The AP Fellows Program

The Assistant Principals Fellowship Program, in partnership with the Council for School Administrators, Executive Leadership Institute program, Awareness In Motion, Kripalu, and Edith Macy, cultivates a network of empowered Assistant Principals poised to excel in their current roles, advance their careers, and become distinguished educational leaders. Born from the vision of three Cahn Fellowship alumni, and inspired by their transformative experiences in the Grays Fellowship for Principal Excellence, this program is their leadership legacy.

Recognizing the critical need for balance and sustainability in leadership, the AP Fellows program focuses on practices that nurture resilience and vision. We empower leaders to prioritize their own well-being while effectively leading their school communities. Our fellows are dedicated to modeling emotional resilience, championing self-care and community wellness, fostering lasting educational pipelines, and building environments of trust and retention—creating a lasting positive impact on their schools.

The 2025 AP Fellows Pilot Program is designed to support the over 3,500 CSA-represented Assistant Principals in NYC as they navigate the crucial balance between wellness and intentional leadership. With national attrition rates for Assistant Principals exceeding 21% annually, particularly in high-needs schools, this pilot program directly addresses these challenges within the NYC public school system.

Program Highlights:

• Building Assistant Principal Capacity through Wellness:

  • Two overnight convenings (spring and fall) incorporating best practices from the Cahn and Grays Fellowships.

  • Monthly convenings, alternating between hybrid half-day and full-day sessions, plus one summer check-in call at the AP's convenience.

  • Access to the Cahn's October conference where Fellows will present their sustainable leadership projects.

Program Cost: $5,000 per person (NYC Public Schools)