Principal Academy
The Thompson Principal Academy provides advanced leadership development programs to campus principals. Our goal is to assist successful principals in achieving even higher levels of leadership and proficiency. The Principal Academy has been consistently rated by academy alumni as the best staff development training they have ever received.
To apply or nominate someone for the Principal Academy, please review the information below, e.g., the academy description, the calendar, the attendance guidelines, and the membership qualifications.
After reviewing the information above, if you believe you meet all the entry requirements listed below, we encourage you to click the BEGIN APPLICATION link and complete the application process.
We look forward to seeing your application.
Testimonials
“Participating in the Thompson Executive Leadership Institute was a transformative experience that greatly enhanced my leadership skills. The interactive sessions fostered open dialogue, allowing us to learn from each other’s experiences. Dr. Smith, Dr. Thompson, and the guest superintendents shared real-world challenges and successes, offering valuable insights for modern-day principals. I built lasting connections with fellow cohort members, which have already proven invaluable in my career. The program not only boosted my confidence but also renewed my motivation to lead with purpose and integrity, making it an experience I highly recommend to any leader seeking to elevate their impact.”
Dr. Gena Ayers, Principal, Milam Elementary, Wichita Falls ISD
“Being a member of Cohort 27 in the Thompson Executive Leadership Academy has been a transformative experience, both professionally and personally. Collaborating with 25 exceptional principals from across Texas broadened my leadership perspective and inspired me to find innovative ways to elevate my campus. The deep discussions, problem-solving sessions, and shared best practices pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me grow in unexpected ways. This journey also introduced me to a supportive network of mentors, collaborators, and friends who will continue to guide me throughout my career. I am grateful for this opportunity and excited to apply what I’ve learned to make a lasting impact on students’ lives.”
Kristy Mach, Principal, Henderson Elementary, Forney ISD
“Receiving my acceptance letter to TELI was one of the most rewarding moments of my life, as I had heard so much about the program’s impact. My first session was filled with uncertainty, wondering how I could contribute or whether I would feel fulfilled by the experience. However, under the guidance of Dr. Thompson and Dr. Smith, the journey turned out to be a success, with their calculated and intentional approach to our learning. As I engaged with my cohort members and tackled real challenges, I grew both professionally and personally, feeling validated and valued throughout. This experience profoundly impacted my growth as an educational leader and as an individual, leaving me forever grateful.”
Earl Gilmore, Principal, Terrell High School, Terrell ISD
What We Offer
Upon completion of the Academy, Principals will gain the following:
Resources
additional tools and insights to better lead their campuses
Innovation
Professional Development
Network
fresh ways to look at every aspect of the principal’s role
Strategies
new strategies for problem solving and problem prevention
Community
The academy connects participating principals to a cohort of equally skilled alumni from outside districts. Experience confirms that Principal Academy alumni continue membership in these cohorts long after graduating from the institute.
Tuition: $6500
Tuition covers all educational costs:
- Six three-day sessions held in Austin
- Four-day retreat
- Principal network
- Meets all Continuing Professional Education requirements for Standard Administrator Certificate renewal
Travel expenses to the sessions (room, meals, mileage, etc.) are the responsibility of the principal’s district.
Begin Your Journey
Make sure you or your potential nominee is an eligible candidate before completing the nomination application.
To be considered for selection to the academy, a principal should:
- demonstrate a commitment to professional growth
- have two successful years of experience as a principal
- be recognized as a leader by his/her colleagues
- have the approval of his/her superintendent
- be employed and currently serving as a school principal (assistant principals are not eligible at this time)
Review the institute dates to ensure that you can attend scheduled meetings and events.
Attendance to all sessions is critical to your success in the Academy. If you have been nominated to attend the Academy but cannot attend both the September and October sessions, or you will miss more than one session during the year, we ask you to withdraw until a time when schedule conflicts will not be a problem.
Complete the nomination application.
Admission to the academy is competitive and the target class size is about 25 participants. The academy will accept single or multiple principals from a district. Alumni of previous academies report that having a fellow principal (or principals) from their home district enhanced their ability to discuss and internalize what they learned in the sessions.