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
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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.
We interrupt your regularly scheduled 2026-27 Kenan Fellows spotlights for some breaking news. 🗞️ The agenda for our Reigniting Teacher Passion conference is LIVE!
Watch the video below to hear Kenan Fellows alumni share how the program has opened doors, built a powerful network of support, and inspired them to stay in the profession. Their stories are what sparked Reigniting Teacher Passion.
Get the full Kenan Fellows PD experience over two days, Aug. 3–4, 2026, at the Friday Center in Chapel Hill, featuring:
✅ Concurrent sessions ✅ Byte-sized PD sessions ✅ TED-style talks ✅ An ed tech playground ✅ Industry site visits (Day 2!) ✅ A facilitated debrief to help you turn inspiration into action.
You`ll leave with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to take on the new school year. 🔥
🎁 Every paid registration includes an entry to win a Cricut Explore 5 Rainbow Essential Bundle (a $300 value!). Kenan Fellows alumni earn a bonus entry for every paid registration they refer.
🎟️ Register via the link in the bio.
Special thanks to our cast. In order of appearance: Andromeda Crowell, @orangecoschools Rebekah Morse, @polkcountyschools Beth Campbell, @wcpssofficial Vance Kite, KFP director Paul Cancellieri, WCPSS Keith Burgess, Phd, @charmeckschools Joann Blumenfeld, Catalyst Programs @ncsusciencehouse Rick Lage, Camden County Schools
Thanks to @dukeenvironment Marine Lab and @ncstate Environmental Education Lab, @buncombeschools teacher Kerri Hampton will help expand the Ready, Set, Resilience Program in Western NC.
Ready, Set, Resilience is a middle school program that draws on lessons from nature to help students navigate personal and communal hardships, such as the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Please join us in welcoming Kerri to our 2026-27 cohort of Kenan Fellows, and thanking Duke Marine Lab and the EE Lab at NC State for their continued support of teachers.
