We are excited to announce the UW Center for Educational Leadership’s inaugural cohort of Dr. Stephen Fink Fellows. Named in honor of CEL’s Founding Director, Dr. Stephen Fink, this fellowship celebrates Steve’s vision and commitment to building education leadership expertise to interrupt inequities in schools.
Reflecting on Steve’s legacy, his wife, Debbie Lasky-Fink, shared, “Steve’s passion for education, lifelong learning, and individual growth, as well as organizational growth, was only surpassed by his passion for equity and justice. This was the foundation upon which he developed and directed CEL.” Steve’s ability to turn challenges into learning moments remains foundational to CEL’s approach to leadership development, and his core values–including the belief that school districts are agents of change–will guide the work of the Fellows.
“Steve was always proud of CEL as a place where people get smarter together and do so in service of creating more powerful learning opportunities for students furthest from justice. I am excited by our inaugural group of fellows both for how they will help honor Steve’s legacy and for all that we will learn from them,” said Max Silverman, CEL Executive Director.
Annually, the Dr. Stephen Fink Fellowship will bring together four to six education leaders who are committed to fostering just schools for students across the country. The fellows will meet quarterly to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing educational leaders today and how CEL can best support them. CEL Senior Director Dr. Michele Mason said, “Convening the Dr. Stephen Fink Fellows is crucial because it provides a dynamic space for exceptional leaders to engage in shared learning, reflection, and collaboration. This yearlong fellowship offers an opportunity to amplify innovative practices, strengthen collective capacity, and enhance CEL’s support of school and district leaders, and organizations to create more equitable, student-centered environments.”
Steve’s deep belief that equity-driven leadership is essential to improving student learning is deeply reflected in this fellowship. We are excited to embark on this journey side-by-side with the leaders in our first cohort. “By bringing together these dedicated and diverse voices, we are able to continue pushing ourselves in addressing complex challenges to create systemic changes for the benefit of each and every student,” said Dr. Mason.
Read more about the inaugural fellows.
