Strategic Initiatives

Massachusetts Aspiring Principal Fellowship

The Massachusetts Aspiring Principal Fellowship is 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.

Apply to join the 2026-27 School Year 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.

Who should apply?

Educators who have:

  • Aspirations to move into the principalship* role within the next 1–3 years.
  • A strong and unwavering commitment to equity for all students.
  • An openness to learning and growing within a collaborative community of adult learners.

*This fellowship is not a licensure route, but the program of study is aligned with the Professional Standards and Indicators for Administrative Leadership. The Aspiring Principals Fellowship is aligned with many programmatic requirements for the Administrative Apprenticeship/Internship route to licensure. Additional licensure requirements may still need to be met. Find more here: Public | License Requirements | ELAR Licensure

What can fellows and mentors expect from the Massachusetts Aspiring Principal Fellowship?

Designed for both fellows and their mentors, participants will engage in 12 to 14 hours of high-quality, job-embedded professional development and coaching with a combination of virtual or on-site monthly meetings (four virtual and four on-site), field-based experiences, engaging feedback cycles with mentors, and individual coaching with the vendor to advance the following:

  • Understand and demonstrate culturally responsive and linguistically sustaining practices, equity-driven leadership, and anti-racist leadership competencies.
  • Disrupt and transform leadership practices by prioritizing cultural responsiveness, equity, and anti-racism.
  • Engage in high-impact, equity-centered coaching aligned with the Professional Standards for Administrative Leadership.
  • Engage in experiences in areas identified as essential for success as school leaders in Massachusetts public schools.
  • Prioritize racial equity in instruction, curriculum, and leadership and to acknowledge the impact of race on their work.
  • Develop the skills and tools to create a supportive and healthy learning environment for all students, fostering their sense of worth and connection while preparing them for academic excellence and success in Massachusetts public schools.
  • Build a network of professional peers to foster learning and support.
  • This program is not a licensure program and does not support the completion of the Massachusetts Performance Assessment for Leaders (PAL).

Fellow Eligibility

  • Educators with a minimum of 3 years of experience working in a school setting.
  • Educators currently employed and will be employed in SY 2026-2027 in a Massachusetts public school.

Mentor Eligibility

  • At least three full years of experience under an Initial or Professional Principal/Assistant Principal license. Charter school leaders must meet the requirements as 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 school year 2026-2027 in the same Massachusetts public school as the fellow.
  • Time Commitment: Participation in four 7.5-hour professional development sessions.

How to Apply?

To be considered for review, both the Fellow Application and the Mentor Application must be submitted in full. The application will not be evaluated unless both components are completed and received.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to proactively communicate with their identified mentor to ensure the timely submission of their mentor's application. We recommend establishing a clear timeline and confirming submission status before the deadline.

All required materials must be submitted by the designated deadlines. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Please carefully review all application requirements and reach out with any questions.

Mentors and Fellows must obtain approval for participation from their Superintendent or Executive Director before official acceptance into the program.

Learn More About the Program

Read about the impact of the program's first year in this press release from the Healey-Driscoll Administration, celebrating the Department's commitment to developing future school principals.

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.

  • Link to Fellowship Application: Apply Here
  • Priority Submission Date: February 27, 2026
  • Application Due Date: March 20, 2026
  • Fellowship Interviews: March 2, 2026 – April 6, 2026 (Subject to Change)
  • Notification of Final Fellow Selection: May 13, 2026. (Subject to Change)

  • Step up, stand out, and shape the future: Apply now to take that step towards becoming a school leader.

Additional Questions?

Please email Eric Washington .

Last Updated: February 9, 2026

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