Educator Evaluation and Leadership
Educator Evaluation and Leadership Events, Services, and Resources
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Program Support
Principal Support Services
Being a principal is tough, but they don’t have to do it alone. Research shows that principals who receive 1:1 support experience greater job satisfaction, stay in their roles longer, and are better equipped to support teachers, students, and families. Tha
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Consultations
Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA)
We're equipped to help our districts navigate the process of developing their Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) plans. Our staff is prepared to facilitate the steps necessary to provide districts with the support they need to submit a successful TIA application to TEA.
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Online
Leadership Series Online Courses
Grow your knowledge on everything from school staffing to family engagement with our Leadership Series Online Courses! These seven school leadership online courses are self-paced and can be purchased individually or as a bundle with a 20% discount. Each part
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Certification
Advancing Educational Leadership
This 3 day training meets the state requirement for leadership training of educator appraisers
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Service
Texas Principal Certification Network
We are preparing future leaders to meet the constantly evolving challenges schools face. Apply for our February, July, or October cohorts!
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Article
The Three Systems Every Principal Needs for Effective School Leadership
Being a principal is less about having all the answers and more about creating the conditions for your team to do great work. But with teachers to support, families to respond to, student needs to manage, meetings to attend, data to analyze, and plans for the future, it is easy for school leaders to become […]
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Article
Strengthening the Principal and Assistant Principal Relationship
The principal and assistant principal relationship carries a campus, yet it rarely gets the same deliberate attention as the rest of the staff. Once the daily rhythm sets in, it’s easy to let the relationship run on autopilot. But the strength of your leadership team shows up in everything downstream. That makes this relationship worth […]
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Article
Mastering the Grid: The Texas Secondary Principal’s Guide to Master Scheduling
Every educator knows the unwritten rule of school leadership: your master schedule is your true campus budget. It is not just a spreadsheet of names, rooms, and times. It is the definitive, legally binding reflection of your campus values, your instructional vision, and your commitment to student success. When a master schedule is built purely […]
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Article
Making T-TESS Meaningful for Teacher Growth
A Conversation with Mrs. Jofee’ Tremain, Principal at East Fort Worth Montessori Academy One of the most common questions Texas principals ask about T-TESS is this: How do we move it from something we “have to do” into something meaningful that truly supports teacher growth? As more districts across Texas use the Teacher Incentive Allotment […]
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Article
Time Management in the Era of Urgency
During a recent interview, Anna Warren, a veteran school leader and principal coach in Central Texas, explained that principals have always managed complex information. “As a leader, you’re getting information from so many people, and you need to decide what am I going to do with that? Does this go on my plate or someone […]
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Article
Preparing Leadership Teams for Quick Decisions
As any leader who has been on a campus for any period of time knows, school leadership is full of moments that you didn’t plan for on your calendar. For instance, a parent arrives angry and unannounced, demanding immediate attention; a situation involving a student changes course quickly; an urgent safety concern arises; or a […]
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Resource
What Would You Do? Admin Edition Scenario Cards
Guides teams through realistic situations while promoting psychological safety, curiosity, and a growth mindset.
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Resource
My User Manual
Helps teams share a little about their work style, communication preferences, and goals for the year.
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Professional Development
District and Campus Calibration Support
Partner with a Calibration Coach to build consistent observation practices, strengthen feedback systems, and design a customized calibration plan that supports your district’s goals.
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Article
Turning Data into Daily Action
Across Texas, school leaders are deep in the work of reviewing STAAR results, reflecting on where their campuses are, and asking, “What do we do next?” This data moment is more than a reflection—it’s the launching point for setting goals and building momentum toward real, sustainable improvement. The process doesn’t have to be complex, but […]
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Article
The Power of Pause for Sustainable Leadership
Let’s be honest, as school leaders, every minute on our calendars is maxed out. Most days feel like a sprint; before we know it, we’re putting out fires, responding to emails, and juggling a dozen priorities. And the idea of adding one more standing item on the calendar can feel overwhelming. But one thing I […]
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Program Support
Assistant Principal Support Packages
Assistant principals are key to a campus’s success! We know that when assistant principals get targeted, individualized coaching, they build stronger leadership skills, grow into future principals, and make a bigger impact on their schools today. ESCRegion
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Article
Empower Students Through Positive Office Referrals
As school leaders, we are often called upon to step in when there is a problem—a student struggling with behavior, a conflict needing resolution, or a critical decision requiring immediate attention. While addressing challenges is a key part of the role, cultivating a positive school culture is equally important. A strong, positive culture improves the […]
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Article
Tips and Advice from New Superintendents
Stepping into the role of superintendent is a transformative experience filled with opportunities to lead, learn, and make a difference. Three newly appointed superintendents—Dr. Elmer Avellaneda of Gonzales ISD, Dr. Laurelyn Arterbury of New Braunfels ISD, and Dr. Greg Bonewald of Wimberley ISD—share their journeys, motivations, and advice for others aspiring to make a meaningful […]
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Article
Discovering the 5 Phases of TIA Support
The Teacher Incentive Allotment, or TIA, was established in 2019 through HB3. TIA aims to provide outstanding teachers with an accessible pathway to a six-figure salary. It is built for Texas school districts to designate and reward top-performing teachers. Through TIA, highly effective teachers are awarded designations and earn allotments for their districts. They can earn […]
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Article
How to Guide Your Campus Through MTSS Implementation
As school leaders, one of the most impactful steps you can take to address your teachers’ concerns and impact students’ success is implementing a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) on your campus. MTSS is a framework that integrates academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports into a unified system to address the diverse needs of all […]
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Spreadsheet
MTSS Implementation Checklist
Download our free Implementation Checklist for school leaders, which offers a campus assessment tool and a goal-setting framework to guide each step in creating a supportive, effective MTSS protocol.
