Michigan Leadership Fellows is an 18-month leadership development experience designed to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of both aspiring and current school principals.
The Fellowship is open to principals, assistant principals, associate principals, district or ISD staff, and school deans who have served in their leadership role for at least three years and are committed to advancing their leadership practice. Whether aspiring to secondary school principalship within the next one to four years or seeking to strengthen their effectiveness as current school leaders, applicants should demonstrate a commitment to professional growth, instructional leadership, and expanding post-secondary opportunities for students.
Cohort 4 Application Deadline: December 7, 2026
Applicants will be notified of selection by December 18, 2026. The Fellowship begins in February 2027 and concludes in July 2028.
Application Requirements
A completed application must include:
- Current professional resume.
- Letter of recommendation from the applicant’s principal or appropriate supervisor.
- Completed District Commitment Form signed by the superintendent or designee.
- Commitment to participate in the full 18-month Fellowship experience, including required in-person convenings, monthly virtual learning, individualized mentoring, and completion of a leadership Problem of Practice project.
Criteria for Selection
- Equity and Opportunity: Advancing inclusive, student-centered leadership practices that expand equitable post-secondary access and success.
- Excellence in Leadership Practice: Demonstrating effective leadership, reflective practice, professional growth, and a willingness to address complex educational challenges.
- Professional Growth and Collaboration: Engaging in mentoring, collaborative inquiry, and applied learning to strengthen leadership effectiveness.
MASSP and MCAN will also consider regional representation and diverse leadership experiences when establishing a statewide cohort. (See MASSP Regional Map)
District Support and Participation
Applicants must secure district endorsement and support for participation in the full Fellowship experience.
Participating districts are expected to cover EdCon registration costs and support Fellows in attending required professional learning experiences. Fellows are responsible for arranging their own hotel accommodations and covering travel-related expenses. Fellowship stipends may be used toward these costs, and districts may provide additional financial support.
Selected Fellows will receive complimentary MASSP Professional Membership, personalized mentoring, and access to designated statewide leadership conferences, including complimentary registration for AP Summit 2027 and the designated MCAN Conference.