New Mexico Future Schools Fellow

Fellowship Overview

Year 1: Training. A rigorous, in-depth learning experience to facilitate school design and charter application writing focused on:

• Delivering high-quality curriculum and instruction

• Creating a mission-driven culture

• Hiring and developing great educators

• Building a high-functioning board

• Engaging families and communities

• Learning from high-performing schools and education organizations

• Earning authorization to operate your charter school

• In-state and out-of-state excellent school visits

• A month-long leadership residency experience

Year 2: Planning. Following charter authorization, individualized coaching and local support for:

• Developing as a results-driven leader

• Building and training your team

• Recruiting students

• Securing a school building

• Setting up strong systems for operations, governance, finance, legal, and compliance functions

• Preparing to open your school

Candidate Profile

• Unequivocal belief that all students can achieve at high levels regardless of their backgrounds

• Demonstrated track record of achieving ambitious outcomes in education or another sector

• School-based and/or non-profit leadership experience (instructional coach, dean, AP, principal, program director, executive director, etc.) People management experience prioritized

• A clear vision and compelling rationale for wanting to launch a charter school and the ability inspire others to invest in their vision

• Desire to launch and lead an academically-focused school that will prepare all students to attend college if they so choose (acknowledging there are many school models that prepare students for college access and success)

• Clear commitment to a New Mexico community and a demonstrated willingness and capacity to build relationships with families and local partners

Fellowship Details

• Fellowship begins August 2025

• Year 1 Stipend of $105,000

• Up to $5,000 for relocating expenses if applicable

• Startup funding and coaching support for Year 2 and the school launch year following charter authorization

Selection Process

Applications accepted here on a rolling basis.

Step 1 – Initial Application form + resume and letter of purpose

Step 2 – Phone screen

Step 3 – Additional materials:  school design overview, case studies

Step 4 – In-person or zoom interview

Step 5 – References

For more information and to apply, visit www.futureschoolsnm.org

This fellowship is being supported through the generosity of Excellent Schools New Mexico, a nonprofit organization devoted to ensuring that all New Mexico children have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and lead healthy, meaningful lives. We make high-impact grants to our state’s best schools and educators so that more New Mexico children can receive a quality public school education.

This search is managed by our talent partner, WorkTogether, and initial communication will come directly from their team.