MC’s Principals’ Institute offers advanced training to bolster school admins’ professional growth

The Principals’ Institute at Mississippi College will host a diverse group of school administrators from across the state for an intensive professional development seminar Sunday-Friday, June 1-6, in Anderson Hall in the B.C. Rogers Student Center on MC’s Clinton campus.

Housed within the ±«ÓãtvDepartment of Teacher Education and Leadership, the Institute is dedicated to fostering the personal and professional growth of principals as educational leaders. Its mission is to enhance the quality of education by empowering school principals through advanced training and support.

Teresa Duke, ±«Óãtvassistant professor of teacher education and leadership, said by equipping these leaders with informative tools and strategies, the institute aims to positively impact the entire school community, benefiting the students and ensuring a brighter future for all children.

“The purpose of this training is to provide effective professional development for administrators concerning leadership and student academic achievement,” Duke said. “The strategies that are shared make a difference in the work administrators are called to perform.”

The focus of the Institute’s 2025 seminar is “Cultivating a Culture of Learning.” Throughout the week, participants will hear from industry experts Steve Barkley, Annette Breaux and David Mead, participate in a Challenge Course team-building program at Eagle Ridge Conference Center in nearby Raymond; collaborate with colleagues about best practices in education; and receive proven strategies to become effective leaders.

Barkley, chief learning officer and executive vice president of PLS 3rd Learning, is internationally known for his expertise in facilitating change through teaching and coaching. With more than 45 years in education, he specializes in guiding teams through continuous improvement through coaching, mentoring and professional learning communities.

Breaux is a former classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator and developer of Louisiana’s acclaimed FIRST program for new teacher induction. She has written several best-selling books and emphasizes practicality and teachers’ profound impact on students’ lives.

Mead, co-author of “Find Your Why,” is dedicated to bringing humanity back to work by helping leaders foster trust, connection and well-being in their teams. He has worked with leaders worldwide, identifying key patterns among those worth following.

The Institute was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Duke said the opportunity to resurrect the Institute at ±«Óãtvwas “an answer to prayer.”

“There were many of us from the former Millsaps Board that believed the training the Institute provides is too important not to keep going,” she said. “Mississippi College offers educational leadership programs that are geared toward earning a master’s degree in administration or a specialist’s degree or doctorate, making ±«Óãtva good fit for the Institute.”

The Institute provides administrators with a Career Level License an opportunity to earn 30 Semi Credits, or administrators seeking a Career Level License to earn 3 OSL credits.

“Participants will walk away with a network of peers to call for assistance, a notebook full of strategies and perhaps the most intensive professional development training they have experienced,” Duke said.

For more information or to register, visit or email Duke at taduke@mc.edu.