Fellowship Program

Communities for Learning supports Fellowship programs in two geographic areas: one in the greater New York City metropolitan area (including Long Island) and another in Upstate New York. Together, these two programs comprise a single community whose members – its Fellows – step out of their sponsoring organization to participate in a twelve-day per year experience.

This program brings together a diverse group of teachers, administrators, staff developers, students, university faculty, and other educators, who carry with them their organizational and personal needs as well as their interests, passions, expertise and questions. Participants in both Fellowship programs come together in their commitment to improving adult, student and organizational learning. Their time in the program enables them to learn about the ARCS framework for continuous improvement, to deepen their areas of expertise, and package their learning – and use it all to improve the lives of people who work in and for schools.

The program itself takes place over seven full days during the school year, a one-week summer institute and an optional one-week writing academy in the summer. During this time, Fellows engage in a variety of experiences, including:
• vision development
• strategic planning
• exploration of a learning focus, inquiry and research work
• design activities
• writing for publication

Depending on their roles, needs and interests, Fellows may also select to participate in the ARCS Framework certification strand.

Being a Communities for Learning Fellow

The Communities for Learning Fellowship program is open to any stakeholder in a school, district or educational organization, including students, teachers, administrators, professional developers, parents, Board members and community partners. Coming from urban, rural and suburban settings, these Fellows bring with them a vast array of knowledge and experience to the Communities for Learning Fellowship experience.

During their first year, Fellows complete a baseline portfolio (link to portfolio outline), including self-assessments of the ARCS Framework (link) and the Dispositions of Practice. This portfolio contains questions and work-in-process, and serves as a documentation system that:
• reveals assumptions and thinking related to participating in a professional learning community at the beginning of their Fellowship
• documents work and growth as part of a professional community capture the ongoing journey of the Fellowship
• prepares for end-of-year interviews