The Rowland Foundation's mission is to invest in Vermont teachers to positively change the culture & climate of schools. We welcome applications from classroom teachers of all disciplines, school counselors, special educators-all Vermont teachers who work directly with students in the middle or secondary grades are eligible to apply. Educators who work on an administrator contract are not eligible. Instructional coaches, coordinators, program directors, and other educators who may work on a teacher's contract but do not work directly with students on a daily basis are not eligible.
The Rowland Foundation provides grants of up to $100,000 to each receiving school to support their Rowland Fellow's change idea to transform an aspect of the school in order to positively impact its culture and climate. A large part of these funds cover substitute costs so that the Rowland Fellow can be released from teaching duties in order to develop their school change Fellowship initiative. The remainder of the funds support Fellowship activities so the Rowland Fellow can conduct research, do site visits, develop strategic partnerships, and organize the work of their Steering Committee. Rowland Fellows submit an updated version of their Fellowship budget to the Executive Director twice a year.
All Rowland Fellows and their principals sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Rowland Foundation that outlines the obligations and responsibilities of all parties.
The Rowland Foundation's approach to school change is predicated on shared leadership and deep collaboration, consequently Rowland Fellowships are never completed in isolation. The Rowland Cohort Model is a two-year cycle that brings Rowland Fellows together to provide critical support for their challenging school transformation work.