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Resource
Family-Student-Teacher Conference Template
Download our free Family-Student-Teacher Conference Template to streamline your meetings and keep discussions focused.
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Article
8 Key Skills Developed Through Superintendent Certification Programs
Superintendent certification programs equip educational leaders with the advanced knowledge and skills to lead school districts effectively. These programs go beyond foundational administrative training, focusing on strategic leadership, visionary planning, and the ability to navigate complex educational landscapes. Whether aspiring to become a superintendent or seeking to enhance your leadership abilities, understanding the critical skills […]
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Article
How To Engage Families to Support Student Success
This time of year, schools are completing their diagnostic testing of students and developing an awareness of their students’ strengths and areas of growth. As an effective school leader, you are supporting the discussions of your staff to dig into those areas and create action plans for the staff and campus to maximize growth for […]
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Article
How to Use Cascading Goals to Drive Student Success
The school leaders are responsible for guiding students, staff, and the entire campus toward growth and success. This requires unwavering focus and planning. A common pitfall in the work of an administrator is losing sight of that focus and becoming reactive to everything that comes up. Daily, many competing urgencies call the campus leadership’s attention, […]
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Article
What to Expect from an Alternative Superintendent Certification Program
If you’re an aspiring educational leader, considering a superintendent certification program is a significant step toward advancing your career. A superintendent plays a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape and guiding schools and districts toward achieving their goals. Here’s an overview of what you can expect from a typical alternative certification program in Texas, […]
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Article
A Day in the Life of a School Principal
A principal’s daily responsibilities vary, from engaging with families and the community to providing instructional leadership and managing staff. We asked Jean Villarreal, an outstanding assistant principal who became certified through our Principal Certification Network, to share an insider’s view into a school principal’s day. Here’s what she said. Question: Can you describe a typical […]
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Article
Team Building and Visioning for Staff PD Days
As you know, it’s important for principals to build a sense of community on campus. A cohesive group achieves more together and makes for a more enjoyable working environment. But what exactly does that look like? Schools can be made up of multiple teams: the campus team as a whole, grade-level teams (horizontal), multi-grade level […]
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Article
Understanding the TExES Superintendent (195) Test
Becoming a superintendent in Texas is a pinnacle achievement for educators aspiring to lead at the highest levels of educational administration. To earn your superintendent certification, you must pass the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) Superintendent (195) test. This comprehensive guide will explore the format, content, and essential strategies for success in this pivotal […]
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Article
Fostering Unity: Building a Strong Administrative Team
Schools are highly complex environments, with numerous systems, stakeholders, and components interacting and impacting one another. It’s palpable when the school functions smoothly, and you can sense it in everything it does. And when it isn’t operating well, the converse is true. As with most things, the foundation of the school must be solid. The […]
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Article
What are Alternative Certification Programs?
