We help teachers stay, lead and thrive so schools improve and communities grow stronger.
Building North Carolina by investing in teachers
North Carolina’s future depends on educators, and on sustained support for their leadership across the state. That’s why we invest in them with a professional development suite that offers immersive experiences, a strong, enduring network and expertise they can bring into their daily practice.
We offer a comprehensive suite of professional development programming for teachers. This suite includes industry immersion fellowships, STEMwork programs, Mountains to Sea place-based professional development, “Not Your Average PD” online professional development and curriculum created by our own Kenan Fellows and STEMwork Scholars.
Modeled leadership
We cultivate a contagious form of leadership that moves from school to school, strengthening teaching and learning statewide.
Independent research found that Kenan Fellows were almost twice as likely to lead more peer collaboration through professional development.
94%
Of Fellows grew their identities as leaders
Vision
KFP envisions a future where North Carolina’s educators are trusted, empowered, and celebrated as critical pillars of their communities and are fully equipped to address the state’s workforce development needs.
Leadership that travels from classroom to classroom
When professional development becomes community
In the video above, Paul Cancellieri discusses his fellowship journey. Paul has been part of the Kenan Fellows Program community since 2012, first as a Fellow and now as faculty helping guide new cohorts.
A National Board Certified science teacher and author, he’s seen firsthand how the program transforms a single year of professional development into something far more enduring: a network that opens doors and sustains learning throughout a career.
26 Years of Impact
Program History
Established in 2000 from a community effort to address the retention of math and science teachers in the Research Triangle, we are now recognized as a model for workforce development partnerships in K-12 education.
Community Connections
We build customized partnerships that align teacher and community needs, open access to workforce insights and the career pathways shaping our state, helping teachers bring that relevance into their schools and districts.
Mission
KFP invests in North Carolina’s educators through research-based, high-quality professional development; partner immersions; network building; and leadership resources. We cultivate a community of empowered and celebrated educators who lead in their schools, persist in their classrooms, and drive positive change that inspires career-ready generations.
