2026 Massachusetts Aspiring Principal Fellowship Application

Massachusetts Aspiring Principal Fellowship Application

The Massachusetts Aspiring Principal Fellowship is a 10-month program designed to prepare the next generation of school leaders who create the conditions where all students thrive. Fellows learn how to cultivate school environments in which every student is seen, valued, and heard, and where learning experiences align with the Vision of a Massachusetts Graduate and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s( DESE) Educational Vision.

Through an intensive hybrid-designed professional learning, field-based experiences, and individualized leadership coaching, fellows strengthen their ability to:

• Foster academic and social growth for all learners;
• Identify and support student outcomes that promote the success of every student, ensuring equitable access to meaningful learning opportunities;
• Lead with culturally and linguistically sustaining leadership practices that support inclusive school cultures, empower staff, and affirm the diverse identities of students and families;
• Build collaborative school communities that develop academically prepared, creative problem-solvers, effective communicators, responsible decision-makers, self-aware navigators, and intentional collaborators; students ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.

Fellows will engage with highly trained leadership coaches from a partner higher education institution, gaining practical tools, feedback, and mentorship to guide their growth. By the end of the fellowship, participants are equipped to lead with clarity of purpose, nurture strong instructional teams, and create inclusive learning environments that help every student reach their fullest potential.


Fellow Eligibility 

• Educator with a minimum of 3 years of experience working in a school setting
• Currently employed and will be employed in  2026-2027 in a Massachusetts public school.
• Has identified a school-based principal mentor committed to supporting their development throughout the 2026-2027 school year. 
   

Who should apply?

• Educators who have identified a school-based principal mentor committed to supporting their growth throughout the 2026-2027 school year.
• Educators who aspire to become school principals in Massachusetts public schools within 1-3  years.
• Educators who lead with culturally and linguistically sustaining leadership practices,  use data to close opportunity gaps, and model leadership practices that affirm and empower all members of the school community.
• Educators who are committed to supporting marginalized communities and closing student opportunity gaps.

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 2026-2027 in the same Massachusetts public school as the fellow.

Fellowship Application Process/ Key Dates
The priority application deadline is February 6, 2026. 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: December 10, 2025
• Priority Submission Date: January 23, 2026
• Application Due Date: February 6, 2026
• Fellowship Interviews: February 2, 2026 - March 6, 2026 (Subject to Change)
• Notification of Final Fellow Selection: March 13, 2026. (Subject to Change) 

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 and fellowship benefits, and give you a chance to ask questions. 

• December 15, 2025, 4:00pm-5:00pm- Registration Link 

• January 12, 2026, 4:30pm-5:30pm - Registration Link

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