An effective, diverse principal workforce is essential in retaining high-quality teachers, supporting student learning, and advancing equity. In Illinois, despite having four certified educators for each open principal position, many talented educators of color and women remain in their existing jobs as assistant principals or teacher leaders.
Purpose
WestEd, in partnership with Illinois Regional Office of Education (ROE) Lead Hubs, operates the Bridge Project, a critical Illinois investment in the state’s education leadership workforce—whether in urban, rural, or suburban settings. The Bridge Project provides a replicable model for accelerating advancement for diverse educators to principalship by supporting postcertification professional networks and addressing systemic barriers to advancement.
Audiences Served
The Bridge Project engages central office leaders as well as educators with principal certification who identify as women and/or people of color.
Project Activities
Bridge Project participants receive professional development, executive coaching, and a postcertification residency in organizational leadership in addition to a microcredential focusing on equity.
Project Director
Lauryn Fullerton
Funder
The Bridge Project is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education under the federal Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) program.
Project Duration
3 years (10/1/2022–9/30/2025)
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Featured Experts
Ayele Dodoo
Lauryn Fullerton
