FAQ: Principal Induction Program by the Pennsylvania Principals Association

What is the Principal Induction Program?

The Principal Induction Program, provided by the Pennsylvania Principals Association, is a comprehensive professional development program designed for new school leaders. Grounded in the School Leader Paradigm of “Becoming While Doing,” the program equips participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their leadership roles.

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Who is required to complete the Principal Induction Program?

In Pennsylvania, newly appointed principals, vice principals, and assistant principals are required to complete an approved induction program within their first five years of service as part of the PA Inspired Leadership (PIL) Program. This requirement is mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

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What is the cost of the program?

There is no cost to participate in the Principal Induction Program. It is fully funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education as part of the PA Inspired Leadership (PIL) Program.

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How do I enroll in the Principal Induction Program?

To enroll in the Principal Induction Program, follow these steps:

Access the PIL Online Registration:
- Go to the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s SAS Portal by visiting PDE SAS.
Create a SAS Account (if needed):
- If you don’t already have an SAS account, you must register for one through the portal.
Log into the SAS PD Center:
- Once you have an account, log into the SAS Professional Development Center to register for and view the available PIL courses.
For Additional Information:
- Visit the Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership (PIL) SAS site for further details about the program and courses.

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What is the focus of the Principal Induction Program?

The program uses the School Leader Paradigm framework, emphasizing both “Becoming” (developing personal, social, and systems intelligences) and “Doing” (applying skills in culture, systems, and learning domains). Participants will:

Develop personal leadership qualities.
Build interpersonal skills to inspire and guide others.
Understand and navigate the complexities of school systems.
Foster a student-centered culture and equitable opportunities.
Lead learning-focused, culturally responsive school environments.

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What is the scope and sequence of these courses?

The program includes a series of interactive, reflective, and practical sessions that address critical areas of school leadership. Session titles include:

Launching Leadership Foundations
Mapping Relationships for School Success
Assessing Classroom Impact
Leading for Culture
Leading a Problem of Practice
Leading Instructional Supervision
Leading a Culture of Safety
Leading Data Literacy
Launching Leadership Wrap-Up

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How are these courses delivered?

The Principal Induction Program is delivered through a mix of in-person and virtual sessions, thoughtfully scheduled to balance professional development with the demands of a school leader’s schedule:

Opening and Closing Sessions:

These sessions are held in-person during the summer and span 1.5 days each. They provide a unique opportunity for participants to engage deeply with the content, collaborate with peers, and establish connections that will support their leadership journey.

Virtual Sessions:

The remaining sessions take place online throughout the school year and are designed to be accessible and flexible, with each session lasting approximately 2 hours. These virtual courses allow participants to continue their professional development while actively applying their learning in their roles.

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What support is available for participants?

For technical assistance or issues with course registration, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

Point of Contact at PDE: Please contact PDE with any questions.
Visit the PDE SAS Portal for support resources or reach out to PDE directly for further assistance.

What are the key components of the program?

The Principal Induction Program is divided into three core phases:

Entry into the Profession: Exploring personal leadership qualities, dispositions, and daily practices.
Entry into a School Building: Building formal and informal structures to foster school and community success.
Learning Leadership: Reflecting on growth, data-driven decision-making, and creating inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments.

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How does this program align with the PA Inspired Leadership (PIL) Program?

The Principal Induction Program is a certified component of the PA Inspired Leadership (PIL) Program. It adheres to the framework’s emphasis on developing learning leaders who can transform their schools into equitable, student-centered learning organizations.

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Who is the target audience for these courses?

The Principal Induction Program is designed to support new school leaders in developing the skills and knowledge required for effective leadership.

Initially, the program will focus on meeting the needs of administrators with Administrator I certification who are nearing the five-year deadline to transition to Administrator II certification. The ultimate goal, however, of the program, is to proactively work with first-year administrators as they assume their first administrative placement. By providing support and professional development at the very beginning of their leadership journey, the program will help these administrators establish a strong foundation for success in their roles.