Supporting principals in creating thriving school communities

Principal Fellowship

Building a community of school leaders using the arts to transform school culture.

The Arts for Learning Principal Fellowship brings together visionary school leaders to explore how the arts can strengthen school communities, support student success, and advance equity. Through collaborative learning, creative practice, and peer connection, principals develop strategies that center joy, justice, and belonging across their schools.

Since its launch, the fellowship has supported school leaders in building more joyful, connected, and culturally responsive school environments.

The Principal Fellowship is not currently accepting applications. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when the next application round is announced.

About the Principal Fellowship

The Arts for Learning Principal Fellowship is a transformative leadership experience designed for school leaders who believe in the power of the arts to strengthen school communities.

Through a cohort-based model, principals engage in collaborative learning, creative exploration, and reflective practice alongside fellow school leaders and arts partners. Fellows build lasting relationships, develop actionable strategies for arts-integrated school improvement, and gain access to a network of cultural institutions and mentors across the region.

The fellowship centers wellness, equity, and creative leadership—supporting principals as whole people while equipping them with tools to lead schools grounded in justice, joy, and belonging.

Participants leave with…

A stronger network of peer leaders
Practical strategies for arts-integrated school improvement

Connections to arts and cultural resources
A renewed sense of purpose and possibility as school leaders

“You will learn and grow at every session. You will have so many tools added to your tool kit that will impact not only your life but also the lives of all members of your community. Not only will you be able to incorporate more art into your school, but this program also helps you incorporate more love and joy into your community. Your cup will be filled, and as principals, we need our cups filled now more than ever.”

—Natasha Pouncey
2023 Principal Fellow & 2024 Heart of the School Award Winner

“This program has been so inspirational in my experience as a Principal, as I've learned more about the importance of arts integration and leading our school community through academic achievement.”

—2024 Principal Fellow

“Love, partnership, and fellowship. I want it to last forever.”

—Tiffany Williams
2024 Principal Fellow

“The Principal Fellowship is a transformational professional learning experience. I highly recommend it to colleagues as a way to expand your horizons as a school leader."

—Baba Olumiji
2023 Principal Fellow

“This program has encouraged, enlightened, and prepared me to integrate the arts, and it felt like the therapy I needed. I pushed myself to attend sessions, and at the end of each session, I left in a better state than I came. THANK YOU”

—2022 Principal Fellow

What to Expect

Who is the Fellowship for?

The Principal Fellowship brings together a small cohort of public school principals from Baltimore City and surrounding counties who are committed to using the arts as a lever for school transformation and community connection.

Who is the Fellowship for?

What is the compensation?

Fellows receive a stipend and dedicated funding to support arts-integrated school improvement efforts. Participants also gain access to coaching, mentorship, wellness experiences, and a network of peer principals committed to creative and equitable leadership.

What is the compensation?

Arts for Learning Maryland K-12 Professional Development Programs

What is the timeline?

The Principal Fellowship is offered periodically based on funding and partner support. When active, the program typically runs across the school year and includes: