The Cahn Fellows Programs Announces Expansive Rebranding Initiative for 2021

Changes Include the Launch of Inspiring Documentary Series and the Formation of An Independent 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization

New York, N.Y.—The Cahn Fellows Programs is pleased to announce an expansive rebranding initiative for 2021. Launched in 2002, the Cahn Fellows Programs has been specifically designed to support the growth of exemplary school leaders as well as inspire leadership skills, retention in education and student outcomes. As the educational landscape continues to be impacted by various challenges—including the disastrous effects of COVID-19 on urban communities—the Cahn Fellows Programs will remain committed to its mission to improving large urban public school systems nationally by providing distinguished school leaders with advanced professional development and recognition.

As part of its rebranding, the Cahn Fellows Programs has changed its name and tagline to Elevating and Inspiring School Leadership in order to reflect the growth of the organization, as well as its logo and website. Affiliated with Teachers College since 2002, the organization has grown and now serves eleven school districts. As a result of this growth, it has launched an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Cahn Fellows inducted its first cohort into the program in 2003. Currently, there are cohorts in New York City (all five boroughs); Chicago; Dallas; Denver/Aurora; Miami/Tampa; and Atlanta. The program engages principals in a collaborative network of peers, increases their ability to build capacity and improves teacher effectiveness and school culture. The overall goal is to extend the retention of the strongest principals in schools and school systems, develop a pool of future leaders and ultimately elevate student learning and achievement.
Many Cahn Fellows Program alumni have been elevated to leadership roles. As part of its overall outreach efforts, Cahn Fellows commissioned Atlanta Advisory Council Leads Bruce Barfield and Tammy Farley to produce a documentary, entitled, XXXXXXX, which highlights its Atlanta-area principals. The piece provides a deeply moving account of the leadership challenges of the principals in our program and the source of inspiration our program has been for them. To watch, click here.

Additional changes for the Cahn Fellows Programs include:

  • The plan for the next fiscal year is to add the Los Angeles and Clark County (Las Vegas) school districts to its program. This will serve all five of the largest school districts in the United States including New York, Chicago, Miami as well as Hillsborough County (Tampa), Dallas, San Antonio, Denver, Aurora and Atlanta
  • Cahn Fellows will begin launching alumni programming to further the impact of its work and to strengthen the network of Cahn Fellows who have completed the program
  • The launch of a program for 3-4 year principals in 2022 in order to prepare more principals for further professional development in our program
  • The development of Advisory Councils established in all its school districts with the goal of creating strong local ties in each community we serve
  • Maintaining its close partnership with Teachers College/Columbia University and the dedicated faculty who lead the program each year. Professors Ellie Drago Severson, Carolyn Rhiel, Jeffrey Young and Brian Perkins from Teachers College will all be delivering our curriculum to up to 120 participants next year. In addition, to feature an array of other leadership experts lined up for content delivery.
  • The new logo featuring, which retains its original tree with 16 leaves also (representing the program’s original 16 principal cohorts) also adds to its connection with Teachers College and other universities as reflected by the academic border
  • Cahn Fellows now has a diverse 14-member Board of Directors composed of leaders who are passionate about improving education results in the United States

For more information on the Cahn Fellows Programs, visit https://thecahnfellowsprograms.org.

About The Cahn Fellows Programs

Founded in 2002, The Cahn Fellows Programs are a set of programs that have been specifically designed to support the growth of exemplary school leaders. The Programs enable Fellows to become even more effective principals while leveraging their talents to support aspiring school leaders as they choose an ally who learns alongside them in the yearlong process of growth.