More than any other individual, the principal determines a school’s success or failure, and whether all students have the opportunity to succeed. But principals today face real challenges and enormous pressure. And because no one in the building has the same experience, they often go it alone.

Without support tailored specifically to their needs, capable and committed principals struggle to get by — let alone excel as leaders. In fact, 7 out of 10 Adventist school principals leave before their fifth year on the job.

I cannot think of a single elite athlete who made it without a coach. The same should hold true in educational leadership.

Brian Kittleson, Associate Superintendent,
Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Executive coaching provides individualized professional development support. Executive coaches are more than mentors — they’re trained to assess each individual’s leadership development needs, guide professional growth by leveraging their skills and experience, and motivate leaders to do the work required to get from good to great. Executive coaching helps leaders:

• Hone decision-making and strategic thinking skills
• Develop a leadership mindset and habits
• Manage workload and competing priorities
• Address blind spots and focus on growth areas
• Lead from their strengths and think creatively about leadership challenges
• Build equitable and culturally responsive schools
• Retain and cultivate high-performing teachers and staff
• Move beyond reactivity toward an intentional and strategic relationship with staff and board
• And ultimately increase their impact on equity and achievement

The Executive Coaching Program for Principals (formerly, the Leadership Coaching Program) is an opportunity for talented principals to level-up their leadership and drive themselves, their teams, and their schools toward success and equity. Any full-time principal with more than two years of experience is eligible to receive executive coaching. Principal leaders accepted into the program are paired with executive coaches uniquely qualified to build effective SDA school leaders.

Principals and their coaches will work together to set shared goals. Monthly virtual check-ins provide a forum to assess progress, provide support, and workshop challenges. If COVID-19 health protocols permit, virtual coaching will be supplemented by in-person activities.

The program’s goal is to put more great principals in Seventh-day Adventist schools, and our work begins with finding and training great executive coaches. The program’s executive coaches understand the Adventist education system, the realities facing SDA school principals, and the business and financial aspects of private school management. Just as importantly, they all have a demonstrated commitment to equity and a proven track record as executive-level leaders. As coaches, they provide the support, guidance, and accountability that skilled principals need to own the role and drive excellence and equity in their schools.

The Bainum Family Foundation, the Columbia Union and the Southern Union support coaching as an investment in the future of Adventist education, and participating local conferences will cover any travel costs. There is no direct cost to participating executive coaches or principal leaders who are accepted into the program.