Arizona Educational Foundation Holds Inaugural Graduation for Principals’ Leadership Academy of Arizona

PHOENIX – May 29, 2009 – The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF) announced it will celebrate the graduation of its inaugural Principals' Leadership Academy of Arizona (PLAA) on June 11.

The Academy was founded in 2008 in response to a shared belief that new and aspiring principals will benefit from a leadership training program that enhances their ability to lead their school communities to excellence.

"The Principals' Leadership Academy of Arizona is a unique resource for new principals," said Bobbie O'Boyle, AEF’s executive director. "The Academy provides insights into successful programs and initiatives that have been implemented in a variety of Arizona's public schools, providing new school leaders with the framework and support needed for success.

"It is AEF's goal that upon completion of the Academy, principals will have the ability to apply professional practice, concepts and values in learning, leadership and policy."

The curriculum for AEF's Principals' Leadership Academy of Arizona has been developed from current research and the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) standards for leadership. Each PLAA participant selects a detailed, strategic initiative that is developed throughout the course of the Academy and implemented at their school the following academic year.

During the course of the Academy, participants have direct access to A+ School award-winning principals, the AEF Board of Directors, policymakers, and leaders in education and business, which they may utilize as resources both during and after the Academy.

AEF's 2009-2010 PLAA classes will be held monthly on Saturdays beginning in September 2009 and ending in April 2010, followed by a weeklong session in June 2010. Applications for PLAA's upcoming 2009-2010 class are due on July 31, 2009. Tuition for the Academy is $1,000; scholarships are available.

In addition to AEF, presenting sponsors for the Principals' Leadership Academy of Arizona are APS, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and The Kurz Family. To apply or to learn more about the Principals' Leadership Academy of Arizona, please visit www.azedfoundation.org.

About Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF)
Founded in 1983, the Arizona Educational Foundation's mission is to foster excellence in education by funding programs that enhance the capabilities of Arizona's public schools. AEF's results-driven approach brings leaders in education and business together in a joint partnership that promotes and celebrates exceptional students, teachers and schools. Its specialized approach recognizes excellence in education while also providing a framework for the continued success of Arizona schools including: strengthening the teaching profession, designing high quality curricula, stimulating student achievement and celebrating the successes in preschool through 12th grade. AEF's programs include: Arizona Teacher of the Year, A+ Schools of Excellence, Arizona Spelling Bee, Polly Rosenbaum Writing Contest and Principals' Leadership Academy of Arizona. For more information, please visit www.azedfoundation.org or call (480) 421-9376.