True to our mission of connecting educators and industries, Reigniting Teacher Passion welcomes all educators to experience the impactful learning opportunities that have shaped Kenan Fellows.
Overview
What to Expect
An immersive learning experience that will leave you refreshed and ready for the new school year.
- The Spark Session — A panel discussion designed to inspire and reignite your passion for teaching.
- Concurrent sessions on a variety of trending topics in education delivered by teachers for teachers.
- TED Talk-style Sessions, called Kenan Flows
- Byte-sized PD — Get quick teacher tips you can implement right away.
- Ed Camp Sessions — You choose the topics and lead the discussions with peers.
- Tech playground — An opportunity to play with the latest tech.
- Professional Share Fair featuring exhibitors focused on connection, not commerce. All resources are provided for free.
- Site visits with local industry partners — Get a behind-the-scenes tour of diverse businesses.
Agenda at a glance
August 3, 2026 – Main Conference
- Conference | 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Networking Event for Kenan Fellows and Alumni
6:30 – 9:00 p.m. Starpoint Brewing in Durham (Alumni-only event)
August 4, 2026 – Site Visits + Debrief
- Site visits to local industries | 9:00 a.m.-11 a.m.
- Kenan Fellows Flow + Debriefing Sessions | Noon – 3:00 p.m
- Ted Talk-style sessions
- Time for debriefing to help you build a plan to take everything you learned back to your classroom.
Visit our agenda page for details.
Venue
William and Ida Friday Center
100 Friday Center Drive
Campus Box 1020
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1020
919-962-3000
Hotel Accommodations
Courtyard by Marriott Chapel Hill
100 Marriott Way, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Courtyard by Marriott is near the conference center and is offering a group rate of $149 a night. Reserve on the website.
Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill/Durham
6121 Farrington Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel at 919-403-8700 and mentioning the group code 91B or KFP Reigniting Teacher Passion Conference before July 3, 2026, to receive the discounted group rate of $129 a night.
The rate includes complimentary breakfast and free WiFi. Online reservations can be made using the following link:
Available Rooms – Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill/Durham Area
The Spark Session
Plenary Panel Discussion
Every teacher has a story. In The Spark Session, Kenan Fellows alumni come together to share the moments that tested them, inspired them, and what keeps them in the profession. Come ready to listen, reflect, and leave reignited.
Deborah Mangum (Moderator)
Driven by a passion for inspiring greatness in others, Deborah spent 20 years in public education and is the founding director of the Kenan Fellows Program. Building on her commitment to cultivating potential, she launched an international executive coaching company, where she coached leaders across diverse industries.
She now serves on the Kenan Fellows Program Board of Advisors and is the 2026 Chair of the American Heart Association Go Red initiative.
Anita Rubino-Thomas
(Panelist)
Anita is the Burroughs Welcome 2024 Northeast Regional Teacher of the Year. She is a 2022-23 Kenan Fellow and teaches in Currituck County Schools.
Her work focuses on visual arts, AP Capstone, AIG students and coaching at Currituck County High School, where she is blessed to work with amazing students supported by strong community ties.
Rebekah Morse
(Panelist)
Rebekah has taught for 11 years in her hometown district, Polk County. She is a 2025-26 Kenan Fellow and was awarded an NCCAT Honored Educator scholarship in 2023.
She completed two Project-Based Learning experiences through RootEd. In conjunction with her RootEd projects, her school was named “Year of the Trail School” in 2023 by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Elijah Watson
(Panelist)
Elijah is the executive director and founder of the S.T.A.R.S. Math and English Academy. He is a 2023-24 Kenan Fellow and a National Board Certified Career and Technical Education teacher with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
In addition, Elijah received the Our Children’s Hero Award presented by the Black Child Development Institute Charlotte in 2022.
Al Donaldson
(Panelist)
Al, a 2019-20 Kenan Fellow, teaches high school English with Durham Public Schools. He has been teaching for over 20 years and has won numerous accolades.
He also serves as a member of the Kenan Fellows Program Board of Advisors and is a former member of the Kenan Fellows Program faculty.
