Massachusetts Aspiring Principal Fellowship Mentor Application What is the Massachusetts Aspiring Principal Fellowship?
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) understands the pivotal role that school leaders play in empowering student success and achievement. To this end, DESE has established the Massachusetts Aspiring Principal Fellowship, a one-year program for aspiring school leaders that seeks to cultivate a strong and diverse pipeline of effective school principals who are committed to championing culturally and linguistically sustaining learning communities, equity-driven leadership, and anti-racist practices. This program aims to inspire and empower aspiring principals to lead with vision, passion, and purpose and to create a brighter future for all students. DESE has partnered with the Lynch Leadership Academy to facilitate the program.
Why be an Aspiring Principal Fellowship (APF) Mentor? Becoming an Aspiring Principal Fellowship (APF) mentor can have a transformative effect on both your school community and your leadership skills. As an APF mentor, you will have the opportunity to guide an aspiring leader and work collaboratively on an equity-focused project that benefits your school's students, staff, and families. Additionally, you will be able to grow your own knowledge and skill set through shared professional development. These shared professional development sessions will enhance your leadership competencies and deepen your understanding of educational equity and culturally responsive leadership. By taking on the role of an Aspiring Principal Fellowship (APF) mentor, you can inspire positive change and help shape the future of new leaders in Massachusetts.Mentor Eligibility/Time Commitment
- At least three 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. (Must be in the same school as the fellow)
- Time Commitment: Participation in four 7.5-hour professional development sessions scheduled for:
- August 2025
- October 2025
- January 2026
- March 2026
- 3-7 hours per month dedicated to supporting fellows with field-based experiences within the school building.
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Want to Learn More? Register for a Virtual Information Session
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.
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Register here
- Wednesday, November 20, 2024, @ 4:00-5:00 pm
- Wednesday, December 18, 2024, @ 3:30-4:30 pm
- Tuesday, January 14, 2025, @ 9:00-10:00 am
Please submit the mentor application by January 31, 2025. If you have any application questions, please get in touch with joretha.s.lewis@mass.gov or eric.m.washington@mass.gov.