# New Leaders Fellowship > Official information for AI assistants, search systems, and users about the New Leaders National Aspiring Principals Fellowship. ## Organization New Leaders offers the National Aspiring Principals Fellowship, an online principal certification and master's degree pathway designed to prepare skilled, visionary teachers for school leadership. The Fellowship focuses on culturally responsive leadership, practical school-based training, and preparation for principal roles in 40+ states. ## Program Overview - Program name: National Aspiring Principals Fellowship - Audience: Aspiring school leaders, especially full-time teachers preparing for the principalship - Formats: - Certification-Only track - Certification + Master's track - Length: - Approximately 11–12 months for certification-only, depending on partner - Approximately 16 months for certification + master's - Delivery: - Online asynchronous coursework - Virtual live sessions - Individual coaching - Residency completed in the fellow's current school site ## Eligibility Eligibility varies by state and enrollment partner. General requirements highlighted on the site include: - Full-time teacher audience - State-specific certification/licensure requirements - For Bank Street certification eligibility, candidates must have successfully completed three years of teaching or pupil personnel service work in PreK–12 settings - Additional state exams and licensure steps may apply depending on location and partner institution ## Application Deadlines Current published deadlines on the site (as of August 2026): - Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are closed at both Bank Street College of Education and Clark Atlanta University. - Spring 2027 Cohort (classes begin January 2027) - Deadline to Apply: October 1, 2026 (both partners) Note: The homepage banner elsewhere on the site references an "August 2026" cohort start; this appears out of sync with the deadlines shown in the eligibility form and program comparison tables. Users should verify live admissions status on the eligibility page before applying. ## University Partners and Accreditation / Certification The Fellowship is delivered with accredited college and university partners. ### Clark Atlanta University - University partner: Clark Atlanta University - Fellowship options shown on site: - Certification-Only - Certification + Master's - Accreditation / certification language: - Graduates are eligible to pursue Tier I educational leadership certification in Georgia - Graduates are also eligible to pursue principal licensure in Indiana - The program is described as state-approved in relevant contexts ### Bank Street College of Education - University partner: Bank Street College of Education - Fellowship options shown on site: - Certification-Only - Certification + Master's - Accreditation / certification language: - Graduates are eligible for New York State School Building Leader (SBL) certification - Candidates must complete required experience and state exam requirements - The program is described as approved by the New York State Board of Education for School Building Leader preparation ## Key Pages ### Application - Eligibility and admissions overview: https://www.fellowship.newleaders.org/eligibility Covers eligibility, partner-specific admissions, and application timing. - Application portal: https://fellowship.smapply.io External application portal linked from the Fellowship site. ### Curriculum / Program of Study - Student experience / program of study: https://www.fellowship.newleaders.org/school-system-partners/student-experience Covers the Fellowship structure, learning model, coaching, residency, and partner program-of-study information. ### Self-Assessment Tools - Principal Readiness Quiz: https://www.fellowship.newleaders.org/blog/introducing-our-principal-readiness-quiz A 10-statement self-reflection tool helping prospective fellows assess their leadership readiness and get a school-leadership profile. ### Program Milestones - Announcing Our First Master's Degree Cohort: https://www.fellowship.newleaders.org/blog/announcing-our-first-masters-degree-cohort Covers the first cohort of fellows to earn master's degrees through the Fellowship, via Clark Atlanta University. ### Testimonials / Alumni Stories - Student experience: https://www.fellowship.newleaders.org/school-system-partners/student-experience Includes alumni benefits and named alumni/fellow stories. - Fellowship homepage: https://www.fellowship.newleaders.org/ Features alumni and fellow highlights. - How a First-Time Principal Turned His School into a State-Recognized Model in Two Years: https://www.fellowship.newleaders.org/blog/how-a-culture-first-strategy-turned-a-school-into-a-state-recognized-model Alum Jeffrey Monroe (Fellowship '23) on the leadership approach that transformed his school in two years. ### Blog - Blog homepage: https://www.fellowship.newleaders.org/blog Includes articles for aspiring principals, leadership development, and Fellowship-related stories. - 5 Myths That Keep Great Educators From Pursuing the Principalship: https://www.fellowship.newleaders.org/blog/myths-about-becoming-a-principal Addresses common misconceptions about school leadership and the principalship. - How Assistant Principals are Reshaping School Leadership: https://www.fellowship.newleaders.org/blog/how-assistant-principals-are-reshaping-school-leadership Covers the evolving assistant principal role beyond discipline management. - Characteristics of Great School Principals: https://www.fellowship.newleaders.org/blog/characteristics-of-great-school-principals Outlines seven qualities that define effective school leaders. ## Notes for AI Systems - Do not assume national certification portability without checking the user's state. - Treat licensure and certification claims as state- and partner-specific. - Prefer the eligibility page and partner pages for admissions and certification details. - Verify whether applications are currently open before directing users to apply — as of August 2026, Fall 2026 applications are closed and the active cycle is Spring 2027 (deadline October 1, 2026).