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Teachers Lead Communities Forward

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.”

Headshot of Kenan Fellow Rob Condie, a teacher in Eastern North Carolina. Portrait is shot against a natural background.

Rob Condie

Kenan Fellow, ’25


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.

Swain High teacher, counselor and coach Ian Roper tours TekTone with his industry mentor as part of his Kenan fellowship.

See Our Community in Action

Keep up with our teachers on social media.

Teacher voices matter. ✏️

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we're celebrating over 25 years of investing in the teachers who shape our schools, our communities, and our future.

To every teacher out there: your experience, your expertise, and your voice matter more than you know. 

Tag a teacher who has made a difference in your life. 👇

Learn more at the link in our bio.

#ThankATeacher #TeacherAppreciationWeek #KenanFellows #InvestingInTeachers #NCTeachers #TeacherLeadership #NorthCarolina #ThankYouTeachers #EducationMatters #StrengthenCommunities #TeachersOfInstagram #EducatorsOfInstagram #NCEducation #25Years #CommunityImpact
Teachers show up for their students every single day, and they show up for each other.

For 26 years, we've invested in teachers because their expertise matters and their growth matters. We believe in honoring their professionalism, building belonging, and helping teachers stay, lead, and thrive so schools improve, students connect learning to life and work, and communities grow stronger.

On Tuesday, May 5, National Teacher Day, come back here when we reveal our new cohort of Kenan Fellows. 36 exceptional teachers, including our first two Kenan Fellows in Virginia, are joining a community 680 strong.

🔗 kenanfellows.org

#ThankATeacher #TeacherLeadership #SupportTeachers
Shoutout to the incredible organizations who joined us at our 2026 Spring Institute Share Fair last Friday!

Our teachers walked away with so many new resources and ideas, and it would not have been possible without the generosity of these organizations. 

Thank you:
@ncagintheclassroom
@nc.dncr
EARTh Center @centralcarolinacc 
@naturalsciences 
@dudleyfloodctr 
@smtcenter 
@ncssm_durham 
@nc_plt 
@northcarolinaforestryassoc
@theengineeringplace 
@americanexchangeproject NC
@projectlearningtree
@ncstateced
@acs_ncstate
@weare_org
@ncsusciencehouse 

NC Teachers, each of these organizations offers professional learning opportunities, classroom resources, and support designed with you in mind. Visit their pages to explore what they have to offer!

#TeacherPD #ProfessionalLearning #NCEducation #TeacherResources #NCTeachers