School Board Fellowship
School Board Fellowship
School Board Fellows are educators, parents, and civic leaders who want to improve how schools educate children. The School Board Fellows cohort will learn the important role of school boards, how they work, the kind of change that is possible through board governance, and strategies for how to govern effectively.
Who Should Apply
We are looking for people who:
- Believe in the ability of every child
- Have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Are eager to learn from and with others
- Have a track record of positively impacting community
Innovating for the 21st Century
A school board is vital to the health and impact of our schools. The decisions made at this highest level – within district and charter schools – are essential to attract, retain, support, and hold leaders accountable.
For St. Louis to thrive in the 21st century, we need a school system designed to foster ingenuity and to be agile and dynamic. That starts with our communities' governing school boards.
Fellows will be able to contribute their expertise to boards in areas such as finance, marketing, technology, human resources, education, community relationships, and/or their representative lived experience.
Governing Toward Excellence
We are bringing together a diverse coalition of aspiring school board members and education advocates, to equip them with the knowledge and network to dramatically improve student outcomes for all kids.
The School Board Fellows cohort will learn the important role of school boards, how they work, the kind of change that is possible through governing, and strategies for how to govern effectively.
At the end of the seven-month experience, Fellows will be supported in joining a charter school board, running for elected school board, or pursuing other opportunities to have a positive impact for our region’s children.
Guest speakers and panelists will include traditional district superintendents and board members, charter school executive directors and board chairs, parent advocates, principals, teachers, political consultants, education researchers, historians, governance scholars, and more.
School Board Fellows need:
Monthly Availability: 10-15 hours a month for the 7-month learning program; after that, the time commitment varies based on what you choose to pursue.
Consistent Attendance: To attend all sessions in the learning program on time and prepared; sessions are from October – April on weekday evenings and Saturdays.