The University Principal Preparation Initiative (UPPI) is a collaborative group made up of university-based principal preparation providers and members of the Kentucky Department of Education’s Principal Partnership Project (P3) team. Together, the UPPI group is dedicated to enhancing the quality of principal preparation across the state. By working closely, they aim to create the most effective and impactful learning experiences for educators pursuing principal certification. The ultimate goal of UPPI is to support both aspiring and current school leaders in becoming exceptional, well-equipped principals who are ready to meet the evolving demands of educational leadership.
Ongoing Work and Impact of the UPPI Team
This powerful first volume in a three-part series, Service in the Trenches: School Principals Share True Stories of Servant Leadership, brings servant leadership to life through compelling, real-world stories from the front lines of education. Co-authored by leaders in principal preparation and education policy, Service in the Trenches: School Principals Share True Stories of Servant Leadership highlights authentic experiences that demonstrate how humility, empathy, and service can transform schools and communities.
Rooted in the dynamic collaboration between university preparation programs and the Kentucky Department of Education, this collection captures the emotional complexity and deep impact of leadership that prioritizes people. Each story reflects the signature elements of servant leadership—trust, collaboration, courage, and compassion—woven into the daily lives of those leading and serving in Kentucky schools.
Inspiring, reflective, and hopeful, this book is a must-read for educators, aspiring leaders, and anyone committed to leading with heart and purpose in today’s educational landscape
The second book in the series, School Improvement: Let the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders Work for You, is edited by Rocky Wallace, with contributions from Eve Proffitt and Stephanie M. Sullivan. This practical resource offers a clear and accessible exploration of the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL), which serve as Kentucky’s guiding framework for principal leadership. Written by experienced graduate education leadership professors and KDE experts, the book provides detailed explanations of each PSEL standard, along with bulleted examples, real-world scenarios, and best practices to help school leaders translate theory into action. It is an essential tool for both aspiring and practicing principals seeking to lead with purpose, foster school improvement, and create a culture of excellence.
The third installment in the UPPI and Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) joint book project is titled School Safety: True Stories and Solutions from School Leaders, edited by Rocky Wallace, Stephanie Sullivan, and Ann Burns. This compelling volume brings together real-life experiences and practical safety strategies from current and former school administrators across Kentucky.
Through authentic stories and expert insight, the book showcases how school leaders have navigated challenging and sometimes dangerous situations with professionalism, care, and courage. Each chapter offers practical takeaways and proven solutions, making it a valuable resource not only for principals but for all educators, including teachers and support staff. School Safety serves as both an informative guide and an inspiring testament to the dedication of those working to keep schools safe, supportive, and resilient learning environments.
Navigating Change: The Educational Journeys of School Superintendents
A resource for educational leaders is shedding light on the complex, human work of leading school systems through change. Navigating Change: The Educational Journeys of School Superintendents explores the realities of district leadership across Kentucky, offering a compelling collection of authentic superintendent voices.
Organized around seven essential leadership dimensions—Strategic, Instructional, Cultural, Human Resource, Managerial, Collaborative, and Influential Leadership—the book brings each concept to life through real stories written by Kentucky superintendents who began their careers as school principals, as well as contributing members of the University Principal Preparation Initiative (UPPI). Representing rural, urban, small, and large districts, these authors offer firsthand perspectives that ground theory in lived experience.
New Whitepaper Supporting Kentucky School Principals
A new whitepaper developed specifically to address the evolving needs of school principals across Kentucky has recently been released. This timely resource was authored by a dedicated subgroup of UPPI members.
All educators, district leaders, and policymakers are encouraged to review and share this important resource as we continue working together to support Kentucky’s principals.
The whitepaper is now available for download.
