ESC Region 13’s Principal Certification Network (PCN)
Region 13's principal certification program prepares you on your path towards principalship through non-traditional means as we show you what day-to-day life looks like for principals and assistant principals throughout central Texas.
Program Models
A new PCN cohort is launched three times each year:
January Launch - Virtual Model
June Launch - Blended Model (In-person and virtual)
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.
Use the tabs above to view program details for each of our models.
Ready to Start Your Principal Certification Journey?
Participate in a 45-minute Zoom interview. PCN staff will contact you to schedule this at the appropriate time.
Please submit all required documents to:
Sarah Reuwsaat Educator Evaluation and Leadership Education Service Center, Region 13 5701 Springdale Road Austin, TX 78723 leadership@esc13.txed.net
The application will not be processed until we have received all of the above-listed items and your application fee has been paid.
January Launch: Virtual Model
Next Cohort: January 2022- April 2023
Application Deadline: December 10, 2022
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.
Calendar
Program Launch
1/14/23
Live Zoom Orientation
1/28/23
Live Zoom StrengthsFinder/PCN Cohort Agreements Session
TBD
PASL Launch Training (Canvas Course)
9 Canvas Courses
TBD
Ethics, Equity, and Diversity (5 weeks)
One week spring break
TBD
Communication (4 weeks)
TBD
Leading Through School Culture (6 weeks)
TBD
Curriculum Leadership (8 weeks)
One week off 1st week of July
TBD
Live Zoom Check-In (Saturday AM in late July)
TBD
Instructional Leadership (14 weeks)
One week Thanksgiving break
Two weeks Winter break
TBD
Leading Groups, Change, and Decision-Making (6 weeks)
TBD
Budget and Resource Management (4 weeks)
One week Spring Break
TBD
Leading School Operations and Safety (4 weeks)
Additional Training/Sessions
2/24-2/26/23
AEL via Live Zoom
3/24-3/26/23
T-TESS via Live Zoom
TBD
Youth Mental Health 1st Aid with Integral Care
TBD
Leadership Ready Online Course
TBD
Principal as Instructional Leader Certification Test Prep Workshop via live Zoom
TBD
Pearson Remote Practice Exam
TBD
(268) Representative Exam (if needed)
TBD
Graduation
Note: All dates/times/classes are subject to change without notice.
June Launch: Blended Model
Next Cohort: June 2022 - August 2023
Application Deadline: May 31, 2022
This Summer blended-model cohort (in-person and virtual) 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 Breaks, 4th of July, Thanksgiving week, and winter break. This model will include a blend of virtual and face-to-face pre-practicum summer training, as well as Canvas online coursework and face-to-face Saturday classes during the school year and final summer.
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
In-person summer leadership training
On-site Field Observation and Leadership Coaching
In-person class with each course launch (Saturdays)
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.
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
6/11/22
Leadership Orientation and StrengthFinder (In-Person, Reg. 13)
6/14-6/16/22
AEL (In-Person, Reg. 13)
6/21-6/23/22
PASL Launch Training (In-Person, Reg. 13)
6/25-6/26/22
Leadership Weekend Retreat (In-Person, Lone Star Court Hotel at the Domain, Austin, TX)
6/28-6/30/22
T-TESS (In-Person, Reg. 13)
7/12-7/14/22
Specialty Areas 1-3 (Virtual)
7/19-7/21/22
Specialty Areas 4-6 (Virtual)
Course Launch Days
7/26/22
Launch Ethics, Equity, and Diversity Course (In-Person, Reg. 13)
8/27/22
Launch Communication Course (In-Person, Reg. 13)
9/24/22
Launch Leading Through School Culture Course (In-Person, Reg. 13)
Launch Human Capital Leadership (In-Person, Reg. 13)
5/27/23
Launch Leading Groups, Change, and Decision-Making (In-Person, Reg. 13)
7/15/23
Launch Budget and Resource Management Course (In-Person, Reg. 13)
8/12/23
Launch Leading School Operations and Safety (In-Person, Reg. 13)
9 Canvas Courses
The first day is in-person, the remaining duration of the course is virtual.
7/26-8/27/22
Ethics, Equity, and Diversity (5 weeks)
8/27-9/24/22
Communication (4 weeks)
9/24-11/5/22
Leading Through School Culture (6 weeks)
11/5/22-1/21/23
Curriculum Leadership (8 weeks)
One week Thanksgiving break
Two week Winter break
1/21-4/15/23
Instructional Leadership (8 weeks)
One week off Spring Break
4/15/-5/27/23
Human Capital Leadership (6 weeks)
5/27-7/15/23
Leading Groups, Change, and Decision-Making (6 weeks)
One week off 1st Week of July
7/15-8/12/23
Budget and Resource Management (4 weeks)
8/12-9/9/23
Leading School Operations and Safety (4 weeks)
Additional Training/Sessions
7/18/22
YMHFA via Integral Care: Asynchronous Prep Work & Live Virtual
2/24 - 2/26/23
AEL via Live Zoom
3/24 - 3/26/23
T-TESS via Live Zoom
TBD
Youth Mental Health 1st Aid with Integral Care
TBD
Leadership Ready Online Course
TBD
Live Zoom (268) Certification Test Prep Workshop: PAIL or CR Deep Dive
TBD
Live Zoom 268 Pearson Practice Test (remote online)
TBD
In-Person 268 Representative Practice Test (Region 13 or other provider)
9/16/23
Graduation (In-Person, Reg. 13)
Note: All dates/times/classes are subject to change without notice.
October Launch: Virtual Model
Next Cohort: October 2022 - January 2024
Application Deadline: September 23, 2022
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 14 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 14-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 2022.
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
10/15/22
Live Zoom Orientation
10/29/22
Live Zoom StrengthsFinder/PCN Cohort Agreements Session
TBD
PASL Launch Training (Canvas Course)
9 Canvas Courses
TBD
Ethics, Equity, and Diversity (5 weeks)
TBD
Communication (4 weeks)
TBD
Leading Through School Culture (6 weeks)
TBD
Curriculum Leadership (8 weeks)
TBD
Instructional Leadership (11 weeks)
TBD
Human Capital Leadership (6 weeks)
TBD
Leading Groups, Change, and Decision-Making (6 weeks)
TBD
Budget and Resource Management (4 weeks)
TBD
Leading School Operations and Safety (4 weeks)
Additional Training/Sessions
2/24 - 2/26/23
AEL via Live Zoom
3/24 - 3/26/23
T-TESS via Live Zoom
TBD
Youth Mental Health 1st Aid with Integral Care
TBD
Special Areas: EL, SpED, Dyslexia for Admin
TBD
Leadership Ready Online Course
TBD
Principal as Instructional Leader Certification Test Prep Workshop via live Zoom
TBD
Pearson Remote Practice Exam
TBD
(268) Representative Exam (if needed)
TBD
Graduation
Note: All dates/times/classes are subject to change without notice.
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 2022 Cohort September 2, 2022 - Early Bird Scholarship application due
January 2023 Cohort November 7, 2022 - Early Bird Scholarship application due
June 2023 Cohort TBD
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 2022 Cohort September 23, 2022 - Alumni 13 Scholarship application due
January 2023 Cohort December 2, 2022 - Alumni 13 Scholarship application due
June 2023 Cohort TBD
Financial Aid
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 the membership page to join.
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.
Get started on your path towards principalship
Apply online to become a part of one of our cohorts.
