UNI's Purple Pathway for School Administrators guides veteran teachers to educational leadership
UNI's Purple Pathway for School Administrators guides veteran teachers to educational leadership
When the University of Northern Iowa sees a need for Iowans, it takes action. The Purple Pathway for School Administrators is a prime example of this. Launched in 2023, the program is specifically designed to develop educators within Des Moines Public Schools into principals and administrators for the district. The program leads students to earn either a master’s degree or an advanced studies certificate in principalship.
Joni Armstrong, one of those first students, is now in her first administrator role, working as associate principal of Ruby Van Meter School, which provides special education through age 21.
“When I was an instructional coach, I made some really good changes and good movements with teachers, but I felt like I was stuck,” Armstrong explained. “I knew I wanted to do more, but wasn’t quite sure how. Then they opened up the Purple Pathway with Des Moines.”
Although going through the program came with challenges, including being a student for the first time in nearly 20 years, Armstrong believes she’s right where she needs to be after earning her certificate.
“I have a lot less stress in my life now,” she said. “People would probably find that hard to believe, but I’m so glad I landed where I did.”
Armstrong has been with Des Moines Public Schools for more than 20 years. The Corning, Iowa, native has taught special education as well as Title I reading and worked as an instructional coach to support teachers. A conversation with a former supervisor led her to realize that she is most passionate about helping populations with special needs, like those at her current school.
“She asked me when I’m the happiest,” said Armstrong. “I told her, ‘When I’m working with kids I feel I can make a difference with.’ It’s not that I couldn't make a difference with all kids, but when I was in special populations and special ed, that's where I felt like I made the biggest differences.”
Armstrong appreciated the way the Purple Pathway gradually eased her back into being a student. Classes met online one evening per week and in-person on the Des Moines Area Community College Urban campus three times a semester.
She recalls an especially impactful assignment from an introductory course.
“It made us think about ourselves and our philosophies and what kind of administrator we wanted to be,” she said. “That really helped shape the rest of the classes.”
Armstrong determined a hallmark of her educational leadership style would be valuing not just the social-emotional needs of students but that of her staff and providing the kind of support she needed at different points in her career.
As she delved deeper into her classes, Armstrong learned more about school law and finances.
“That’s where I needed the biggest growth, and so learning more about those areas helped me.”
Armstrong’s cohort consisted of 12 learners, a mix of those earning their master’s and an advanced studies certificate.
“Even though none of us were at the same schools, we all had a sense of what is needed in Des Moines, and that was really helpful,” she said. “Des Moines is a wonderful community and district to be in. The diversity of the students and opportunities for staff is what has kept me here for so many years. I've been able to teach elementary, middle and high school students of varying abilities and have loved the different experiences I've been given.”
The Purple Pathway for School Administrators has already launched courses for its second cohort and will launch more in 2027, 2029 and 2031 thanks to a six-year agreement with Des Moines Public Schools.
Not only is Armstrong glad she went through the program for her own career growth, but she is pleased to see more Des Moines educators applying for administrator jobs within the district.
“It’s a great way to support teachers that have been in the district for a long time,” she said. “It’s a great program.”
Des Moines Public Schools has entered into another partnership with UNI supporting administrators who want to earn their Doctor of Education (EdD). Five candidates will finish the program as early as spring 2027. The school district hopes to enroll five more candidates the following fall.
