Principal Certification Network

During the PCN 31 program, students receive specialized online PASL (Performance Assessment for School Leaders) launch training and engage in Advancing Educational Leadership (AEL) and Texas Teacher Evaluation & Support System (T-TESS) trainings. They also work through 9 online Canvas courses with 9 embedded performance assessments, complete additional self-study activities, and are provided additional training opportunities through the ESC Region 13 E-Campus system. The program also requires a school-based practicum/internship component which lasts from January 2021-January 2022, spanning a full academic year.

Each of the 9 core curriculum Canvas courses launch on a designated Saturday. The coursework is completed online, which includes a variety of assignments requiring online interaction with other cohorts and the course facilitators, in addition to campus-based experiences.

Throughout all of this, you’ll get hands on coaching and field supervision feedback from both our specialists and your fellow cohorts. It’s one way we’re positively impacting the future of Texas leaders.

Requirements:

To be eligible applicants must have:

• A Master's degree from an accredited university with a minimum of 3.0 GPA
• Completed 2 years of qualified teaching experience
• Completed 3 years leadership experience (see FAQs for more information)
• Hold a Valid Texas Teaching Certificate

Application Process:

1. Ensure you have the following information prior to beginning your application!
   • Social Security Number or Resident Alien Number (this will serve as your application reference number)
   • Your Valid Texas Teaching Certificate
   • Education history including institutions attended, dates, and grade point average
   • Employment history (beginning with most recent), including supervisor's name and current contact information, and dates of employment
   • Visa, Master Card, or check routing information for $100 application fee
2. Complete the Region 13 Online Application (pay $100 fee)
3. Submit all required documents:
   • Service Record showing a minimum of two (2) years teaching experience
   • Official Master's Degree transcript sent directly from the university to leadership@esc13.txed.net or mailed to ESC Region 13. Faxed and/or copied transcripts are not accepted
   • Documentation of GRE scores (if taken)
   • A copy of your current Texas Teaching Certificate
   • A copy of your most recent teaching evaluation
   • Three (3) Professional Recommendations forms (including one from current supervisor).
     Forms should be completed electronically and emailed directly from recommender to leadership@esc13.txed.net
   • Resume including leadership experience

Please submit all required documents to:

Jeannette Hanon
Educator Evaluation and Leadership
Education Service Center, Region 13
5701 Springdale Road
Austin, TX 78723
leadership@esc13.txed.net

Application will not be processed until we have received all of the above listed items and your application fee has been paid.

Selection Process:

• Interviews scheduled via live Zoom with Region 13 for Qualified Applicants following review of online application and supplemental documentation
• All applicants notified about admission status by e-mail

January 2021 Cohort

Program Launch

9 Canvas Courses

Additional Training/Sessions

PCN Work Breaks

• 1 week off at Thanksgiving
• 1 week off at July 4th
• 2 weeks off at Christmas
• 1 week off at Spring Break (1st March of program year only)

Note: All dates/times/classes are subject to change without notice.

Program Fees

1. Application Fee - A $100 nonrefundable application fee is required to initiate the application process. (Due at time of application)
2. Registration Fee - A nonrefundable registration fee of $300 is required upon acceptance. Those accepted into the program must return their registration form and pay the fee to reserve their space in the program. (Due upon acceptance into the program)
3. Program Cost - $6,000 for 15-month program. This includes all program training pieces.
   • $6,000 program cost may be paid in full up front or in 12 equal monthly payments of $500, February 2021 - February 2022.

*Required textbooks are the responsibility of the individual and are not included in the program fees/costs.

*Note: All fees are subject to change without notice.

Financial Aid

A+ FCU Higher Education Loan: A+ Federal Credit Union offers a Higher Education Loan for a financing option up to $10,000 and up to 120 months. Call 512-302-6800, option 2, option 3, option 3 to apply or for further details. Team members are available to assist Monday-Friday 8am-7pm and Saturday 10am-1pm. If not already a member of A+ Federal Credit Union, please visit https://aplusfcu.org/join-a-plus/ to join.

College Access Loan Program: The College Access Loan Program provides alternative educational loans to Texas students enrolled in an alternative certification program who are unable to meet the cost of attendance. The CAL may be used to cover part or all of the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC); student do not have to demonstrate financial need. This loan program is part of the Hinson-Hazlewood College Student Loan Program administrated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). For more information, visit http://www.hhloans.com/.

Is there financial assistance available?

