Texas Principal Leadership Academy

Master’s Program

Department of Educational Leadership and Policy

The Texas Principal Leadership Academy (TPLA) is a 12-month Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) program designed to prepare graduates to take the Principal as Instructional Leader EC-12 exam and become leaders of socially just, equitable and high-achieving public schools in Texas. Our graduates’ first-time exam passing rate is typically 97%, exceeding the state average.

Thanks to our track record in the employment of principal and assistant principal roles within three years of graduation, our program has earned several Certificates of Commendation from the Texas Education Agency and the State Board of Educator Certification in the “Preparing Educators for Long Term Success” category.

TPLA’s goal is to develop 1,000 equity-centered, culturally responsive, data-savvy and instructional school leaders for public schools in Texas by 2040. These new leaders will relentlessly pursue equity and excellence for all children, an especially urgent priority in light of Texas’s changing demographic landscape.

Students will start the program full-time in the first summer semester session. Learn more in the Application Requirements section below.

Learn more about certification requirements on the Texas Education Agency’s website.


Listen to what our alumni are saying about our program

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEK5TfFf1Zo

Learn about our program and partnership from students while in the program

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFZFauEtuFw

Program Features

Curriculum and Core Values

Application Requirements

Application Timeline

Coursework

Faculty

Clinical and Adjunct Faculty

Our History

At a Glance

Program Starts: Summer

Deadline to Apply:
Nominations due October 31
Applications due December 1

Credit Hours Required: 35

Program Location: Hybrid

GRE Required? Yes

Photo of Debra Cantú

Program Co-coordinator
Debra Cantú

Photo of Terrance Green

Program Co-coordinator
Terrance Green

How to Apply

Find out information about the admission process and application requirements.

Learn More

Become a Longhorn

Start your application today to take the next steps toward your future as a Longhorn.

Apply Now

Request Information

Let us know what your academic interests are within the College of Education and we’ll be in touch.