Rachel Culbreth, a second grade teacher at Polk Central Elementary, has been selected as a member of the 2026–27 Kenan Fellows cohort – the second consecutive year that a Polk County Schools educator has earned the prestigious designation.
Culbreth’s fellowship project, Towards a Hospitable World, will be supported by mentor organization Biltmore Farms and sponsored by Meta. As part of her yearlong fellowship, she will participate in an immersive summer externship, complete 80 hours of professional leadership development, receive $5,000 in support funding and develop a capstone project connecting her industry experience to classroom practice. She will also join a statewide network of more than 680 Kenan Fellows alumni.
The honor continues a remarkable run for a district of Polk County’s size. The 2025–26 cohort included both Rebekah Morse of Polk Central Elementary and Tiffany Dennis of PEAK After School – meaning Polk County Schools has now placed teachers in the Kenan Fellows program in back-to-back years, a distinction few similarly-sized districts in North Carolina can claim.
“Rachel’s selection as a Kenan Fellow is a reflection of the exceptional educators we are fortunate to have in Polk County Schools,” said Superintendent Todd Murphy. “For a district our size to consistently place teachers in this program speaks volumes about the depth of talent and leadership in our classrooms. Rachel embodies our belief that investing in our teachers means investing directly in our students, and we couldn’t be more proud of her.”
Culbreth, who teaches second grade, said the fellowship represents a turning point in her professional growth.
“This opportunity is a milestone in my professional journey,” Culbreth said. “I look forward to the growth and collaboration with peers and industry partners it offers. I am hopeful that bringing these experiences – in addition to the tools and knowledge I gain from the professional development Kenan offers – will enhance learning outcomes for my students.
“I teach second grade, but sharing with them the idea that their education means something and will impact their future is hugely important to me as I strive to create lifelong learners.”
The 2026–27 Kenan Fellows cohort is the program’s most geographically expansive class in its 26-year history, with 36 teachers representing 27 North Carolina counties and, for the first time, two Fellows based in Virginia. The cohort spans K-12 educators with expertise in science, CTE, social studies, mathematics, ELA and general education, with summer externships across industries including agriculture, energy, biotechnology, computer science and resiliency.
“We are proud to welcome the 2026–27 Kenan Fellows,” said Vance Kite, director of the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership. “This cohort is a testament to the strength of North Carolina’s educators and to the growing reach of what this program can do.”
