The first class of the Principal Leadership Academy met on the UTC campus recently to explore financial leadership. The Principal Leadership Academy, a joint effort to shepherd aspiring Hamilton County Schools’ principals, was created by a board representing UTC, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, the Public Education Foundation and the Hamilton County School system. The group now governs the program.
Thirteen Hamilton County Schools’ assistant principals are included in the Academy, which provides a foundation in core business skills coupled with advanced training in instructional leadership. Participants will visit at least one high-performing school outside of Hamilton County.
“Right now the most important organization to Chattanooga’s future is the neighborhood school. The leaders in these organizations deserve the best we can provide in training, support and encouragement,” said Dr. Mary Tanner, dean of the College of the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies.
Dr. Godfrey Saunders serves as Director of the Academy, which gathers participants for monthly meetings. Each participant has been assigned a business executive mentor.
“Chattanooga has created a leadership program that weds business leaders and school leaders in a year long relationship as mentors and protégés,” said Tanner. “UTC is proud to have helped create the Principal Leadership Academy and is providing personnel, space, and contacts to enrich each month’s session. Dr. Saunders is associated with UTC as a visiting professor and his feedback helps us improve our own leadership offerings.”
Participants in the Principal Leadership Academy must apply and be selected by a screening committee.
