Teaching Fellowship at Eagle Rock School: Mackensi’s Journey of Growth and Impact

Eagle Rock School’s teaching fellowship program offers a unique professional development opportunity for educators eager to grow while making a transformative impact. For Mackensi Crenshaw, a 2022-2023 Fellow, the experience was a turning point in her career, equipping her with the skills and confidence to thrive in a forward-thinking school environment. Now teaching at Francis Parker School in Louisville, Kentucky, Mackensi reflects on how her time at Eagle Rock has shaped her approach to education and community building.

From Fellowship to Leadership

Mackensi joined Eagle Rock to explore the type of educational environment where she could make the most impact. The fellowship provided a platform for her to design curricula, receive constructive feedback, and develop her teaching practice in a supportive setting.

This experience laid the foundation for her current role at Francis Parker School, a progressive independent school with 170 students. There, Mackensi wears many hats, teaching English, coaching basketball and volleyball, directing senior projects, and supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Her ability to navigate these multifaceted responsibilities stems from the preparation and growth she experienced at Eagle Rock.

The Changemakers Cohort Connection

Mackensi’s school is part of the Changemaker Cohort, an initiative aimed at supporting progressive schools in fostering student engagement and community connection. Supporting faculty member Dr. TuNice Cole and student Leda, Mackensi’s involvement as a member of the collective leadership council has allowed her to help implement projects that reflect the values she embraced during her fellowship.

Inspired by Eagle Rock’s advisory model, she helped introduce new morning meeting rituals at Francis Parker, creating a space for students and staff to connect and collaborate. These sessions have become a highlight of the school day, encouraging open dialogue and stronger relationships within the school community.

Additionally, initiatives like community lunches, where faculty and students share meals together, hope to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment. A central school calendar, suggested by students, has also improved visibility and engagement with school events, further strengthening the sense of community and creating tangible benefits for students who are more engaged and excited to participate in school life.

A Testament to Eagle Rock’s Mission

Mackensi’s journey highlights the transformative power of Eagle Rock’s teaching fellowship program. By empowering educators to innovate, connect, and lead, the program aligns with Eagle Rock’s mission of fostering equity and opportunity through education.

Educators who participate in the fellowship leave with more than just professional growth—they gain the ability to inspire change in their schools and communities. Mackensi’s work at Francis Parker is a testament to the long-lasting impact of this program, showing how one experience can ripple out to create meaningful change.

For educators passionate about educational innovation, student engagement, and professional development, Eagle Rock’s teaching fellowship program offers a transformative opportunity. Fellows gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and the chance to shape their teaching philosophy in a dynamic environment.

Applications for the next fellowship cohort are now open. Visit our Fellowship Page to learn more about this life-changing program and start your journey toward becoming a changemaker in education.