Mastery Principal Fellowship supports rising leaders to excel - Mastery Schools
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Mastery Principal Fellowship supports rising leaders to excel

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. 

Since its launch, the program has successfully supported dedicated staff in learning new skills and mindsets, ensuring that all Mastery schools are led by experienced leaders capable of cultivating joyful school communities and driving breakthrough student achievement. 

Staying true to Mastery’s commitments to ensure diversity in school leadership and provide growth opportunities for staff, 88% of our principal fellows identify as people of color, and one-third of our current principals are alums of the program.

“Leadership changes everything. The Mastery Principal Fellowship equips the next generation of Mastery school leaders with the technical and adaptive skills to drive student achievement and build thriving communities for our students and staff.” 

We are thrilled to spotlight two incredible assistant principals participating in the fellowship this year. The testimonials below shed light on what drew Maurice Towns and Lauren Byrd to this opportunity and their intentions for this year of growth. Like what you hear? Use the buttons below to learn more about the program and browse teacher and leader opportunities available for the 2025-2026 school year.

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What led you to apply for this opportunity?

“Applying to become a principal fellow is more than a title; it’s a profound commitment to serve at a higher level and advocate for change. As a Black woman, I understand the power of representation—it’s vital for our Black and brown children to see leaders who look like them, believe in them, and fight for their success. Children become who they see, and when they see us in leadership, it affirms their potential and redefines their possibilities. I applied for this opportunity because I believe our students deserve an education that supports them academically and nurtures their brilliance, dignity, and dreams. This role is a chance to disrupt inequities and build pathways for success that honor the beauty and resilience of our communities. I am proud to stand alongside a select group of change-makers united by the vision of unapologetically empowering every student to thrive. This is more than a career step for me—it’s a calling.”

What are you most looking forward to learning through this experience?

“Through this experience, I am most excited to learn about innovative strategies to transform schools into spaces where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. I want to deepen my understanding of equitable leadership practices that dismantle systemic barriers and replace them with opportunities for success. As someone working in the heart of Philadelphia, I see firsthand the untapped potential of our students and the urgency to create schools that reflect their worth and brilliance. This fellowship will allow me to collaborate with other visionary leaders who share my commitment to rewriting the narrative for underserved communities. I’m eager to learn how to empower teachers, engage families, and build systems that sustain change beyond my tenure.  I am ready to absorb, grow, and lead in ways that will leave an indelible impact. Above all, I look forward to carrying the lessons from this journey back to my community, where they are needed most.”

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What led you to apply for this opportunity?
“I applied for this opportunity because I deeply believe in the power of representation. As a Black man, I understand the importance of seeing strong, positive role models in leadership positions. Our students—especially students of color—deserve to see themselves reflected in the people who teach, mentor, and lead them. I am committed to being that example and offering the guidance that can inspire our youth to pursue greatness. Moreover, I firmly believe that to enact meaningful change, you must have a seat at the table. This is my chance to contribute to the transformation I want to see within our school and community.”

What are you most looking forward to learning through this experience?
“I am most excited to learn how to better advocate for my students and make a lasting impact on their lives. I hope to gain deeper insight into the challenges they face and develop more effective ways to support their growth, both academically and personally. This opportunity will also allow me to sharpen my leadership skills and collaborate with other educators and community members who share my vision for a more inclusive, equitable, and empowering educational experience for all students.”