Purpose of the Center
Research shows that school leadership is second only to classroom instruction in influencing student
learning. For that reason, the CEL established the Trinity Principals’ Center (TPC), to renew, support and
sustain school leaders in making their schools places where teachers can teach students successfully. It provides
inter-district support and professional development for principals in 24 school districts and five charter and
private schools. Through a variety of activities, it helps school leaders identify and solve problems while devel-
oping leadership skills that improve the culture, climate and student achievement on their campuses.
TPC Director Ann Berg develops the Center’s programs with help from the TPC Steering Committee,
comprised of school leaders from area schools and ESC-Region 20.
Impact on Schools
Participants describe TPC activities as highly relevant as they build a shared vision for their school
and implement initiatives for improving teaching, learning and increasing student achievement scores.
While school leadership can be demanding and isolating, TPC principals report that connections with
principals outside their districts have helped them learn to experience trust and collegiality. They say they
also become more efficient in setting priorities and managing their time to meet the many challenges of
the position.
2008-2009 Components and Activities
1. Trinity Back to School Celebration
• Mr. Will Baker, educational consultant,
In August, Trinity 2008 Distinguished Educators
spoke to TPC participants on “Response to
from each district honored their school leaders
Intervention for Administrators.”
by sharing stories about how their principals’ and Speakers scheduled for the 2009-2010 school
superintendents’ encouragement supports their year include Dr. Coleen Grissom, August 4,
efforts in assuring student success. In addition, speaking on “I’ll Quit When It Stops Being
area school leaders held a gallery walk showcasing Fun”; Dr. Pedro Noguera, Sept. 22, talking about
poster stories of best practices in their districts. ensuring student success; and Drs. Richard and
2.
Rebecca DuFour, Dec. 10, speaking on “Building
TPC Speaker Series
Professional Learning Communities.”
• Dr. Ronald Takaki, Author and Professor of
Ethnic Studies at the University of California at 3. Sharing Sessions
Berkley lectured on diversity and how teachers Principals who had attended the Harvard Summer
can incorporate the teaching of diversity into the Institutes presented panel discussions on the
curriculum. programs in different school districts throughout
the summer. TPC Steering Committee members
• Dr. Richard Elmore, Professor of Educational
met before or after these sessions to evaluate and
Leadership at Harvard, worked with TPC
plan. Sharing Sessions included:
school leadership teams in the Fall to discuss
“Leadership to Improve Teaching and • Edison High School, SAISD: “Redesigning
Learning.” High Schools for Improved Instruction”
• Dr. Shari Albright, Chief Operating Officer of • Sul Ross Middle School, NISD: “Reflections
the Asia Society of International Studies School on Leadership: What Works?”
Network talked on “Going Global: Why Global
• Lady Bird Johnson High School, NEISD:
Knowledge and Skills Are a 21st Century
“Improving Schools: The Art of Leadership.”
Imperative.”
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