CULLOWHEE, N.C. — The 2023 Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership Summer Professional Learning Institute brought together the 2023-24 cohort of 38 Kenan Fellows for a five-day mini-conference in June.
The week-long residential institute featured a series of workshops curated and led by Kenan Fellows alumni. The sessions covered a range of topics, including strategies for social and emotional learning, grant writing, leadership development, and leveraging technology like Artificial Intelligence in education. The aim was to provide valuable insights and tools to the educators, allowing them to expand their influence beyond their classrooms and school districts.
Tuckasegee River.
“This has been the best professional development I have ever attended. I feel valued and empowered. The Kenan Fellows Program has given me a network of like-minded teachers to learn from and collaborate with.”
Elijah Watson, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
The institute fostered an environment where teacher leaders could elevate their voices and gain the confidence to lead with impact. By emphasizing the importance of collaboration and shared expertise, the sessions aimed to empower educators to become catalysts for positive change in education.
As the institute concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of inspiration and purpose. Equipped with new knowledge and skills, the 2023-24 Kenan Fellows are now prepared to take on new leadership roles within their schools and communities.
“This professional development has been so pivotal and transformative. All the way home, I was reflecting and thinking who I am going to talk to and share about this experience. I want them to have this experience as well. I felt seen and respected,” said Angela Ramey, an educator in Rowan-Salisbury Schools whose fellowship is supported by SparkNC.