Principal Certification Network

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 Texas teaching certificate
   4. Service record (showing at least 2 years teaching experience)
   5. Resume including leadership experience
   6. 3 recommendation forms
3. Participate in a 45-minute Zoom interview. PCN staff will contact you to schedule this at the appropriate time.

January Launch: Virtual Model

• Next Cohort: January 2022- April 2023
• Application Deadline: December 3, 2021

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

Calendar

Program Launch

9 Canvas Courses

Additional Training/Sessions

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

June Launch: Blended Model

• Program details will be posted by December 19, 2021

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.

More program model information coming soon. Check back in December 2021 for more information.

October Launch: Virtual Accelerated Model

• Next Cohort: October 2022 - January 2024
• Application Deadline: September 2, 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. It is one month shorter in total than our other two models and contains some adjustments in the content timeline presentation.

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

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

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. January 2022 Cohort
   December 3, 2021 - Early Bird scholarship application due
   
2. June 2022 Cohort
   TBD - Early Bird scholarship application due
3. October 2022 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.
• Complete this scholarship application to be eligible for the scholarship.

Alumni 13 Scholarship Application Deadlines:

Scholarship application deadlines vary by cohort date.

1. January 2022 Cohort
   December 3, 2021 - Alumni 13 scholarship application due
   
2. June 2022 Cohort
   May 2, 2022 - Alumni 13 scholarship application due
   
3. October 2022 Cohort
   TBD - Alumni 13 scholarship application due

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?

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.

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.