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South Dakota Principal Leadership & Development Program

The South Dakota Principal Leadership & Development Program (PLD) is designed to provide professional development, resources, and a network of support for early career principals (1-5 years). Within this program, early career principals are teamed up with a mentor principal.

The goals of the program for principals include the following:

  • Support early career principals with decision making and empowerment as they lead their schools
  • Help principals build confidence in their new positions and continue to develop instructional leadership and management skills
  • Provide meaningful and relevant guidance, encouragement, and resources
  • Strengthen networks of school principals

PLD will be coordinated by Hope Paulson. Experienced principals from across the state and post-secondary partners or other education stakeholders will facilitate the PLD in person sessions and webinars.

Registration is now open for the 2024-25 school year.

Contact Hope Paulson at hope.paulson@state.sd.us to register.

group photo of participants in PLD