Dunbar: Edelman Fellowship experience was 'transformative'

Kevin Dunbar used the opportunity afforded to him through the Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellowship to deepen his expertise as an elementary media specialist for Duval County Public Schools by exploring new trends, resources, and best practices in literacy education.

The Fellowship provides up to $6,500 for an individual teacher or $10,000 for a team of teachers to pursue professional learning opportunities. For more information on the Edelman Fellowship, visit edelmanfellowship.org.

JPEF asked Mr. Dunbar to share some thoughts from his experience as an Edelman Fellow.

What was the 'dream experience' you were pursuing?

The application required a detailed project proposal explaining how the Fellowship would benefit my professional growth and, ultimately, my students. I focused on blending literacy and media, aligning the experience with my long-term goals. This allowed me to create a customized, high-impact learning opportunity beyond traditional classroom settings.

Share your overall experience—was there anything that surprised you or stood out as a key learning moment?

My overall experience was eye-opening, inspiring, and transformative. While I expected to gain knowledge from conference sessions, the most surprising and rewarding aspect was the mentorship and networking opportunities.

A standout moment was attending a late-night event at the FAME Conference, where I found myself in the company of renowned authors, illustrators, and literacy advocates. As one of the few Black male librarians in my district, it was incredibly empowering to be in a space with leaders who openly shared their insights, experiences, and encouragement.

A key learning moment was realizing the power of representation in literacy. Many of the students I serve lack exposure to educators who look like them in this field. Engaging with professionals who have successfully merged literacy, media, and storytelling reinforced my commitment to creating inclusive and engaging reading experiences for students.

What was your favorite part of the trip?

My favorite part of the trip was meeting award-winning author Jerry Craft. Hearing his story, learning about his creative process, and discussing the impact of diverse storytelling was incredibly meaningful. As an aspiring author myself, it was inspiring to engage in these conversations firsthand.

Additionally, I loved the interactive workshops and technology integration sessions that provided hands-on learning experiences. These sessions equipped me with practical strategies that I can immediately bring back to my school.

Beyond the structured learning, the personal connections I made were invaluable. Exchanging contact information with literacy leaders and fellow media specialists provided a strong network of support and collaboration moving forward.

Overall, this Fellowship has not only sharpened my skills as an educator but also empowered me to create meaningful, transformative literacy experiences for my students.