GEMS Principal in Residence Program 

Program Components

The PIR Program combines structured learning, personalized coaching, and hands-on experience to prepare leaders for a smooth transition into the principalship.

Kickoff Institute (2 Days): A two-day, in-person institute where participants explore leadership identity, vision, and principal competencies while launching their Individual Leadership Plan (ILP).

Monthly Professional Development: Two 90-minute sessions each month covering the core competencies of school leadership, from instructional leadership and talent management to budgeting, enrollment, and change management.

Individual Leadership Plan (ILP): A personalized roadmap aligned to the GEMS Principal Competencies that guides coaching, reflection, and growth throughout the year.

One-on-One Coaching: Monthly individualized coaching from an experienced school leader, with feedback, accountability, and problem-solving tied to each participant's goals.

School-Based Application: Job-embedded leadership projects, systems development, and school improvement work that put learning into practice immediately.

Site Visits & Leadership Observation: School visits and instructional rounds that expose participants to effective leadership in action.

Cohort Learning Network: A cohort of aspiring leaders from districts and charter networks nationwide, built for collaboration, peer learning, and shared best practices.

Capstone Project : A culminating leadership project that demonstrates principal readiness by tackling a real school-based challenge or opportunity.

Leadership Deliverables : A portfolio of ready-to-use tools including the ILP, core calendar, talent plans, and school systems that participants carry directly into the principal role.

Goals for PIR Participants 

To ensure that PIRs are well-prepared to launch and lead schools effectively, the program includes five key components designed to build leadership capacity, create instructional excellence, and develop strong school culture. These components provide structured learning, personalized coaching, and hands-on experiences that equip leaders with the skills needed to transition smoothly into the principal role.

Academic Excellence

Lead a school that meets or exceeds state accountability expectations, earns an A-rating (or equivalent), and achieves proficiency targets set in partnership with each school or network, and/or at least one year of academic growth for one year of instruction as measured by state and local assessments.

Staff Retention & Talent Development

Maintain at least 85% annual staff retention, retain at least 90% of high-performing staff, and develop at least one internal leader ready for expanded leadership responsibilities annually.

Financial & Operational Stewardship

Operate the school within ±2% of the approved budget, achieve 100% compliance with required operational and regulatory requirements, and ensure resources are aligned to support student achievement priorities.

Family & Community Satisfaction

Achieve at least 90% family satisfaction on annual surveys and maintain 90%+ student reenrollment/persistence through intentional family and community engagement efforts.

School Culture & Student Success

Maintain 95% average daily student attendance, achieve 90%+ student persistence, and earn 90% favorable responses on student and staff culture surveys, creating a safe, positive, and achievement-oriented school environment.