Texas Principal Certification

Ready to Start Your Principal Certification Journey?

Online Application Steps:

1. Complete your online application; you will be prompted to pay the $100 application fee at the end.
2. Submit supplemental application pieces:
   1. Official Master's Transcripts (min. 3.0 GPA required)
   2. Most recent educator evaluation
   3. Valid classroom teaching certificate
   4. Service record (from Human Resources) showing proof of a minimum of 2 years of classroom teaching experience (see FAQ for more information on this)
   5. Resume including leadership experience
   6. 3 recommendation forms
   7. 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.
3. 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:

Email: leadership@esc13.txed.net

OR

Regular Mail:

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.

June Launch: Blended Model

• Next Cohort: June 10, 2023 - September 21, 2024
• Application Deadline: May 14, 2023

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 2023 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 2023.
• 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. Note that both choices are participating within the exact same cohort year.

October Launch: Virtual Model

• Next Cohort: October 2023 - January 2025
• Application Deadline: September, 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 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.

Apply for the October Cohort

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

• $6,000 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

9 Canvas Courses

Additional Training/Sessions

Principal As Instructional Leader Test Prep

Note: All dates/times/classes are subject to change without notice.

January Launch: Virtual Model

• Next Cohort: January 2024- April 2025
• Application Deadline: December 1, 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.

Apply for the January Cohort

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

• $6,000 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

January 2024 launch specific calendar dates will be posted Spring 2023.

Program Launch

9 Core Curriculum Canvas Courses

Additional Training

TExES (268) Prep

Graduation Date: April 2025

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.

1. October 2022 Cohort
   September 2, 2022 - Early Bird Scholarship application due
2. January 2023 Cohort
   November 7, 2022 - Early Bird Scholarship application due
   
3. June 2023 Cohort
   April 14, 2023 - 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.
• Complete this scholarship application to be eligible for the scholarship.

Alumni 13 Scholarship Application Deadlines:

Scholarship application deadlines vary by cohort date.

1. October 2022 Cohort
   September 23, 2022 - Alumni 13 Scholarship application due
2. January 2023 Cohort
   December 2, 2022 - Alumni 13 Scholarship application due
   
3. June 2023 Cohort
   April 14, 2023 - 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.

Texas State Assessment (268)(368) Reimbursement:

ESC Region 13 will reimburse the program participant for the registration cost of any of the two-state assessments of which the student meets the following criteria:

• Completes 100% of all required program steps in preparation for submission/testing with assigned program deadlines
• Passes assessment on the first testing opportunity

Once a program participant meets the criteria above, he/she may apply for reimbursement using the Participant Stipend Reimbursement form found in the handbook forms.

Reimbursement process:

The program participant must submit the following together in one email to leadership@esc13.txed.net no later than 10 business days following the received passing test score report:

• Participant Stipend Reimbursement form (found in handbook forms)
• A current W-9 form (found in handbook forms, must be signed and dated 9/1 or after)
• Original registration receipt showing payment made by the program participant
• Official test score report showing a passing score

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?

Contact our program staff at leadership@esc13.txed.net

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.

Visit our Test Preparation for Principal Certifications

What is needed for the completion of a standard principal certificate?

Candidates are eligible for Standard Principal Certification upon:

1. Successful completion of all coursework, assignments, and assessments
2. Successful completion of the practicum
3. Passing score on the TExES (268) and all 3 PASL task submissions
4. Recommendation of the program coordinator, taking into account information from site and field supervisor
5. Required attendance and make-up
6. Payment of all fees
7. 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?

Review the Necessary Personal Skills of an Administrator document.

What if I have a concern about the program?

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.

What is the definition of classroom teacher?

Texas Education Code (TEC):

42 U.S.C. Section 11434a.

(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.