Three Dearborn Public Schools District administrators are included in the recently announced cohort for an equity fellowship program.
Fordson High Assistant Principals Nail Jadallah and Maymon Mustafa and Woodworth Interim Assistant Principal Douglas Radcliffe were selected to be among the Michigan Leadership for Equity and Transformation Fellows. The groundbreaking collaboration is provided by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) and the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN).
The program is designed to empower a diverse, statewide cohort of rising secondary school leaders. The 18-month project-based fellowship aims to create a robust pipeline of equity-minded, transformative principals who will champion postsecondary educational access and success for all Michigan students.
The Michigan Leadership for Equity and Transformation Fellowship will equip educational leaders with the tools needed to face the multifaceted challenges of principalship, according to a press release from MASSP. The accepted fellows currently hold leadership positions in their schools, and they have committed to seeking secondary school principal roles within three years of completing their fellowship.
“For the second year, we are proud to answer the call to support the challenges to the principal pipeline in our Michigan secondary schools. This is an opportunity for educational leaders from around our state to not only develop their skill and acumen, but a fellowship of leaders to support one another on that journey,” said Tom Lietz, MASSP associate director for training and development. “The fellowship will challenge these aspiring building principals to grow their leadership with a focus on equity and post-secondary opportunity.”
The fellowship places a strong emphasis on equity. Fellows will engage in critical conversations, research and action planning to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has access to high-quality education and postsecondary opportunities, the press release said. They will be equipped with equity-driven strategies that dismantle barriers and promote success for all students. By establishing best practices and networking with other education leaders across the state, these fellows have the potential to positively affect the paths of students far beyond their own buildings.
“This fellowship invests in rising leaders who can build equitable postsecondary practices for the next generations of students,” said Ryan Fewins-Bliss, MCAN executive director. “By developing secondary school leaders with the ability to enact meaningful, systemic changes, we can help ensure that all students — especially low-income students, first-generation college-going students, and students of color — have access to postsecondary education that helps them reach their personal and professional aspirations.”