Fellowship Program

HILL for Literacy, in collaboration with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), is seeking a dynamic and culturally, linguistically, and geographically diverse Massachusetts cohort of educators to serve as Literacy Launch Institute Fellows.

As part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Literacy Launch Initiative, the Literacy Launch Institutes provide differentiated professional learning for educators teaching students from preschool to grade 3. These Institutes empower educators to implement high-quality, evidence-based, and culturally and linguistically sustaining early literacy practices that all students need. The Literacy Launch Institutes offer five tracks including Novice, Advanced, Preschool, School and District Leaders, and Educator Prep Program.

Fellows will serve as leaders, ambassadors, and advocates, promoting the mission of the Literacy Launch Institutes by preparing educators, district leaders, and educator preparation program faculty to support and implement evidence-based, culturally and linguistically sustaining early literacy practices.

In this role, Fellows will provide formative feedback, support Institute facilitation alongside lead facilitators, co-facilitate Community of Practice sessions, and help raise awareness of the Literacy Launch Institute in their communities.

Literacy Launch Institute Fellows will be hired for one year with the possibility to re-apply for future iterations of the Literacy Launch Institutes each year through the 2028-2029 school year.

Key Responsibilities

September 2026 – June 2027

Serve as leaders and advocates in their respective regions to increase Literacy Launch Institute participation.
Attend synchronous onboarding sessions to learn about the Literacy Launch Institutes.
Prepare for Institute delivery by:
- Internalizing the Literacy Launch Institute module content and practicing the delivery of the content.
- Collaborating with the lead HILL for Literacy facilitator assigned to the track to coordinate and practice content delivery.
Provide in-person facilitation during Summer and School-Year Institutes.
Serve on a Community of Practice Planning Committee in an advisory capacity to support the development of ongoing virtual Community of Practice sessions (see below).
Co-facilitate at least one 90-minute virtual Community of Practice session in collaboration with Literacy Launch Institute partners.

Required Qualifications

Current, in-service Massachusetts public school or educator preparation program educator
Strong background in evidence-based early literacy practices with a commitment to centering culturally and linguistically sustaining instruction and fostering inclusive learning environments.
Proven ability to communicate effectively, collaborate, and provide actionable feedback to improve educational content and delivery.
Experience with leading or co-facilitating professional development in early literacy.
Dedication to enhancing the impact of Literacy Launch Institutes throughout the Commonwealth.

Preferred Qualifications

M.Ed. in Special Education, Reading Specialist, Early Childhood, or other specialized areas related to early literacy instruction.
At least 3 years of experience in a teaching or leadership role that involved participating and/or facilitating professional development in the area of early literacy. Examples of related experience may include (but are not limited to) the following:
Strong familiarity with the Mass Literacy Guide and MA ELA Curriculum Frameworks
Deep knowledge of and experience implementing MTSS in early literacy to support the implementation of effective early literacy instruction, assessment, and data-based decision making to support the needs of all students.

Benefits

Fellows will receive a stipend and PDPs for completing the key responsibilities outlined for the 2026-2027 school year.

How To Apply

Thank you for your interest! All fellow positions are filled at this time. Please check back in the spring for applications for the next school year.