NEWPORT, N.C. – Erin Strohschein, a teacher at Havelock Middle School in Craven County Schools, has been named a 2020-21 Kenan Fellow. Her fellowship was made possible through a partnership between the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership at N.C. State University and the North Carolina Coastal Federation.
Strohschein, who has been teaching for 13 years, is among the 19 teachers from across North Carolina who have been selected to participate in the 2020-21 fellowship year. Beginning in June, she will partner with industry experts with the North Carolina Coastal Federation to assist them with their work to protect and restore coastal water quality and habitats throughout the NC coast through the development of a product that engages and informs students in your school and community. Her fellowship is supported by the Kenan Institute for Engineering Technology & Science Board of Trustees and Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership Board of Advisors
“We are so excited to work with Erin through the Kenan Fellows Program,” said Rachel Bisesi, Coastal Education Coordinator for the North Carolina Coastal Federation. “She really impressed us with her passion for teaching, and we look forward to having her expertise to advance our educational efforts this summer.”
As part of the award, Kenan Fellows receive a $5,000 stipend and participate in 80 hours of professional development focused on project-based learning, digital learning, and leadership development. Educators who complete the year-long program remain in the classroom while growing professionally as part of a statewide network of teacher leaders. Today, an elite network of 493 Kenan Fellows are working to improve Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education in North Carolina and beyond.
“Thanks to the support of community leaders such as the NC Coastal Federation we are able to empower more teachers to ignite students’ passion for STEM in more locations across the state,” said Dr. Elaine Franklin, director of the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership. “Their support allows us to provide educators with knowledge of local career opportunities available to students.”
About the North Carolina Coastal Federation: The North Carolina Coastal Federation is a member-supported 501(c)3 that focuses on protecting and restoring the North Carolina coast. Since 1982, the federation has been in the field restoring miles of coastline; training and educating students, adults and communities to take actions that result in cleaner coastal waters and advocating for an accessible, healthy, productive coast. Visit nccoast.org to learn more.