Kenan Fellows Program Receives NSF Noyce II Grant

$1.5 million NSF grant will help support the professional development of Master Teachers in 11-county region

Outstanding public school teachers in 11 North Carolina counties will partner with leading researchers to develop new curricula for schools across the state through teacher fellowships established by a $1.5 million National Science Foundation grant to the Kenan Fellows Program.

"This 11-county region is bursting with growth and opportunity, so we must continue to help our best teachers build their leadership skills which will pay dividends in the classroom for students," said Gov. Bev Perdue. "These Master Teachers will help prepare our kids for a 21st century workforce, and they will help develop new teachers in the region."

The Kenan Fellows Program for Curriculum and Leadership Development, an initiative of the Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science at North Carolina State University, has received an NSF grant to establish fellowships for the most outstanding K-12 teachers in the 11-county Base Realignment and Closure/Regional Task Force (BRAC RTF) area. The rapidly developing region includes Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett, Moore, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson and Scotland counties.

"Expanding the Kenan Fellows Program to our region's best teachers will be an excellent opportunity for these educators to engage with the STEM research community and share valuable lessons with students across the 11 counties and throughout the state," said Paul Dordal, executive director of the BRAC Regional Task Force.

NC State's Chancellor James Oblinger states, "The Kenan Fellows Program is a proven, innovative example of NC State's statewide impact, particularly at the K-12 level. This grant will extend the program's reach, providing unique opportunities for learning through collaborative research and enhanced curriculum development. NC State is proud to be a part of this program's success."

The five-year grant from NSF's Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program will allow the Kenan Master Teaching Fellows Program (KMTF) to link experienced teachers with university, industry and community college researchers and to join with local stakeholders to build a sustainable initiative. As a result of this grant, teachers will become more informed about important new scientific developments, build their leadership skills and develop curricula that support economic development sectors unique to the region, such as aerospace, sustainable energy/green technologies and advanced medical technologies. The KMTF will complete two-year fellowships, then engage in a range of leadership activities in their home districts including assisting in the preparation of new teachers.

"The William R. Kenan, Jr. Fund for Engineering, Technology and Science is very proud of its role as the original funder of the Kenan Fellows Program. We are particularly pleased that the National Science Foundation shares our commitment to the support of teachers of science and mathematics and has recognized the Kenan Institute's success with a grant that will enable the program to expand."
- Dr. Richard M. Krasno, President of the William R. Kenan, Jr. Fund for Engineering, Technology and Science

"The program will work to address the critical need for upgrades in the nation's commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. "Our national economic prosperity and security require that we remain a world leader in science and technology. Precollege STEM education is the foundation of that leadership and must be one of our highest priorities as a Nation."
- STEM Education Recommendations for the President-Elect Obama Administration, National Science Board

This award was made possible with support from the following partners:

• The Kenan Institute for Engineering, Technology & Science/William R. Kenan, Jr. Fund for Engineering, Technology and Science
• NC State University
• BRAC Regional Task Force
• Regional School Districts, Business and Community Leaders
• North Carolina Cooperative Extension