Principal Preparation Program

Why Pacific Lutheran University?

While we know candidates have various pathways they can take to earn their administrative certificate, we believe our program best prepares candidates to successfully lead highly-diverse schools and communities. We believe successful school leaders demonstrate an ability to articulate and enact an aspirational vision of improvement that leverages the expertise of teachers to improve all students’ intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Fundamental to that skill set is the ability to differentiate between technical and adaptive change to implement an agenda that aligns both the technical aspects of school leadership, such as budgets and scheduling, with long-term cultural change, such as establishing and implementing organizational core values. These beliefs stem from a profound dedication to the idea that public schools are vital and central to sustaining productive and inclusive democratic communities and societies and thus, school leaders are beholden to their students, teachers, parents, and larger communities to demonstrate those values in everything they do.

1 year to Certification

The PLU Administration Certification program connects theory, research and practice in an intertwined and interdependent web.

• Interns enter the program during the summer and enroll in  coursework that is focused on the foundations of  personal and instructional leadership. In addition to summer coursework, many interns begin the process of adding administrative duties to their school roles.
• Fall coursework is focused on methods and application. Interns complete three classes as well as their internship and reflective seminar.
• During the  spring semester, interns will complete one class, their internship, reflective seminar and be assisted on preparing for administrative interviews.

Affordable

The PLU program is proud to be among the most affordable face-to-face programs in the state. The PLU program is provided at a reduced graduate-continuing education tuition rate of $500 per credit. The total tuition cost for the program is $16,000 with an estimate of $300-$400 for texts and program fees.

Convenient Schedule

Summer courses are held in the evenings to accommodate interns who are working throughout the day. This allows for interns to observe and practice what they are learning in coursework and also collect summer hours for their time log. During the regular academic year, courses are held 1 to 2 evenings per week in the fall semester and less frequently in the spring.  During the spring, the cohort continues to meet for coursework and also to find opportunities for  support and reflection as interns transition into their leadership role.

Quality Instructors

Instructors, guest speakers and expert panels are identified from successful and experienced administrators in the South Sound region. Participants will be exposed to a variety of different districts and district leaders, ideologies and practices with the outcome of dynamic leadership growth.

Cohort Model

Adult learning theory affirms that adults learn best when working collaboratively to solve real world, relevant problems. The PLU cohort model focuses on preparing leaders of adult learners who can facilitate positive changes with the staffs and communities they will lead.

Theory and Practice

Each PLU course is created and reviewed through the lens of regional exemplary practitioners. Merging the most current research with applied practice, the PLU program is constantly advancing to stay current about what is facing the K-12 leader today. Once administrative interns are admitted into the program, they are able to put their course content into practice immediately through practical assignments that are applied in their field experience.

High-touch Experiences

The PLU Education Department’s values of care, compassion, difference, service and leadership drive the design and outcome of the administrator program. Participants of the PLU program will be provided with high-touch experiences from admission to certification that will provide insight and advantages to participant’s leadership capacities.

Job Placement

Throughout their program, PLU participants are prepared and focused on the demands of the job market through their coursework, internships, interview workshops, job fairs, and more.

The PLU principal program is certification-only and non-degree seeking therefore Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) is not available. Alternatively private educational loans are available, which may be lower interest than graduate federal financial aid. To explore alternative educational loan options participants are encouraged to start with their own private banking agency to investigate  educational loan options. Additional resources are available below.

AWSP Grant

• Application Open: Early December
• Application Closed: In March
• Grant Writing Workshop: TBA
• Application Link:  Washington State Intern Grant

Fun Fact: 96% of PLU principal candidates who applied for last years grant received it

Alternative Loans

Also known as private loans, alternative educational loans help bridge the gap between the actual cost of your education and the limited amount the government allows you to borrow in its programs. Private loans are offered by private lenders and there are no federal forms to complete. Click here to learn more about these loans and/ or apply.

Fast Choice

Private educational loan comparer (includes loan orientation). Credit-Score Based. In some cases, private educational loans are lower interest than federal financial aid and do not include fees. Click here to visit their website.