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 across our state. 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.”
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 had a wonderful Spring Institute honoring our 2025-26 cohort of Kenan Fellows. 🎉
This amazing group of educators won over $2 million in grants, served over 30,000 students, and delivered over 300 hours of PD to fellow teachers.
The formal fellowship year may be over, but we look forward to staying connected and following their careers. We know they will continue to do great things.
Join us in congratulating the 2025-26 Kenan Fellows.
In order of appearance: Trista Williams, Cherokee Central Schools Segonia Wade, @cravencountyschools Matthew Turpin, Carteret County Public School System Myriama Smith Traore, @durham_public_schools Jasmine Smith, @charmeckschools Elsa Simmons, Craven County Schools Sarah Griffin-Greene, @psrcedu Grant Shoaf, Johnston County Public Schools Gretchen Ross, Asheville City Schools Sybil Robinson, Alamance-Burlington School System Tanya Novakowski, Duplin County Schools Matthew Murchison-Blake, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Rebekah Morse, @polkcountyschools Alexis Moore, Guilford County Schools Tiffany Dennis, Polk County Schools Connie Locklear, Ed.D, Public Schools of Robeson County Michael Giddens, Sampson County Schools Jeny Keeter, Rutherford County Schools, NC Mark Case, Guilford County Schools Paige Jackson, Alexander County Schools Xavier Adams, Orange County Schools, NC Abigail Hester, Team WCPSS Laurel Currie, Pitt County Schools Tammy Hedgepeth, Edgecombe County Public Schools Kelly Dillman, Onslow County Schools Maggie DeCorah, Henderson County Public Schools Atiba D. Bethea Sr., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Nelly Coba Basile, Durham Public Schools Not pictured: Jodie Washington, Halifax County School District
Day 2 of our Spring Institute kicked off with a Teacher Voices Round Table led by members of the Governor`s Teacher Advisory Council (GTAC).
Discussions centered on storytelling as a form of advocacy, strengthening and sustaining the teaching profession, teaching and learning in a digital and AI-driven world, educational pathways, and meeting students` needs.
A huge thanks to the GTAC members for leading these important conversations and empowering our Fellows along their continuing fellowship journeys.
In attendance were: Anthony Martin @colcoschools, Marisha Merchant @onslowcountyschools, Tamika Farmer @ecpschools_nc, Emily Burris (Haywood County Schools), Hannah Moon @newhanovercosch and Amanda Aquayo @orangecoschools
Our 2026 Spring Institute is underway. 🎉 This cohort of Fellows have worked hard to get to this moment, completing their industry immersions and a capstone project. We’re excited to celebrate them tomorrow evening as they finish their formal fellowship year. #supportteachers #teacherpd
