Application now open for 10th cohort of School Fellowship

The Mind Trust, an Indianapolis-based education nonprofit, today announced the application launch for the tenth cohort of its School Fellowship. The School Fellowship attracts best-in-class educators to develop and lead high-quality, public charter and innovation network schools in Indianapolis. 

“Excellent schools begin with the vision and dedication of a talented school leader. The Mind Trust’s School Fellows are provided with world-class resources and a network of support to launch a high-quality school for Indianapolis students,” said Brandon Brown, CEO of The Mind Trust. “Fellowship alumni currently lead some of our city and state’s best public schools. We are excited to begin the search for our tenth cohort of leaders who will create life-changing opportunities for students and families.”

About the School Fellowship

Through this nationally-unique, paid fellowship, exceptional educators with at least 5-7 years of school leadership experience have the opportunity to spend one to two years preparing to lead a new public school in Indianapolis. The Fellowship prepares leaders to launch a school that has an academic vision of excellence for all students; attracts and retains high-quality, diverse talent; and commits to equitably serve their school community. 

The Mind Trust provides Fellows with extensive support, including customized professional development, national and international trips to learn from high-quality schools, and access to executive coaching. Fellows are paid a salary and benefits commensurate with school leader salaries nationwide. 

Since 2013, The Mind Trust’s Fellows have launched 27 public charter and innovation network schools in Indianapolis. With a uniquely supportive policy landscape, highly-collaborative community, and well-resourced support, Fellows are provided with strong conditions to launch equity-focused public schools and join a network of passionate leaders. According to a 2022 study from Stanford University, Indianapolis charter school students are achieving 2-3 months of additional learning in reading and math compared to their peers. 

School Fellowship requirements

The Mind Trust is seeking candidates who are interested in launching a new campus for an existing local charter school network or in developing a new school model. 

Fellows at The Mind Trust are passionate, experienced educators who are committed to leading a school that achieves equitable outcomes for all students. Interested applicants should be able to provide evidence of the following:

• School Leadership: Has at least 5-7 years of experience leading a school that serves a majority of students from historically marginalized backgrounds. 
• Instructional Knowledge: Can provide data for schools under their leadership that achieved strong levels of academic proficiency (i.e. proficiency rates that were raised significantly during their time as a school leader or proficiency levels that are strong in comparison to other schools serving a similar population). 
• Equity Mindset: Shows an understanding of and commitment to developing a school that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• Motivation: Has the drive to launch a new school in Indianapolis and is ready to engage with the community, recruit and hire school staff and board members, and work collaboratively with local partners. 
• Adaptability: Ready to problem solve when faced with challenges. 

School Fellowship application process

Interested candidates are now able to begin the application process by completing a statement of intent, which asks applicants to share their previous professional experience and data from prior schools they have led. The statement of intent is due on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 11:59pm EST. Visit themindtrust.org/fellowships to learn more and begin the application process. 

The Mind Trust has two upcoming opportunities for interested applicants to learn more about the Fellowship and application process. Register for a virtual School Fellowship Happy Hour on Tuesday, September 20 from 6-7:30PM EST.

Applicants will be notified in January 2023 if they are invited to continue on in the application process. Fellows will be selected by March 2023 and will begin the Fellowship experience in summer 2023.