Peer Learning Networks build connections among educators, researchers, and thought leaders to affect sustained change in education through improved policy and practice. Networks provide a support and advocacy structure as well as a common voice. Through a network, members can work together to address what they would otherwise have to address independently. Well-designed networks focus on relationship building, alignment of member goals and priorities, and activities that support member-driven outcomes. These activities may include identifying and addressing common issues, policy analysis, and disseminating research. RTI acts as a broker between agencies, filtering key content and summarizing information for members to support informed decision-making and intentional action. Effective networks provide value to its members through connection, sharing, learning, and collaboration.

Group of people working together at a table

RTI’s approach to developing and facilitating networks focuses on three overarching goals:

  • Solution Development – Members identify essential dilemmas, define outcomes, and collaboratively create and implement plans to address issues.

  • Professional Growth – Members deepen expertise and skill sets that improve student outcomes and contribute to the overall health and performance of schools, districts, agencies, institutions, and other organizations.

  • Network Performance – Networks are seen by members as providing significant value in the form of peer support, increased exposure to expertise and new learning, and the generation and sharing of resources that enhance their ability to address existing and future challenges.

Project Examples


RTI partners with innovative schools, districts, states, and organizations to address education challenges. Here we highlight two of those partnerships.

Alternative Learning Programs and Schools Network

RTI collaborates with the SERVE Center at UNC-Greensboro to support the North Carolina Alternative Learning Programs and Schools Network. To best serve their populations of students who are at-risk, alternative school leaders must navigate a series of organizational challenges. The challenges range from staffing qualified personnel to engaging families as partners after years/generations of negative schooling experiences. With member leadership in mind, RTI facilitates a planning and design process to amplify best practices through an engaged community that works to end negative perceptions and professional isolation while addressing critical problems of practice.

North Carolina Large District Consortium

The North Carolina Large District Consortium (NCLDC) consists of 12 public school districts that represent more than 50% of the student population in North Carolina. Almost half of their student population qualifies for free and reduced-price lunch, and nearly 60% are students of color. The NCLDC works to improve outcomes for students by providing school district leaders with resources to deepen their knowledge, build new skills, and implement evidence-based strategies that improve teaching and learning. The NCLDC acts as a peer learning network for superintendents and chief academic officers. RTI facilitates this community of practice to address the most challenging issues that face district leaders. The NCLDC convenes National experts, shares promising practices, and advocates for solutions with state policy leaders.

Peer Learning Network Experts


Our Education Services team is led by former teachers, principals, administrators, policy experts, and strategists who have the practical experience to translate ideas into action.

Frank McKay

Frank McKay

Education Consultant

Center for Education Services

Frank McKay brings more than 25 years of experience in U.S. public education and international settings to his work as an education consultant at RTI...

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Expert in Stem Education

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Expert in Inquiry and Project-based Learning

Jennifer Preston

Jennifer Preston

Education Consultant

Center for Education Services

Jennifer Preston is an educational consultant with the Center for Education Services at RTI. Preston has spent her career in positions that combine advocacy...

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Expert in Policy Development & Analysis

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Expert in Peer Learning Networks