Supporting principals in creating thriving school communities

2026-27 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.

Applications are now open!
The program kicks off in July 2026.

The 2026-27 Principal Fellowship will support 15 outstanding principals in developing an action plan that utilizes the arts for school-wide improvement. We invite applications from principals in:

Baltimore City · Baltimore County · Charles County · Harford County · Montgomery County · Prince George’s County

Apply Now

Application Deadline: May 8, 2026

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

Apply Now

Application Deadline: May 8, 2026

What to Expect

Who is the Fellowship for?

The Principal Fellowship brings together a small cohort of public school principals from Baltimore City, Prince George's, Baltimore,
Montgomery, and Harford 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 $500 stipend and $2,000 in 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?

Mid Summer – Fall 2026 Dates

Welcome Dinner
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
5:30-8:30 pm, Location TBD
A warm welcome and a celebration of selected Fellows! The evening will include dinner, an orientation to the program, time to build our community, and artmaking!

Summer Site Visits, Baltimore City
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
9:30 am-2:30 pm
Spend a day at Summer Arts for Learning Academy observing arts-integrated classrooms.

Cultural Visits (in your region)
Thursday, July 16, 2026
9:30 am-2:30 pm
After connecting virtually with the whole cohort to learn about statewide arts opportunities, visit two cultural arts organizations to engage with education departments and learn how the institutions can support schools with arts-based or arts-integrated learning.

Principals Retreat at Hotel Revival
Friday, October 23, 2026, to Sunday, October 25, 2026
Join in community Saturday and Sunday at the Hotel Revival and surrounding cultural institutions in Baltimore City where we will dive into abolitionist teaching and leadership, hear from principals about how they have leveraged the arts for positive change in their school communities, meet and connect with your mentor, start dreaming up your own plan for leveraging the arts for positive school change, and engage in self care moments throughout the weekend. **Please note: this retreat includes a Friday evening dinner starting at 5 pm, and Friday and Saturday overnight stays at Hotel Revival.

Virtual Happy Hour with A4L Staff (OPTIONAL)
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
4:00-5:00 pm
Join A4L Coordinators for an informal opportunity to schedule artists, programs, and events on the spot! Come with ideas of what you would like to book for your school in November-June! You can join breakout rooms with various coordinators/program leads to share your dreams, and they will make the magic!

Throughout the Program

Meetings with your Mentor
Throughout the program, you will meet with your Mentor to continue mapping out your Strategic Arts Plan and consider how to leverage the arts in your school.

VIRTUAL Book Clubs - Optional!
Throughout the program, we will read a book grounded in equitable leadership together! During this virtual hour, connect with your cohort about your personal reflections and ideas around collective action in your school communities. We will model the process you can use with your staff, should you find it to be effective and inspiring. Each meeting, a different pair of principals will be our facilitators!

Winter 2027 – Spring 2027 Dates

Wellness + Sharing + Resources + Inspiration, Location TBD
Saturday, January 30, 2027
10:45 am-3:30 pm
We will begin with grounding and wellness. Engage in a tour and get info about the organization hosting the session, get feedback on strategic arts planning, share and gather arts resources, reflect on our abolitionist leadership efforts, and part with the art. *Brunch included!

Small group visits to the Dream Academy Charter School, Baltimore City
February 2027 (exact dates TBD)
We will visit the Dream Academy, the first artist-integrated charter school in Baltimore City, built on the Arts for Learning model.

Wellness + Sharing + Resources + Inspiration, Location TBD
Saturday, March 13, 2027
10:45 am-3:30 pm
We will begin with grounding and wellness. Engage in a tour and get info about the organization hosting the session, get feedback on strategic arts planning, share and gather arts resources, reflect on our abolitionist leadership efforts, and part with the art. *Brunch included!

Evaluation and Celebration
Thursday, May 6, 2027
5:00-9:00 pm
Submit your Strategic Arts Plan, reflect, and evaluate. Stay for a graduation reception and surprise performance!

Throughout the Program

Meetings with your Mentor
Throughout the program, you will meet with your Mentor to continue mapping out your Strategic Arts Plan and consider how to leverage the arts in your school.