Our Successful Graduates

My name is Edmond Henderson II. I have been in the field of education for seven years now, and the first six years were as a teacher for Dallas Independent School District. Thanks to the McNeil Educational Leadership Foundation’s Texas Principal Certification Program, I am currently an Assistant Principal for Sherman Independent School District.

Prior to hearing about the McNeil Educational Leadership Foundation’s Texas Principal Certification Program, I was highly frustrated over the lack of preparation that my Masters program provided me for the Principal Certification Exam. I took both the mock and real exam; however, I was unsuccessful in passing. I tried numerous online study aides and still didn’t have any luck. After speaking to friends who were principals, I was informed about the program. These individuals raved that the exam preparation provided by this program was second to none. Thus, I decided to give it a try as a last resort.

From the time I walked through the door, I knew I was going to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to finally become certified as a principal in the state of Texas. The staff and facilitators were friendly, knowledgeable, and gave valuable strategies for the principal exam. There were also speakers brought in who gave real life insight into the day-to-day principal experience. I took three exams while in the program – two were mock and the last one was the real thing. I passed all three with flying colors! I sometimes want to kick myself for not having sought out the advice of my colleagues earlier. For, if I had known about the program sooner, it would have saved me a lot of time and frustration. Nevertheless, all that frustration has come to an end, and now everything has paid off!

If you are ready to take the next step to get certified as an administrator in the state of Texas, or if you are tired of taking the principal certification exam without success, I highly recommend this program! In fact, there is no other program I would recommend! It will truly change your life, just as it has changed mine. Professionally speaking, I am the happiest I could have ever imagined myself being. I am more successful now than I have ever been in my career – all thanks to this program.

Interview with Ed Henderson

Question: What was good about this session/training/program?

Answers: The fun incorporated into the session, the matrix review/chapter summaries were great and the activities and review of the portfolio drafts. I enjoyed the planning competence matrix and activities a lot! The program was beneficial and fun!

Question: What information was most valuable to you?

Answers: The chapter reviews and the matrix and high achiever personality, the handout given at the end by Dr. Howard, and the review of six criteria for good test answers. There were so many parts of this program that were extremely valuable, I cannot pick one!

Question: What were the most effective learning activities for you?

Answers: We applied the lessons to our lives and everyday situations, which allowed me to think critically, and not just provide an answer that would have been pleasing.

Question: Overall, how do you think the leader(s) handled the session/training/program?

Answers: These sessions are so positive and they put the learning into a new perspective. Our presenter was very knowledgeable, maintained audience attention and redirected when appropriate. The instructor was very opened minded and didn’t move on without assuring you the student understood the activities and questions.

Mr. McNeil knows his stuff! I enjoyed the clarification and the connection to the domains and competencies and I feel more and more confidant about the domains and competencies. You are doing a great job! I also appreciate diversified learning activities presented in such a professional and respectful atmosphere.

Question: Overall, how do you rate the training?

Answers: Superb! What a program! Thank You!

"Thanks for all the leadership training I received several years ago on my way to becoming a principal. Now I would have to recommend my journey through education as a means of being truly prepared to meet the needs of many, if not all, of our students in schools where the accountability candle is burning at both ends. Keep up the good work." - Chuck