School Founders Program

A highly-selective yearlong fellowship for aspiring charter school founders in Alabama. This is NSFA's premier principal program designed to identify and nurture academic, ethical, and engaging leaders to launch high-rigor, high-innovation schools.

Award Structure:

• Duration: Full-time, full-stipend fellowship (one year)
• Stipend Amount: Not specified in provided content
• Provides continuous development in adaptive and technical components of effective leadership

Geographic Scope: Alabama

Eligibility:

• High-impact educational leaders
• Current or aspiring school principals
• Experienced teachers with leadership aspirations
• Must have deep experience and expertise in instruction and school leadership

Program Components:

• Intentional development in:
  • Instruction
  • Operations
  • Finance
  • Governance
• Partnership with local communities
• Support for launching high-performing, community-rooted schools
• Focus on character and leadership development
• Student identity and culture affirmation

Selection Process:

• Highly selective admission process
• Selection of annual cohorts (third cohort selected in August 2022)

Recent Cohorts:

• 2022 Cohort: Miriam Moore, Dr. Calandra Sales, Ladera Frazier, Dr. Mary Holloway
• Fellows partner with established networks (e.g., Phalen Schools, Montgomery Education Foundation)

Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.newschoolsforalabama.org/school-founders-program
• For details contact: New Schools for Alabama
• Phone: 205-549-3214

Leadership Statement: Dr. Mike Brown, NSFA's Chief Schools Officer, emphasizes that identifying and nurturing leaders is "our greatest lever" for creating life-changing educational options.

Application Process

Specifics Not Detailed in Provided Content:

• The provided website content does not include detailed application procedures, required materials, or submission instructions for the School Founders Program
• Content indicates it is a highly-selective program with annual cohorts

How to Apply:

• Contact New Schools for Alabama for application details
• Phone: 205-549-3214
• Email: candie@newschoolsforalabama.org
• Visit: https://www.newschoolsforalabama.org/school-founders-program

Selection Criteria (Implied):

• Deep experience in education
• Leadership experience (current or aspiring principals/administrators)
• Expertise in instruction and school leadership
• Commitment to serving underserved communities
• Demonstrated "whatever it takes" ethos

Timeline:

• Annual selection of fellowships
• Applications reviewed on rolling basis (exact deadlines not specified)