Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Two educators from Polk County Schools have earned spots in the highly competitive Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership, joining an elite group of 30 teachers selected statewide for the 2025-26 cohort.

Rebekah Morse of Polk Central Elementary and Tiffany Dennis of PEAK After School were announced as Kenan Fellows on National Teacher Day by N.C. State University, which hosts the renowned professional development program.

The yearlong fellowship will provide both educators with immersive industry experiences, leadership training and the opportunity to develop innovative educational projects that connect classroom learning with real-world applications.

Dennis’ fellowship is supported by the N.C. Center for Afterschool Programs. Her project focuses on creating a product that connects out-of-school-time (OST) educators with mentors in local industry while building meaningful relationships between OST programs and the STEM industry across North Carolina. This summer, she will partner with Biltmore Farms to develop a product that impacts her community through the promotion of wellness, educational enrichment and sustainability — aligning with George Vanderbilt’s original vision for the region.

Morse’s fellowship, supported by the State Energy Office, will immerse her with Blue Ridge Power, where she will work on advancing clean energy workforce education throughout North Carolina.

As part of their experience, both educators will participate in summer externships that provide firsthand exposure to workplace practices in industries vital to North Carolina’s economy. These externships span sectors including energy, agriculture, tourism, scientific research, and high-tech manufacturing, offering Fellows valuable insights to incorporate into their teaching practices.

Throughout the program, Fellows will develop capstone projects inspired by their industry experiences. These projects will focus on career pathways, essential workplace skills, and creating resources that help students transition into the workforce or support industry partners through educational programs developed by the Fellows.

The program provides substantial professional development, with Fellows receiving 80 hours of training focused on expanding leadership capacity and advancing career opportunities. Each Fellow also receives a $5,000 stipend in recognition of their additional work and commitment.

Selection for the Kenan Fellows Program involves a rigorous process including an application, professional recommendations, and interviews with staff and industry mentors. Candidates are evaluated based on their leadership potential and ability to adapt to evolving educational trends and student needs while collaborating with community partners.

Established in 2000, the Kenan Fellows Program serves as a national model for connecting educators with industry to improve student career awareness and workforce readiness. The

program has built a statewide network of more than 640 Fellows who help shape the next generation of workers and leaders.