Arnold, executive director of VAESP. “With the growing national shortage of educators, many principals are assuming leadership positions with limited years of experience. This strategic investment in Virginia’s educational future aims to abolish the outdated notion of "sink or swim" for principals and instead offers essential aid and support, providing a partner in what too often can often be an isolating role.”
“Mentoring new principals is crucial to improving teacher performance and the learning outcomes of students,” said Randy Barrack, chief executive officer of VASSP. “This collaborative venture of the VASSP, VAESP, and the Virginia Foundation for Educational Leadership all working with the Virginia Department of Education is a significant step in helping principals be strong instructional leaders for teacher and student success.”
Recognizing the crucial need to support new principals in challenged schools, in addition to pairing new principals with mentors, a comprehensive professional development program will be implemented to enhance their leadership capabilities in key areas. Designed to initially work with 24 principals at federally identified at-risk schools, the pilot program is expected to fully commence before the 2024-2025 school year.
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