Who is eligible for the WTPC program?
Any student enrolled (or enrolling) in the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program for principal certification or any student who has completed their master’s degree in education but wants to take courses for Principal Certification.
Participants must also be employed as a teacher or hold a professional position in one of districts served by the WTPC.
- Applications are available in the WTPC office in room MB3267 or you can click here for an application.
- Fill out the application completely, sign and date it, and turn it in at the WTPC office in room MB3267 or mail it to the address listed below.
West Texas Principal Center
U.T. Permian Basin
4901 E. University Blvd.
MB3267
Odessa, TX 79762
(Incomplete packets cannot be accepted.)
What do I need to submit with my application?
You are required to submit the following documents with your application. (Remember to keep copies for your own records and for future reference.):
- Official transcripts of college course work. A receipt confirming that you have ordered your transcript is acceptable at the application stage.
- A copy of your Texas Teacher/Principal Certification as appropriate.
- A copy of your GRE scores. (If you have not taken the GRE, you must take it before completing more than six hours of graduate course work.)
- Letter of application stating why you wish to become a Principal, participate in the WTPC program and how you wish to advance your career and service to students, staff and community.
- Two letters of recommendation – one from a recommending Principal and one from the Superintendent or his/her designee of the district in which you are currently employed.
When will I find out if I am accepted into the WTPC program?
You will receive a letter informing you of your admissions status within two weeks of submitting your application. This letter will be mailed to you at the address provided on your application and will inform you of the action taken on your application:
- you meet the initial requirements, there is an opening in the program and you may begin the program
- you meet the initial requirements and you will be accepted into the program as soon as there is an opening
- you do not meet the initial requirements and you may need to take additional courses to meet the requirements
The WTPC program has a limited number of students it can serve. All applications will be handled on a first come, first serve basis. The WTPC will retain all applications for a period of one calendar year.
If accepted into the WTPC program, what will I receive?
The WTPC program will pay full tuition, including fees and required textbooks, for up to 18 hours of course credit per year. In addition, you will receive access to seminars, conferences and professional growth activities along with an Individual Training Plan (ITP) used to monitor your development.
The WTPC cannot pay for parking permits or fees associated with exams/tests required for Principal Certification. These will be your responsibility.
What is expected of me as a participant in the WTPC program?
WTPC participants are required to meet the following criteria in order to continue receiving support from one year to the next:
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Regularly attend seminars, events and conferences offered by the WTPC for as much as ten hours per month.
- Participate in periodic leadership assessments.
- Work with a principal coach to develop and complete an ITP.
How do I get credit for my classes?
If you are not already enrolled as a graduate student, you must also apply to the UTPB Office of Graduate Studies after being accepted into the WTPC program.
- Download the UTPB Graduate/Post-Baccalaureate Application.
- Follow the application instructions and send the completed information along with appropriate transcripts to the UTPB Admissions office.
How do I know what classes to take?
Once admitted into the UTPB Graduate Studies, you will be assigned an advisor who will assist you.
4901 E. University . Odessa, Texas 79762 . (432) 552-2020