Principals’ Institute
The Principals’ Institute (PI) is a year-long professional development series that provides a unique opportunity for principals to understand why transformation of public education is necessary, and to develop the knowledge and skills required to lead and build the capacity to sustain transformation over time.
PI was established in 2010 by N2 Learning with an emphasis on operationalizing the work of the superintendents’ Public Education Visioning Institute and its product, Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas (the visioning document). This work has since evolved with the release of the updated visioning document, The Texas Promise, which continues to guide and strengthen the effort to transform public education in Texas.
Attending PI, facilitated by N2 Learning in partnership with TASA, allows principals to experience one of the most noteworthy professional growth opportunities of their careers and collaborate with the innovative PI network that now stretches nationwide.
Other N2 Learning Events
TASA partners with N2 Learning on several professional development offerings that further our mission of developing school leaders who create and sustain student-centered schools and develop future-ready students. These partnerships are one way we are working to provide learning opportunities that align with the various career pathways of TASA members and other school leaders.
About the Institute
Each session is developed by a Design Team consisting of former and current Principals’ Institute participants and the N2 Learning partners. This collaborative effort results in sessions focused on the topics and current issues relevant to the work of campus principals.
Session 1: Foundations of Transformational Leadership
September 15-16, 2026
Tomball ISD (Houston area)
- Connect with a cohort of innovative principals and hear from superintendents leading transformational work across Texas.
- Explore the bold vision of The Texas Promise and the role of visionary campus leadership.
- Strengthen your leadership through Emotional Intelligent Leadership, building self-awareness and resilience.
- Discover models of high-agency, personalized learning to transform learning on your campus.
Session 2: Building a Culture Where Teachers Thrive
October 20-21, 2026
Frisco ISD (Dallas area)
- Learn from national school culture expert Dwight Carter on creating schools where teachers and students thrive.
- Explore proven strategies for teacher engagement, retention, and burnout prevention, including Stay Interviews.
- Form accountability partnerships that support growth and real-world implementation.
Session 3: Leading Transformational Change
December 1-2, 2026
Tomball ISD (Houston area)
- Gain practical strategies for leading meaningful change through curated articles and podcasts focused on transforming teaching and learning.
- Visit innovative campuses to observe transformational practices and learn from principals, teachers, and students.
- Begin to identify your Transformation Target, a focused initiative to move learning forward on your campus.
Session 4: Advocating for Public Education
January 25-26, 2027
San Antonio, in conjunction with the TASA Midwinter Conference
- Attend the TASA Midwinter Conference and learn alongside statewide education leaders.
- Discover how principals can champion public education and build productive legislative relationships.
- Strengthen your ability to tell your school’s story and advocate for students, teachers, and communities.
Session 5: Leading People Through Change
February 23-24, 2027
Frisco ISD (Dallas area)
- Share progress on your Transformation Target and gain feedback from peers and experienced facilitators.
- Deepen your leadership capacity through Emotional Intelligent Leadership, focusing on influence and relationships.
- Visit additional campuses to observe and reflect on transformational practices in action.
Session 6: Celebrating, Recognizing, and Sustaining the Work
May 3-4, 2027
Location TBD
- Celebrate Schools Transforming Learning campuses and the impact of their transformation efforts.
- Hear inspiring ideas from a featured keynote and superintendent N2Talks.
- Learn from campus leaders through breakout sessions sharing real successes and lessons learned.
- Celebrate the professional network and lasting leadership community of the Principals’ Institute.
What Administrators are Saying About PI
As a 20-year administrator, The Principal’s Institute has done more to shape my leadership than any other single experience. If you thrive in an environment of passionate educators, committed to transform public education, you will find it here. The topics discussed are thought-provoking, and you will leave every experience with ideas that will help you succeed in your work. Join us and connect to greatness!
Being a member of the Texas Principals’ Institute has been the BEST experience of my professional career. Through the Institute, I was able to collaborate and establish relationships with some of the top principals in the state. I am so thankful to my superintendent for sending me on such a worthwhile journey. I am a better leader and principal for it!
The Principals’ Institute was the most valuable professional learning experience that I have ever had as a leader. It was authentic, purposeful, relevant, and focused on the needs of students and staff. It equipped me with the necessary tools to be a transformational leader who is ready to transform public education in Texas.
Being a part of the Principals’ Institute has been the best professional development experience I have had since becoming an administrator. As a result of the Principals’ Institute my thinking about public schools has been stretched to the max and I have been challenged to make in-depth examinations of how public education looks currently versus how it could and should look in my school.
Participating in the Principals’ Institute has been one of the highlights of my career. I left each session feeling re-energized, more grounded in the vision for 21st century schools, and more confident in my abilities at leading transformation on my campus. It truly was the ultimate gift!
Learn More & Register
Learn more and register for the Principals’ Institute on the N2 Learning website.
CPE Hours
The Principals’ Institute offers up to 72 hours of Continuing Professional Education credit.
Questions?
Maria Cruz
Coordinator,
Learning & Events
512.477.6361