Welcome to the
National MTSS Leaders Fellowship
A year-long, cohort-based experience for district and school leaders focused on building coherent systems that serve every learner. Through three in-person convenings and structured work across the year, leaders design and strengthen MTSS as an integrated, Tier 1-centered system alongside a national cohort.
Designed and Facilitated by
The 2027 National MTSS Leaders Fellowship is developed and led by Dr. Samantha Mullins of MTSS By Design and Dr. Lynne Kulich of Literacy Leaders Project, bringing complementary expertise in MTSS system design, instructional coherence, and strategic leadership. The experience draws from their upcoming book on MTSS with ISTE + ASCD, connecting research, practice, and leadership into a coherent, applied experience.
2027 National MTSS Leaders Fellowship dates
February Convening | Clarity + Design | Chicago, IL
The opening convening establishes a shared foundation for the fellowship. Leaders clarify the purpose of their MTSS work and examine their current system through a coherent, asset-based lens. Using the MTSS Diamond as a design framework, participants begin designing or refining systems anchored in Tier 1, identifying opportunities to strengthen alignment and impact.
June Convening | Implementation + Coherence | Chicago, IL
The second convening focuses on strengthening implementation in practice. Leaders examine how their systems are functioning across teams and instructional layers, using evidence from their own context to identify where alignment can be deepened. Participants refine their approach to ensure Tier 1 instruction remains consistent and that supports across tiers operate as a connected, coherent system.
November Convening | Integration + Sustainability | Chicago, IL
The final convening centers on sustaining and evolving MTSS as a unified system over time. Leaders reflect on progress across the year and focus on integrating structures, practices, and leadership moves so the work continues beyond the fellowship. Participants leave with a clear path to maintain coherence and support ongoing learning across their system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at samantha@mtssbydesign.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
This experience is designed for district and school leaders responsible for designing and leading MTSS as a coherent system. This includes superintendents, assistant superintendents, directors, principals, and system-level leaders focused on strengthening Tier 1 and overall alignment.
Yes. Teams are encouraged, as shared participation strengthens alignment and accelerates implementation across the system. Individual leaders are also welcome and will be part of a collaborative national cohort.
The fellowship includes three in-person convenings (February, June, November), guided application between sessions, and a structured focus on designing, implementing, and sustaining a coherent MTSS system. Each convening builds on the last, creating continuity across the year.
The investment is $7,500 per participant for the full year-long experience.
A reduced rate of $6,750 per participant is available for teams of three or more from the same organization.
Travel and lodging are not included.
Yes. The fellowship spans two funding cycles for many districts, and the investment can be divided across fiscal years to align with district budgeting processes. Additional details can be shared upon request.
All convenings will take place at Hotel Indigo in downtown Naperville, Illinois, providing a central, walkable setting for connection, collaboration, and focused learning. Naperville is located 30 minutes outside of Chicago. Additional details will be shared upon acceptance.
Yes. The fellowship is intentionally limited to 60 leaders nationwide to ensure meaningful collaboration and depth of learning.
Priority registration opens on August 15, 2026. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
You can join the interest list through the link below. Additional details will be shared directly with interested participants.
Express Interest | 2027 NATIONAL MTSS LEADERS FELLOWSHIP
MTSS by Design
Priority Registration Opens August 15, 2026
A year-long, cohort experience for district and building leaders.
Limited to 60 leaders nationwide.
00
DaysDays
00
HrsHours
00
MinsMinutes
00
SecsSeconds
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.