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.”
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.
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.
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!
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
