Principal Preparation District Partnerships
Ritchie Program for School Leaders
The Ritchie Program for School Leaders cohort begins each summer quarter with a multiple day retreat, during which students will participate in community building and program instruction. Ritchie Fellows (students) must have approval for release time from on a weekday as determined by the program in order to engage in approximately one day of coursework per week. It is preferable, but not required, that Ritchie fellows work in a paid, non-teaching classroom position such as student advisor, administrative assistant, literacy coach, staff development teacher and /or curriculum coordinator.
Upon completion of the program, the district may support graduates in their efforts to compete for position openings by making information available and by providing access to informational meetings, timelines and pre-interview coaching. The hiring of any graduate will be subject to each district's own selection and hiring process. Successful completion of all program requirements will lead to recommendation for the Colorado principal license awarded through the Colorado State Board of Education. Credits completed in these programs may, under certain circumstances, be applied toward either the Master of Arts or PhD in Educational Leadership.
Partnerships for the program have been developed with both the Denver Public Schools and the Adams Twelve Five Star Schools.
District Partners Participation
The Ritchie partnership program includes district participation in the recruitment and selection of students; the design and creation of the curriculum, projects, and learning experiences; the facilitation of the classes; and the evaluation of student work in relationship to the Colorado Principal Standards.
Prospective students are recruited and accepted into these partnership programs based on selection criteria established collaboratively between Educational Leadership faculty and the districts, and acceptance consideration is contingent on district nomination and specific admission requirements. Students are expected to complete all program requirements in one year. Participants are required to be employed within the district, many times in schools in urban communities in order to help boost the performance of students with diverse backgrounds and needs.
Curriculum and the internship experiences in these district partnership programs focus on the development of the skills, knowledge and attributes which are necessary to lead effectively in urban schools. The partnership programs are centered around a yearlong leadership internship during which each student is supported at the internship site by a mentor principal.
To speak to someone about the Principal Preparation District Partnership Programs, please call or email our Admissions Office at 303-871-2509 or 1-800-835-1607, edinfo@du.edu.
