Fairfield County has the largest achievement gap in the country, and its urban public schools face a new crisis.
Within five years, half of the principals and assistant principals leading public schools in Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk and Stamford will retire, and there are few qualified candidates to take their place. The combined enrollment in the four cities’ 92 public schools is 60,000 students. The Fairfield County Community Foundation initiated the Urban School Leaders Fellowship program, and created it in collaboration with the Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk and Stamford school districts. The program begins where academic preparation ends.
To qualify for a fellowship, applicants must be a teacher, assistant principal or other educator with an 092 endorsement on their teaching certificate. They also must want to become a public school principal in Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk or Stamford. Over 12 months, as they continue working at their schools, Fellows learn how to improve teaching quality and foster a culture that inspires learning. They develop and lead a learning project to improve student performance in their current position in their schools. They also apply their learning first-hand as challenges unfold at their schools.
The first class of 29 Fellows completed their specialized training in June 2009. Five have already moved up to new leadership positions in Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk and Stamford schools. The second class of 38 Fellows is underway.One Fellow from Stamford said, "I learned so much about myself, leadership, and improving student achievement. I don't think my 092 course work inspired me as much as our sessions did."
Another from Bridgeport said, "I now know what my role is as a leader and have a better understanding of how to lead others to change."
Download School Leadership Matters, a report on the education crisis and how the Urban School Leaders Fellowship is making a difference.
Click here to view photos from the 2008-09 Fellowship.
2009 Annual Report: Stories, photos, feats and financials
