NELA 2027 Cohort

NELA ’27 Fellows

Jacquelyn Bennison

Sponsoring District: Johnston County

Jacquelyn Bennison earned a Bachelor of Arts Education in 2001 from Virginia Wesleyan and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instructional Development Education in 2009 from Averett University. She began her career as an elementary teacher at Sherwood Forest Elementary in Norfolk, VA in 2001 as a 3rd grade teacher before moving to Virginia Beach, where she taught 3rd and 4th grade for 20 years before moving to NC. She currently teaches 5th grade math at River Dell Elementary. In addition to teaching many grade levels for the past 24 years, Jacquelyn has also served as grade level chair, has helped to develop standard-based grading systems, has served as a mentor to new teachers, and has been the math lead for her school. She has received several awards for her outstanding performance with student growth and achievement in addition to being nominated for Teacher of the Year several times. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, shopping, and vacationing at the beach. Jacquelyn can be reached at jbennis@ncsu.edu.

Kaitie Collingwood

Sponsoring District: Johnston County

Kaitie Collingwood graduated magna cum laude from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She decided to follow her passion and pursue a career in education and received her Master of Education degree the following year. Following graduation, she had the opportunity to teach English I, English IV, and yearbook at Utica High School in Ohio for three years before relocating to NC to continue her journey in the classroom. Kaitlyn served as a teacher at South Garner High School in Wake County and taught English I, II, and III, as well as yearbook, and was trained in Sheltered Instruction. She also served as the PLC Lead for English II, the co-chair of the English Department, and was an active member of the School Improvement Team, Staff and Student Empowerment Team, and was recognized as a school finalist for Teacher of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year. Kaitlyn made the transition to middle school in 2022 and taught 21st Century Skills, as well as 8th grade ELA and English I at Innovation Academy in Johnston County. She served as a grade-level chair, a lead teacher for ELA, a member of the School Improvement Team, and was recognized as a finalist for the Flame for Learning award for the 2023-2024 school year. Kaitlyn currently serves as the IB MYP Coordinator and teaches English at Smithfield-Selma High School in Johnston County. Kaitlyn can be reached at kscolli3@ncsu.edu.

Will Edwards

Sponsoring District: Wilson County

Will Edwards earned his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a Minor in Nutrition and a Master of Science in Nutrition, both from NC State University. He was a lateral entry teacher and earned his Professional Teaching License from East Carolina University. A dedicated science educator, he has over a decade of experience teaching and mentoring students. He began his career at James B. Hunt High School, where he was named 2019 Teacher of the Year and a finalist for Wilson County Schools Teacher of the Year. Currently, he serves as an educator at the Wilson Academy of Applied Technology and Nash Community College, fostering critical thinking and 21st-century skills through innovative teaching methods. As an inspiring lifelong learner, he is actively engaged in professional development. He was a Kenan Fellow, gaining hands-on experience in the agricultural industry, and has participated in the RethinkEDU cohort and the RUS Grant program to enhance digital tools for remote learning. In addition to his academic pursuits, he has also coached Track and Field, leading state championship athletes and inspiring excellence both on and off the track. He is also actively involved in his community and currently serves on the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park board. Will can be reached at wcedward@ncsu.edu.

Brittany Ledford

Sponsoring District: Johnston County

Brittany Ledford completed a Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education at East Carolina University and started working for Johnston County Public Schools as a Kindergarten teacher.. Brittany currently works at East Clayton Elementary School, where her students and colleagues have supported her professional growth. Brittany has served as grade level chair for three years and as chair for ECES’ School Improvement Team. She is also a member of the Teacher Advisory Council, being named Teacher of the Month by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce. Brittany can be reached at bledfor@ncsu.edu.

