Six months after launching its second cohort, Bank Street’s Principal Innovation Fellowship continues to support New York City public high school leaders in reimagining their schools to offer career pathways and work-based learning opportunities for students. A key part of the New York City Public Schools’ Future Ready NYC (FRNYC) initiative, which aims to put the city’s public school students on a path to a rewarding career that is aligned with their passion and purpose, the Fellowship provides coaching and strategic support to principals to redesign their schools.
As part of this ongoing effort, Fellows participated in a mid-year convening designed to deepen their connections, refine their strategies, and exchange ideas on sustaining school redesign efforts. Held at Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School—an institution that embodies the values of the FRNYC initiative and is led by a Master Principal who coaches several Fellows—the convening provided an opportunity for Fellows to learn from a model school and observe best practices in action. Throughout the day, cohort members participated in peer discussions, small group coaching sessions, and classroom visits to learn innovative strategies around career-connected learning.
“Through the Principal Innovation Fellowship, Bank Street and NYCPS remain committed to supporting school leaders as they create meaningful career-connected learning opportunities for students,” said Shael Polakow-Suransky, GSE ’00, President, Bank Street College. “By fostering collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, the Fellowship continues to empower Principals to build schools that prepare students for success in both education and the workforce.”
A key component of the convening was the opportunity for Fellows to reconnect with their coaching groups. Originally formed during the cohort’s summer institute gathering, these groups provide a space for Principals to share insights, compare progress, and reflect on emerging challenges. Discussions focused on distributive leadership, strategies for sustaining FRNYC initiatives, teacher pipeline development, and innovative partnerships with industry and higher education. One of the most impactful moments of the day came during small-group presentations, where Fellows shared takeaways from classroom visits and discussed ways to apply new ideas to their own schools.
Classroom visits provided direct insight into career-connected learning in practice. Fellows observed Robotics, Game Design, and Cybersecurity classes to deepen their understanding of approaches to tech pathways, a Medical Assisting course to understand strategies for health-related programs, and a Graphic Design class where students operate their own business. They also visited a Leadership class that prepares students for teaching internships and toured a newly established HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) lab, which Thomas A. Edison will introduce as a new pathway next year.
One standout moment was in the Robotics class, where students programmed drones in preparation for an upcoming competition, demonstrating hands-on, real-world application of their learning. The Leadership class also sparked inspiration, as its teachers engaged in continued lunchtime discussions with Fellows to share insights on preparing students for careers in teaching. Across all classrooms, Fellows observed a strong emphasis on project-based learning, student leadership, and meaningful career connections.
“This gathering reinforced the power of the Fellowship—not only in supporting principals to redesign their schools but also in the way it creates a space for leaders to learn from one another, observe innovative practices firsthand, and engage in meaningful, hands-on learning,” said Julian Cohen, Fellowship Director, Bank Street Education Center. “By seeing students apply their skills in real-world contexts and connecting those insights to their own work, our Fellows are strengthening their ability to create future-ready opportunities in their schools.”
As Fellows revisited their plans for the spring semester, many identified sustainability as a key focus area—ensuring that FRNYC initiatives continue beyond the Fellowship’s formal support. Schools are now exploring governance models, team structures, and teacher capacity-building strategies to sustain career-connected learning. Additionally, schools will deepen their collaboration with industry partners as students participate in career discovery weeks, workplace challenges, and internships.
As the Fellowship continues, Coaching is a crucial element in supporting Principals in the fellowship throughout the school year. Coaches will work with Fellows to strengthen advisory programs, develop pathway partnerships, and position leadership teams for long-term success. Principals will also continue to participate in coach-facilitated school visits to gain additional insights from peers and model programs.
Looking ahead, the second cohort will receive continued coaching throughout the spring and will reconvene for a multi-day summer institute in July. This gathering will provide a space for Fellows to share best practices, reflect on their progress, and plan for the second year of their school redesign efforts.
“The work of the Principal Innovation Fellowship is just beginning to take root, and its impact will continue to grow as principals apply what they’ve learned to strengthen career-connected learning in their schools,” said Tracy Fray-Oliver, Vice President, Bank Street Education Center. “By strengthening their strategic vision, fostering meaningful industry and higher education partnerships, and developing sustainable pathways, our Fellows are ensuring that students graduate equipped with the skills, experiences, and opportunities needed for long-term economic stability and a future full of possibilities.”