ARBORO, NC – Two teachers from Edgecombe County Public Schools have been selected to participate in the Northeast Leadership Academy (NELA). Michael Casey and DeNeasha Strother were recently named NELA Cohort VI Fellows.
NELA is a principal preparation program designed to develop highly skilled school leaders. Since 2010, North Carolina State University and a consortium of 13 rural, high-need school districts in northeast North Carolina have worked in partnership through NELA.
Applicants to NELA complete a rigorous selection process, including a day-long experiential assessment day to identify individuals who are passionate, energetic, and effective educators committed to improving the performance of all students.
The selected Fellows receive substantial benefits including a full scholarship, paid internships, conference travel, textbooks, and technology materials. They earn a North Carolina school principal license and a Master of School Administration degree. Graduates make a three-year post degree commitment to lead high-need schools in northeast North Carolina.
“Each component of NELA is anchored in research-based best practices in leadership preparation and is designed to meet the specific leadership needs of schools in the northeast counties,” said Dr. Bonnie Fusarelli, Director of NELA.
Casey earned a Bachelor of Music degree in music education from SUNY Fredonia and a Master of Music degree in music education from Kent State University. He currently teaches general music and is the Chorus and Band Director at Martin Millennium Academy. Additionally, he serves as the Lead Band Director for the district.
Strother earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from North Carolina Wesleyan College. She served as an advanced placement biology teacher and science department chair at Tarboro High School before transferring to Martin Millennium Academy. She currently teaches sixth-grade science.