UCLA Principal Leadership Institute

Improving school leaders can improve schools.

But why aren’t states making that connection?

Linda Darling-Hammond, the lead author of a new report on principal effectiveness and school performance, explains why principal investment remains overlooked, and what states can do differently.

🏫 Read more: https://bit.ly/3QTgs8J

“For many young people, they don't care what you know; they want to know that you care.”

That was the message CTS Faculty Co-Director Tyrone C. Howard shared with future educators during the 2026 Edgar W. Couper Lecture at Binghamton University, where he spoke with doctoral students in Educational Theory and Practice about the ways schools can better support children of color, low-income students, and immigrant youth.

Howard highlighted how trauma, mental health challenges, cultural stigma, fear within immigrant communities, and gaps between families and providers can contribute to students being misidentified or underserved in school settings.

He also emphasized that meaningful support starts with relationships: “Part of our training around teacher education has to be rooted in building relational capital with students so that they see teachers as true advocates and allies as they attempt to navigate the world around them.”

Read the full article at https://www.binghamton.edu/news/story/6234/tyrone-howard-delivers-annual-couper-lecture-on-educational-equity

Cohort 26 of the Principal Leadership Institute engaged in their Master’s Oral Presentations.

This is a culminating presentation where students reflect on the impact of marginalization in schools and their journey as social justice educators.

The event was filled with hope, joy and affirmation that what we do in schools matters and can change lives.

At the Principal Leadership Institute we are forever learners and forever growing in our practice. This Saturday we spent the day in reflection envisioning our work now and into the future.

Register for this important conversation.

Research-Practice Webinar, March 17 | School and Community Leadership in an Age of Escalated Immigration Enforcement A research-backed and practice-relevant conversation with John Rogers.

Register for this important conversation.

Research-Practice Webinar, March 17 | School and Community Leadership in an Age of Escalated Immigration Enforcement A research-backed and practice-relevant conversation with John Rogers.

Check out this new article that highlights some of our alumni. PLI Pride.

Center X Alumni: Transforming Education Through a Lens of Equity - UCLA School of Education & Information Studies Graduates of UCLA’s Teacher Education Program and Principal Leadership Institute are making an impact on schools and communities across California. […]

Are you interested in becoming a school site leader. We have two information sessions left for UCLA’s PLI Program.

Info Sessions – UCLA Principal Leadership Institute – UCLA Center X The UCLA Principal Leadership Institute (PLI) information sessions are a great opportunity to get to know the program in detail. Alumni from past cohorts share their experience and answer questions from potential applicants. We also discuss the application process, tuition fees and PLI scholarships.