ESC Region 13’s Principal Certification Network (PCN)
Region 13's statewide principal certification program prepares you on your path toward principalship through non-traditional means as we show you what day-to-day life looks like for principals and assistant principals throughout central Texas. Our program is designed to accommodate individuals working full-time, and we offer both in-person and virtual options. T-TESS and AEL certifications are included in our principal preparation program.
Our Vision
Prepare culturally proficient leaders to navigate the evolving challenges faced in education in the pursuit of all students meeting their greatest potential.
Our Mission
We will serve and support our leaders through a program experience that includes:
Relevant and rigorous leadership experiences.
Equitable approaches.
High leverage evidence-based instructional leadership practices.
Alignment to the Texas Principal as Instructional Leader standards.
Program Models
A new PCN cohort is launched three times each year:
January Launch - Virtual Model
June Launch - Blended Model
October Launch - Virtual Model
How To Become a Principal in Texas:
So you want to become a principal in Texas. That’s great! You’ve pursued leadership opportunities on your campus and talked with campus leaders you know about their experience. But with all the information and resources out there, it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin.
Here are some steps and requirements you need to meet in order to become a licensed principal in Texas:
Note that there is no specific requirement in terms of area of study. If you have a Master’s Degree in Education, that will obviously be very valuable. But master’s degrees in other disciplines are also acceptable to meet this requirement.
Teaching Experience Requirements:
Another requirement to become a principal in Texas is to hold a valid classroom teaching certificate. There is a list of steps to becoming a classroom teacher, including holding a bachelor’s degree and completing an educator preparation program such as Region 13’s ECP. You also must pass teacher certification exams, submit a state application, and get your fingerprints taken.
Once you have your teaching certificate, you must have at least two years of teaching experience as a classroom teacher. This is crucial because you will gain valuable insight into instructional best practices and understand the challenges that teachers face.
Complete a Principal Preparation Program:
Next, you must complete an approved principal educator preparation program. These programs are designed to equip aspiring principals with the hands-on experience they need to thrive as campus leaders. There are many options to meet this requirement. Some programs work in conjunction with a master’s degree program. Others, like Region 13’s Principal Certification Network, offer an alternative certification to participants who already hold a master’s degree.
Pass Two Principal Certification Assessments:
In addition to hands-on experience and field supervision feedback, these programs prepare future campus leaders to pass two required assessments. These include the TExES 268 exam and the Performance Assessment for School Leaders. Both assessments are rigorous tests meant for only the top school leaders in Texas, but don't worry! Region 13's Principal Certification Network is proud to show off our candidates' 100% pass rate on both the TExES 268 exam and PASL tasks.
Background Check
Pursuant to the Texas Education Code (TEC), § 22.083, all candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to employment as an educator. If you feel this is a concern and you have questions about eligibility for a Texas educator certificate, TEA staff may perform an evaluation for a non-refundable fee of $50.
Use the tabs above to view program details for each of our models.
Ready to Start Your Principal Certification Journey?
If you currently or previously served in the military, provide a Joint Services Transcript or equivalent for cohort specialists to review Joint Services Transcripts to determine if coursework aligns with certification preparation coursework for their specific certification area.
Participate in a 45-minute Zoom interview. PCN staff will contact you to schedule this at the appropriate time.
Sarah Reuwsaat Educator Evaluation and Leadership Education Service Center, Region 13 5701 Springdale Road Austin, TX 78723
Official Master's transcripts must be unopened and may be sent directly via mail from the University via regular mail or electronic access to the leadership@esc13.txed.net email.
The application will not be processed until we have received all of the above-listed items and your application fee has been paid.
October Launch: Virtual Model
Next Cohort: October 14, 2023 – February 1, 2025
Application Deadline: September 24, 2023
This fully virtual cohort is available for aspiring campus leaders and administrators wishing to begin their certification journey shortly after launching the new school year. The timeline for this program model lasts 15 months total, which spans built-in time off at Spring Break, 4th of July, Thanksgiving week, and both of the timeline’s winter breaks.
A $100 non-refundable application fee is required to initiate the application process. (Due at time of application)
Registration Fee
A non-refundable registration fee of $300 is required upon acceptance.
Those accepted into the program must return their registration form and pay the fee to reserve their space in the program (due upon acceptance into the program).
Region 13 certification program alumni will have their registration fee waived.
