HENDERSONVILLE, N.C.– Maggie DeCorah, a STEM and Academically Gifted teacher at Atkinson Elementary School, has been named a 2025-26 Kenan Fellow by the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership at N.C. State University.
The Henderson County Farm Bureau, the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, and NC Ag in the Classroom support her fellowship. DeCorah is currently involved in her school improvement team and coaches the robotics team.
New Apple “Ag Mag” Resource to Connect Agriculture with NC Curriculum
DeCorah will work closely with local farmers and experts to contribute to the Farm Bureau’s newest “Ag Mag,” focusing on apples. These engaging informational magazines highlight agricultural commodities and align with North Carolina’s curriculum standards. By partnering with the Henderson County Farm Bureau and NC Ag in the Classroom, DeCorah can tailor the Ag Mag to local agriculture, providing relevant examples for students. The industry immersion will include farm visits during the fall semester to accommodate the apple harvest.
Local Students to Benefit from Agriculture-Focused STEM Learning
Ag in the Classroom Director Heather Morton noted the great opportunity in this partnership, “Ms. Decorah gets to learn about an industry that is a bedrock for the community in which she lives. Henderson County produces around 80% of the state’s apple crop, and agriculture is our state’s largest economic driver. The Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership partnership and NC Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom is a perfect fit for educators to gain agricultural literacy while making real-world, STEM connections that agriculture provides.”
Kenan Fellows Link Educators with Local Industries and Workforce Needs
Kenan Fellowships are awarded through a competitive application process. This year-long program supports educators’ professional development and strengthens their ties to their communities. By gaining knowledge of local industries and workforce needs, Kenan Fellows can bring valuable workplace knowledge into their classrooms, benefiting students’ understanding of the world around them.
According to Vance Kite, director of the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership, “The fellowship equips educators to make a real difference in their communities and connect with a statewide network of teacher and industry leaders. Thanks to the commitment of partners like the Henderson County Farm and the North Carolina Farm Bureau, we can offer valuable professional growth opportunities to teachers in local areas.”