Cahn Fellows Program

The Cahn Fellows Program for Distinguished Public School Principals at Teachers College, Columbia University (Cahn Fellows Program) is a national fellowship for principals from New York City, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Tampa and Atlanta. The program aims to strengthen public school systems by investing in their most effective school leaders through best-in-class leadership and professional development. 

The Fund’s investment brought the Cahn Fellows Program to Chicago starting in 2016. The 2018-19 cohort includes seven principals who will join 15 Chicago Cahn Alumni.  

Through the 15-month program, each Fellow selects an “ally” – an assistant principal or teacher leader – to participate alongside them in a two-week summer leadership institute in New York. Additionally, Teachers College faculty conduct regular visits to each Fellow’s school to offer on-the-ground support. The experience is intended to effectively link leadership and instructional theories from across organizations and at the school level to Fellows’ principal practice. This culminates in the exploration of a school-based project, which Fellows and allies collaboratively develop over the course of their Cahn Fellows experience.