Six Boston educators are part of a select group of 15 professionals in the second cohort of the Transformative Leaders of Massachusetts fellowship program, designed to revolutionize high school education. The initiative, spearheaded by the education nonprofit Springpoint and funded by a grant from the Barr Foundation, aims to equip school leaders with the tools necessary to enhance educational experiences amid rising principal attrition rates.
The fellowship program, which commenced in July, offers participants a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills and instructional expertise. “The program’s focus on transforming high schools rather than merely sustaining existing practices is particularly compelling,” said Patrick White, principal of Codman Academy Charter Public School in Dorchester and one of the fellows. The program includes educators from various Boston schools such as Neighborhood House Charter School, Conservatory Lab Charter School, and Boston Latin Academy.
Over the two-year fellowship, participants will engage in a school-based apprenticeship, undertaking coursework that addresses educational inequities and fosters inclusive environments. Fellows will continue their current roles while receiving a $20,000 stipend and mentorship within their school communities. April McKoy, senior director at Springpoint, emphasized that the fellowship’s goal is to drive substantial change within schools by addressing achievement gaps and creating opportunities for underserved students.
The fellowship began with a gathering in Montgomery, Alabama, where the cohort explored the historical impacts of the legacy of schooling, including the Civil Rights Movement and mass incarceration, on American education. White highlighted the program’s focus on understanding these historical contexts to better address systemic issues within high school education.
The program also includes practical elements such as “empathy interviews” with students and families to enhance understanding of their experiences. Belzie Mont-Louis, instructional coach at Boston Latin Academy, joined the fellowship to refine her practice and address post-pandemic challenges, including staff retention and student engagement.
Spring point’s McKoy noted that feedback from the first cohort led to modifications in the fellowship’s structure, including enhanced communal support and integration with participants’ schools. The fellowship’s evolving approach aims to create a meaningful impact on student achievement and foster strong community partnerships.
With over 100 applicants, this year’s fellows are seen as pivotal in shaping the future of high school education in Massachusetts. The fellowship aspires to involve communities more deeply in the educational process and address existing inequities, promising a transformative impact on the high school experience.
For More Details: https://theeducationleaders.com/
