During the KFP process, one of the most valuable components is the inclusion of three Professional Advancement Institutes throughout the year. During the institutes, we were able to discuss various topics that impact our lives as educators both in and outside of the classroom. Topics ranged from incorporating technology into the classroom to discussing decisions made by politicians and lawmakers that impact our field as a whole. To me, this was a time for us to come together and learn from presenters who were experts in their fields and have meaningful discussions with like-minded educators.

To me, the most valuable Professional Advancement Institute was the first meeting at NCCAT in Cullowhee, NC. This was the first time that the cohort of Kenan Fellows came together and learned more about what was expected of us while having a focus on utilizing Technology in the classroom. I walked away from that experience with tools that I could immediately use in my classroom and share with others in my building. As our students are becoming more and more technology driven, I believe that educators must learn as many tools as possible to help our students remain focused and allow them to utilize their strengths and tools that they already enjoy, but in a meaningful way.

In comparison to other professional development workshops I have attended, I would definitely say that the Kenan Professional Advancement Institutes were better in regards to feeling like I was justified in leaving my own classroom for multiple days. I often feel like Professional Development can leave you feeling like your time has been wasted and you have lost valuable instructional time with students. I did not feel that way, as much, while attending the Kenan sessions. In all, I felt like my time was spent wisely and I had ideas and strategies that I could use immediately. That is always the goal when attending any professional development sessions.