Applications:
Kenan Fellow applications will be available online from November 26th, 2007 through January 24, 2008. Encourage your school administrators to nominate you for this prestigious fellowship.
Questions about becoming a Fellow:
1) What teachers may apply for the program?
All eligible teachers must be public school teachers at the elementary, middle or high school level. A map of eligible counties will be available soon.
2) Is this program only for math, science and technology education teachers?
Absolutely not! Teachers of all disciplines are encouraged to apply for Kenan Fellowships. Many projects developed by Kenan Fellows come from content areas outside math and science. Interdisciplinary curriculum development is strongly encouraged and supported.
3) How can I benefit if I am not a science or technology teacher?
Kenan Fellowships afford teachers the opportunity to work closely with other teacher leaders outside of their own content specialties. Research increasingly confirms that teachers and students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning. While all projects must have a science, mathematics or technology focus, the content can be delivered through art, literature or service.
4) What about teachers at year-round schools?
Teachers at year-round schools can also apply for the fellowship. Since the two-year fellowship continues throughout the school year as well as the summer, teachers at year-round schools will not find it more difficult to stay active in the program than teachers from schools on a traditional calendar. The main difference will be during the summer when some professional development opportunities may be scheduled during a time when year-round schools are in session. In this case, we work with Fellows on an individual basis. If you are at a year-round school and plan to apply, support of your principal is key.
5) How many years of teaching experience do I need to apply?
There is no requirement for the number of years of teaching experience to apply to the program. However, the fellowship does require a significant time commitment, and it is recommended that teachers at all levels of experience consider this time commitment before applying.
6) How much time is required of me during the two-year fellowship?
Teachers selected for the Kenan Fellowship commit to attend a five-week professional development summer institute as well as bi-monthly program meetings called Fireside Chats, throughout the academic year. All Kenan Fellows are expected to attend and present at the North Carolina Science Teachers Association (NCSTA) conference each year. The Summer Institute starts June 23rd, 2008 and ends August 1st, 2008. During those five weeks, Kenan Fellows will participate in professional development workshops in addition to working with their mentors and developing new curriculum materials. Fellows are encouraged to work on their projects during the scholastic year as well as the summer, balancing the Fellowship project work over the entire two-year Fellowship. Teachers are required to pilot their curricular resources in the classroom during the Fellowship period.
7) Do I have to be National Board Certified in order to apply?
No. In fact, many Kenan Fellows are not National Board Certified when they apply to the Program, but achieve this status during the fellowship. National Board Certification is strongly encouraged. Fellows may find valuable support from current Fellows and the Kenan Fellows Alumni.
8)What are the financial benefits of the fellowship?
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Stipends: Kenan Fellows will receive a 10,000 stipend for the two year Fellowship. Payments will be paid incrementally throughout the Fellowship and upon completion of specific benchmarks.
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Travel Funds to Disseminate Project:Kenan Fellows will receive funds each year of two-year fellowship for reimbursement to attend conferences to disseminate their project. A majority of these travel funds will be used to attend the required annual NCSTA conference.
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Substitute Pay : The Kenan Fellows Program will reimburse your school for substitute pay for the Kenan Fellow to attend Kenan Fellows related events and/or conferences.
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Funding Contingency: The Kenan Fellows Program is funded through gifts, contracts and grant sources. Consequently, Kenan Fellowships are contingent upon the continued availability of such funding. In the event that existing funding is terminated or continued funding is unavailable, Kenan Fellowships may be subject to early termination.
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Six Graduate Credits: Fellows will receive graduate credit in Curriculum and Instruction or Science Education from NC State’s College of Education.
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Computer: Kenan Fellows will have access to a personal laptop throughout their Fellowship. All laptops will have an extended warranty for the two year Fellowship time period.
9) What leadership development opportunities are offered to me as a classroom teacher through the fellowship?
Many! Fireside Chats, opportunities to present your work at professional conferences, and collaborations with institutions of higher education and businesses are only a few examples of the regular opportunities afforded to Kenan Fellows. Kenan Fellows are positioned as teacher leaders in their schools, districts, and profession and continue their advocacy and leadership role upon completion of the two-year Fellowship.
10) What does a Mentor do?
A Mentor is a distinguished professor or research scientist. Each Fellow is assigned at least one Mentor who provides content coaching and support throughout the two-year fellowship. Mentors are equal partners in the development of the project and guide the Fellows in preparing their final product for statewide dissemination. If applicable, the Mentors offer Fellows access to their labs and resources as well as experiences in research.
11) How are Kenan Fellows paired with a University Mentor?
This match can occur in one of several ways. First, applicants have the opportunity to suggest potential University Mentors or areas of interest on their application. Second, geographical location is considered as we currently recruit Mentors from North Carolina's public and private universities. Third, the faculty member's area of expertise is considered. The Program aims to match teachers with the best possible and most geographically convenient content coach for his or her project proposal.
12) What is a Fireside Chat?
A Fireside Chat is an informal dialogue held with leaders in government, education, and business from our community, state and nation. These meetings provide an excellent opportunity for Kenan Fellows to discuss their ideas and experiences with individuals who can influence public policy and help to advance the teaching profession.
13) How will my work as a Kenan Fellow help other teachers?
The curricular projects developed by the Kenan Fellows are disseminated statewide through many venues, including partnership with the NC Department of Public Instruction. All Kenan Fellows are given the tools and training to create a website for dissemination of curricular materials to teachers across North Carolina. Kenan Fellows are leaders and resources for their schools and colleagues. Frequently, Fellows present their work to teachers and administrators at state and national professional conferences. This dissemination of curriculum benefits students across the state and beyond with new and exciting learning experiences.
14) What is expected of me once I complete the two-year fellowship?
Teachers who successfully complete the two-year Fellowship become members of the Kenan Fellows Alumni, a cohort of teacher leaders in North Carolina.
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.
