The Principals Center has partnered with Fulton County Schools’ Department of Professional Learning and Leadership Development for 12 years on its New Principal Induction Program, which has significantly improved retention rates for new principals in the county.
The school district reached out to the Principals Center, housed in Georgia State University’s College of Education & Human Development, to support its new principals during their first three years in their positions. In response, the center created a customized induction program that included monthly on-site coaching sessions during the academic year – a system that shifted online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Performance-based professional learning opportunities, combined with effective coaching, allows leaders to reduce their time to reach competency while also developing a relationship with a skilled leader who asks thought-provoking questions, provides specific feedback and creates powerful conversations,” said Dionne Cowan, executive director of the Principals Center.
The center selects local principals and central office professionals to serve as coaches for Fulton’s new principals. These educational leaders “must demonstrate skill in leading school improvement, have a proven history of improving student performance and be proficient in analyzing systems and determining the most critical areas of need,” Cowan said.
Thanks to this partnership, Fulton County Schools currently maintains a 97 percent retention rate for its new principals.
For Corneil Jones, coordinator of the K-5 Learning, Engagement and Assistance Program (LEAP) at College Park Elementary School, the mentoring she received through the partnership offered practical advice that she could implement right away.
“My coach’s extensive experience with schools similar to mine made her uniquely aware of the challenges I face, enabling us to collaborate and problem-solve with precision,” Jones said. “As a new program leader, I deeply appreciate the time she dedicated to understanding my vision and offering unwavering support. Every interaction resulted in clear, actionable next steps, making her an indispensable partner in driving my program forward.”
Parklane Elementary School Principal Brandi Nichols found the mentoring program a meaningful one that gave her support when she needed it most.
“She was always available, especially during tough times, and her guidance made a significant impact,” Nichols said of her mentor. “Her unwavering encouragement – along with her ability to push me to think deeper – truly built my capacity as a leader. Her feedback was always spot on, and there was never an issue she couldn’t help me navigate. I look forward to continuing this invaluable partnership for as long as she'll have me.”