When I first applied for a Kenan Fellowship my friend Gail (a former Kenan
Fellow) told me that, although I would enjoy the externship and certainly get a
lot out of my project, the real benefit of the fellowship would be the
professional development and the other fellows that I would spend time with.
Having now gone through the 3 Kenan Institutes I am passing that same advice on
to others who are interested in applying for a fellowship. The sessions offered
through the Kenan Institutes have been some of the best and most meaningful
professional development I have had since moving to North Carolina. Some of the
sessions have forced me to reconsider a few of the entrenched practices in the
classroom, some have made me think about what it means  to be an innovative teacher, and some have
helped me to think outside the box and look for new ways to deliver instruction
and offer my students a rich learning environment. I think what has been most
meaningful for me is the way the topics and activities have pushed me to become
a leader in my school. I often find myself thinking, how am I helping other
teachers in my school and how can I be a positive role model for others as they
navigate the changes that are occurring and the frustrations we are all feeling
in education? I have learned to embrace the leadership role rather than avoid
it, and I have learned strategies to help others navigate change and progress. I
am so grateful for all of the opportunities this fellowship has offered and I am
most appreciative of the time and talents that have been shared through the
Kenan Institutes.