Raleigh, NC - The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) proudly congratulates Dr. Jim Brooks of West Wilkes High School in Wilkes County on his selection as one of the 2026-27 NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellows. Brooks 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
A career educator and graduate of Appalachian State University, Dr. Brooks has received numerous honors throughout his career, including being named Teacher of the Year, induction into the Wilkes County Hall of Fame, and receiving the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor. He currently serves as the English Department Chair at West Wilkes High 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 Dr. Jim Brooks on being selected to participate in the NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship," said NCAE President Christina Cole. "We know that the lessons Dr. Brooks takes away from this fellowship will benefit not only the students of West Wilkes High School, but also his fellow educators and students across North Carolina.”