Program Cost
$6,000 for the 15-month program. This includes all program training pieces.
$6,000 program cost may be paid in full upfront or in 12 equal monthly payments of $500 beginning November 2023.
Required textbooks are the responsibility of the individual and are not included in the program fees/costs.
Financial Aid
View the financial aid tab for more information and requirements.
Calendar
Program Launch
* The bold parentheses indicate the mode of the training/course
Principal As Instructional Leader Certification Assessment Test Prep
Constructed Response Deep-Dive
September 28, 2024
268 Pearson Practice Test (Live Zoom)
TBD
268 Representative Practice Test (In-person at ESC Region 13)
Graduation
February 1, 2025 (Live Zoom)
Note: All dates/times/classes are subject to change without notice.
January Launch: Virtual Model
Next Cohort: January 13 2024- May 10, 2025
Application Deadline: November 26, 2023
This Winter fully virtual cohort is available for aspiring campus leaders and administrators wishing to begin their certification journey shortly after the new year, launching Spring semester. The timeline for this program model lasts 15 months total, which spans built-in time off at both Spring Breaks, 4th of July, Thanksgiving week, and winter break.
A $100 non-refundable application fee is required to initiate the application process. (Due at time of application)
Registration Fee
A non-refundable registration fee of $300 is required upon acceptance.
Those accepted into the program must return their registration form and pay the fee to reserve their space in the program (due upon acceptance into the program).
Region 13 certification program alumni will have their registration fee waived.
Program Cost
$6,000 for the 15-month program. This includes all program training pieces.
$6,000 program cost may be paid in full upfront or in 12 equal monthly payments of $500.
Required textbooks are the responsibility of the individual and are not included in the program fees/costs.
Financial Aid
View the financial aid tab for more information and requirements.
PASL Launch Canvas Course: PASL- Begin the Work and Course Conclusion
TBA
Canvas Course
9 Core Curriculum Canvas Courses
Dates
Course Name
Time
Feb. 10 - Mar. 23, 2024
Ethics, Equity, and Diversity
5 weeks
Mar. 23 - April 20, 2024
Communication
4 weeks
April 20 - June 1, 2024
Leading Through School Culture
6 weeks
June 1 - Aug. 3, 2024
Curriculum Leadership
8 weeks
Aug. 3 - Nov. 9, 2024
Instructional Leadership + 3 specialty areas (Emergent Bilingual, SpEd, Dyslexia)
14 weeks
Nov. 9- Jan. 11, 2025
Human Capital Leadership
6 weeks
Jan. 11-Feb. 22, 2025
Leading Groups, Change, and Decision-Making
6 weeks
Feb. 22- March 29, 2025
Budget and Resource Management
4 weeks
Mar. 29-April 26, 2025
Leading School Operations and Safety
4 weeks
Additional Training
Dates
Training
Time
Mode
TBA
YMHFA via Integral Care
Pre-Work/1 Day
Live Virtual
Feb. 23-25, 2024
AEL
3 days
Zoom
Mar. 22-24, 2024
TTESS
3 days
Zoom
April 13, 2024
PCN 40 Cohort Check-In
1-3PM
Zoom
August 3, 2024
PCN 40 Cohort Connect (student-led)
1-3PM
Zoom
February 8, 2024
PCN 40 Cohort Check-In
1-3PM
Zoom
TExES (268) Prep
Dates
Training
Time
Mode
November 2, 2024
Leadership Ready (requirement pending previous practice test results)
Self-Paced
Canvas Course
Oct. or Nov. 2024
268 Certification Test Prep Workshop
1 day
Zoom
December 7, 2024
(268) Official Practice Test
1 day
Computer-based, Remote/Zoom or In-Person
Graduation Date: May 3, 2025
June Launch: Blended Model
Next Cohort: June 2024
Application Deadline: May 2024
This Summer blended-model cohort is available for aspiring campus leaders and administrators wishing to begin their certification journey during the summer months in between most campus school years. The timeline for this program model lasts 15 months total, which spans built-in time off at Spring Break, the 4th of July, Thanksgiving week, and winter break. For this model, each applicant will choose whether to participate virtually or attend specified summer training and classes in-person. The Leadership Retreat in July 2024 is a required event for all participants.
