New Leaders Graduates More Than 150 Aspiring Principals From National Fellowship Program

Partnerships with Clark Atlanta University and Bank Street Graduate School of Education help strengthen the next generation of school leadership nationwide

New York, NY (June 24, 2026) — At a time when school systems across the country continue to navigate educator shortages, leadership turnover and growing demands on public education, more than 150 educators are ready to lead the next generation of schools after graduating from New Leaders’ National Aspiring Principals Fellowship.

The 2026 graduates completed the online program while continuing to teach and lead in their schools full time, preparing for the principalship without stepping away from the students and communities they already serve. 

Delivered in collaboration with Clark Atlanta University and Bank Street Graduate School of Education, the Fellowship equips aspiring school leaders with the instructional, operational and equity-centered leadership skills needed to lead thriving schools and improve student outcomes.

“The National Aspiring Principals Fellowship completely shifted my trajectory. It took me out of the four walls of my own classroom and challenged me to build the school-wide systems that allow every student to thrive. Serving in urban communities, the mission is absolute. A child’s zip code must never dictate their future. This experience didn't just sharpen my instructional leadership; it taught me how to intentionally develop other educators so we can scale high student achievement. Most importantly, it reaffirmed a belief that drives my work every day.  New Leaders, and I have a shared goal that every child deserves access to an excellent education, high expectations, and the opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Alkeemia Parker, Fellowship Alumna, 2026.

"The New Leaders Fellowship Program has been instrumental in shaping me into the leader I am today. It expanded my perspective beyond the classroom. More importantly, I learned that effective leadership is rooted in relationships, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to student success," said Kisha Batsuli, Fellowship Alumna, 2024.

Nationally, educator pipeline challenges continue to strain schools and districts. Recent research from the Learning Policy Institute found that nearly one in seven public school teachers moved schools or left the profession in recent years, even as fewer candidates enter teacher preparation programs, leaving districts scrambling to fill leadership roles.

“Leadership changes everything, especially in our schools,” said Dr. Lisa Herring, Chief Executive Officer of New Leaders. “These graduates represent more than a commencement milestone. They represent the future of transformative leadership in education — leaders who are deeply committed to students, communities and the belief that every child deserves access to an excellent school. Through strong partnerships and intentional investment in educator development, we are helping create pathways that propel talented educators into positions where they can drive meaningful and lasting impact.”

By meeting educators where they are — preparing them to lead while they continue to work full time — the Fellowship reflects a growing recognition that strengthening the educator pipeline takes cross-sector partnership and long-term investment, not a single program in isolation.

“Developing future school leaders is essential because effective leadership is one of the most significant factors influencing student learning, second only to teaching quality. The CAU–New Leaders Aspiring Principals Fellowship supports this mission by building a robust leadership pipeline,” said J. Fidel Turner, Jr., Dean and Professor in the School of Education at Clark Atlanta University. “The power of partnership lies in combining CAU's institutional resources, expertise, and networks with New Leaders' proven leadership development model. By working side-by-side, both organizations co-create solutions that address systemic barriers, foster inclusive leadership cultures, and prepare a generation of leaders who are ready to expand opportunity for all students.”

In a joint statement, Lydia Colón Bomani, Chair, Educational Leadership Programs and Dr. Nicole Limperoplus Director, Leadership Partner Programs and Course Instructor at Bank Street Graduate School of Education said: “At Bank Street, we believe deeply in the power of partnership in preparing school leaders because opportunity in schools is not accidental. It is created by the decisions leaders make every day about expectations, resources, relationships, and belonging. The Fellowship helps educators turn that responsibility into practice by strengthening their ability to understand their communities, lead with courage and care, and build schools where students and adults can thrive.” 

As schools and districts continue to confront workforce challenges nationwide, New Leaders remains focused on advancing leadership pathways that support educator growth, strengthen school communities and help ensure students have access to highly effective school leaders prepared to meet the evolving needs of education.

The next National Aspiring Principals Fellowship cohort begins in August 2026. To learn more about the Fellowship, visit New Leaders Fellowship Information.

About New Leaders

New Leaders is a national nonprofit organization that develops transformational school leaders and advances policies and practices that enable every child to thrive. Through leadership development, educator support and systems-level partnerships, New Leaders works to ensure educational excellence in every school and opportunity for every student.

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