Monthly eNewsletter – July 2025
Our collective power expands when we support each other to foster the unlimited potential of each and every student.
Congratulations PRN 2025 Graduates!
What sets PRN grads apart?
PRN Graduates share a vision of what vibrant, student-centered schools look, sound, and feel like for all learners. During their residency, they engage in job-embedded leadership to move their schools toward that vision. They build relationships, facilitate adult learning, and plan for lasting improvement. Drawing on research-based practices, they lead improvement cycles that address barriers to opportunity and drive measurable gains in student outcomes.
Join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our PRN 2025 Cohort!
- Alexa Levesque, RISE Prep Mayoral Academy
- Christine “Christy” DaSilva, Pawtucket Phoenix Academy (PPA)
- Christopher LeBlanc, Ponaganset Middle School
- Claire Howard, Classical High School
- Colleen Preusse, Achievement First Providence Middle School
- Courtney Macropoulos, Hopkins Hill Elementary School
- Dana Hurley, Achievement First Providence Mayoral Academy
- Faith Johnson, Achievement First Envision Elementary School
- Jennifer “Jenn” Paolozzi, Nuestro Mundo Public Charter School
- Jessica “Jess” DePolito, North Kingstown High School
- Joseph “Joey” Fink, Achievement First Iluminar Mayoral Academy
- Joshua “Josh” Lombardi, Smithfield High School
- Kathryn Mazzucca, RISE Prep Mayoral Academy
- Kerri Luchka, Western Coventry Elementary School
- Kristine Lapierre, The MET in Newport
- Marissa Minutelli, Nathanael Greene Middle School
- Michelle Carvajal, Raíces Dual Language Academy
- Michelle Sullivan, Nathan Bishop Middle School
- Peter Lau, The MET in Providence
- Stephen Emerson, La Salle Academy
- Tara Mollo, Emma G. Whiteknact School
- William “Bill” Sheehan, Blessed Sacrament School
PRN is Now in Massachusetts — Apply or Nominate an Aspiring Principal Today
Aspiring principals in Massachusetts can now be PRN-prepared principals, We offer a DESE-approved path to certification through hands-on, mentor-supported preparation.
Apply to Massachusetts PRN
Nominate a Future Principal
Learn More about PRN
Five Whys, Deeper Insight: A Protocol for Root-Cause Thinking
In fast-moving environments, it can be easy to leap toward solutions before fully understanding the problem. The 5 Whys Protocol offers a powerful way to slow down and engage in purposeful reflection. By asking “why” repeatedly – up to five times – participants uncover the root causes beneath surface-level challenges. This structured process fosters deeper insight, sharper focus, and a stronger foundation for any next steps.
The protocol begins with a presenter sharing a real question or dilemma from their work. The group asks clarifying questions to understand the context better, then selects a central “why” question to begin the inquiry. From there, the group continues with a series of follow-up “why” questions, each one digging deeper into the presenter’s responses. The conversation ends with a group reflection and a final response from the presenter. Rather than solving the issue, the goal is to reveal what might be driving it.
What makes this process especially powerful is its inclusivity. With clear roles, intentional pacing, and a shared focus on inquiry, the 5 Whys Protocol creates easy entry points for all participants regardless of role or experience. It invites a wide range of perspectives and centers on curiosity rather than expertise, creating space for deep listening and meaningful contributions from every voice in the room.
Facilitators help ensure the process stays reflective and focused. They guide the timing, frame the tone, and encourage open-ended questions that are thoughtful rather than evaluative. The 5 Whys Protocol can lead to fresh insight, shared learning, and a deeper understanding of the systems and beliefs shaping our work in schools.
Facilitator Tips for Leading the 5 Whys
- Clearly explain the purpose: focus on inquiry, not immediate solutions.
- Help the group choose an open-ended initial “why” question.
- Ensure each “why” builds on the previous answer and keep a steady pace.
- Redirect questions that feel accusatory or repetitive back to curiosity.
- Allow silence and reflection – avoid rushing to fill pauses.
- Guide the discussion to focus on insights, not solutions.
- Invite the presenter to reflect on the group’s observations.
- Debrief with the group to gather feedback and improve the process.
- Model humility and foster a safe, inclusive environment for all voices.
End-of-Year Highlights: Top 5 Tools That Supported Our Work This Year
As the school year concludes, we are taking a moment to highlight the resources that had the greatest impact on our community. These are the most popular tools for collaboration this year:
1. Compass Points: North, South, East, and West
Helps teams understand individual working styles and improve communication and collaboration.
2. Atlas Protocol: Looking at Data
Guides analyzing and discussing data to inform instructional improvements.
3. Tuning Protocol
Focused feedback sessions that strengthen the quality of planning and student learning outcomes.
4. Consultancy Protocol
Examines real challenges for targeted, thoughtful feedback from peers.
5. Data-Driven Dialogue
Deeper conversations around data that lead to shared understanding and clear next steps.
