Now Enrolling for 2026. Applications are open for the Principal Cohort and Next-In-Line Leaders.Apply now

K–12 Principal & Leadership Development

The strongest schools
start with the strongest leaders.

The Principal Learning Center builds the academic capacity of K–12 principals through a high-rigor, high-support cohort learning experience – turning research into the daily practice of leading instruction.

Now enrolling for 2026 · Cohorts forming for principals, aspiring leaders, and districts

Grounded in research. Built for practice.

Research-to-Practice Model Cohort-Based Learning Job-Embedded Coaching District Partnerships

The PLC movement

Building a network of transformational leaders.

3distinct leadership programs
95hrsof structured, job-embedded learning
10moresearch-to-practice fellowship
3nationally recognized guest facilitators

Figures reflect PLC’s current program model; network-growth numbers are illustrative of the vision.

Why we exist

A principal’s impact reaches every classroom.

Leadership is second only to teaching among the school-based factors that advance student learning. Yet too few leaders get the development their role demands. PLC was built to change that.

Our Mission

To develop K–12 principals and aspiring leaders into transformational, instructionally-focused leaders who deliver real academic outcomes – grounded in research and cultural integrity.

Our Vision

A generation of school leaders equipped to build high-performing, culturally-affirming schools where every student thrives.

Year 1 results

Early signs of academic impact.

Interim data from PLC’s cohort of Memphis principals. Select a metric to see what it means.

Source: Academic figures reflect 2025 data and are preliminary.

What we offer

Three paths, one mission.

Whether you lead a building today, are preparing for the role, or are strengthening leadership across a district, there’s a path built for you.

For sitting principals

Principal Cohort

A 10-month research-to-practice fellowship that builds the capacity of K–12 principals to lead instruction and drive academic outcomes.

Learn more →

For aspiring leaders

Next-In-Line Leaders

A leadership pipeline that prepares instructional coaches, deans, and teacher-leaders for the principalship – building a strong bench ready to sustain great teaching.

Learn more →

For districts

District Professional Development

High-engagement, high-rigor professional development focused on teacher practice and the academic strategies that drive student performance.

Learn more →

Inside the core cohort

What a year in the cohort looks like.

  • 95 hours of structured learning
  • 10 full-day monthly cohort convenings
  • A 2-day summer academic planning retreat
  • Academic vision-setting and action planning
  • Ongoing coaching toward academic goals
  • A caring, cohort-style learning community
  • Co-classroom observations with practice-based feedback
Reserve your place for 2026

Impact in their words

Leaders who’ve grown with PLC.

Reflections from the principals who’ve lived the work firsthand.

“I have seen the most improvements with driving academic systems and growing leaders in the building. I have normally approached every situation from a cultural stance. Recently it has shifted to communicating academic data, trends, and systems with the support of specific research.”
Principal BarberFreedom Prep High
“I enjoyed the time to reflect on data. Sessions felt valuable and relatable to the work done daily. Information shared can be implemented immediately, and we’re provided the opportunity to do so. I appreciate the research behind the methods versus just operating with world trends.”
Principal AdamsLeadership Prep Middle
“I have more clarity for the vision of excellence in teaching at my school while also being better able to communicate that vision. This growth has allowed me to hyper-focus on the largest growth areas and individuals, and maximize time to produce better outcomes.”
Principal BureshGrizzlies Prep

Guest facilitators

Learn alongside leading voices in education.

PLC partners with nationally recognized educators who join our programs as guest facilitators.

ZH

Zaretta Hammond

Author & National Education Consultant

Best-selling author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain, and one of the most sought-after voices on equity and learning.

SR

Sean Ryan

President, McGraw Hill School Division

A national leader in education publishing and instructional resources, bringing systems-level perspective to school improvement.

TW

Teneciesia White

Educator & School Support Fellow, TLAC Partnerships

A prominent educator on the Teach Like a Champion partnerships team, focused on high-impact instructional practice.

Take the next step

Find your path with PLC.

Tell us who you are, and we’ll guide you to the right next step.

Learn more and get notified about upcoming cohorts and offerings.