Being selected for the Kenan Fellowship has provided opportunities to develop numerous partnerships….with my mentor, colleagues across the state, and other stakeholders in the educational process. The partnerships I have developed have positively impacted, and will certainly continue to influence the daily occurrences in my classroom. Working together to make education better for all students is the foundation of all of the partnerships I have created during this fellowship.

Working with my mentor has been especially fulfilling, as this partnership has allowed me to dialogue with an individual who works with teachers across the state. Building upon her expertise in ELA, I have continued to improve and expand upon my lessons in the classroom. She has provided me with advice, resources, and encouragement throughout the process.

Partnerships created with other educators across the state has increased my network of “people resources.” When I have specific concerns or questions about units of study, I have an even larger group of experts upon which I can call for assistance. Each Kenan Fellow possesses such extraordinarily amazing talents and all with whom I have worked have been incredible resources and inspirations.

Finally, this experience has allowed me to create partnerships with other stakeholders in education. Receiving the Kenan fellowship has placed a spotlight on my classroom. As a result, we have been blessed with many visitors, anxious to see what is happening in our classroom. I am happy to note that many of the stakeholders have made positive contributions to our classroom, with the donation of their time to volunteer, purchase of resources for student use, and share of their expertise in specific curricular areas.

As one can see, partnerships are the cornerstone of the Kenan experience. I am especially grateful for the partnerships I have developed during this process, as it has improved the educational experience of all students in my classroom. Thank you!