Paid Principal Residency, Real Leadership

Welcome From The NCASA Floor

SPEAKER_00 0:06

Welcome to Spotlight for Success with American Book Company. I'm your host, Eric and Tozi, and we're here at the N Casa Conference in Wellington, North Carolina. We're here with our special guest, Lauren. Lauren is the director of the North Carolina Principal Fellows Program. So we're so thankful to have you here today with us.

SPEAKER_01 0:24

Thank you, sir.

SPEAKER_00 0:24

What brings you here to this conference?

SPEAKER_01 0:26

I'm excited. I'm here to represent our Principal Fellows Program, and also we have brought some fellows with us.

SPEAKER_00 0:33

Ooh, okay.

SPEAKER_01 0:33

So that means they are current educators in their classroom or school counselors, and they are in year one or two of a master's degree program. So they are seeing the real work of what it looks like to be a school administrator, and they're able to network really well with current superintendents and potential get hired.

How The Fellows Program Works

SPEAKER_00 0:52

Wow, that's amazing. This is a great opportunity for them. And can you tell me more about what the fellows program is about?

Paid Residency And Loan Forgiveness

SPEAKER_01 0:57

Yes, North Carolina is one of the only states in the country. We are the broadest reaching principal preparation program. And so essentially in year one, you remain in a classroom doing good work, going to school full-time. In year two, you're in a fully paid internship program where you are in a principal residency and you're doing the work of a school administrator while also going to school full-time. Fully paid for by the state, and the expectation is upon graduation, it is a loan-by-service repayment. So once you are in a qualifying position of an assistant principal or a principal for four years, your loan is forgiven by the state.

SPEAKER_00 1:34

Well, every every principal in the in the United States should do that. That's really amazing.

SPEAKER_01 1:39

And we are a very rigorous program, so we only serve eight MSA programs across the state of North Carolina. So they have to apply through an RFP process to be part of us. And then as you can imagine, they work with local LEAs to tap their highest performing teachers to become principals.

SPEAKER_00 1:55

That sounds very highly competitive. I love it. That's great for success.

SPEAKER_01 2:00

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 2:00

And um what how'd you get into your position?

Education Values And Closing Thanks

SPEAKER_01 2:04

So previous to this, I was a high school and middle school principal. So just really value the work. We know that the catalyst in the school to change is a teacher. But second to that is a principal. And so, really, as a good principal, your job is to support good teachers to make sure every kid has a quality education. Absolutely.

SPEAKER_00 2:23

And what do you value most about education?

SPEAKER_01 2:26

Just the power of what is, what could be a first-generation college student. And I think that that's really powerful that people are not what they look like. You know, you can't tell and see what people have been through. And so being in a classroom to inspire the next generation to just continue to dream. What if, what could be.

SPEAKER_00 2:44

Absolutely. Well, do you have any last words for the NCASA community?

SPEAKER_01 2:48

No, I just appreciate everyone coming out and sharing so transparently in this work. It's a labor of love. And so I really appreciate being in a space where people are willing to share just their gifts and talents with others so that we can continue to reach the children in the local communities we serve. Absolutely.

SPEAKER_00 3:04

I love I love that. And there we have it. Thank you for coming on with us, Lauren, and we'll catch you all next time.

SPEAKER_01 3:10

Thanks, friend.