Are you aspiring to be a principal or educational leader?
The Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation program at UW–Madison is a fully online and skills-based master’s degree designed for working professionals. Offered through the nation’s No.1-ranked School of Education, the program is backed by expert research and led by world-class faculty who help prepare educators for principal licensure.
Participants also collaborate with students in their program cohort and build vital professional relationships.
Following is a Q&A with Sarah Bosch, who graduated from the Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation master’s program in August 2024 with a director of instruction license. She lives in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, and currently serves as her district’s 6-12 director of instruction.
Where are you from and what drew you to pursue a master’s degree from the Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation (WIPP) program at UW–Madison?
Bosch: I grew up in Antigo, Wisconsin. I completed my undergraduate degree at UW–River Falls and my first master’s at UW–Whitewater. I currently reside in Fort Atkinson. I was offered a position in my district as the 6-12 director of instruction and needed to complete coursework to obtain my administrator and director of instruction license. I selected the WIPP program because it is completely online, offering convenience for my family, and it is held on weekends, allowing me to still attend (virtually) and lead after-school meetings in my role. Additionally, I wanted a program that would focus on learning about ways for leaders to close opportunity, expectation, and achievement gaps for all students.
How did you get interested in wanting to become a principal?
Bosch: Ironically, I changed my first master’s (degree) from administration because I didn’t think I wanted to be an administrator. However, I was offered a position soon after completing my first master’s as an instructional coach. It was in that role that I began systems thinking and learned that I enjoyed planning for improvement from a schoolwide approach.
How did this program fit into your life as a working professional?
Bosch: As a mom of a high school and college-age student, my weekday evenings are often dedicated to connecting with my children or attending their events. Balancing these responsibilities with my professional role at school can be challenging, but the WIPP program offers an ideal solution. Since the classes are held on Friday nights and Saturdays, it allows me to engage fully without feeling like I’m missing out much on either my family or my work commitments.
What aspects of the WIPP program did you like the most?
Bosch: The WIPP program challenged me to examine my own biases and inspired a lasting commitment to creating a safe and positive learning environment for all students. In addition, it has strengthened my resolve to ensure high levels of learning for all students through a collaborative, systematic, and systemic approach.
What was your most meaningful experience with the WIPP program?
Bosch: The most meaningful experience for me was shadowing a principal as part of the program’s required hours. As a teacher, you think you understand the principal’s role, but it’s not until you walk in their shoes that you truly grasp the full scope of their responsibilities. It was eye-opening to witness firsthand the behind-the-scenes decision-making and the extensive, often unseen tasks that are critical for success. The principalship is incredibly multifaceted and far more complex than it appears. I learned how the role requires balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders, making high-stakes decisions under pressure, and fostering a positive school environment for all.
What class or faculty member with the WIPP program had the greatest impact on you, and why?
Bosch: The class that had the greatest impact on me was the Law class with Suzanne Eckes. It addressed the area of my leadership that needed the most development, and it exceeded my expectations. After completing the course, I felt much more confident in handling legal issues that arise in my role. I also appreciated the teaching approach, which struck the perfect balance between direct instruction, thought-provoking discussions, and practical, real-world assignments with a manageable course demand.
When did you graduate from the program and what are you doing now?
Bosch: I graduated from the WIPP program in August of 2024 and finished two other classes to earn my director of instruction license in May of 2024. I currently serve as my district’s 6-12 director of instruction.
What do you enjoy most about this work?
Bosch: I find this challenging to answer because I truly enjoy various aspects of my job. I take pleasure in mentoring and supporting teachers as they grow professionally, assisting educators in honing their instructional techniques, and acquiring new skills. It’s fulfilling and invigorating for me to collaborate with principals, teachers, school counselors, and other stakeholders to establish a shared vision for academic excellence. I also relish the challenge of examining data, pinpointing areas for improvement, and implementing strategies to address gaps in opportunity, expectation, and achievement.
What are your career or future goals?
Bosch: I would like to become a professor at some point in the future. Doctorate or bust!
What advice do you have for someone who is considering pursuing a master’s degree through the WIPP program while continuing to work as an educator?
Bosch: This has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my professional career. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow as a leader focused on improving outcomes for all students. There is a lot of reading, so make sure you annotate it well. This will help you contribute meaningfully to class discussions later on. I promise the format and structure are manageable; time will go by quickly and you will be so glad you started and proud of what you accomplished.