National Principal Leadership Academy
Supporting the leadership development of aspiring and novice principals to effectively lead staff serving historically marginalized students and students of color.
What is the NPLA?
The National Principal Leadership Academy (NPLA) supports the leadership development of aspiring and novice principals.
Our Academy will provide aspiring principals, assistant principals, and first and second-year principals the opportunity to participate in a year-long academy. The curriculum and assignments will be equity-centric and designed to help principals lead staff who serve our historically marginalized students and students of color.
Who is a good fit?
ALAS seeks to support dedicated and aspiring administrators and current first-year principals in developing the knowledge and networking skills necessary to lead a school of high-quality and transformative practices.
The selection process is highly competitive due to the limited number of participants as designed by the cohort model. Ideally, candidates serve as teacher leaders, assistant principals, or novice principals.
Our Goal
To recruit and prepare Latino and Latino- serving school system leaders to become superintendents of school districts with an emphasis on Latino and historically marginalized youth.
Our Vision
A yearlong leadership academy that allows participants to learn current organizational leadership proficiency focusing on equity hands on projects. Our participants refine their knowledge and acquire new skills by connecting with administrators who are known for their success and skilled in their practice.
Our Mission
The mission of the ALAS National Principal Leadership Academy (NPLA) is to improve and expand opportunities for emerging school system leaders to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to serve all children with an emphasis on historically marginalized students.
Program Information
The National Principal Leadership Academy (NPLA) supports the leadership development of aspiring and novice principals. Our Academy will provide aspiring principals, assistant principals, as well as first and second-year principals the opportunity to participate in a year-long academy.
The curriculum and assignments will be equity-centric for leading staff to serve our historically marginalized and students of color.
Please read the information below for program requirements, selection criteria, selection decisions, and program session attendance.
Academy Curriculum
Welcome & Leadership
Identifying Myself as a Leader.
Culture & Goals
Mission/Vision/Goals, Building a positive school culture, and Professional Learning Communities.
Change Management
Identifying the Need for Change; Change Management Theory Technical and Adaptive Change.
Continuous Improvement
Continuous School Improvement and Implementing change through school improvement cycles.
Leader as Coach
School Leader as Coach, Facilitating Quality Instruction, Curriculum/Instruction and Assessment.
Budget & Community
Budget Community/Family Involvement, Inclusive and equitable practices.
Mock Interviews
Mock Interviews in breakouts. Problems of practice.
The First 60 Days
The First 60 Days – I’ve Got the Job, Now What?
Graduation (*attendance is strongly encouraged/recommended)
Selection Criteria
ALAS seeks dedicated and aspiring administrators and current first year principals in their development of the knowledge and networking skills necessary to lead a school of high quality and transformative practices. The selection process is highly competitive due to the limited number of participants as designed by the cohort model. Ideally, candidates are serving as teacher leaders, assistant principals or novice principal positions. In addition, a candidate should have:
- Served in a leadership position for a minimum of 2 years
- A proven track record of leadership in a school setting
- Ability to understand, lead school transformation
- High level of energy, determination, and perseverance to act as an advocate for students, staff and the community at-large
- Ability to learn quickly, possess analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work and succeed as a school system leader, in a school district that serves all children with an emphasis on Latino, Black and marginalized students
- Commitment to equity, excellence, for a high quality education for all students
- Passion for improving public education and a long-term commitment to PK-12 education
- Commitment to the mission and vision of ALAS
Program Session Attendance & Dates
Participants are required to attend program sessions monthly beginning in September and ending in May of the following year. The program is comprised of 8 virtual and 1 in-person sessions plus the graduation covering various content strands. Participants are provided required readings, assignments, and activities as part of each session.
Program Requirements
- All National Principal Leadership Academy participants must be members of ALAS.
- All NPLA participants will pledge to attend all sessions.
- The National Principal Leadership Academy participants will be required to pay a $2,000 registration fee.
- NPLA participants are required to self pay lodging and airfare to attend.
- ALAS reserves the right to make necessary adjustments to these program requirements as circumstance may change from time to time.
National Principal Leadership Academy
Supporting the leadership development of aspiring and novice principals to effectively lead staff serving historically marginalized students and students of color.
What is the NPLA?
The National Principal Leadership Academy (NPLA) supports the leadership development of aspiring and novice principals.
Our Academy will provide aspiring principals, assistant principals, and first and second-year principals the opportunity to participate in a year-long academy. The curriculum and assignments will be equity-centric and designed to help principals lead staff who serve our historically marginalized students and students of color.
