Effective principals drive equitable improvement for each child. Replacing great principals is challenging and costs $40,000 per principal, according to research. Effective principals have great supervisors, who provide sage coaching and support systems.
The Connecticut Supervisors of Principals' Academy (SOPA) is a statewide learning network for current principal supervisors. SOPA up-levels supervisory coaching, feedback, and systems design so that principals grow and stay.
Superintendents, assistant superintendents, and other central office administrators join SOPA to:
- Build supervisory skills in coaching, performance evaluation, and principal supports.
- Improve supervisory systems and practices.
- Exchange ideas, advice among Connecticut principal supervisors and experienced coaches.
Get with the program! SOPA registration is capped at 50 administrators and closes on May 14, 2026. Individual supervisors or central office teams can join, and each person must register and pay the fee of $500 per participant while CAPSS will cover the remaining costs..
Learning togetherSOPA network participants are driven to improve coaching, evaluation, and conditions for exemplary school leadership. If you are a current principal supervisor seeking to improve your practice, then SOPA is for you! CAPSS is working collaboratively with WestEd and experienced Connecticut coaches to provide:
- Two hours of leadership coaching from experienced administrators each month.
- Seven, in-person collaborative sessions focused on improving school leadership and talent systems.
- Principal observation and survey tools to ensure supervision is data driven.
SOPA members may be charter or public school principal supervisors who are also:
- Superintendents or assistant superintendents
- Directors of schools
- Human Resources directors
- Leadership coaches
- Other central office administrators
Key DatesSOPA Kickoff meeting: September 16, 2026
Session Collaborative sessions:
- Session 1: October 15, 2026
- Session 2: November 12, 2026
- Session 3: December 10, 2026
- Session 4: January 21, 2027
- Session 5: February 11, 2027
- Session 6: March 25, 2027
Expectations We rely on your ideas, input and perspectives to make this network a vibrant, statewide resource. We expect that all participants will attend 90 percent of coaching and Collaborative sessions, and all will complete pre-work.
Admission Admission is rolling, and we will notify applicants within five business days after the application is received. The application process entails:
- Submission of this online form
- 20-minute phone/zoom call to ensure that SOPA is the right professional learning for you
- Receipt of admissions determination email