Burke Fellowship

Burke stairs.jpg
 
 

it’s time for you to climb

City Forward Collective and Alverno College operate a unique and rigorous master’s degree and principal licensure program. The Burke Fellowship combines the strength and reputation of Alverno’s Administrative Leadership and MBA programs with on-the-ground school leadership coaching and professional development from City Forward Collective.

Participants concurrently serve in a leadership role at a Milwaukee school, are enrolled in Alverno’s Master’s in Administrative Leadership or Director of Pupil Services program, receive job-embedded coaching aligned to their studies, and participate in additional seminars and networking events. After completing program coursework, participants are expected to commit to education leadership service in Milwaukee.

Launched in 2013, the program is highly reviewed by graduates:

  • 100% of graduates say they were satisfied with the program

  • 100% of graduates say they would recommend the program to a colleague

  • 100% of graduates say the program helped them grow as a leader

Many graduates have already received job advancements:

  • 69% have been promoted to positions of greater responsibility

Program Details

  • Coursework through Alverno College spanning 4 semesters and 1 summer, with a schedule designed for working educators (evenings and weekends)

  • Six seminars from City Forward Collective that enhance and complement coursework led by executives and other practitioners from locally or nationally recognized high-quality schools or education leadership support organizations

  • Ongoing coaching from City Forward Collective that ties classroom theory to real-world practice

  • Mentoring from both an on-site direct supervisor (or other identified school personnel), and another school leader not employed by the Fellow’s school

  • Leadership Action Plan based on areas of strength and growth as identified by multiple 360° surveys

  • Out-of-state visit to observe high-quality schools in another city (1-2 day attendance required once during the two-year program)

  • The actual cost of this program is $34,000 per participant, but Alverno College and City Forward Collective have partnered to cover 78% of the cost:

    • Alverno College offers a generous tuition discount

    • Alverno and City Forward Collective each raise funds from private donors to further subsidize the program

    • Participants are responsible for just $500 per semester — $2,500 total

    • Participants’ employers are responsible for just $1,000 per semester — $5,000 total

Desired candidate profile:

  • Committed to leading and/or creating high-quality schools in Milwaukee

  • Will be working in an out-of-classroom school leadership role at least 50% of the time during the program

  • 3+ years successful teaching experience and eligible for a Wisconsin Administrative License

  • Willing and able to commit to school leadership in Milwaukee upon program completion

  • Open to coaching and feedback, both while in the program and ongoing thereafter

  • Open to participating in a cross-sector cohort of MPS, charter, and Choice leaders

Application components

  • Online application, including education history, licensure, essay questions, and referral/letters of recommendation

  • Attend an info session to learn more about City Forward Collective and the program details and expectations.

  • Interview including performance tasks

  • Possible additional site visits and/or meetings to observe your work and talk with your supervisor