UW Principal Leadership Academy Supports Wyoming School Leaders

The 307 Principal Leadership Academy (307PLA), part of the University of Wyoming Trustees Education Initiative, is leading efforts to strengthen school leadership throughout Wyoming.

The academy is designed to support the development and growth of school leaders across the state, with a key focus on principal efficacy, retention and building a professional network. The program is led by Margaret Hudson in UW's Education Leadership Program.

A central feature of 307PLA is the Wyoming Principal Mentor Program, which trains experienced principals as mentors using the Mentoring Framework for Learning. This structured approach allows mentors to effectively guide new and aspiring school leaders, helping them address real-world leadership challenges and fostering a supportive professional community.

The academy has paired 36 principal mentors, who are either in their first or second year of the program, with 43 new or aspiring principals. Additional pairs will join as interest in the program grows.

Key Milestones and Achievements

Since launching in July, the academy has made significant progress, beginning with a kickoff conference July 25-26 in Casper. This event set the stage for ongoing mentorship and training through regional meetings, both virtual and in-person, facilitated by Hudson. These sessions focus on crucial leadership skills, such as communication, contextual awareness, feedback and reflection.

Throughout the year, regional meetings continue to be held in locations including Cheyenne, Cody and Riverton. This consistent mentorship structure, along with the academy's foundational 10 pillars of building-level leadership, provides a comprehensive support system for Wyoming's school leaders.

Future Events and Opportunities

The academy is preparing to introduce a third-year community of practice for 2025, organized by region, to facilitate ongoing collaboration and professional growth among participants. Additionally, 307PLA will host a one-day professional learning community event Monday, April 7, in Casper, where experienced and aspiring principals will participate in sessions on best practices for elementary and secondary schools, guided by their Wyoming peers.

The academy will continue its momentum with a second annual conference Tuesday-Wednesday, Aug. 5-6, in Laramie. This event will build on the "Wyoming Principals Training Wyoming Principals" model, encouraging school leaders to contribute to one another's professional development and to the success of schools statewide.

Participants Around Wyoming

Current mentees in the Wyoming Principal Mentor Program, listed by their home school districts, are:

Albany County School District -- Brook Fergon, UW Lab School; Malinda Garcia, Whiting High School; Caroline Hickerson, Snowy Range Academy; Karstin Hiser, Linford Elementary School; and Jolene Roesler, Indian Paintbrush Elementary School, all in Laramie.

Big Horn County School District 3 -- Tanya LaBossiere, Greybull Elementary School.

Big Horn County School District 4 -- Katie Seeley, Laura Irwin Elementary School, Basin.

Campbell County -- Amanda Messner, YES House, Gillette.

Carbon County School District 2 -- Jake Johnston, Encampment K-12 School.

Converse County School District 2 -- Jenifer Albrandt, Glenrock Junior/Senior High School; Jason Horn, Glenrock Intermediate School; James Sarvey, Glenrock Junior/Senior High School; and Tyler Walker, Glenrock Junior/Senior High School.

Fremont County School District 1 -- Kellen Freedman, Lander Valley High School.

Fremont County School District 24 -- Heidi Christensen, Shoshoni schools.

Fremont County School District 25 -- Nicole Kelley, Rendezvous Elementary School, Riverton; and Brady Slack, Riverton Middle School.

Goshen County School District 1 -- Lindsey Maxey, Platte River School; Lana Swingholm, Lincoln Elementary School; and Alan Van Tilberg, Torrington High School.

Johnson County School District -- Ron Glassock, Buffalo; and Maggi Lambert, Cloud Peak Elementary School, Buffalo.

Laramie County School District 1 -- Chelsea Cox, Coyote Ridge Elementary School, Cheyenne.

Laramie County School District 2 -- Christina Nusbaum, Burns.

Niobrara County School District -- Penny Bollinger, Lusk Elementary School; and Katherine Kruse, Niobrara County High School.

Park County School District 6 -- Mitch Espland, Cody High School; and Joseff Smith, Eastside Elementary School, Cody.

Platte County -- Bryce Cushman, Prairie View Charter School, Chugwater.

Sheridan County School District 1 -- Mike Daley, Big Horn High School.

Washakie County School District 1 -- Jennifer Horath, Southside Elementary School; and Tanya Kienlen, Eastside Elementary School, Worland.

Weston County School District 7 -- Cliff Toole, Upton Elementary School.

For more information on the 307 Principal Leadership Academy and its programs, go to www.uwyo.edu/tei/principal-leadership-academy.html.

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