About the role#
The BES Fellowship for Founding School Leaders in Arkansas is a multi-year program designed to train individuals to design, found, and lead high-achieving schools. We are looking for leaders committed to transforming education and meeting the unique needs of their local communities. This program is particularly interested in candidates aiming to launch schools in Greater Little Rock, Fort Smith, or Jonesboro.
What you'll do#
- Engage in over 300 hours of coursework on school design, leadership, governance, and community engagement.
- Conduct in-depth studies of effective schools across the nation.
- Complete residencies at high-performing schools.
- Develop a charter application and establish a founding board.
- Partner with a BES coach to refine project management and leadership skills.
- Hire founding staff, recruit students, and solidify your school vision.
- Launch a strong, sustainable school and use data to drive academic success.
What you'll need#
- Bachelor’s degree (Master’s or Professional degree preferred).
- Minimum 8 years of professional experience, including instructional or instructional leadership roles.
- At least 2 years managing and supervising adults in a PreK-12 setting.
- Commitment to serving as a school leader in the proposed community for at least 10 years.
- Strong preference for candidates with 2-3 years of experience living or working in the proposed school region.
- Ability to establish and activate local connections for school enrollment.
Location & details#
- Location: Arkansas (On-site).
- Term: Starts August 2026.
- This is a full-time, paid contract role.
- Fellows receive a $100,000 grant during the first year.
- Benefits include health reimbursements, travel and accommodation support for training, and reimbursement for moving and school design expenses.
About BES (build. excel. sustain.)
BES is a national nonprofit based in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 2001, the organization focuses on identifying and training leaders to manage and sustain schools. It provides services such as leadership development, coaching, and executive search. The organization has trained nearly 3,000 leaders who have founded over 220 schools across the country.
How to get in at BES (build. excel. sustain.)
Securing an internship at BES requires staying ahead of the application queue. Because early applicants are often reviewed before the volume of candidates becomes unmanageable, use Intern Insider to receive an instant alert the moment a new role is published. This ensures you can submit your materials among the first group of candidates. Reaching out to the individuals responsible for hiring at BES can also improve your chances of getting a response. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind these roles, allowing you to connect directly to ask informed questions or request a referral. This personal approach often proves more effective than relying solely on automated application systems.
