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Mentorship for New and Aspiring Principals

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Mentorship for New and Aspiring Principals: A CES Program

SY 2026-27

DESE recommends a structured 50 hour induction and mentorship program for new administrators to improve retention and instructional leadership.

The principalship is a demanding and influential leadership role, one shaping the trajectory of an entire school community. Principals are expected to lead instructional improvement, build culture, navigate complex systems, and respond to competing demands, often with limited, job-embedded support. A thoughtfully designed mentorship and induction program is not a luxury—it is an essential investment in leadership effectiveness, retention, and student success.

CES brings principals together in a focused, high-impact learning experience led by experienced principals, providing a leadership framework, practical tools, real-world problem solving, and a trusted network of peers who understand the work. Participants leave inspired and equipped—with the clarity, confidence, and strategies needed to move from managing the role to truly leading their schools forward.

Guided by experienced facilitators Albert Johnson-Mussad, Gwen Agna, and Mark Jackson, this school-year long experience includes community building, professional development, general support, and leadership-focused activities that unfold across the year. Each element is designed to reflect the real work of school leadership while providing space to reflect, problem-solve, and grow alongside peers. 

Satisfies the 50 hour mentorship DESE guideline.

An African-American high school student walking with his teacher or school principal, in the hallway by a row of lockers. They are talking. The teacher has a serious expression on his face, a mature man in his 50s. The male student is an 18 year old teenage boy carrying a backpack.

Support, retain, and grow your principals

—because strong, consistent leadership is your district’s greatest lever.

Enroll by July 6th in order to attend the Summer Retreat on July 14-15!

Download the Brochure

The Principal Leadership Institute (PLI) at CES was extremely supportive, well-structured, and grounding for us in our work. The PLI figured prominently in my professional life this school year. It provided me with the space and support to reflect on the large challenges with which we were faced.

Our mentor was a steady and guiding figure. He routinely provided us with support, guidance, and feedback that was authentic and well-intentioned.

— Principal, Gateway Regional Middle and High School

The Mentorship for New and Aspiring Principals is a CES program worth its weight in gold.

— Superintendent, Pioneer Valley Regional School District

The CES Principal Mentorship Program Includes:

Mentorship
Professional Development
Summer Leadership Retreat
Strategic Plannng & Collaborative Problem Solving Support
Building-based Problem of Practice Support (up to 24 hours)
Community Building and Communications Support
General Support
Description
Regular and recurring meetings with experienced mentors. These are biweekly, hour-long school-site meetings with individual mentors, to debrief the day/week, coach, troubleshoot and plan as needed, with Principal-driven agendas
Includes the Community of Practice with other new or aspiring Principals in monthly cohort meetings, discussing effective leadership for school improvement planning and execution; and seats at the CES Annual Legal Issues Seminar and the CES Annual IEP Summit
A 2 day retreat July 14-15, 2026 at CES, for planning to start a new school year; aligning standing school routines and structures (e.g., faculty, leadership team and PD meetings) for organizational effectiveness and instructional improvement; and developing a collaborative adult professional culture
Inclusive processes for SIP development and implementation, SIP models/exemplars to drive instructional improvement, Establishing SIPs as actual drivers of school improvement work
Structured facilitation to identify, refine, and address high-leverage challenges; Data-informed analysis to uncover root causes and target meaningful change; Research-based strategies and exemplars aligned to instructional improvement goals; Guided implementation planning with clear action steps, progress monitoring, and leadership support to ensure impact
Samples/exemplars of recurring communication tasks (e.g., back to school letters); Drafting/editing support for ad hoc communications (e.g., crisis response, challenging personal issues, budgetary challenges); Public speaking coaching
Research list of resources on pressing topics; Meeting support; Agenda design (e.g., faculty meetings, leadership team meetings, parent/guardian meetings, paraprofessional meetings, etc.); Facilitation coaching; Meeting feedback; Emergency procedures development

Meet the Team

Albert Johnson-Mussad Ph.D.

Dr. Johnson-Mussad serves as a staff consultant in leadership and instruction at the Collaborative for Educational Services. He travels nationally to facilitate professional development for school leaders, teachers and other licensed educators in instructional leadership; English learner education; world language and bilingual education; ...

Position: Leadership and Instruction Continuous Improvement Specialist

Email: ajohnsonmussad@collaborative.org

Phone: (413) 200-8294

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Mark Jackson, M.Ed.

Mark Jackson, M.Ed. was a middle school principal for 10 years and a high school principal for 16, leading both urban and diverse suburban schools in New Jersey and Massachusetts with a focus on advancing the interests of low-income and students of color. His professional commitment is to ensure that schools fulfill their historic mission of ...

Position: Leadership Consultant

Email: mjackson@collaborative.org

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Gwen Agna

Gwen Agna has been an educator for over 45 years, most recently the principal of the Jackson St. Elementary School in Northampton, MA. She was trained in early childhood education and strove to promote the principles of child and human development in elementary school classrooms. She did her undergraduate work at Nottingham University College ...

Position: Leadership Consultant

Email: gwenagna@gmail.com

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Enroll in Membership Today!

If you are interested in the CES New and Aspiring Principal Mentorship Program for SY2026-27, please reach out to Angela Burke, Director of Professional Services, at aburke@collaborative.org, or complete the inquiry form at the right.

There’s a seat at our table whether you are newly stepping into principalship, currently serving as a vice principal, or considering a future in school leadership. The issues and questions related to effective leadership are complex. Getting a head start on sorting it all out will be an advantage.

Contact us to enroll by July 6, 2026, in order to attend the Summer Retreat on July 14-15.

Membership Fee: $5,000 annually (customization opportunities for your district are available) to support, retain, and grow your principals—because strong, consistent leadership is your district’s greatest lever.

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