Principal Certification Network

During the PCN program, students receive specialized online PASL (Performance Assessment for School Leaders) launch training and engage in Advancing Educational Leadership (AEL) and Texas Teacher Evaluation & Support System (T-TESS) trainings. They work through 9 online Canvas courses with 9 embedded performance assessments, complete additional self-study activities, and are provided additional training opportunities through the ESC Region 13 E-Campus system. The program also requires a school-based practicum/internship component which lasts for one full year, spanning a full academic year.

Each of the 9 core curriculum Canvas courses launches on a designated Saturday. This coursework is completed online, which includes a variety of assignments requiring online interaction with other cohorts and the course facilitators, in addition to campus-based experiences.

Throughout all of this, you’ll get hands-on coaching and field supervision feedback from both our specialists and your fellow cohorts. It’s one way we’re positively impacting the future of Texas leaders.

Requirements:

To be eligible applicants must have:

• A Master's degree from an accredited university with a minimum of 3.0 GPA
• Completed 2 years of qualified teaching experience
• Completed 3 years of leadership experience (see FAQs for more information)
• Hold a valid Texas Teaching Certificate

Application Process:

Apply now for the January 2022 cohort, PCN 33. Stay tuned for specific dates/deadlines. Application window will close November 2021.

1. Ensure you have the following information prior to beginning your application!
   • Social Security Number or Resident Alien Number (this will serve as your application reference number)
   • Your Valid Texas Teaching Certificate
   • Education history including institutions attended, dates, and grade point average
   • Employment history (beginning with most recent), including supervisor's name and current contact information, and dates of employment
   • Visa, Master Card, or check routing information for $100 application fee
2. Complete the Region 13 Online Application (pay $100 fee)
3. Submit all required documents:
   • Service Record showing a minimum of two (2) years teaching experience
   • Official Master's Degree transcript sent directly from the university to leadership@esc13.txed.net or mailed to ESC Region 13. Faxed and/or copied transcripts are not accepted
   • Documentation of GRE scores (if taken)
   • A copy of your current Texas Teaching Certificate
   • A copy of your most recent teaching evaluation
   • Three (3) Professional Recommendations forms (including one from your current supervisor). You must use the provided form.
     Forms should be completed electronically and emailed directly from the recommender to leadership@esc13.txed.net
   • Resume including leadership experience

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.

Application Process Deadlines:

Selection Process:

• Interviews scheduled via live Zoom with Region 13 for Qualified Applicants following review of online application and supplemental documentation
• All applicants notified about admission status by e-mail

May 2021 Cohort

Apply now for the January 2022 cohort, PCN 33. Stay tuned for specific dates/deadlines. Application window will close November 2021.

Program Launch

9 Canvas Courses

Additional Training/Sessions

PCN Work Breaks

• 1 week off at Thanksgiving
• 1 week off at July 4th
• 2 weeks off at Christmas
• 1 week off at Spring Break

Graduation date TBA.

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

Scholarship Opportunities

Early Bird Scholarship

• The scholarship amount is $1,300 off of the total program fees.
  
• In order to be eligible for this scholarship, you must complete your online application, the application fee, and this scholarship application. Scholarship deadline TBA.

Alumni 13 Scholarship

• The scholarship amount is $1,300 off of the total program fees.
• 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. Scholarship deadline TBA.

Program Fees

1. Application Fee - A $100 non-refundable application fee is required to initiate the application process. (Due at time of application)
2. 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.
3. Program Cost - $6,000 for 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

*Required textbooks are the responsibility of the individual and are not included in the program fees/costs.

*Note: All fees are subject to change without notice.

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 https://aplusfcu.org/join-a-plus/ 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 http://www.hhloans.com/.

Is there financial assistance available?

There are two scholarship options available, as well as potential loans. Review scholarship information on the Pricing 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?

Check out our PCN 32 Handbook for an in-depth look at the program.

Specific timeline information will be posted for the January 2022 cohort by June. Check back on our website then. You can also contact our program staff at leadership@esc13.txed.net to be on an email list for the most up-to-date cohort information. Here is an information session from the May 2021 cohort; dates/deadlines will change, but program requirements and content will remain the same.

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.

Do you offer a review and/or practice test for the TExES (268) exam?

Yes, we offer quarterly review workshops at ESC Region 13 for this new exam. Search E-Campus workshops for the listing “Principal As Instructional Leader Certification Assessment Test Prep" or "Constructed Response Deep Dive." We also offer an at your own pace online course called Leadership Ready. Contact Sarah Reuwsaat for more information on this.

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:

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 there an application deadline?

The PCN 32 application window is closed.

The PCN 33 January 2022 cohort application window is now open. Specific deadlines TBA; application window for PCN 33 January 2022 cohort will close November 2021. Cohorts usually launch January and May annually.

Is attendance to the live Zoom 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 and May. Stay tuned for specific launch details including the program model on our website.