Raleigh, NC - The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) proudly congratulates Melody McGarrahan of Avery’s Creek Elementary School in Buncombe County on her selection as one of the 2026-27 NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellows. McGarrahan is one of two North Carolina educators selected for the year-long fellowship program, which is designed to enhance educators’ knowledge and skills to integrate global competency into daily classroom instruction, advocate for global competency in their schools and districts, and help students thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
An educator and musician, McGarrahan has received numerous honors, including the National Music Educator Achievement Award from Yale University, and was named Teacher of the Year while working in Asheville City Schools. She currently serves as a music specialist at Avery’s Creek Elementary School.
The 2026-27 Fellows will participate in online coursework and webinars, a two-day professional development conference in Washington, D.C., and a 10-day summer field study in Peru. Upon completion of the program, the fellows will join an active network of more than 550 educator alumni who support one another’s continued growth and leadership in global education.
“We are proud to congratulate Melody McGarrahan on being selected to participate in the NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship," said NCAE President Christina Cole. "This is a tremendous opportunity, and we know that what she takes away from the fellowship will benefit the students at her school and the wider community in Buncombe County.”
