Personalized and cohort-based support for leaders of public schools who are striving for excellence despite challenges like chronically high student absenteeism, under-resourced communities, and high student mobility due to housing insecurity.
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Malott Educator Fellowship Overview
Since 2023, the Malott Educator Fellowship has supported principals leading Priority Schools, who face complex, high-stakes challenges that demand specialized interventions. This opportunity provides intensive, multi-year professional learning and coaching designed specifically for these leaders. Over two years, Fellows participate in small-group PLCs, monthly full-day learning labs, and individualized coaching, led by partners at the University of Illinois Chicago’s Center for Urban Education Leadership and Wise Leadership Consulting. Together, Malott Fellows identify challenges unique to Priority Schools, enhance leadership practices, and develop strategies to improve organizational health and student outcomes.
Now in its second cohort, the Fellowship is supporting 24 principals in 2025-26, with a focus on strengthening principal self-efficacy, practice, and retention. Fellows are engaged in learning that builds emotional capacity, reduces chronic absenteeism, strengthens 5Essentials Effective Leaders scores, deepens family engagement, and improves school culture and climate — laying the foundation for sustained improvement in their schools.
Previous Malott Fellows have demonstrated significant improvements in student engagement, attendance, and retention; school climate and culture; and self-efficacy and satisfaction within their roles. From 2023 to 2024, Malott Fellows grew their 5Essentials Effective Leaders scores by an average of 5 points, compared to 0.9 for leaders of other Priority Schools. From 2024 to 2025, they grew by an additional 2 points, compared to 0.6
for other Priority School leaders. Leaders also reduced absenteeism by 1.7% on average, compared to 0.7% across the district.
Malott Educator Fellowship Outcomes
- Improved student engagement, attendance, and retention in your school.
- Stronger climate and culture in your school.
- Higher self-efficacy and satisfaction within your position.
Who Should Apply?
The Malott Educator Fellowship is an opportunity available by invitation only.