Meagan Parrish

Sponsoring District: Johnston County

Meagan Parrish earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Appalachian State University. During her first years of teaching, she worked at Benson Elementary School in Johnston County. Meagan then moved to West Clayton Elementary and then to East Clayton Elementary. During that time, Meagan earned her Masters in Instructional Technology from East Carolina University. Meagan was an Instructional Technology Facilitator for two years before moving back into the classroom. During that time she participated in the NC Digital Leaders Coaching Network and presented at NCTIES and NCDPI DLC Summer Learning. Meagan is currently the Instructional Coach at West Smithfield Elementary where she has worked for the past six years. She is the AVID Coordinator at West Smithfield and also serves as the Professional Development Coordinator. She is a LETRS Local Facilitator for Johnston County Public Schools. Meagan can be reached at mparris3@ncsu.edu.

Adam Procaccini

Sponsoring District: Johnston County

Adam Procaccini earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, both from Florida Atlantic University. He began his career as an elementary school teacher at Del Prado Elementary in Palm Beach County. Over the past 20 years, Adam has taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, gaining experience across various grades and subjects, including special education, physical education, and behavior/life skills. His diverse teaching background reflects his commitment to student development and success. Dedicated to educational leadership, Adam has actively contributed beyond the classroom by serving on multiple committees and initiatives, including the Parent-Teacher Association, Grade Level Chair, School Advisory Council, Safety Committee, Positive Behavior Committee, School-Wide Testing Coordination, Student Ambassadors Program, and Social Media Coordination. His excellence in education has been recognized through several awards, including the “Thank-A-Teacher” Award, the Highly Effective Teacher designation, and the Certified Employee of the Month. In 2009, Adam expanded his impact by founding a health and wellness business focused on character development. His programs emphasize self-esteem, confidence, team-building, and goal-setting, helping children develop essential life skills. Adam can be reached at acprocac@ncsu.edu.

Emily Shelton

Sponsoring District: Johnston County

Emily Shelton earned her undergraduate degree from Barton College, where she double majored in Communication and Political Science. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Middle and Secondary Education from Appalachian State University. She is deeply committed to the belief that every student can learn and strives to create engaging, meaningful educational experiences for all. Emily’s career in education began with an Early Childhood Certificate from Wake Tech, followed by roles as a Teacher Assistant in Johnston County, working with Pre-K and Kindergarten students. She then transitioned into a lateral entry teaching position at Selma Middle School, where she taught project-based engineering. Over her 10-year tenure at Selma Middle, she has taught Engineering, Social Studies, Science, and is currently teaching Math, bringing an interdisciplinary approach to her teaching. Beyond the classroom, Emily has been a leader at Selma Middle School, serving as Department Chair, Subcommittee Chair, and School Improvement Team Chair. She has led multiple digital learning professional development sessions and chaired the committee that secured Selma Middle’s designation as a National Schools to Watch institution. She also wrote and directed Selma Middle’s first student play, started the school’s Lego League, and led the Go MAD (Make A Difference) Club. Additionally, she has expanded STEM education opportunities by leading a cybersecurity summer course for teens. Emily can be reached at erjamies@ncsu.edu.

Alyssa Stafford

Sponsoring District: Edgecombe County

Alyssa Stafford earned a Bachelor degree in History Secondary Education from Appalachian State University in 2011 and a Master’s in Education in Curriculum & Instruction from East Carolina University in 2019. She began her career as a high school History teacher in January 2012 at SouthWest Edgecombe High School, where she continues to serve. She has taught all the core Social Studies, AP U.S. History, AP U.S. Government & Politics, and English II. Alyssa has also served in ancillary leadership roles such as coach, beginning teacher mentor, department chair, club advisor, and School Improvement Team chair. Since returning to school post-pandemic, she has been an instrumental player in two school redesign and resilience partnerships focused on improving and transforming the school experience for all students. Most recently, Alyssa was awarded the NC Council for the School Studies High School History Teacher of the Year in 2024 due to her unwavering dedication to the field of Social Studies. Alyssa can be reached at alstaff3@ncsu.edu.