PPEERS

Principal Preparation for Excellence and Equity in Rural Schools

PPEERS Guide & Schedule

PPEERS prepares experienced educators for school leadership in rural communities through a two-year, cohort-based Master of School Administration program.

Participants build practical leadership skills through coursework, mentoring, and an extended administrative internship. Completion leads to an MSA degree and North Carolina Level I Principal License, pending applicable requirements.

Why consider PPEERS?

PPEERS is designed for educators who want to lead with purpose in rural schools. Participants learn alongside a supportive cohort while preparing to strengthen teaching, learning, school culture, and community connections.

What you’ll experience

A cohort of aspiring rural school leaders
Graduate coursework and school-based fieldwork
Leadership coaching and mentor-principal support
An 11-month, full-time administrative internship
Summer institutes, seminars, and leadership learning experiences

Completion of this program leads to NC Level I Principal License and MSA degree.

Is PPEERS right for you?

PPEERS may be a good fit if you are an experienced North Carolina educator who is committed to rural schools, ready to grow as a leader, and prepared for an intensive two-year program.

Explore the PPEERS Guide and Schedule

Meet the PPEERS Team

A supported path to school leadership

PPEERS combines rigorous preparation with the support and real-world experience future principals need to lead with confidence in rural schools.

Learn alongside a committed cohort

Join a community of aspiring rural school leaders who learn, reflect, and grow together throughout the program.

Receive support that helps you succeed

Work with experienced leadership coaches and mentor principals throughout your preparation. Participants also take part in summer institutes, special-topic seminars, leadership assessments, and study tours to innovative rural schools.

Build leadership skills through experience

Complete ten graduate courses and an 11-month, full-time administrative internship. Explore instructional leadership, data use, team development, school culture, talent management, and change leadership in real school settings.

Focus on your preparation

PPEERS provides salary replacement during the full-time internship year, along with summer stipends for required program work. This support helps participants focus on their leadership development while completing the program.

See how coursework, coaching, and the full-time internship come together throughout the program.

PPEERS

Location:
Dixon Building, Room 164

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