$100k Gift Supports Aspiring School Principals in ISU Educational Leadership Program
July 9, 2026
It’s no surprise that full-time teachers aspiring to become school principals face difficulties along the way. Sometimes it means choosing between taking time off work or trying to squeeze in experience before or after the school day. Burnout can become a real concern very quickly. Now, a generous gift is helping Idaho State University aim to change that.
The educational leadership program received a four-year gift from an anonymous donor totaling $100,000 to help support students and remove those barriers. With access to these funds, principal interns can gain the administrative experience needed without worrying about the financial impact of taking time off.
The funding will be utilized to provide five days of paid professional leave for ISU students to participate in diverse administrative internships. “Our students can engage more meaningfully in internships during a full school day rather than spending time before or after school,” said Yi-Chih Chiang, assistant professor of educational administration. “This provides an opportunity to shadow the principal in real time and operate as an administrator for faculty meetings, student discipline issues, and classroom walkthroughs and observations.”
With the opportunity to step away from their own classrooms, these future leaders will be able to immerse themselves more fully in all educational levels (elementary, middle, and high school).
“By reducing financial barriers, we ensure a high standard of comprehensive field experience across all required levels,” Chiang said. “This prepares a pipeline of highly qualified principals ready to lead effectively.”
The broader impact of this funding will not only lead to enhanced partnerships with P-12 schools, but stronger educational leadership all across Idaho.
Idaho State's educational leadership programs prepare students for leadership roles in P-12 and postsecondary settings by providing effective, high-quality instruction. With a variety of program options to choose from, educators have an opportunity to grow in their careers in the area that suits them best.
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