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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

OCPS explicitly acknowledges the pivotal role of the principal as the foremost instructional leader in a school. The primary focus is on cultivating a team capable of delivering effective, high-quality instruction. The continuous process of implementing and enhancing instructional quality and curriculum, coupled with the recruitment of top-tier teachers and staff, is imperative for a school's advancement towards excellence.

The Preparing Future Principals Academy (PFPA) is specifically crafted to support individuals aspiring to become principals in acquiring the necessary skills and demonstrating competency as instructional leaders. This comprehensive program encompasses leadership training and the documentation of the Florida Educational Leadership Standards through competency-based experiences and activities.

As an integral component of the OCPS Leadership Pipeline, PFPA aims to foster transformational instructional leaders who are well-equipped to tackle the challenges inherent in the role of a school principal.

PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

Individuals participating in PFPA, referred to as "principal candidates" within the program, undergo a rigorous curriculum designed to incorporate high-quality professional learning and authentic experiences, preparing them for the responsibilities of a principal. Assistant principals with a minimum of one year's experience in their role are eligible to apply for PFPA. Additionally, district senior administrators and directors with state certification in educational leadership may apply to join a cohort, pending approval from their supervisors. Participants receive ongoing feedback throughout the program to assess progress, and the program offers tailored professional learning to address each participant's specific needs. Upon completion of PFPA, candidates are eligible to apply for School Principal certification.

PFPA is a two-year cohort program that blends face-to-face and synchronous virtual coursework with online and job-embedded learning activities to prepare participants for the role of principal. Weekly classes occur after hours with some field-based learning experiences during the workday. The program begins in the summer of each school year and currently accepts applications once per year. Application information is announced annually through the Deputy Superintendent's Announcements.  

PROGRAM EVALUATION

The program's effectiveness, encompassing coursework, field experiences, and differentiated activities, will be systematically assessed to identify both areas of strength and areas requiring continuous improvement. Each program element will be equipped with pre-identified success criteria and rubrics to consistently determine proficiency levels. PFPA completers will attain certification as a school principal.



PFPA AT-A-GLANCE

PFPA AT A Glance