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.”
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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`ve been introducing you to our 2026-27 Kenan Fellows and our partners all week. This evening, we`re shining a light on Juana Rhili.
A National Board-Certified Teacher and the 2024–25 @gcschoolsnc Teacher of the Year, Juana will spend part of her summer with the @unc_system, North Carolina Teacher Fellows @ncatsuaggies, designing professional development to strengthen the NC teacher pipeline.
We`re proud to have Juana in our 2026–27 cohort. 💙
Read the full release on our website. Link the comments.
What an incredible year for our STEMwork Scholars from @durham_public_schools! Last evening, we celebrated at our STEMwork Symposium in Durham.
These amazing teachers launched their journey in summer 2025, strengthening their practice through Project-Based Learning, visiting industry partners across tech, life sciences, and manufacturing, and gaining authentic connections that they brought straight back to their students.
Huge thanks to the @bullcityschools for supporting this cohort!
We are so proud to recognize our incredible STEMwork Scholars and the schools they represent:
Tomita Ferguson, Rogers Herr Middle School Maryssa Flow, Durham School of the Arts Karocqus Jefferson, Carrington Middle School Davia Lee, Rogers Herr Middle School Andrew Ramirez, Ignite Online Academy Kathrine Ramirez, Ignite Online Academy Khaleah Scott, Brogden Middle School Tiffany Smith, Carrington Middle School JJ Wilson, Neal Middle School
A huge thank you to the industry partners who opened their doors and inspired these teachers:
@cisco Systems, Inc. (technology) FREEDM Systems Center at NC State University (energy technology) @glenravenofficial (advanced manufacturing) @kempower_oyj (EV charging technology) @novonesis (life sciences and biotechnology)
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.
![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)
