Six teachers from the Muscogee County School District (MCSD) will attend the prestigious Harvard University Graduate School of Education June 22-26, courtesy of the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation’s (MEEF) Harvard Fellows program. This year’s Harvard Fellows (HF) are:

“These exceptional teachers return from Harvard energized and equipped with powerful strategies that strengthen teaching and learning across our district. They don’t just impact their own classrooms—they share what they’ve learned with colleagues, lead professional development, and serve as leaders in their schools. Their experience creates a ripple effect that benefits students throughout Muscogee County,” said Marquette McKnight, MEEF’s Executive Director.

2025 Harvard Fellow Stacey McClary reflected on the experience, saying, “Being a Harvard Fellow pushes you to think differently about how students learn and how we teach. It’s not about quick fixes or trends. It’s about truly understanding how to help students think deeply, engage meaningfully, and grow with confidence.”

MCSD Superintendent David Lewis praised the continued partnership between MEEF and MCSD. “MEEF remains one of MCSD’s most committed partners, consistently recognizing and uplifting our most exceptional teachers. Through this powerful collaboration, our teachers gain access to world-class professional learning and meaningful growth opportunities at Harvard. This partnership is energizing our entire district and inspiring excellence in every classroom."

Since 2012, MEEF has sent 98 teachers to Harvard and after sending this year’s 6 teachers, (a total of 104 teachers), MEEF will have invested more than $930,000 in classroom teachers through the Harvard Fellows program.

The Fellows are selected from the pool of past MCSD Top Ten Teacher of the Year. Each of the selected teachers will attend the Harvard Graduate School and the Project Zero Classroom where they spend a week with preeminent education scholars and other innovative teachers from around the world. Harvard Fellows enhance their knowledge and expertise to recognize and develop students’ multiple intellectual strengths; encourage students to think critically and creatively; explore instructional methods that deepen student engagement, model intellectual curiosity and rigor, and make learning more visible.