2025 Massachusetts Aspiring Principal Fellowship Application

 

What is the Massachusetts Aspiring Principal Fellowship?
The Massachusetts Aspiring Principal Fellowship is a 10-month program designed to develop a robust and diverse pipeline of future school principals committed to culturally sustaining, equity-driven, and anti-racist leadership. This fellowship equips aspiring principals across Massachusetts with the skills, mentorship, and hands-on experience needed to lead with vision and purpose, creating inclusive and empowering learning environments that drive student success. Through intensive professional development and field-based learning, fellows gain the tools to make a lasting impact in their schools and communities.

Fellow Eligibility 

• Educator with a minimum of 3 years of experience working in a school setting
• Currently employed and will be employed in  2025-2026 in a Massachusetts public school.
• Has identified a school-based principal mentor committed to supporting their development throughout the 2025-2026 school year.
   

Who should apply?

• Educators who have identified a school-based principal mentor committed to supporting their growth throughout the 2025-2026 school year.
• Educators who aspire to become school principals in Massachusetts public schools within 1-3  years.
• Educators dedicated to advancing cultural responsiveness, equity, and anti-racism in their leadership practices.

Fellowship Time Commitment 
This 10-month program requires fellows to dedicate approximately 12-14 hours per month to fellowship activities. Fellows will attend eight seven-hour professional development sessions (four virtual and four on-site) and engage in school-based field experiences for 3-7 hours per month, supported by a vendor-provided coach and their principal mentor. Fellows will also participate in structured feedback cycles to maximize growth and impact.

Mentor Requirements and Selection
All applicants are required to identify a school-based principal as their mentor. The mentor will complete a separate application to assess the applicant’s readiness for leadership and provide insights into their leadership practices. After the applicant submits their portion, the mentor will receive a link to complete their component.
The mentor must meet the following criteria:

• At least three full years of experience under an Initial or Professional Principal/Assistant Principal license. Charter school leaders must meet the requirements outlined in Charter School Technical Advisory 20-1.
• Trained as a mentor in the professional role of Assistant Principal/Principal as defined in 603 CMR 7.02.
• Currently employed and will be employed in SY 2025-2026 in the same Massachusetts public school as the fellow.

Fellowship Application Process/ Key Dates
The priority deadline for applications is January 31, 2025. The application requires completed submissions from both the fellow and mentor, and both components must be submitted to be considered for review. Once the fellow’s application is submitted, the mentor will automatically receive a link to complete their portion. Fellows are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to ensure both parts are completed on time.

• Application Launch: November 15, 2024 
• Priority Submission Date: January 31, 2025
• Application Submission Window: November 15, 2024- March 7, 2025 
• Fellowship Interviews: February 2025- March 2025 
• Notification of Final Fellow Selection: May 2, 2025 

Learn More About the Program
Join one of our upcoming informational sessions to learn more about the Massachusetts Aspiring Principal Fellowship. These sessions offer an overview of the program, including the application process, fellowship benefits, and a chance to ask questions. Check out our website: Massachusetts Aspiring Principal Fellowship, 2025-26 School Year - Center for Strategic Initiatives.

Register to attend here. https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8099256/Aspiring-Principal-Fellowship-Cohort-2-Information-Session-Registration

• Wednesday, December 18, 2024, @ 3:30-4:30 pm
• Tuesday, January 14, 2025, @ 9:00-10:00 am

                                             
                                          If you have any questions about the application, please get in touch with joretha.s.lewis@mass.gov or eric.m.washington@mass.gov.