A+ FCU Higher Education Loan: A+ Federal Credit Union offers a Higher Education Loan for a financing option up to $10,000 and up to 120 months.. Call 512-302-6800, option 2, option 3, option 3 to apply or for further details. Team members are available to assist Monday-Friday 8am-7pm and Saturday 10am-1pm. If not already a member of A+ Federal Credit Union, please visit https://aplusfcu.org/join-a-plus/ to join. Contact Program Support Jeannette Hanon for exact cost amount for loan request before applying.

College Access Loan Program: The College Access Loan Program provides alternative educational loans to Texas students enrolled in an alternative certification program who are unable to meet the cost of attendance. The CAL may be used to cover part or all of the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC); student do not have to demonstrate financial need. This loan program is part of the Hinson-Hazlewood College Student Loan Program administrated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). For more information, visit http://www.hhloans.com/. Contact Program Support Jeannette Hanon for exact cost amount for loan request before applying.

What minimum entry requirements are needed to participate in the Principal Certification Network (PCN) program?

A valid Texas teaching certificate, two years teaching experience, a graduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and three years leadership experience.

If I don't have a master's degree, can I just get principal certification?

No. You must have a graduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible for the program.

Can my university credits/courses transfer to the PCN?

No. The PCN is not a university program; therefore, we do not accept credit/course transfers. Our program is designed for individuals who already hold a masters degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher, who want to pursue their principal certification through an alternative route rather than a university program.

What is needed for completion of a standard principal certificate?

Candidates are eligible for Standard Principal Certification upon:

1. Successful completion of all coursework, assignments and assessments
2. Successful completion of the practicum
3. Passing score on the TExES (268) and all 3 PASL task submissions
4. Recommendation of the program coordinator, taking into account information from site and field supervisor
5. Required attendance and make-up
6. Payment of all fees
7. An evaluation of satisfactory or above from the employing school district

What constitutes "Leadership Experience?'

Examples of "leadership experience" within the field of education may include department chair, grade level chairperson, team leader and membership on site based teams and committees. An example of leadership experience outside the realm of education is a management position which included the supervision of at least three other professional individuals.

Are all applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements accepted into the program?

No. There will be a screening process prior to acceptance. The screenings will focus on the applicant's status as to grade point average based on official transcripts, leadership and instructional experience, references, writing samples included in the application, satisfaction of State Board of Education entry requirements. Additionally, candidates participate in an interview.

Upon acceptance into the program, does Region 13 guarantee placement with a school district?

No. After acceptance into the Region 13 PCN, each applicant is responsible for securing his/her own employment with a public (or private) school as well as with meeting the district's eligibility requirements.

Is there an application deadline?

The PCN 31 application window is now open and will close December 4th at 5PM.

Future cohort launch information will be posted soon. Cohorts usually launch in January and May.

Is attendance to the live Zoom orientation and StrengthsFinder/Cohort Norms sessions required?

Yes, attendance to both is a required part of your program participation, and an integral opportunity for building community among your cohort.

Can I find out more about Region 13’s PCN program and how well it has been doing to prepare candidates for the principalship?

Yes, we encourage interested parties to review information regarding our program progress. This information can be found on TEA’s website on the Consumer Information about Educator Preparation Programs:
http://tea.texas.gov/Texas_Educators/Preparation_and_Continuing_Education/Consumer_Information_about_Educator_Preparation_Programs.aspx

What skills are needed to be a School Administrator?

Review the Necessary Personal Skills of an Administrator document.

What if I have a concern about the program?

The Region 13 Educator Preparation Programs encourage stakeholders to discuss their concerns with appropriate program personnel who have the authority to address the concerns. Concerns should be expressed as soon as possible to allow early resolution at the lowest possible level. Informal resolution shall be encouraged. If this does not resolve your issue, please follow our formal complaint process. EPP Complaint Process and EPP Complaint Form.

What if I currently or have ever been the subject of an arrest that has resulted in deferred adjudication, probation or conviction?

The Texas Education Agency rule requires that every individual applying to a Texas certification program be subject to a criminal record check. Submission of an application authorizes the Region 13, Educator Certification Program (ECP) to obtain any existing criminal history records pertaining to you, the applicant. Failure to disclose information may result in dismissal from the program.

Do you offer a review and/or practice test for the TExES (268) exam?

Yes, we offer quarterly review workshops at ESC Region 13 for this new exam. Search E-Campus workshops for the listing “Principal As Instructional Leader Certification Assessment Test Prep" or contact Jeannette Hanon for more information on this.

Participants in our PCN cohorts will engage in this live workshop, the Leadership Ready online course, as well as practice exams.

How often does a new cohort launch?

We plan to launch each January and May. Stay tuned for specific launch details including program model on our website.