Principals Leadership Academy of Arizona
Arizona schools thrive with strong, visionary administrators. The Principals Leadership Academy of Arizona equips new and emerging principals with the skills needed to excel in school leadership.
About Principals Leadership Academy of Arizona
The Principals Leadership Academy of Arizona (PLAA) is uniquely designed by Arizona public school leaders to strengthen and support new and emerging administrators across Arizona’s public schools. Since its inception, the program has offered a dynamic curriculum that equips new and aspiring principals with strategies for effective leadership, collaborative problem-solving and innovative educational practices. Through the nine-month academy, AEF helps administrators build strong school communities and inspire students, staff and parents.
Why Attend the Principals Leadership Academy?
Principals who participate in the leadership academy benefit from hands-on training, professional mentorship and access to a supportive network of fellow Arizona school leaders. Principals Leadership Academy of Arizona curriculum aligns with the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) Program Recognition Standards – Building Level. Each participant is paired with a one-on-one mentor who is an A+ School of Excellence principal. During the 9-month program, A+ Schools are used as “laboratories of excellence” so that participants are immersed in all facets of school success.
During the PLAA, you can expect to learn how to:
- Prepare and manage school budgets
- Effectively communicate with students, parents, teachers and district staff
- Build a positive school culture
- Develop clear and inspiring mission and vision statements
- Manage personnel
- Navigate media inquiries confidently
- Understand legislation that impacts schools
- Ensure school safety
- Avoid common legal challenges
Certifications and Credits
Participants receive 85 CEUs that can be used towards renewing current certificates held. If a participant is currently enrolled in an administrative program with a university, they are encouraged to speak with someone from the university to determine if the 85 CEUs can be used toward intern hours. PLAA does not replace an administrative internship that is required for an administrative certificate.
Enrollment Information & Dates
We invite new and aspiring school principals looking to expand their impact and leadership skills to join PLAA and be part of a community committed to educational leadership and school success. Typically, over 50% of attendees have just started their first year as principals, but many participants are future school leaders or other educators interested in learning more about becoming a principal.
Enroll Today
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- Participants may be educators who aspire to be principals or new principals.
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- Participants must be open to working with a Principal Mentor from an A+ School of Excellence.
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- Participants must be able to commit to attending eight Saturday sessions once per month for eight months (dates below) and also conduct a site visit to their Principal Mentor’s A+ School of Excellence.
PLAA is built around the Professional Standards for Education Leadership and the A+ School of Excellence model. Throughout the 9-month program, all participants have a mentor who is an A+ School principal. Locations each month move around the state, giving participants a chance to explore different A+ Schools. Discover what to expect from PLAA, including covered topics and mentorship opportunities.
The 9-month program of study will be a mix of in-person and virtual classes meeting once per month on Saturdays. All sessions are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sessions will not be recorded as participant interaction and group discussion are important aspects of the program.See the full program timeline, including enrollment deadlines and session dates.
2026-27 Class Dates & Locations
August 22, 2026 – Phoenix/A.E.F. HQ
September 19, 2026 – Tucson
October 2026 – A+ School Mentor Site Visit!
November 7, 2026 – Phoenix
December 5, 2026 – Phoenix/A.E.F. HQ
January 9, 2027 – Tucson
February 6, 2027 – Phoenix/A.E.F. HQ
March 6, 2027 – Tucson
April 10, 2027 – Phoenix/A.E.F. HQ
The October site visit to your mentor’s A+ School counts as the 9th PLAA session and will be scheduled by you and your mentor during your first meeting.
Tuition per participant for the 9-month Academy is $1,750, which includes all texts, necessary materials, breakfast, lunches, and snacks.
Early bird discount: Districts who enroll multiple participants prior to June 1st will receive a discounted enrollment cost of $1,500 per participant. *No refunds will be given but districts may substitute participants up until August 1.
A limited number of partial scholarships may be available for individuals without district support based on grant funding.
PLAA counts for 85 CEU hours from the University of Phoenix. Enroll early as space is limited.
In order to provide participants with an expanded view of education throughout Arizona, in-person sessions will be held at various A+ School of Excellence campuses in different locations in Phoenix, Tucson, and Casa Grande.
Become an Effective Leader
Gain the skills and support needed to make a meaningful impact in your school community. For questions, contact Brett Bonner at brett@azedfoundation.org