The Summer PCN Launch is Region 13’s Flagship Principal Preparation Model, offering aspiring leaders a fully immersed leadership development experience featuring:
Kick-off Leadership Retreat
Blended summer leadership training
Field Observation and Leadership Coaching
Blended class with each course launch
Pricing
Application Fee
A $100 non-refundable application fee is required to initiate the application process. (Due at time of application)
Registration Fee
A non-refundable registration fee of $300 is required upon acceptance.
Those accepted into the program must return their registration form and pay the fee to reserve their space in the program (due upon acceptance into the program).
Region 13 certification program alumni will have their registration fee waived.
Program Cost
$6,600 for the 15-month program. This includes all program training pieces.
$6,600 program cost may be paid in full upfront or in 12 equal monthly payments of $550 beginning July 2024.
Required textbooks, exam, and certification fees are the responsibility of the individual and are not included in the program fees/costs.
Financial Aid
View the financial aid tab for more information and requirements.
Program Calendar
Each cohort participant will elect one of two options for their program participation: Virtual or In-person. This selection will occur during the admission process and may not be changed once the cohort year has launched.
Calendar Coming Soon!
Tuition Payment Options
The program tuition may be paid in full upfront or a payment plan of 12 equal monthly payments may be implemented.
Scholarship Opportunities
Two types of scholarships are available: Early Bird 13 and Alumni 13
Early Bird 13 Scholarships
The scholarship amount is $1,300 off of the total program fees.
One person who applies will receive this competitive scholarship per cohort launch.
In order to be eligible for this scholarship, you must complete your online application, the application fee, and this scholarship application.
Early Bird 13 Scholarship Application Deadlines:
Scholarship application deadlines vary by cohort date.
October 2023 Cohort August 30, 2023- Early Bird Scholarship application due
January 2024 Cohort November 1, 2023- Early Bird Scholarship application due
June 2024 Cohort TBD - Early Bird Scholarship application due
Alumni 13 Scholarship
The scholarship amount is $1,300 off of the total program fees.
One person who applies will receive this competitive scholarship per cohort launch.
In order to apply for this scholarship, you must have successfully completed a prior certification level program through Region 13 ESC; this may include paraprofessional or teacher certification.
Alumni applicants automatically have their $300 registration fee waived.
Alumni applicants may apply for both the Early Bird and Alumni 13 scholarships. However, each applicant is only eligible to receive one scholarship award. Note the different deadlines and required steps. Applicants will not be penalized for similar essay response content so long as it’s relevant to the question at hand.
Scholarship application deadlines vary by cohort date.
October 2023 Cohort September 24, 2023- Alumni 13 Scholarship application due
January 2024 Cohort November 26, 2023 - Alumni 13 Scholarship application due
June 2024 Cohort TBD - Alumni 13 Scholarship application due
Financial Aid
A+ FCU Higher Education Loan
A+ Federal Credit Union offers a Personal Loan that could finance your program fees in full. If not already a member of A+ Federal Credit Union, please visit the membership page to join.
A+ Personal Loan
Borrow up to $50,000 with a low-rate personal loan from A+FCU with flexible terms of up to 84 months. For additional questions contact: Zenda Bennett at 512-421-2805
College Access Loan Program
The College Access Loan Program provides alternative educational loans to Texas students enrolled in an alternative certification program who are unable to meet the cost of attendance. The CAL may be used to cover part or all of the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC); students do not have to demonstrate financial need. This loan program is part of the Hinson-Hazlewood College Student Loan Program, administrated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). For more information, visit THECB.
Is there financial assistance available?
There are two scholarship options available, as well as potential loans. Review scholarship information on the Financial Aid tab.
A+ FCU Higher Education Loan: A+ Federal Credit Union offers a Higher Education Loan for a financing option up to $10,000 and up to 120 months. Call 512-302-6800, option 2, option 3, option 3 to apply, or for further details. Team members are available to assist Monday-Friday 8 am-7 pm and Saturday 10 am-1 pm. If not already a member of A+ Federal Credit Union, please visit https://aplusfcu.org/join-a-plus/ to join. Contact Program Support, leadership@esc13.txed.net, for the exact cost amount for loan request before applying.
College Access Loan Program: The College Access Loan Program provides alternative educational loans to Texas students enrolled in an alternative certification program who are unable to meet the cost of attendance. The CAL may be used to cover part or all of the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC); students do not have to demonstrate financial need. This loan program is part of the Hinson-Hazlewood College Student Loan Program administrated by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). For more information, visit http://www.hhloans.com/. Contact Program Support, leadership@esc13.txed.net, for the exact cost amount for loan requests before applying.
