Fellowship Nominations
We are accepting nominations for Cohort XVI Fellows for the 2026-2027 academic year. Nominate a prospective Fellow to help us improve academic outcomes for students.
Apply
Join Our Powerful Network of Learning and Leadership
The Lynch Leadership Academy Fellowship is open to sitting and aspiring principals from district, charter, Catholic, and tuition-free independent schools across Massachusetts. If accepted, you'll particiapte in the 14-month Fellowship and be part of an upcoming cohort of motivated, mission-driven peers.
Online Application
The online application consists of a number of short answer and essay questions that allow participants to demonstrate accomplishments aligned to the competency areas. Applications for Cohort XVI will open soon
Interviews
The Prospective Fellow Interviews take place virtually and include several components and stakeholders.
Reference Checks
A member of the Academy staff conducts reference checks for each participant who is selected following the Prospective Fellow Interviews.
| Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | The application is available on our website. |
| Thursday, November 13, 2025 and Wednesday, December 3, 2025 | Cohort XVI Virtual Information Sessions - Register |
| Monday, January 5, 2026 | Primary application deadline (Sitting and Aspiring Principal Applicants) (by 11:59 p.m.) |
| Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | Secondary application deadline (Sitting and Aspiring Principal Applicants) (by 11:59pm) |
| January & February 2026 | Interview days |
| Friday, March 27, 2026 | Final decisions sent |
Candidate Profile
LLA Seeks Candidates With
- A strong instructional foundation
- An unwavering commitment to equity
- An openness to learning and growing within a collaborative community of leaders
Candidates Are
- Sitting principals who are already leading, but eager to further develop and improve.
- Aspiring principals who are assistant principals, directors of instruction, teacher leaders or central office staff members, who will be ready to lead a school in 2027-28.
Please email lynchacademy@bc.edu if you are not sure if your school or district is an LLA partner, or to discuss becoming an LLA partner. There is no tuition cost for individual Fellows; instead, partner districts and schools are responsible for Fellowship fees.
Cohort XV SY 2026-27 Professional Development Dates
| Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 at 1:00pm -- Thursday, May 21st, 2026 at 3:30pm | Cohort Retreat |
| June 2nd, 2026 8:30am-4:30pm | Aspiring Principals PD |
| Monday, July 6th, 2026 -- Thursday, July 16th, 2026 from 8:00am-4:30pm weekdays | Summer Institute |
| September 2026 - May 2027, 3rd Tuesday of the month聽 | Monthly PD for Sitting Principals |
| September 2026 - May 2027, 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month | Monthly PD for Aspiring Principals |
