RALEIGH, N.C. ⸺ The Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership is awarding its first fellowships in Virginia through a new partnership with the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, immersing four teachers in the steel and shipbuilding industries.

Four teachers, two from North Carolina and two from Virginia, have been awarded 2026–27 Kenan Fellowships supported by the Hampton Roads Workforce Council. The fellowships mark a significant milestone for the program, which has historically served North Carolina teachers, and reflect the growing demand for workforce-connected professional development across the broader Southeast region.

The four teachers will immerse themselves with two industry partners, Nucor Steel and Colonna’s Shipyard, gaining firsthand knowledge of the skills and career pathways available to students in their communities.

The four teachers awarded fellowships are:

• Daphne McCoy, C.S. Brown High School, Hertford County Schools | Mentor: Nucor Steel
• Amy Edwards, Bear Grass Charter School, Martin County | Mentor: Nucor Steel
• Zack Josker, Kempsville Middle School, City of Virginia Beach | Mentor: Colonna’s Shipyard
• Mi-che Lassiter, Lindsay Middle School, Hampton City Schools (Virginia) | Mentor: Colonna’s Shipyard

All four are among the 36 teachers awarded Kenan Fellowships for the 2026–27 year, most of whom are based in North Carolina.

Where Educators Grow to Meet North Carolina’s Future

The Hampton Roads Workforce Council was established to provide strategic workforce development solutions across the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. The Council aims to provide employers in the region with the talent needed to grow an economy that helps everyone thrive.

“Preparing students for careers in high-demand industries starts with empowering educators to bring real-world workforce knowledge into the classroom,” said Hampton Roads Workforce Council President & CEO, Shawn Avery. “The Hampton Roads Workforce Council is proud to support this partnership and invest in teachers who are helping connect students to meaningful career pathways in industries like maritime manufacturing, shipbuilding, and ship repair.”

As part of their award, each teacher will receive 80 hours of professional development and $5,000 to support their work during the fellowship. They join a statewide network of 680 Kenan Fellows alumni who support one another, share resources and stay in education longer as a result.

“When we invest in teachers who are connected to the industries shaping their region, students benefit in measurable and lasting ways. This partnership with the Hampton Roads Workforce Council extends that investment across state lines and into communities where education and economic opportunity go hand in hand,” said Vance Kite, director of the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership.

About the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership

The Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership is a statewide force for teacher leadership and growth in North Carolina. Founded in 2000 and based at the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science at N.C. State University, the program invests in teachers through immersive industry experiences, professional development, and a strong, enduring community. Every investment returns to classrooms, schools and communities, advancing education and our communities’ future together. Learn more at kenanfellows.org.