Program Overview
The Mastery Principal Fellowship is a highly selective one-year program designed to strengthen and diversify Mastery’s principal pipeline by supporting current assistant principals on their journey to become future Mastery leaders.
While continuing to serve in their current roles, fellows participate in adaptive and technical training and receive differentiated one-on-one coaching and mentoring to learn the skills and mindsets needed to produce breakthrough student achievement and lead joyful school communities. Learn more about the exciting elements of the program and how to apply below.
88%
1/3
Program Offerings
Fellows receive $10,000 in additional compensation, including a $2,000 signing bonus and two $4,000 bonuses after completing their first and last semesters of work.
Fellows have access to up to $10,000 to participate in principal certification, advanced degree programs, and/or professional development while employed by Mastery within five years of starting the fellowship.
Fellows are assigned a mentor at the start of their fellowship. Mentors work with fellows to collect 360-degree feedback from peers and key stakeholders, identify strengths and opportunities, and monitor progress toward goals.
Fellows work with an executive coach to hone tailored leadership skills.
Fellows participate in monthly problem-solving collaborations and mentoring sessions with other cohort members and leaders across the network.
School visits and shadowing opportunities, both within and outside the network, enable fellows to observe a wide range of school practices and leadership styles as they develop their personalized approach.
Fellows participate in three discussion-based dinners with members of the Leadership Selection Committee and members of their cohort to build rapport and community.
Mastery’s Executive Leadership Team and Leadership Selection Committee members meet with and shadow fellows to learn more about their work and discuss their aspirations.
1
$20k
5
Requirements for Fellowship Consideration
- Current Mastery assistant principals who are in good standing and have expressed a desire to serve as principals are eligible to participate in the program.
Expectations of Fellows
- Fellows make a five-year commitment to lead at Mastery (including their fellowship year).
- Fellows must maintain a strong standing in their current role while participating in all fellowship activities, events, and experiences.
- Fellows are strongly encouraged to:
- Seek opportunities to stretch their leadership skills and engage with multiple constituencies through projects, unique management arrangements, and responsibilities that exceed their current role;
- Make great efforts to network with leaders across Mastery and within the NST;
- And build and contribute to a supportive network with other fellows.
- While Fellows are required to actively participate in training and events, engage with readings, etc., no formal portfolio development or evaluated work/tasks are assigned. Good standing in the fellowship is limited to good standing in the fellow’s current role and active and consistent participation in the fellowship.
Advancement
- Fellows in good standing are invited to participate in the selection process for open principalships and/or senior leadership positions at any point during and after the one-year fellowship.
- Participation in the fellowship is not a prerequisite to applying for a principalship or any other leadership position at Mastery.
- Fellows are not assured advancement at Mastery, but the credential is highly valued, and the program is designed to support their advancement.
How to Apply
Applications for our next cohort of fellows will open in June 2025. Eligible Mastery staff will be notified via email about the opportunity and provided with detailed instructions for how to apply.
2024-2025 Cohort
Our current cohort is comprised of two fellows, Lauren Byrd of Mastery Prep Elementary and Maurice Towns of Mastery High School of Camden. Learn more about what drew them to the program below.
Current cohort testimonials
Testimonials from Past Fellows
One-third of our principals at Mastery are alumni of the Mastery Principal Fellowship. Learn more about the experiences of some of our past fellows below.
Alumni testimonials
