Questions about becoming a Mentor:

All teachers selected for the Kenan Fellows Program, are paired with a Mentor to serve as a research and curriculum development partner during the two-year fellowship.

1) What does a Mentor do?
The role of the Mentor is to offer a rich research or lab experience to expose teachers to current and relevant technology standards and cutting edge science. Mentors assist in opportunities for networking; aiding in exposure to resources and seeking additional partners who can assist and support the project.

2) How is the project developed?
While the Fellow is responsible for moving the project forward, a Mentor guides the project through the science and research. Together Fellows and Mentors co-author articles and journals, publish research, apply for grant funding and present at statewide, national and international conferences. The final product of the fellowship is standards based curriculum, adapted from cutting edge science to be used in K-12 classrooms across North Carolina and around the world.

3) What are the oppurtunities for the Kenan Mentor?

• Serve as a Mentor for the Fellow during the two-year fellowship.
• Provide enriching experiences for the Fellow to enhance their science and research skills.
• Provide authentic lab experiences for the Fellow (when applicable).
• Expand Fellows' skills in research, publishing, grant writing, networking, presenting, and entrepreneurship.
• Visit the Fellow's classroom a minimum of twice a semester to present or co-teach.
• Meet with the principal and school leadership team to promote teacher leadership and champion K-12 and community partnerships.
• Share equally in the development of innovative curriculum products and co-author website to disseminate products statewide upon completion of the two-year fellowship and communicate periodically with North Carolina Department of Public Instruction to ensure curricular resources are aligned with state and national standards.
• Provide an opportunity for a Fellow to engage with the research department and establish the foundation for the research experience.
• Meet with the Fellow throughout the year to review the product and the initial test pilot in the classroom.
• Attend specific professional development sessions with the Fellows during the two summer 5-week internships.
• Participate in special events of the Kenan Fellows Program, such as Fireside Chats and the biannual Kenan Fellow Celebration.

Author: Briana Corke
School: Carrboro Elementary School
Project Information: Works to allow students to apply their understandings of magnets and electricity by designing or improving an existing invention.