BCSD parenting expert named as National Parent Educator of the Year 2024-25
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2024
BEAUFORT – Linda Freeman took the stage with a powerful presence as she accepted the National Parent Educator of the Year Award at the 2024 Parents as Teachers International Conference in San Diego, CA. This award highlights her relentless commitment to empowering families and driving their children's early development.
As a Parents as Teachers parent educator in the Beaufort County School District (BCSD) Office of Early Childhood, Freeman stood before 2,000 early childhood development professionals, a clear testament to her impact in the field. She seized this moment to express her profound gratitude, emphasizing that nothing fuels her passion more than witnessing parents gain confidence and enhance their abilities.
“I am truly honored and humbled by this recognition of the work that I am passionate about,” Freeman asserted. “Being a parent educator for the past 26 years is not merely a job; it’s a powerful way to serve others and create impactful change in our communities. I accept this award on behalf of the exceptional team I work with daily to strengthen families through Parents as Teachers.”
Superintendent Frank Rodriguez, commended Freeman’s unwavering dedication to transforming the lives of children and families throughout Beaufort County. In acknowledgment of her, Rodriguez articulated Freeman’s dedication with conviction. “Linda deserves this award for her tireless work and countless hours dedicated to helping children achieve their full potential,” Rodriguez emphasized. “As a parent educator, she focuses on serving others and making a meaningful difference in the world.”
Freeman has been a certified parent educator with the Beaufort County School District Parents as Teachers program for 26 years and the school district for the past 28 years. She holds a degree in early childhood education. She said her love for all children inspired her to be a parent educator. It has been her life's work to help families in her community build a solid foundation and support system to foster early childhood success.
“Linda empowers families to set and achieve goals to build upon best parenting practices,” said Dr. Rebecca Stempel, Coordinator of Early Childhood & Parent Education with the Beaufort County School District. “She provides high-quality early learning experiences to help children reach developmental milestones. Through her strong partnership with local agencies, Linda connects families to resources to help them thrive and overcome barriers to accessing those services.”
Linda Freeman accepts the National Parent Educator of the Year Award alongside (from left) Parents as Teachers Adriann-Adams Gulley, vice president and chief financial officer; Mark Ginsberg, chair, board of directors, Constance Gully, president and CEO, Freeman, and board members Sean Doherty, vice president of Education at the Missouri Botanical Garden, and Wendy Schwalbe, Wisconsin Parents as Teachers State Leader at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee.
Parents as Teachers is an international program that connects parents and caregivers with skilled professionals known as Parent Educators. These educators conduct regular home visits during a child’s formative years, providing essential support in early childhood education and parenting skills. Freeman has completed all required Parents as Teachers training and actively participates in ongoing professional development to enhance her practice. She champions outreach efforts for children and families and has significantly contributed to district early childhood initiatives like the Traveling Preschool Bus, Child Find, and the Sheldon Township Forum.
Supporting video footage: https://youtu.be/6SsiA15-Nn0