A week ago 42 educators from around the State of North Carolina were preparing to embark on the beginning of a year-long journey of teaching internships with collaborative partners in education and industry to tackle many 21st Century Learning experiences to bring back into their own schools and classrooms as part of the 2015-2016 Kenan Fellows. For some, like myself, their internships began a few days prior. However, the entire cohort did not meet as one unit until this past Monday, June 22 for a week-long immersion of professional development, brainstorming, and team building at our first Professional Advancement Institute at NCCAT in Cullowhee, NC.
Thus, most (if not all us) were preparing last weekend for a fun-filled learning experience with much excitement and anxiety for a fear of the unknown. We all knew we were a part of a special opportunity but I do not believe any of us were prepared for what actually occurred. We all arrived Monday afternoon as complete strangers and within a matter of hours, perhaps minutes for a few, relationships were formed among all the teachers and Kenan staff that may certainly last a lifetime.
It was as if something magical was occurring in the hills of Western Carolina University. Dedicated, passionate educators were experiencing learning and relationship building that was so powerful and moving that was forged with a common bond of serving young people at all grade levels, ages, and subject areas that by the end of the second day we began to realize we were not just a cohort. We were becoming a part of the Kenan family. We were reminded that we were not alone on an island and that politics, negativity, or other distractions do not need to impede our goal of teaching and helping prepare students for college, career, and life. We had the passion. We had each other. We were willing to learn ourselves.
Over the period of a few days we carpooled, shared ideas, rafts, resources, technology, questions, concerns, frustrations, celebrations, trophies, wildlife, laughs, hugs, sweat, freezing water, great food, hikes, stimulating conversation, lack of sleep, smores, big hearts, and developed a love for all. In these first few days together we learned from some great teachers and presenters while being inspired to help make our classrooms, schools, communities, and our great state a little better.
I was not sure what to expect about our week in the mountains, but I know that it surpassed my highest expectations. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Kenan family and my new lifelong friends that are a part of our Breakfast Club.
I can’t wait to see them all again in Raleigh next month.
Kenan Fellows 2015-2016 Cohort – “The Breakfast Club”