About Us

At the Kenan Fellows Program, we recognize the key role of strong teachers and the value of math and science in preparing students for the global economy. We offer North Carolina teachers competitive fellowships that provide them with training, research and resources to empower students to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

Teachers, researchers and businesses leverage the power of the collaboration to make STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education relevant, engaging and most of all, effective. During the program, Fellows work with a research mentor to develop one-of-a-kind curriculum that reflects how math and science are applied in higher education and business settings.

This experience positions Fellows to serve as leaders in North Carolina schools and communities.

Mission
The mission of the Kenan Fellows Program is to enhance curriculum relevance for the benefit of all students; engage teachers, business, and universities through unique professional collaboration; and promote growth opportunities for teachers and the teaching profession.
 

History
The Kenan Fellows Program for Curriculum and Leadership Development, established in 2000, grew from a community effort to address the retention of effective math and science teachers in North Carolina’s Research Triangle region.
In 2000, the National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century emphasized the importance of high quality math and science instruction to the nation’s economic health and made specific recommendations to meet that need, including the establishment of summer institutes, exemplary professional development, good leadership training, and incentive programs to make the teaching profession more attractive.
The Kenan Fellows Program is a statewide initiative designed to meet those needs.
 

Learning Through Partnerships
We tap the wealth of professional expertise in North Carolina’s universities, community colleges and private sector to enrich teachers’ knowledge and promote innovation in public schools. By supporting collaboration between teachers and professionals in areas of science, technology, engineering and math, teachers selected as Fellows learn about locally-relevant developments and gain an understanding of the significance of current research and scientific practice for students.
 

Energizing Public Education
Mentors and Fellows work in concert to translate the research experience into relevant lessons for use in classrooms. This professional relationship helps Fellows create educational materials aligned with North Carolina state standards.
In professional growth workshops, Fellows build skills that allow for sharing of knowledge and  apply their experiences in their own classrooms and in diverse other educational settings.
The 21st Century economy challenges students to be problem solvers, team players and creative thinkers. Relevant and engaging lessons designed by Fellows reflect those needs through rich, new opportunities for hands-on learning.
 

Shaping Master Teachers
Fellows work to develop strong communication and advocacy skills. They engage in dialog with other educators, community leaders and policy makers whose work impact schools.
Over time, we seek to build a network of highly skilled teacher leaders committed to improving the quality of education in classrooms across North Carolina.