This Article was Updated on August 17, 2026. Are you passionate about education but lack a traditional teaching or administrative certificate? Alternative certification programs offer a viable pathway for individuals to pursue careers in teaching, school leadership, and administration. Let’s explore what alternative certification programs entail and how they open doors for aspiring educators and […]
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Article
The Transformative Power of Team-Building for School Leaders
Let’s face it: being a school leader is one of the most challenging and dynamic careers out there. Effective leadership is essential for fostering a supportive and thriving school community. As an administrator, you play a pivotal role in shaping your campus’s culture, values, and vision. One powerful tool at your disposal for achieving these […]
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Article
Make a Game Plan for End-of-Year Teacher Conferences
A high-speed roller coaster is a metaphor for the academic school year, with all its twists, turns, surprise drops, and even the ultimate upside-down spins. While this roller coaster spins inexorably toward that final day, an important activity must occur at least a few weeks before the last student day: End-of-Year (EOY) conferences between the […]
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Article
Creating Consistency: The Importance of T-TESS Calibration
The Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) is a comprehensive framework designed to assess and improve teaching practices in schools across Texas. T-TESS provides appraisers and teachers with a rubric to support the development of a common language of instructional practices that best support student growth. Furthermore, there are many steps districts, appraisers, and teachers […]
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Article
Every Child Deserves a Champion – Find an EPP that Champions You
“Teaching and learning should bring joy. How powerful would our world be if we had kids who were not afraid to take risks, who were not afraid to think, and who had a champion? Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and […]
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Article
5 Job Opportunities with a Superintendent Certificate
In the dynamic realm of education, the role of a superintendent holds a distinctive significance, influencing the trajectory of schools and districts. Attaining a superintendent certificate in Texas is not merely a certification; it is an acknowledgment of one’s commitment to leadership and the potential to drive positive change within the educational landscape. While a […]
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Maximize Your Coaching Cycle
As a practical principal and instructional leader, you’re consistently reflecting on the successes of your campus and determining the next steps to continue your students’ growth. When you think of your next steps, coaching your teachers toward continuous improvement is likely at the top of the list of campus needs you want to focus on. […]
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Article
What is the Principal as Instructional Leader (268) Exam?
In the realm of educational leadership, the role of a principal is multifaceted and demanding. Principals are not just administrators; they are instructional leaders responsible for shaping the academic direction of their schools. To ensure that school leaders are well-prepared for this crucial role, states like Texas have implemented certification exams. One such exam, the […]
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Article
Leveraging T-TESS as a Coaching Tool
As a school leader, you are in full swing, where you’re likely supporting teachers with finding success in their classrooms. This comes in the form of T-TESS or the teacher evaluation tool that your district uses. A successful and efficient school leader recognizes that teacher evaluation isn’t another thing on their to-do list. IT IS […]
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Article
Understanding the Role of a School Superintendent
The role of a school superintendent is pivotal in shaping the educational landscape of a school district. They drive decision-making, policy implementation, and overall improvement of the district’s educational programs. In this blog, we’ll dive into the multifaceted role of a school superintendent, exploring their responsibilities and their impact on the education system. Visionary Leader […]
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Resource
The Practical Principal Blog Series
The Practical Principal is a monthly series for today’s school leaders. We cover various relevant topics and provide actionable tips straight from experts in the field. Each blog post also contains a free download!
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Service
Assistant Principal Collaborative Network
You don't have to navigate your assistant principal position alone. With our Assistant Principal Collaborative Network, you will share, learn, and discuss hot topics you are facing with colleagues.
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Service
Texas Superintendents' Certification Institute (TSCI)
A 12 month program to train future superintendents.
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Service
Impact Coaching Training
In this two-day workshop, participants will learn and apply specialized coaching skills, tools, and competencies to utilize in the T-TESS and T-PESS observation cycles or any conversation about teaching and learning.
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Service
Ensuring AP Success- Assistant Principal Rubric Training
In this one-day course, we will dive into the Texas state Assistant Principal rubric, which is aligned with the T-PESS rubric but customized for this specific audience.
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Blended
T-PESS Training
Texas Principal Evaluation and Support System (T-PESS) is the Commissioner recommended principal evaluation system for the state of Texas. This system assesses the principal’s performance in relation to the Texas Principal Standards.
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Blended
T-TESS Training
Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) is the Commissioner recommended teacher evaluation system for the state of Texas. It’s a system designed by educators to support teachers in their professional growth and includes a goal-setting and professional development plan, an evaluation cycle, and a student growth measure.
View Workshop Details: T-TESS Training
Our school and district leaders are the essential architects of transformative learning experiences. The strategic decisions made by leaders directly impact curriculum development, teacher training, and student support, all contributing to academic success and growth.
The Educator Evaluation and Leadership (EEL) Team is dedicated to empowering and elevating campus and district leaders on their journey of continuous improvement toward educational excellence. Through a diverse range of services, events, resources, and trainings, we provide tools tailored to the needs of our clients. From comprehensive training on the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) to the Principal and Assistant Principal Collaborative Network series or an empowering training on Three Systems to Get Out of Your Office and Into Classrooms, we support the essential skills for effective leadership.
Every district and campus has unique needs for learning and professional growth. Our team will create customized trainings to meet your needs. The goal of the EEL team is to serve and support Region 13 leaders in the invaluable work you do every day.