Class of 2024 are Ready to be Charter School Princpals
March 2024 — The Florida Charter School Alliance created the School Leaders Fellowship (SLF) to develop a well-prepared charter school leaders pipeline. We wanted the program to accomplish two specific goals. One, expose participants to best practices, leadership standards, and proven operations strategies. Two, create a learning environment where participants — whether veteran or aspiring principals — could collaborate with colleagues, learn from field experts, and expand their circle of supporters. We also invited field experts to share their knowledge and best practices with the Fellows. Presenters included Alex Prieto, Principal, Somerset Miramar (National Blue Ribbon School); Kelly de la Cruz, Founder/Principal, Mi Escuela Charter and School Leaders Fellow Cohort 1; Dianna Weinbaum and Andy Martinez with Cognia Florida; Dr. Andy Binns, charter school board member and retired Director of FTE & Student Reporting, School District of Palm Beach County; and Dr. Kia Scott, Senior Director, School Choice Services at Orange County Public Schools.
In March 2024, the third School Leaders Fellowship cohort (Class of 2024) successfully graduated from the program. In the three years since the program’s inception, 40 Fellows have completed the program—far exceeding our initial goal of 20 graduates in five years. School Leaders Fellowship graduates are working in a variety of charter schools in Florida. Those schools run the gamut of the school choice movement—from small independent schools to dropout prevention programs. Since completing the program, several Cohort 3 Fellows have already moved into leadership positions.
- Shavonna C. Daniels – Named Principal in Residence, BridgePrep Academy of St. Cloud
- Angel Holsey – Named Assistant Principal, S.A. Hull Elementary
- Lianna Knight – Named Principal, Global Leadership Academy Arts (opening August 2024)
- Eileen Maytin – Named Assistant Principal, BridgePrep Academy of Village Green
- Tiffani Hannah Powell – Accepted a new position as 6th grade ELA, SLAM Palm Beach
- Jeff Russell – Took on increased administrative responsibilities in preparation for the Dean of Students position this summer at Independence Classical Academy
Another way we measure the program’s success is by gathering continuous feedback from the Fellows. We use this qualitative data to tweak and improve the program. Throughout Cohort 3, the FCSA team has regular check-ins with the Fellows. We expected to hear great feedback from those calls and emails but were unprepared for the undeniable evidence of success their words from the exit interviews conveyed. Here are just a few of the comments from Cohort 3 Fellow:
“The SLF has expanded my professional network ,and has helped my principal in the process. I appreciate the connections we are making.” – E.R. Thompson
“This experience has equipped me with new perspectives, strategies, and skills to drive positive change in my school community. I am grateful for the connections made and the growth achieved through this fellowship…” – Sherry Hatch
“The SLF has helped me build a strong professional network that can support me in my leadership journey. I learned that leadership is an evolving skill that requires commitment and continuous improvement.” – Belkys Rubio
“This cohort provided participants with valuable connections to other charter leaders from around the state by collaborating and diving into the Florida Leadership standards.” – Stephanie Pawlowicz
“ I have been thinking about how many people on my campus are leaders and not in the traditional sense, like just on the admin team or supervising someone else. I needed to embrace my role as a leader myself before realizing what those who work for me needed, and that was a big shift for me.” – Fayth Jenkins
“This experience was an adventure. This year I stepped into a new role and I have become a part of the admin team. Going through each standard has helped prepare and frame my mind to be a part of administration. The friends and colleagues across the state I now have will help me in the upcoming years.” – Brianna Pollock
The School Leaders Fellowship is made possible by a Florida Department of Education grant. Cohort 4 applications will be available in the Summer 2024. For more information about the School Leaders Fellowship, contact Leicha@FLCharterAlliance.org