Aspiring Principal Program

The Aspiring Principals Program (APP) is designed to develop and improve leadership at the campus level of the Fort Worth ISD, where principals and assistant principals have a powerful influence on students’ education. The selected participants will be the best and most motivated principal/assistant principal candidates. They will receive the practical and academic training they need to lead Fort Worth ISD campuses toward equity, efficiency and achievement.

Benefits of the APP

• Participants will receive a master of education degree with principal certification from the University of Texas at Arlington
• The degree will be completed in one year
• Participants will complete a yearlong paid residency at a Fort Worth ISD campus
• One-third of the university tuition will be paid
• Classes will be offered once a week
• Participants will receive coaching throughout the program and into their first administrative assignment
• All classes will be delivered at the Fort Worth ISD’s Professional Development Center or UTA’s Fort Worth Center

Ideal Candidates Will Have. . .

• A commitment to working within the Fort Worth ISD for the next five years
• A minimum of three years in a full-time paid PK-12 teaching position
• A proven record as a successful leader
• A willingness to be immersed in an intensive, yearlong learning experience, including a residency at a campus
• Professional resilience and integrity
• Strong communication skills
• Instructional knowledge/expertise

Admission Process

• Apply online, submit a professional portfolio, and take the Gallup’s PrincipalInsight assessment
• A performance assessment for semi-finalists
• An interview for finalists

A panel consisting of principals, UTA faculty members and Fort Worth ISD central administrators will screen applications.  Finalists must apply to and be accepted into UTA’s Graduate School and College of Education.