As I look back over this year, the value of being a Kenan Fellow is evident in several areas of my teaching.  First, the network of other accomplished professionals I am now a part of will always have an impact on my classroom.  It has been an honor to be in the same cohort as these innovative teachers.  The best practices we have shared during informal conversations as well as their presentations to the entire group have been put to use in my class.  I have made some strong connections to other teachers, both in my content area and outside my grade level, who will give me advice in the future.

The other professional area that this program has strengthened for me is my technology and its use in the classroom.  My students are using QR codes, flipped videos, electronic polls, and texting to communicate and learn.  They are excited about using the technology and, as a result, they are more interested in the content.  The new resources have given me new excitement about teaching too.  It’s definitely not a replacement for me, but a new avenue to connect to today’s students.

Personally, the Fellowship has given me new determination to be a leader in the profession.  One of our speakers at the last PD told us that it’s a long battle and that we need to be prepared to stand up for education for years to come, not just months.  Putting this career into that perspective makes me realize that being a leader is also a long-term commitment.  I will not become a leader in a few months, but over time – the course of my career – I will continue to develop and to find leadership positions where I can make a difference.  The Kenan Fellowship has given me the opportunity to open conversations about data, politics, and teaching.  I will forever be grateful for the skills I have learned about leadership as a part of the Kenan program.