Principals’ Institute at MC equips school leaders to help ensure a brighter future for students

Participants in the 2025 Principals' Institute appreciated the seminar's collaborative approach and the opportunity to network with their peers.

School administrators from throughout the state will gather on the Mississippi Christian University campus from May 31 to June 5 to attend the 2026 Principals’ Institute, an intensive developmental seminar that improves instructional leadership, student-learning outcomes and overall school culture.

Teresa Duke, assistant professor and interim assistant chair of Teacher Education and Leadership at MC, said the Principals’ Institute supports administrators – primarily principals and assistant principals – in implementing instructional effectiveness.

“By equipping these leaders with the tools and strategies they need, we aim to positively impact the entire school community, ultimately benefiting the students and ensuring a brighter future for all children,” Duke said.

She said school administrators will hear from and interact with nationally recognized educational leaders; meet colleagues from other school districts to form support networks; gain confidence in their ideas through reflection, writing and discussion; reaffirm their power to make changes in their respective schools; and experience risk-taking in a supportive environment.

“The Principals’ Institute aims to provide them with strategies that drive higher performance and innovation while empowering them to be intentional, effective, genuine leaders,” Duke said. “Instruction will focus on relationships, student achievement, classroom management, mentoring, networking and coaching.

“They will engage in activities that will connect personal and professional goals to best practices and effective strategies. Efficacy is the ultimate goal to be achieved as each participant reflects on practical practices and values.”

The Principals’ Institute is comprised of large- and small-group settings. In large-group settings, participants receive information based on the conference’s mission. Small-group settings consist of “Home Groups” and “Role-Alike Groups” that provide opportunities for reflection, internalization and sharing how to meet future professional and individual goals.

This year’s theme is “Servant Leadership,” a topic well known by the event’s three keynote speakers: Dr. Baruti Kafele, creator and host of AP and New Principals Academy streamed every Saturday morning; Dr. Salome Thomas-El, an award-winning teacher and principal and an internationally recognized educator; and Dr. Stephen Barkley, chief learning officer and executive vice president of PLS 3rd Learning.

Duke said the agenda for this year’s seminar is intended to build upon the success of last year’s event.

“Each year brings new participants, new challenges and a rich, diverse set of perceptions,” she said. “We believe that together, we are better. We strive to build teams and use the opportunity to build alliances through a collegial network of professionals.

“Each year, that network grows and so does the long list of strategies and opportunities we have to effectively impact student achievement for all students.”

Established in 1993, the Principals’ Institute is in its second year of affiliation with MC.

“MC offers educational leadership programs that are geared toward earning a master’s degree in administration or a specialist’s degree or doctorate, making MC a good fit for the Institute,” Duke said.

Participants in last year’s Principals’ Institute raved about the experience. Anonymous evaluations praised its collaborative approach and opportunity to network with peers.

“This was by far the best conference I've attended,” one administrator wrote. “It was intentional, thought-provoking and very much necessary. There was not a moment that I lost interest."

Career-level administrators can earn 30 Semi credits, while career-level license seekers can earn 3 OSL credits for attending the Institute. Enrollment is limited to 100 participants. The registration fee of $1,000 does not include lodging.

For more information or to register for the 2026 Principals’ Institute at MC, visit mc.edu/principals-institute/conference or email Duke at taduke@mc.edu.