ROBESON COUNTY — The Public Schools of Robeson County (PSRC) proudly announces that Denise Parker, who serves as an academic coach at Rowland-Norment Elementary School, has been chosen to join the 2025–2026 Rural Teacher Leadership Network (RTLN).
Parker is one of only 36 educators across 10 counties selected for this year’s prestigious cohort. Through this opportunity, she will deepen her practice, strengthen teacher leadership and collaborate with peers to build a durable rural educator community that benefits students across Eastern North Carolina.
The RTLN program, led by the Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity & Opportunity at the Public School Forum of North Carolina, provides sustained, high-quality professional learning for rural educators. Over the course of the school year, participants will engage in cohort-based sessions, peer exchanges and applied learning experiences that focus on:
Trauma-informed practices
Equitable access and opportunity
Teacher leadership and advocacy
Building stronger school communities
“Rural educators deserve the same sustained, high-quality professional learning as their peers in larger school systems,” said Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith, Senior Director of the Dudley Flood Center. “RTLN delivers that support in a cohort model—centering opportunity, access, trauma-informed practice, and building a peer community that keeps great educators in our rural schools.”
Parker shared her excitement about the opportunity.
“I look forward to representing PSRC in the 2025-2026 Cohort of the Rural Teacher Leadership Network,” she said.
“As I strengthen my leadership skills through this professional learning initiative, I hope to gain a peer community of teacher leaders within our state that will focus on building stronger school communities,” Parker added.
Her selection reflects both her commitment to educational excellence and her leadership within the Public Schools of Robeson County.
“We are incredibly proud of Ms. Parker and excited to see her represent PSRC on this statewide stage,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson. “Her leadership and passion for students exemplify the excellence of our educators and the promise of our district.”
The 2025–26 cohort was made possible by a generous grant from the Anonymous Trust and includes educators from Bladen, Lenoir, Wayne, Duplin, Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson, Sampson, and Onslow Counties, as well as Clinton City Schools. More than 50 educators applied, with only 36 chosen through a rigorous selection process.
“We congratulate Ms. Parker on this outstanding achievement and look forward to the positive impact of her work in the Rural Teacher Leadership Network,” Dr. Williamson said.