RALEIGH — The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) today honored Brian Freeman, Principal of Peterson Elementary in Red Springs, with its “Principal of the Year” Award.
Principal Freeman was honored at a school presentation this morning and will be honored again at the Robeson County School Board Meeting this evening.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized as NCAE Principal of the Year,” Freeman said.
Freeman serves as a principal at the same elementary school he once attended as a student. In fact, the school is situated in his hometown of Red Springs, where he currently resides.
“The work is very personal. I want the kids in my neighborhood to be successful,” he said. “I have a great opportunity to make a difference in my own community and I feel like these kids are counting on me to lead them on the path to academic success.”
Principal Freeman has had a long and distinguished career as an educator, leader, and advocate for public education. In addition to leading schools, he is a former Robeson County School Board member, Town Commissioner, NCAE Board member, teacher, and Governor’s Teacher Advisory Committee member.
Among many of his achievements, Principal Freeman’s recent implementation of the school-wide Scholars Only initiative has helped to increase student motivation and academic achievement at Peterson Elementary. His academic leadership in the pursuit of excellence was a major contributor to winning this year’s award.
“Congratulations to Principal Brian Freeman for his commitment to educational excellence and his leadership among education professionals,” said Tamika Walker Kelly, NCAE President. “NCAE members like Principal Freeman are the administrators, teachers, and support staff who lead excellent public schools and are preparing the next generation for a future we cannot even imagine.”
The NCAE Principal of the Year Award is presented annually by the NCAE Division of Principals/Administrators to recognize outstanding contributions to staff, students, and public education by NCAE members who work in administrative roles. Nominees are judged on professional practice, advocacy for the profession, community engagement, and leadership skills.
Dr. Freddie Williamson, who serves as Superintendent for the Public Schools of Robeson County, congratulated Freeman for the prestigious recognition.
“On behalf of the Public Schools of Robeson County, I would like to congratulate Principal Freeman on this outstanding achievement that speaks for his leadership and commitment to student success. Mr. Freeman is passionate about serving students at Peterson Elementary School, engaging the community and creating a positive learning environment for all students at his school,” Dr. Williamson said.
NCAE is North Carolina’s leading voice for educational excellence, for children and their families, and for the public schools they count on. As the largest association of professional educators in North Carolina, our membership extends to all 100 counties and includes teachers, non-classified school staff, administrators, students, retirees, and community allies. NCAE believes that every child has a right to a high-quality education, an excellent teacher, and a well-funded school.
This press release was written mostly by NCAE. It has been reproduced and shared with permission.
Peterson Elementary Principal Brian Freeman stands Tuesday with students and NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly following a special ceremony at the school where he was presented the North Carolina Association of Educators Principal of the Year Award.