Where can I learn more information about this program?
What minimum entry requirements are needed to participate in the Principal Certification Network (PCN) program?
A valid Texas teaching certificate, two years of teaching experience, a graduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and three years of leadership experience.
If I don't have a master's degree, can I just get principal certification?
No. You must have a graduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be eligible for the program.
Can my university credits/courses transfer to the PCN?
No. The PCN is not a university program; therefore, we do not accept credit/course transfers. Our program is designed for individuals who already hold a master's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher, who want to pursue their principal certification through an alternative route rather than a university program.
Is it possible to transfer credits/work/experience from another university or principal certification program into PCN?
No, we do not accept transfer credit of any type. Texas Administrative Code requires Texas preparation programs to ensure their candidates are sufficiently prepared prior to recommendation for testing clearance as well as certification. Since 2017 standards and state assessment processes changed, state-wide programs are at very different places in terms of their program revisions and candidate preparedness. PCN has been fully revised and is constantly updated to ensure it's best preparing candidates for the field, passing assessments the first time, and candidate certification. In order to ensure our candidates are best prepared and successful in all program and state-required pieces, our students must fully engage in the PCN program experience.
Do you offer a review and/or practice test for the TExES (268) exam?
Participants in our PCN cohorts will engage in this live workshop, the Leadership Ready online course, as well as practice exams.
What is needed for the completion of a standard principal certificate?
Candidates are eligible for Standard Principal Certification upon:
Successful completion of all coursework, assignments, and assessments
Successful completion of the practicum
Passing score on the TExES (268) and all 3 PASL task submissions
Recommendation of the program coordinator, taking into account information from site and field supervisor
Required attendance and make-up
Payment of all fees
An evaluation of satisfactory or above from the employing school district
What constitutes "Leadership Experience?'
Examples of "leadership experience" within the field of education may include department chair, grade level chairperson, team leader, and membership on site-based teams and committees. An example of leadership experience outside the realm of education is a management position that included the supervision of at least three other professional individuals.
Are all applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements accepted into the program?
No. There will be a screening process prior to acceptance. The screenings will focus on the applicant's status as to grade point average based on official transcripts, leadership and instructional experience, references, writing samples included in the application, satisfaction of State Board of Education entry requirements. Additionally, candidates participate in an interview.
Upon acceptance into the program, does Region 13 guarantee placement with a school district?
No. After acceptance into the Region 13 PCN, each applicant is responsible for securing his/her own employment with a public (or private) school as well as meeting the district's eligibility requirements.
Is attendance to the Leadership Orientation and StrengthsFinder/Cohort Norms sessions required?
Yes, attendance to both is a required part of your program participation and an integral opportunity for building community among your cohort.
Can I find out more about Region 13’s PCN program and how well it has been doing to prepare candidates for the principalship?
Yes, we encourage interested parties to review information regarding our program progress. This information can be found on TEA’s website on the Consumer Information about Educator Preparation Programs.
What skills are needed to be a School Administrator?
The Region 13 Educator Preparation Programs encourage stakeholders to discuss their concerns with appropriate program personnel who have the authority to address the concerns. Concerns should be expressed as soon as possible to allow early resolution at the lowest possible level. Informal resolution shall be encouraged. If this does not resolve your issue, please follow our formal complaint process. EPP Complaint Process and EPP Complaint Form.
What if I currently or have ever been the subject of an arrest that has resulted in deferred adjudication, probation, or conviction?
The Texas Education Agency rule requires that every individual applying to a Texas certification program be subject to a criminal record check. Submission of an application authorizes the Region 13, Educator Certification Program (ECP) to obtain any existing criminal history records pertaining to you, the applicant. Failure to disclose information may result in dismissal from the program.
How often does a new cohort launch?
We plan to launch each January, June, and October. Stay tuned for specific launch details including the program model on our website.
(2) "Classroom teacher" means an educator who is employed by a school district and who, not less than an average of four hours each day, teaches in an academic instructional setting or a career and technology instructional setting. The term does not include a teacher's aide or a full-time administrator.
Get started on your path towards principalship
Apply online to become a part of one of our cohorts.
