LEAD-17:
Shaping Tomorrow's
Principals Today
The LEAD-17 Project
Introduction to the LEAD17 Program for Assistant Principal Development
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The LEAD17 Program, created by Melissa D. Hensley, is a groundbreaking initiative tailored to aspiring and current assistant principals' unique needs. Designed to cultivate leadership excellence, this program provides a robust framework for professional growth and capacity-building in school leadership roles.
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The program focuses on Leadership, Equity, Accountability, and Development (LEAD) and emphasizes the competencies essential for success as an assistant principal. Through evidence-based strategies, practical application, and collaborative learning, participants develop critical skills to effectively support student achievement, foster inclusive school environments, and navigate the multifaceted demands of educational leadership.
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The LEAD17 Program is more than a leadership course—it's a comprehensive pathway for assistant principals to refine their vision, enhance their decision-making, and build the confidence needed to lead with impact. With Dr. Hensley's expertise and commitment to shaping dynamic school leaders, this program empowers participants to make meaningful contributions to their schools and communities while preparing for future career advancement.
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Join the LEAD17 Program and take the next step in your journey toward educational leadership excellence.
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The LEAD17 Program seamlessly integrates the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) to ensure participants have the skills and knowledge necessary for impactful school leadership. Each program component aligns with the PSEL standards, emphasizing core leadership principles such as fostering a student-centered vision, cultivating a culture of equity, managing operations effectively, and engaging families and communities.
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By embedding these standards into its framework, LEAD17 provides assistant principals with practical, standards-based strategies for meeting the challenges of modern education. This ensures that their development is comprehensive and aligned with national benchmarks for leadership excellence.
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17" Framework
The 17-inch home plate in baseball serves as a powerful metaphor for setting clear and consistent parameters in educational leadership. Just as the size of the home plate remains fixed, regardless of the player or level of competition, effective school leadership requires unwavering standards and beliefs that guide decision-making and practice.
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In the context of educational leadership, the "17 inches" represents the commitment to fairness, accountability, and consistency. Leaders must hold themselves and their teams to established expectations, ensuring that all stakeholders—students, teachers, and families—understand the boundaries and goals that drive success. This steadfast adherence to principles fosters trust, equity, and excellence within the school community.
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LEAD-17 for Assistant Principals
The LEAD17 Program for Assistant Principals emphasizes three core pillars to develop transformative leaders:
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Building a Leadership Legacy
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Assistant principals are guided to cultivate a vision of leadership that leaves a lasting, positive impact on their school communities. This involves fostering relationships, shaping school culture, and mentoring others to ensure sustainable growth and success.
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Engineering the School Environment
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The program equips leaders with the tools to design and maintain an optimal learning environment. By addressing operational challenges, promoting inclusivity, and prioritizing student-centered practices, participants learn to create schools where everyone thrives.
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Leadership by Design
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Participants are encouraged to intentionally approach leadership, aligning their actions with core values and strategic goals. This involves thoughtful planning, data-driven decision-making, and innovative problem-solving to lead purposefully and precisely.
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Through these focus areas, LEAD17 empowers assistant principals to become visionary leaders who inspire excellence and drive meaningful change in their schools.
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Succession Planning for School Administrators
Why Succession Planning is Essential for Developing Future Principals
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Succession planning is a critical component of sustaining strong and effective school leadership. As the demands of the principalship continue to evolve, it is imperative to prepare assistant principals to step into this pivotal role seamlessly. By investing in the development of assistant principals, schools ensure a pipeline of leaders ready to uphold high standards, foster a positive school culture, and drive student success.
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Assistant principals are uniquely positioned to observe and contribute to the principal's responsibilities, making them ideal candidates for leadership development. Through targeted training, mentorship, and opportunities to lead key initiatives, they gain the skills, confidence, and vision necessary to navigate the challenges of modern educational leadership.
Succession planning ensures continuity in leadership, builds organizational resilience, minimizes disruption during transitions, and enhances staff morale. By preparing assistant principals today, we secure the future of our schools with leaders who are ready to inspire, innovate, and lead with purpose.
