This level of principal retirements has not been seen in this state for more than 15 years. As a result, the market for new jobs in this category has dramatically increased and will continue to do so for several years. At the same time that this increase in retirements is occurring, rapidly growing areas of the state, such as Auburn/Opelika, will experience new growth that will necessitate building new schools and hiring more principals.

This dramatic change comes at an auspicious time for Alabama. In 2005, Gov. Bob Riley convened a Congress on School Leadership, which delivered new standards for principal preparation for the state. Auburn University was one of four institutions selected by the Alabama State Department of Education to transform the curriculum, methods, processes and outcomes of its Instructional Leadership Program. The new program, based in AU's College of Education, is one of only two approved by the Alabama School Board thus far.

The Auburn Instructional Leadership Program was designed with the assistance of eight school districts. These educational partners include Alexander City Schools, Auburn City Schools, Lee County Schools, Lowndes County Schools, Macon County Schools, Opelika City Schools and Tallapoosa County Schools.

AU and these school systems will count upon the collaboration of about 25 school-based coaches, who will share teaching, advising and mentoring responsibilities with university faculty.

In order to assure that each future principal is well-trained and fully qualified, no more than 25 students will be admitted to the program. These individuals will engage in intensive field-based experiences and comprehensive assessments to make sure that they are well prepared to over administrative positions that will be vacated this coming year and in the future.

The program has been accelerated so that new graduates can emerge in a year, instead of the typical two or three years required by most programs.

Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to craft effective schools where every child learns to his or her full potential. These graduates are expected to have the leadership skills necessary to continually improve the environment for effective education, thus keeping the schools they lead at the vanguard of the future needs in this state.

At AU, the College of Education has recruited a faculty member for the Instructional Leadership Program from among the best-qualified instructional leaders in the nation. We are committed to ensuring that the program remains current, vital and effective.

We in the college believe education is a keystone in a democratic society. Just as a keystone—the central, topmost stone of an arch—holds the structure together, education serves a central, supporting role in society. Education is the essential profession because, without it, our culture would be unable to produce new doctors, engineers, inventors, artists and others that will keep this state and this country at the forefront of the global economy.

Research demonstrates that the principal is a key element in the school success. The principal can change schools and change lives. Our students, our state and our nation need educational leaders who can help our schools excel.