Mentor FAQs

1) What does a Mentor do?

The Mentor’s role is to offer enlightening research or lab experiences to expose Fellows to current developments and new technologies. The Mentor assists in providing opportunities for networking, presenting and entrepreneurship. He or she collaborates on the development and piloting of an innovative curriculum project and visits the Fellow’s classroom to present or co-teach. In some cases Fellows have co-authored papers with their Mentors, and have accompanied them to conferences or on research expeditions.

2) How is the project developed?

The curriculum project is a joint effort. The Mentor provides scientific expertise and content based on his or her research and the project description. The Fellow ensures that the project is age appropriate and supports the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Together, the team works to produce new lessons that are relevant and engaging, and that bring the excitement of cutting-edge science into the K-12 classroom.

3) What are the opportunities for the Kenan Mentor?

Participation in the program provides a Mentor with the opportunity to contribute to the depth and relevance of instruction at the K-12 level. The Mentor shares valuable skills and provides perspective on the importance of the teacher’s role in preparing students for future study and work in STEM fields.

Specifically, the Mentor is asked to:

• Serve as a mentor for the Fellow during the two-year fellowship
• Coordinate research activities with the Fellow for four weeks in each of two consecutive summers
• Provide enriching experiences to enhance the Fellow’s science and research skills
• Provide authentic lab experiences for the Fellow when applicable
• Help expand the Fellow’s skills in areas such as research, publishing, grant writing, networking, presenting, and entrepreneurship
• Visit the Fellow's classroom a minimum of once each semester to present or co-teach
• Collaborate on the development of an innovative curriculum product and meet with the Fellow throughout the year to review the product and its initial test pilot in the K-12 classroom
• Participate in Kenan Fellows activities such as Fireside Chats with policy leaders, the Mentor/Fellow orientation and other program events
• Participate in required program evaluation activities (e.g., surveys, interviews, etc.)