Thank you for your commitment to learning and leadership throughout this school year. We look forward to continuing our work together in the year ahead.
We collaborate with individuals, teams, schools, districts and organizations to provide meaningful professional learning focused on student impact.
Open Sessions
Introduction to Adult Facilitation: Flexible, Affordable and Practical Capacity-Building
Introduction to Adult Facilitation is a flexible, online learning course designed to build capacity in the frameworks, tools, and mindsets required to lead effective and collaborative adult learning communities. Through seven course modules, participants learn how to structure dialogue, guide inquiry, and create conditions for reflective practice and shared leadership. Each module offers practical strategies that can be applied immediately in professional learning settings to support instructional improvement and learner success.
CLEE Fall Meeting: Our Annual National Gathering
Join educators and leaders from across the country as we explore what student-focused leadership looks like today. A majority of our time will be spent in small groups that model a learning community and there will also be time for CLEE community members to present topic-based workshops
Creating Collaborative Leadership: Virtual Workshop Series
These highly interactive virtual sessions offer more than typical sit-and-get webinars. You will both contribute your voice and experience and learn from the insights of others. Through real-time collaboration with colleagues, you will strengthen your skills in facilitating student-focused collaboration with adults in your setting. Best of all, CLEE offers these sessions at no cost to you.
Questioning as a Tool to Uncover Assumptions
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 12-1:30pm (Eastern)
We will practice using questions to uncover hidden assumptions and foster greater awareness and understanding.
Powerful Openers: Connection Through Content
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 12-1:30pm (Eastern)
We will unpack how a well-crafted opener can build trust and prepare minds for learning – connection through content.
Skillful Pre-Conferences: Preparing for Meaningful Learning Conversations
Thursday, September 25, 2025 12-1:30pm (Eastern)
This session explores the essential role of pre-conferences in setting up powerful, student-centered learning experiences.
Join Us at CLEE Fall Meeting 2025
November 13–14 | Rhode Island
Continue the work of collaboration and student-focused leadership in person this fall. CLEE Fall Meeting will bring together educators and leaders from across the country for two days of hands-on practice, deep reflection, and shared learning.
We will focus on facilitative leadership, adult learning, and building strong communities of practice.
Volunteer for Discounted Registration
Fall Meeting is a community event for and by the CLEE community and we need you!
1. Home Group Co-Facilitators
Do you have facilitative leadership or planning for adult learning experience? Fall Meeting Home Groups are an opportunity for you to co-facilitate with a CLEE Facilitator. It will be an appreciated service to the community and opportunity for reciprocal learning!
2. Workshop Presenters
Are you using collaborative tools and practices in exciting ways that you’d like to share or want to host a learning session on a topic of interest? We invite you to offer a 60-minute Workshop at Fall Meeting! It will be an opportunity to share new skills and explore ideas in a collaborative setting with colleagues across the nation.
Registration is open now
Group and early-bird discounts are available.
Honoring Inaugural PRN Alumni Impact Award Recipients
This year marks the launch of the PRN Alumni Impact Award, a new recognition that honors the outstanding leadership and continued contributions of PRN alumni. The award will be presented annually to school leaders who exemplify the mission and values of the Principal Residency Network through their work in schools and in the broader educational community.
The PRN Alumni Impact Award honors alumni who:
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership in improving academic outcomes for historically underserved students.
- Take direct action to dismantle systems that sustain inequity in education.
- Provide meaningful support to the PRN program and its aspiring principals through mentorship, hosting Instructional Rounds, or participating in key learning events.
This recognition reflects our deep appreciation for alumni who continue to advance student-centered leadership in schools and systems. We recognize and celebrate two remarkable leaders as our inaugural PRN Alumni Impact Award recipients.
PRN Class of 2020
Principal, Nathanael Greene Middle School, Providence
Dr. William Jackson Riley has built the leadership capacity of his team and faculty to significantly improve academic outcomes, school culture, and student safety during his three years as principal of Nathanael Greene Middle School. He has also supported the PRN program by mentoring multiple Aspiring Principals, hosting Instructional Rounds sessions for four consecutive years, and consistently promoting CLEE’s work through his public leadership and presence. Dr. Riley’s dedication, influence, and vision reflect the core values of the PRN network.
PRN Class of 2017
Principal and Superintendent, Nuestro Mundo Public Charter School, Providence
Danira Vasquez has led with courage and consistency to improve academic and social-emotional learning outcomes for historically underserved students. She has mentored three Aspiring Principals in the PRN program and hosts Instructional Rounds annually at her school. Danira continues to serve as one of the most vocal advocates of PRN’s approach and values. She currently serves as both Principal and Superintendent at Nuestro Mundo Public Charter School, a dual language school.
Each month, CLEE offers a question or two to help you reflect on what you are experiencing. Thinking about the importance of questioning and what your answers mean is one more step in your growth as a leader.
Join CLEE on social media to follow the monthly questions and share your answers.