Frequently Asked Questions





	Frequently Asked Questions When will the program begin? The program runs from mid July 2008 through June 2009. I am already certified as a principal. Can I still apply for this program? Will my certification put me at a disadvantage for selection? People certified as principals can apply to BPF and they will not be at a disadvantage. Certification status is not a primary consideration in selecting Fellows. Fellows are identified based on who the selection committee feels will benefit the most from the program and will complete the program ready to assume a school leadership role in Boston. Each of the last five cohorts of Fellows has included people certified as principals. I haven't taken the state Communication and Literacy Skills test yet. Can I still apply? Yes. If you are offered a slot in the program, and have not yet taken and passed the Communication and Literacy Skills section of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure, you will be required to do so prior to the start of the 08-09 fellowship year in July 2008. MTEL registration information can be found at the Massachusetts Department of Education website: http://www.doe.mass.edu/mtel/ Am I guaranteed a principalship position after completing the program? No. For the past several years, Boston has hired approximately 10-15 new principals per year, as well as a number of assistant principals. Fellows who are successful in all aspects of the program will be very competitive candidates for these openings, but Fellows are not guaranteed principalships. Are the graduates of this program going to get preference for open positions? The Boston Principal Fellowship has been created to address Boston's ongoing need for school leaders who are well versed in Boston's reform framework. The Boston Public Schools will seriously consider all successful candidates for principal and assistant principal vacancies.

What is my obligation to the Boston Public Schools if I am not hired as a principal?
In return for receiving a stipend while serving as a Boston Principal Fellow, graduates commit to working in the Boston Public Schools for a minimum of three years. If a graduate is not placed in a principalship, he/she may be appointed to an assistant principalship, other school administrative position, or a teaching position.

Have you already selected the mentor principals? How are matches made?
Mentor principals are selected based on their demonstrated leadership skills, their schools' success in implementing the Seven Essentials of Whole School Improvement and raising student achievement levels, and their skills in and commitment to mentoring. Mentor principals will be identified in the spring via an application and screening process facilitated by the Leadership Institute and members of the Superintendent's leadership team. Matches of mentor principals and Fellows are made with great care, as a strong match is essential to Fellows' experience and success. Fellows and mentor principals will both provide input that will be considered in the matching process. Matches are made with the goal of ensuring a positive learning opportunity that broadens Fellows' experiences and repertoire of skills.

Do I have to complete the coursework and assignments if I do not choose to take advantage of the option of a graduate degree through Umass Boston?
Yes. All Fellows must complete the course work. Fellows have the option of receiving a graduate degree for this course work. The degree has been developed as an optional benefit for participants. Regardless of whether or not you choose to enroll in the degree option, the coursework and assignments are mandatory requirements of the fellowship program and thus must be completed to obtain state certifications upon successful completion of the program.

Can I use BPF course credits toward a doctoral program?
As a general rule, students must be enrolled in a doctoral program and follow an articulated course of study to gain credits towards their doctorate. BPF does not currently have an agreement with a higher education institution that allows BPF credits to be counted towards a doctoral degree.

How is this program funded?
The program has been funded through generous support from the Boston Public Schools, the U.S. Department of Education and the Wallace Foundation. Please Note: The School Leadership Institute's ability to offer the SY09 fellowship program is contingent upon approval by the Superintendent, the Boston School Committee and receipt of funding.