We are statewide force for teacher leadership and growth in North Carolina.
Investing in Teachers, Strengthening Communities.
When we commit to teachers’ growth with intention and care, students, schools and communities benefit in measurable and lasting ways. That belief drives everything we do at the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership, and it’s why we treat teacher professional learning as a statewide priority.
Our professional development programs and services invest in teachers as trusted leaders. Our immersive experiences place them inside the industries and regions shaping communities today.
Teachers bring that learning and those relationships back into their classrooms, expanding students’ views of career pathways and what’s possible for their futures. Learn more about our work.
90%
Of educators remain in the classroom five years after completing our fellowship.
100%
Of educators said they developed the skills to work with industry and community leaders.
100%
Of educators said the fellowship made them better teachers.
“This has been the best professional development I have ever experienced. The instruction is relevant and the environment is constantly positive, productive and inspiring.”
Teaching Grows Stronger Through Community Partnerships
Partner with us
Teachers are essential leaders of North Carolina’s future. When we invest in them as trusted, skilled professionals, they reinvest their learning back into our students, schools and communities, expanding what’s possible for our state.
Congratulations to our five newest Kenan Fellows from Eastern North Carolina!
This summer, Susan Merrell, Nika Johnson, Heather Davis, Rachel Jones, and Danielle Groseclose will trade their classrooms for the engineering bays and hangars of Fleet Readiness Center East, bringing Navy STEM experiences back to their students this fall.
Link in bio to read the press release on our website.
These three amazing teachers are headed into local industries this summer to bring computer science and computational thinking content used in workplaces back to their students. 💻
This is what five years of partnership between @NCDPI and the Kenan Fellows Program looks like in action. 🙌
Join us in congratulating these three incredible educators!
Yesterday, on National Teacher Day, we announced our 2026–27 Kenan Fellows, and today we`re still celebrating by continuing to spotlight our new Fellows and partners.
Congratulations to Kim Smith, 4th and 5th-grade teacher in @beaufortcountysc
Beaufort County Schools, NC! Kim`s fellowship is supported by @nutrienagsolutions, where she will be immersed this summer at the Aurora phosphate facility.
Join us in congratulating Kim, and huge thanks to Nutrien for making this opportunity possible. 🍎
🔗 Read the full announcement at kenanfellows.org. Link the bio.
![Headshot of Erin with quote: "[T]his program will not only be self-fulfilling in my personal quest to expand my own learning but also incredibly beneficial to my 5th-grade scientists."](https://kenanfellows.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/390/2026/05/Harden-Fellowship.png)
