Hello world! Welcome to today’s edition of “KFP News.” Today, we have the distinct privilege of sitting down with local cotton “unxpert” (an un-experienced expert) and local educator, Doug Price to talk with him about his upcoming Fellowship with KFP and partnership with Cotton Inc.
Cottonman: Where do you teach??
Doug: I am currently teaching at Voyager Academy Middle School, a Charter School located in Durham County.
Cm: What do you teach??
D: Well Cottonman, that is a rather engrossing question. I teach a class labeled Core Connections, which is a fifth required core class at our school from 5th-8th grade. I teach specifically the 6th grade Core Connections class. Core Connections is a class that is built to support curriculum and student learning by going deeper into the content through creation of real-world projects. On our team, students complete 4 major projects that take about 7-9 weeks, and each project intentionally pulls from the 4 core content areas and curricula of 6th grade (Common Core and State Standards). These projects are intense and rigorous but also extremely rewarding for the students in the end.
CM: How long have you been teaching??
D: I am going on my 8th year of teaching. Prior to teaching 6th grade I was a 4th grade teacher. Before my stint in 4th, I taught a K/1st combo class, and prior to that I was a lead Pre-K teacher. You could say I’ve gotten around a little. 😉
CM: What made you want to become a Kenan Fellow??
D: That’s a great question Kifp. I wanted to become a KF because I had heard many great things about KFP throughout my time teaching. I have kept on eye on their website for several years, and followed them throughout as they have had new fellows. The projects, over the years, have been the most intriguing aspect that I have noticed. The outlines to KFP projects have been diverse and unique in scope. These ideas sounded fascinating to me and I knew I wanted to be a part of something that would advance education for the classroom, but do it in a style and through means that were unique, relevant, and diverse.
CM: What is the goal of your internship??
D: Currently, the goal of my internship is to come in with my company (Cotton Inc.) and help to design and build a curriculum that will help students understand the importance and versatility of cotton. In order to accomplish this, I am going to take an approach from a mathematical and scientific stand point, showing students how cotton can affect economic growth and loss for a singular economy, and scientifically studying and observing different components of cotton.
CM: Mind if we take a picture with you and your mentor??
D: Unfortunately, my mentor is out all week and won’t return until the following week. In the meantime, you are free to use this online photo of him from Cotton Inc. and a lovely photo of myself, side-by-side, if that helps any.