Who is a good fit?
ALAS seeks to support dedicated and aspiring administrators and current first-year principals in developing the knowledge and networking skills necessary to lead a school of high-quality and transformative practices.
The selection process is highly competitive due to the limited number of participants as designed by the cohort model. Ideally, candidates serve as teacher leaders, assistant principals, or novice principals.
Our Goal
To recruit and prepare Latino and Latino- serving school system leaders to become superintendents of school districts with an emphasis on Latino and historically marginalized youth.
Our Vision
A yearlong leadership academy that allows participants to learn current organizational leadership proficiency focusing on equity hands on projects. Our participants refine their knowledge and acquire new skills by connecting with administrators who are known for their success and skilled in their practice.
Our Mission
The mission of the ALAS National Principal Leadership Academy (NPLA) is to improve and expand opportunities for emerging school system leaders to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to serve all children with an emphasis on historically marginalized students.
Co-Directors
Dr. Monica
Mesa
Dr. Hector
Garcia
Program Information
The National Principal Leadership Academy (NPLA) supports the leadership development of aspiring and novice principals. Our Academy will provide aspiring principals, assistant principals, as well as first and second-year principals the opportunity to participate in a year-long academy.
The curriculum and assignments will be equity-centric for leading staff to serve our historically marginalized and students of color.
Please read the information below for program requirements, selection criteria, selection decisions, and program session attendance.
Academy Curriculum
Welcome & Leadership
Identifying Myself as a Leader.
Culture & Goals
Mission/Vision/Goals, Building a positive school culture, and Professional Learning Communities.
Change Management
Identifying the Need for Change; Change Management Theory Technical and Adaptive Change.
Continuous Improvement
Continuous School Improvement and Implementing change through school improvement cycles.
Leader as Coach
School Leader as Coach, Facilitating Quality Instruction, Curriculum/Instruction and Assessment.
Budget & Community
Budget Community/Family Involvement, Inclusive and equitable practices.
Mock Interviews
Mock Interviews in breakouts. Problems of practice.
The First 60 Days
The First 60 Days – I’ve Got the Job, Now What?
Graduation
(*attendance is strongly encouraged/recommended)
Selection Criteria
ALAS seeks dedicated and aspiring administrators and current first year principals in their development of the knowledge and networking skills necessary to lead a school of high quality and transformative practices. The selection process is highly competitive due to the limited number of participants as designed by the cohort model. Ideally, candidates are serving as teacher leaders, assistant principals or novice principal positions. In addition, a candidate should have:
- Served in a leadership position for a minimum of 2 years
- A proven track record of leadership in a school setting
- Ability to understand, lead school transformation
- High level of energy, determination, and perseverance to act as an advocate for students, staff and the community at-large
- Ability to learn quickly, possess analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work and succeed as a school system leader, in a school district that serves all children with an emphasis on Latino, Black and marginalized students
- Commitment to equity, excellence, for a high quality education for all students
- Passion for improving public education and a long-term commitment to PK-12 education
- Commitment to the mission and vision of ALAS
Attendance & Requirements
Participants are required to attend program sessions monthly beginning in September and ending in May of the following year. The program is comprised of 8 virtual and 1 in-person sessions plus the graduation covering various content strands.
- All National Principal Leadership Academy participants must be members of ALAS.
- All NPLA participants will pledge to attend all sessions.
- The National Principal Leadership Academy participants will be required to pay a $2,000 registration fee.
- NPLA participants are required to self pay lodging and airfare to attend.
Selection Decisions
All applications are reviewed by the ALAS NPLA Selection Committee after the window closes on May 15, 2026.
Candidates selected to move forward in the application process will be notified of an interview.
“The Academy provided more than just professional development; it provided a fundamental shift in perspective. Specifically, it challenged me to look at my leadership through a refined lens of equity... I am a more intentional, empathetic, and effective leader because of this program. If you are committed to the success of our most vulnerable students, this journey is not just a choice—it is a necessity.”
Juan Ramirez
Principal, Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School
“ALAS NPLA provided me a transformative experience that not only honed my leadership skills but also empowered me to continue elevating and embracing my identity, culture, and language. Being among Latine leaders from across the United States who shared a similar mindset of 'sí se puede' was incredibly rewarding and reinforced my commitment to leading with equity and inclusivity at the core.”
Nikki Morales
Assistant Principal, Montgomery County Public Schools