The North Carolina Public School Forum’s Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity, in collaboration with Leading EDge Learning and the Appalachian State GEAR UP Partnership, is proud to announce the launch of the second cohort of the Rural Leaders Teacher Network West (RTLN West) for the 2025–2026 school year.
This initiative brings together a diverse group of teacher leaders from across western North Carolina, representing the mountain and foothill regions, to engage in a year-long professional learning experience centered on opportunity, access, teacher leadership, student-centered approaches, and education policy.
“Rural educators have long been the backbone of their communities,” said Thesera Gibson, co-founder, Leading EDge Learning. “Through RTLN West, we aim to cultivate teacher-leaders who are not only exceptional classroom practitioners but also attuned members of their rural communities; equipped and committed to advocate and innovate, ensuring every student in western North Carolina has access to a high-quality, responsive education.”
About the Rural Leaders Teacher Network (RTLN)
The Rural Leaders Teacher Network (RTLN) is a signature initiative of the NC Public School Forum’s Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity, designed to elevate and empower teachers in rural communities. Building upon the success of the Rural Leaders Teacher Network East, this western cohort continues the statewide effort to develop educators as change agents who can lead from within their classrooms, schools, and communities.
Through an intensive, cohort-based learning model, participants explore issues impacting rural education and collaborate to design practical, sustainable solutions. The program is rooted in collective care, community-based leadership, and educational access—reflecting the Flood Center’s commitment to ensuring every student has access to meaningful opportunities for success.
A Regional Collaboration with Impact
The Appalachian State GEAR UP Partnership, serving seventeen counties across western North Carolina, plays a vital role in supporting this cohort by connecting teacher leadership to broader goals of postsecondary access and success. Through this collaboration, the cohort bridges the work of policy and practice – theory and application – ensuring that teachers are equipped to advocate for the needs of their communities while fostering meaningful, opportunity-rich learning environments for their students.
The 2025–2026 RTLN West Cohort will participate in a year-long, four-strand learning arc designed to cultivate opportunity, equity, and leadership within rural schools. Through the Opportunity and Access strand, participants will explore what it means to ensure every student has equal pathways to success. The Student-Centered Approaches strand will empower teachers to implement resilience-based practices that build awareness, engagement, and belonging while honoring the assets students bring to the classroom. Within the Policy strand, educators will deepen their understanding of how laws, funding, and governance shape rural education by examining state and federal legislation, conducting policy analysis, and developing actionable advocacy plans. Finally, the Teacher Leadership strand will support participants in defining their spheres of influence, leading professional learning in their districts, and building a connected network of educators committed to advancing opportunity and access for all rural students across western North Carolina.
“We believe that teachers are the heartbeat of rural communities,” said Rachel Nave-Lewis, Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Appalachian State GEAR UP Partnership. “The Rural Leaders Teacher Network West creates a space for educators to collaboratively share their expertise, amplify student voice, and co-grow as leaders who understand both the classroom and the broader systems that shape it.”
Meet the 2025–2026 Cohort
This year’s cohort includes educators representing districts across western North Carolina, including Ashe, Burke, Catawba, Clay, Jackson, Macon, McDowell, Watauga, and Wilkes Counties. Each member brings a unique perspective and commitment to rural education. Learn more about them below:
| Alicia Abernathy, Burke County Schools | Krystal Luce, Catawba County Schools |
| Danielle Barter, Clay County Schools | Kristin Menickelli, Jackson County Schools |
| Carly Borchelt, Jackson County Schools | Tosha Ramsey, McDowell County Schools |
| Jesse Carswell, Watauga County Schools | Tara Robinson, Clay County Schools |
| Debra Cloer, Macon County Schools | Mary Shomaker, McDowell County Schools |
| Tonya Denny, Ashe County Schools | Lindsey Stamey, Burke County Schools |
| Laura Dunsworth, Macon County Schools | Sharon M. Strong, Burke County Schools |
| Jessica Esposito, Catawba County Schools | Adrienne Stumb, Watauga County Schools |
| Jennifer Estes, Wilkes County Schools | Fransisca Thiery, Jackson County Schools |
| Keri Hemrick, Watauga County Schools | Dacia Trethewey, Watauga County Schools |
| Tara Hinkle, Wilkes County Schools | Karen Walter, Catawba County Schools |
| Brooke Keling, Clay County Schools | Dr. Rebekkah Watkins, Jackson County Schools |
| Brian Krause, McDowell County Schools | Jamie Hickman Wilson, Watauga County Schools |
| Jason Lampert, Catawba County Schools | Chandler Woody, BurkeCounty Schools |
| Erin Leatherman, McDowell County Schools | Susan Yergler, McDowellCounty Schools |
| Anna Lowman, Burke County Schools |
“This experience has already changed how I see my role—not just as a teacher, but as a leader for my students and community,” said one RTLN West participant. “It’s powerful to collaborate with others who share the same vision for rural education.”
Looking Ahead
The RTLN West Cohort will meet throughout the 2025–2026 academic year for regional convenings, community-based learning experiences, and professional collaborations. Participants will also engage with policy leaders, advocacy organizations, and postsecondary partners to strengthen rural educator voice across the state.
About the Partners
NC Public School Forum / Dudley Flood Center for Educational Equity and Opportunity
The Dudley Flood Center works to ensure that every child in North Carolina has the opportunity to receive a high-quality, equal access education by building bridges between educators, policymakers, and communities.
Appalachian State GEAR UP Partnership
Serving seventeen western NC counties, the GEAR UP program increases the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education through systemic school improvement, family engagement, and academic innovation.
Leading EDge Learning
A professional learning organization supporting educators in leadership development, instructional innovation, and community engagement through research-based frameworks and networked learning models.
“Our goal is to ensure that every teacher in North Carolina—regardless of location—has the resources, knowledge, and support to lead change from where they are,” said Nancy Mangum, co-founder, Leading EDge Learning.