This role supports the NELA Program, which is housed within the ELPHD unit in the College of Education.
The Department of Education Leadership, Policy, and Human Development (ELPHD) comprises 40 full-time faculty members and more than 750 students. ELPHD advances education through scholarship, leadership, and advocacy. Faculty in ELPHD prepare counselors, educational leaders, and workplace professionals who are committed to improve education—from K-12 schools, to community colleges and universities, to workplace training—through applied theory, rigorous research, professional ethics, and data-driven best practice. ELPHD offers graduate programs in Adult and Lifelong Education; Community College Leadership; Counselor Education; Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis; Educational Leadership; and Higher Education Opportunity, Equity, and Justice. The department emphasizes exemplary scholarship, teaching, and service in the context of a university education and has a vibrant research culture that inspires and guides students through teaching, advising, and dissertation supervision. As researchers and teachers, the faculty explore complex and pressing contemporary issues and problems facing education and society with a view toward solutions that will make a real, positive difference for students and higher education institutions.
NELA
The NC State Educational Leadership Academy (NELA) is an innovative school leader preparation model designed to develop school leaders for rural, high-need schools. The grant-funded model has a number of unique features including: incorporates field-based experiences into coursework, experiences in the action of the school day for the aspiring school leaders in K-12 school settings, providing NELA Fellows (participants) with a student teacher to replenish the teaching pipeline, a principal mentor, and an executive leadership coach, visitations to high-performing schools across the state and nation, a community-based summer internship focused on building school-community connections and a paid year-long internship with rotational instructional rounds. NELA Fellows are individuals deeply committed to improving persistently low-achieving schools and will make a three-year, post-degree commitment to work in high-need schools.
Position Summary
The Principal Development Advisor supports aspiring school leaders in the Master of School Administration (MSA) program through individualized coaching and structured reflection. Serving as a confidential thought partner, this role strengthens Fellows’ leadership practice, problem-solving, and decision-making as they apply theory in real school contexts. Working closely with the Aspiring Principals Learning & Performance Coach, Principal Mentors, and program leadership, the Advisor ensures aligned support while guiding Fellows toward successful completion of the Executive Standards Work Plan (ESWP) and the North Carolina Principal Portfolio Assessment (NCPPA).
Key Responsibilities
- Coach & Develop Fellows: Provide consistent (at minimum weekly) coaching; guide reflection, decision-making, and resolution of Problems of Practice; model effective coaching practices
- Support ESWP & Portfolio Progress: Assist with goal setting, implementation, and alignment of ESWP; support development of portfolio artifacts and completion of NCPPA milestones
- Collaborate & Communicate: Partner with mentors and program staff; share insights, address concerns, and ensure coordinated support for Fellow success
- Monitor Progress & Provide Feedback: Review experiences, track progress, and deliver timely, actionable feedback and progress summaries
- Facilitate Engagement: Lead monthly in-person and virtual check-ins; participate in assessment days and program events
- Prepare Fellows for Leadership Roles: Provide career coaching, including mock interviews and resume support
