Leadership Development Program
The development of effective, qualified leaders is
a key component in maintaining a quality school system
that supports high achievement for all students. In
The Baltimore County Public Schools, we believe that
leadership is a set of skills and knowledge that can
be learned. The differentiated components of the Leadership
Development Program provide opportunities for participants
to develop and apply leadership skills as they support
the vision and mission of the Blueprint for Progress and
assist schools in achieving the indicators of progress.
TEACHER LEADERS
The Learning to Lead Framework
The Learning to Lead Framework is a tool designed
to foster dialogue between principals and aspiring
leaders as they work together to develop leadership
capacity in the local school and throughout the school
system. The benchmarks represent a broad range of leadership
skills that must be developed if teacher leaders are
to become successful school or Curriculum and Instruction
administrators. This job-embedded practice will serve
to prepare future leaders as well as provide daily
support for the work of the school.
ASPIRING LEADERS
Aspiring Leaders Course
The Aspiring Leaders Course is designed to provide
participants with an understanding of school improvement
and leadership with an emphasis on leadership in BCPS
schools.
Prospective Department Chair Training Program
A four-session leadership training program for the role of the department chair is provided from September through January of each year to all interested teachers. This program is a collaboration among the Department of Professional Development, the Department of Human Resources, and the Curriculum and Instruction content offices.
College and University Cohorts
BCPS currently has five leadership cohorts at the following
colleges and universities: Johns Hopkins University,
College of Notre Dame, Morgan State University, Goucher
College, Towson University. BCPS continually seeks
to expand leadership cohorts to support professional
growth for all leaders.
NEW SCHOOL-BASED LEADERS
Administrative Induction and Support Program
The Administrative Induction and Support Program for
first-year administrators is a yearlong program designed
to support new principals and assistant principals
in their work. The emphasis is on supporting, maintaining,
and leading a high quality instructional program. Participants
study best practices for supporting quality instruction
particularly through the appraisal process, and learn
about systemwide compliance procedures and regulations.
Meetings are held monthly, and new principals and assistant
principals engage in conversation with one another,
with administrative mentors, and with central office
staff.
The New Administrators’ Academy, which is held
in the summer, provides support to newly appointed
principals and assistant principals to familiarize
them with BCPS policies and procedures and the basic
requirements of their new role.
The Administrative Mentoring Program provides one-to-one
support for first-year principals and assistant principals.
New school administrators are appointed a veteran principal
or assistant principal to mentor them throughout the
first year.
CURRENT LEADERS
Principals’ Professional Development
Program
Professional development activities for principals
are scheduled four times per year to provide opportunities
for principals to acquire knowledge about a variety
of topics related to their work in schools and to
network with other principals and share best practices.
Assistant Principals’ Professional Development
Program
Professional development activities for assistant principals
provide opportunities for assistant principals to acquire
knowledge about a variety of topics related to their
work in schools.
Principals’ Academy
Each year in June, a three-day retreat is held for
all principals. The Academy sessions are focused
on the development of principals’ leadership
skills, particularly instructional leadership. Academy
participants explore best practices for creating
and sustaining an effective school environment where
all students achieve at high levels.
For further information about Leadership Development programs, please contact Anissa Brown Dennis, Director, Department of Professional Development, at abrowndennis@bcps.org or Kimberly McMenamin, Supervisor of Leadership Development, at kmcmenamin@bcps.org
