RALEIGH, N.C., (July 7, 2017) – The Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership is partnering with the Merck Foundation for the “Merck Kenan Fellows: STEM Partnership for Teacher Leaders” project which includes five Triangle area educators who are part of the 2017-18 cohort of Kenan Fellows.
The Merck Kenan Fellows initiative will help to grow the number of highly qualified STEM (science, technology, education and math) educators in multiple areas of study for schools that need it most. The project will also provide innovative resources to high-need schools that directly highlight the connection between STEM at work with STEM at school; and create a cluster of educators in the Triangle that can share new and innovative resources to make STEM relevant for students. In June, the teachers began their customized internship experiences in different areas of research-based and applied STEM settings including, product innovation, cell research and gaming and supercomputing. Using the new knowledge gained from these experiences, the teachers will transfer what they have learned to their students and colleagues through original lesson plans that tie these experiences to curriculum standards in STEM subject areas.
Educators who are selected as Kenan Fellows remain in the classroom while completing the year-long fellowship. In addition to the summer internship, Kenan Fellows participate in 80 hours of professional development focused on project-based learning, digital learning and leadership development. “Thanks to Merck Foundation’s partnership, these teachers have an opportunity to create new ways to help students engage in relevant, hands-on learning that promotes a love of STEM and showcases STEM careers,” said Dr. Elaine Franklin, director of the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership.
About the Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation’s Neighbor of Choice (NOC) community program supports the work of local nonprofit organizations that strive to improve the quality of life of people and preserve the environment in communities where we have a presence.
About the Kenan Fellows Program: Established in 2000 as an initiative of the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science at N.C. State University, the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership addresses the critical need for high-quality professional development for educators, and is the largest (science, technology, engineering and math) STEM-focused teacher leader fellowship in North Carolina. Visit kenanfellows.org to learn more.