The Aspiring Assistant Principal Institute (AAPI) leadership development program, managed by the School Leader Pipeline Team of the Department of Principal Quality (DPQ), has continued to support and develop aspiring assistant principals through focused education and training. In partnership with Teach Plus, this initiative has proven to be a crucial step in cultivating capable participants in the school leader pipeline who are on the journey towards school leadership. 

Tier 2 (AAPI T2) is a year-long series of professional development sessions designed to prepare high-potential aspiring assistant principals who have successfully completed Tier 1, an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and capitalize on their journey through the school leadership pipeline. Tier 2 builds on the learning of Tier 1 by providing effective (adult) team leadership content for participants in their current school-based or district roles.

AAPI also allows completers an opportunity to to complete Illinois course and certification to evaluate teachers (REACH).

Tier 2 Focus:

• Building leadership skills through coaching others

• Leading teams to influence change

• Understanding the systems and practices of school leadership

Objective: Work to be an Effective (Adult) Team Leader; Work on a School-Level Continuous Improvement Team and Complete a Self-Assessment of Readiness for School Leadership

Potential PD Sessions/Offerings:

• AAPI Orientation and Framing, Expectations, AP Panel and Resume Review

• Building a Shared Vision & A High-Impact Team

• Planning for Resistance, Crucial Conversations & Common Team Dysfunctions

• Promoting Racial Equity through Teacher Leadership & Building Emotional Intelligence

• Strategic Planning and Resource Allocations/Budget

• AP Panel: 1st Year Reflections

• OPTIONAL: ISBE Teacher Evaluation Initial Certification Course (REACH)