I’m enthused to announce my completion of NELA’s Principal Preparation Program! As of May 3rd, I’ll be a NC State Alumnus

Dr. Donnell Cannon (NELA Cohort IV) serves as Executive Director of Maureen Joy Charter School. MJCS is profiled in the Canopy Project, which is a collaborative effort to advance equity and student-centered learning. ednc.org/04-10-2024-the…

Crystal Cahill (Durham 2022) is Durham Public Schools AP of the Year. We admire her hard work and dedication!

Rachel Brackney (Wolf/NELA 2025) and NC Teacher of the Year nominee was featured in an article in the Rocky Mount Telegram. We are inspired by her emphasis on building meaningful relationships and advocacy for meeting students’ needs. rockymounttelegram.com/features/local…

Happy National Assistant Principals Week from the NELA Project Team! We are filled with joy knowing that thousands of students are served by a NELA Assistant Principal. You are changing lives!

Melissa Denton (NELA 2022 Cohort) has been nominated for Nash County Schools AP of the Year. Congratulations, Melissa!

Our Wolf/NELA, Tuffy, and Red/Wake 2025 Cohorts traveled to the ASCD conference in Washington, DC. We look forward to seeing how our students apply their learning at their schools! #ASCD24

TOY State finalist. 💙🐾. Proud of Rae Brackney — I’ve learned a tremendous amount working with her at the two schools we’ve served together. She is now in the NC State’s Cohort of Principal Fellows to increase her influence. #NCTOYPOY
NC State College of Education NC Principal Fellows Program

Dr. Bonnie Fusarelli (Distinguished Professor and NELA Director) co-presented with Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond and Delia Arancibia (Principal from California) at a NASBE Webinar on States’ Role in Developing Effective Principals. Well done, Bonnie!

Erica Dale (WPLP 2020), Kacheckia Dewitt (Cumberland 2022), and Brandon Lucas (NELA 2022) are all members of the NCPAPA AP Accelerator Cohort!

Part of the NELA Wake ‘24 cohort representing our residency sites at today’s Wake County Public School System job fair.
We love sharing about our wonderful schools & finding great staff to join our communities!

Michael Warholik (Durham/Wake 2023) serves as Assistant Principal at Conn Elementary, which was named one of the Top 10 Magnet Schools in the country by Magnet Schools of America. Way to go!

We’re pleased to share that Mario Jackson, NELA Graduate Assistant, successfully defended his dissertation today. Congratulations, Dr. Mario Jackson!! 🎉

So thankful that our leadership training from NELA prepared us for this important work 🍎

Great to see ⁦NELA⁩ grad NC Principal of the Year ⁦Matt Bristow-Smith⁩ & getting to meet his former student, ⁦NC State College of Education⁩ Transformational Scholar Josh Webb.

Such an impactful weekend. ❤️
Thankful to have these amazing humans along on this journey with me.

“If you don’t tell your story, someone else will.”

Exciting news! We are thrilled to share that our Red/Wake (2025) Cohort Director successfully defended her dissertation today. Congratulations, Dr. Claudia Smith!!

Our Red/Wake, Tuffy, and Wolf/NELA Cohorts (2025) participated in Digital Storytelling/Self as Leader, a signature NELA training, which blends technology with narrative. Fellows reflect on their 'why' they want to become school leaders.

We love seeing our graduates together! Ashantee McKelley, Lakeisha Bradley, Quantisha Spencer, Carrie Blanchard, Tracy Hill, LaTara Ray, and Danielle Bell are all members of our Cumberland Cohort 2022.

Was sent these pictures of these ⁦NELA⁩ grads hanging out with ⁦Mellotta Hill⁩ at ⁦Cumberland County Schools⁩ AP Leadership session yesterday. Proud of Dr Hill, Danielle, ⁦Marissa Fux⁩ ⁦Stephen Hall⁩ & ⁦Emily Richards⁩