Frequently Asked Questions for The Ryan Fellowship
 

What is The Ryan Fellowship?

The Ryan Fellowship is a unique and rigorous yearlong fellowship preparing a group of the most accomplished teachers in the United States, with the highest leadership potential, to become principals ready to create student achievement-accelerating urban charter schools.

Inspired by the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, The Ryan Fellowship was Created by The Alain Locke Initiative to directly attack the issue of underperforming charter schools by addressing the single largest factor as to why those schools fail: a lack of qualified leadership.

 

Why principals for charter schools?

Charter schools have severely underperformed against their promise. What is needed: school leaders who can hit the ground running – a national corps of the superior principals who can rapidly achieve academic success.

By definition, charter schools offer flexibility and autonomy not currently possible in most traditional district schools. These unique attributes enable charter school principals to realize an uncommon vision, focus solely on critical drivers of success and implement cutting-edge strategies in the interest of accelerated student achievement.
 

How long is The Ryan Fellowship?

A yearlong fellowship, Ryan Fellows attend a four-week Academic Foundation, held at and in partnership with  Northwestern University’s top-ranked Kellogg School of Management. The four week rigorous academic foundation is followed by a fall semester Field Study at an urban charter school. Ryan Fellows are then hired by a charter school or management organization to launch or re-launch a charter school, and receive mentorship from a Senior Fellow as they implement their Leadership Strategy and Playbook as a new principal.
 

Where is The Ryan Fellowship located?

Ryan Fellows attend the four-week Academic Foundation at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. The Field Study takes place at an urban charter school in the city where the Ryan Fellow is located.  In 2011, The Ryan Fellowship was piloted Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles. The Ryan Fellowship staff is primarily located at The Alain Locke Initiative headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, with satellite offices in Los Angeles and New York City.
 

Who can apply?

Applicants who are outstanding educators with a minimum of 3 years in the classroom and have a track record of leadership and achievement in urban schools are encouraged to apply. Because each state has varying requirements for charter school administration, please confirm with state boards of education that the following applies:

In California:

  • A minimum of 3 years of full-time experience teaching in a K-12 classroom at an accredited school
  • A bachelor’s degree

In Illinois:

  • A minimum of 3 years of full-time experience teaching in a K-12 classroom at an accredited school
  • A bachelor’s degree

In New Jersey:

  • A bachelor’s degree
  • A master’s degree
  • A teaching certificate
  • A minimum of 5 years of full-time experience teaching in a K-12 classroom
  • Provisional Administration Certification

In New York:

  • A bachelor’s degree
  • A master’s degree
  • A teaching certificate
  • A minimum of 3 years of full-time experience teaching in a K-12 classroom

 

If I nominate someone, can my nominee be a principal of a school I select?

Yes. Nominators, associations or charter management organizations (CMOs) may both nominate and sponsor an Accelerate participant who will be placed at the school chosen by the sponsor following the first year of the Accelerate program. Please contact Elaine Berndes to discuss this opportunity.

How much does The Ryan Fellowship cost for participants?

In 2010, the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Foundation announced an initial commitment of five million dollars that will cover salary and tuition for Ryan Fellows. The Ryan Fellowship covers tuition and materials as well as room and board for the Academic Foundation at the Kellogg School of Management. Additionally, Ryan Fellows receive the equivalent of a $60,000 salary during the Academic Foundation and the Field Study, plus benefits.

We welcome the opportunity for individuals, foundations and charter management organizations to sponsor a Ryan Fellow.
 

What is The Ryan Fellowship’s success rate?

Through The Ryan Fellowship’s predecessor program, ExSL, our start-up school partners showed the following results in the first three years:

  • Average 32% composite growth across grade levels from fall to spring according to NWEA interim assessment data
  • Preliminary 2010 ISAT composites for all partner schools range from 74% to 87%
  • Preliminary California STAR data shows an average composite across grade levels at 72.8% proficient or advanced
     

What is the selection committee looking for?

Ryan Fellows are chosen based on their past achievements in urban education and their potential and commitment to becoming leaders who can close the achievement gap. Candidates must have uncommon vision, relentless focus and disciplined execution. For more details, please see our selection criteria at the bottom of this page.
 

What is the application deadline?

Application Period for 2012 reopening in the winter.
 

What is the selection process?

The selection process is a multi-step process which consists of:

1. Online Application Consisting of:

a. Personal, Professional and Academic Information
b. Resume
c. Letters of Reference

2. First Interview

a. This 60 minute phone interview will provide you with an opportunity to talk about your accomplishments and provide more detailed evidence of your experience as it relates to the selection criteria. The interview will also provide an opportunity for you to share your critical thinking and problem solving skills through analysis of a brief case scenario.

3. Final Interview

a. This half day interview will enable you to further demonstrate your professional skills and personal strengths. You will participate in several individual and group activities including:

      i. Analysis of Classroom Instruction
      ii. Group Case Analysis
      iii. Personal Interview

4. The Offer

a. This verbal offer is followed up by a formal written letter with initial information related to the program.

5. Matriculation

a. Within two weeks of receiving your verbal offer, you will be asked to confirm your participation in The Ryan Fellowship program by signing a written letter of intention.
 

What will the selection criteria be for the The Ryan Fellowship program?

THE RYAN FELLOWSHIP SELECTION CRITERIA

EMBODYING LEADERSHIP

  • Possesses vision beyond the commonplace.
  • Communicates with clarity and precision.
  • Analyzes and influences group dynamics.
  • Engenders support and commitment.
  • Tolerates and makes decisions in ambiguity.
  • Responds to setbacks productively.
  • Identifies innovative, systemic solutions for complex, multi-faceted issues.
     

 ACCELERATING ACHIEVEMENT

  • Demonstrates ability to accelerate achievement in the classroom.
  • Possesses a clear understanding of the learning standards.
  • Possesses expertise in content area.
  • Collects, analyzes and uses data to drive instruction and ensure achievement.
  • Improves others’ instructional skills by providing effective feedback and modeling.
  • Identifies effective teaching practice as emerging, proficient, or mastery.
     

ESTABLISHING CULTURE

  • Develops authentic relationships in order to create buy-in and motivate all to execute with precision.
  • Establishes an aspirational culture by setting high-expectations.
  • Creates a constructive learning environment by setting clear expectations for behavior including non-negotiables.
  • Uses systems of accountability to ensure expectations are met.
  • Engages all stakeholders in achieving short and long-term goals.