Muscogee Teachers Earn Spots in Harvard Fellowship Program

Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation invests $56,000 to send six teachers to Harvard University's Graduate School of Education.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation (MEEF) is sending six teachers from the Muscogee County School District to attend Harvard University's Graduate School of Education June 22-26 through its Harvard Fellows program. MEEF is investing $56,000 to provide this professional development opportunity for the selected teachers, who were chosen from the pool of past MCSD Top Ten Teacher of the Year honorees.

Why it matters

The Harvard Fellows program aims to help teachers develop strategies for recognizing and nurturing students' diverse intellectual strengths, encouraging critical and creative thinking, deepening student engagement, and making learning more visible. By investing in this program, MEEF is empowering exceptional teachers to strengthen teaching and learning across the Muscogee County School District.

The details

The six 2026 Harvard Fellows will spend a week at the Harvard Graduate School and the Project Zero Classroom, learning from education scholars and teachers from around the world. Upon returning, the fellows will share what they've learned with colleagues, lead professional development, and serve as leaders in their schools, creating a ripple effect that benefits students throughout the district.

  • The 2026 Harvard Fellows program will take place June 22-26, 2026.
  • Since 2012, MEEF has sent 98 teachers to Harvard, and with this year's six fellows, the total will reach 104 teachers.

The players

Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation (MEEF)

A nonprofit organization that partners with the Muscogee County School District to recognize and support exceptional teachers.

Muscogee County School District (MCSD)

The public school district serving Columbus, Georgia and the surrounding area.

Marquette McKnight

The Executive Director of the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation.

David Lewis

The Superintendent of the Muscogee County School District.

Stacey McClary

A 2025 Harvard Fellow and teacher in the Muscogee County School District.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Marquette McKnight, Executive Director, Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation (WTVM)

“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.”

— Stacey McClary, 2025 Harvard Fellow (WTVM)

“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.”

— David Lewis, Superintendent, Muscogee County School District (WTVM)

What’s next

The six 2026 Harvard Fellows will attend the program at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education from June 22-26, 2026.

The takeaway

The Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation's investment in sending exceptional teachers to the Harvard Fellows program demonstrates a commitment to empowering educators and driving excellence in the Muscogee County School District. By providing access to world-class professional development, MEEF is creating a ripple effect that benefits students throughout the community.