Beckie Spears Awarded 2024 Principal of the Year
In an inspiring ceremony held at the Umstead Hotel, Beckie Spears, the principal of Wilkesboro Elementary School, has been honored as the 2024 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year. This accolade recognizes Spears’ significant contributions to the school’s performance and culture over the past five years, which resulted in the school surpassing expected growth during the 2022-2023 academic year.
Under Spears’ leadership, a data-driven approach has been adopted to enhance teaching strategies, ensuring that all students’ needs are met through collaborative efforts. Her dedication extends beyond academics, focusing on addressing the basic needs of families in the community.
North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt praised Spears, stating, “Mrs. Spears does a beautiful job balancing instructional and organizational leadership alongside the student, staff and community relationships needed to effectively lead her school.” Truitt highlighted the positive impact Spears has had on the Wilkesboro Elementary community.
Spears emphasized in her Principal of the Year portfolio the importance of maintaining a focus on both social and academic learning. “It sounds simple enough, but staying focused on learning can be a challenge,” she explained. Spears pointed out that diverse student needs and changing educational standards can complicate this mission, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of students, families, and staff to empower all learners.
Spears’ commitment to educational excellence is demonstrated by her participation in the first cohort of Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS®) training. This initiative supports the science of reading, and Spears ensured her staff received the necessary resources to apply their learning effectively. The results were notable, with 95% of kindergarteners and 83% of first graders reading at grade level by the end of the first year.
Reflecting on the achievements, Spears remarked, “My greatest joy from the past five years was seeing our teachers complete LETRS®, use their skills to improve outcomes for all kids, and celebrate exceeding growth in reading.”
Wilkes County Schools Superintendent Mark Byrd commented on Spears’ leadership, noting her role in fostering both academic and professional growth within the school. “Mrs. Spears makes it clear that her passion for school leadership lies primarily in leading and developing teachers in her school,” Byrd stated in support of her nomination.
Spears has been at the helm of Wilkesboro Elementary School since 2019 and brings nearly three decades of educational experience. Her background includes 18 years as a classroom teacher, time as an instructional specialist, data coach, and assistant principal. Her academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in English from Meredith College and a master’s degree in school administration from Appalachian State University, along with National Board certification.
Juan Austin of Wells Fargo congratulated Spears, emphasizing the company’s continued support for the Principal of the Year program. Austin stated, “Wells Fargo is proud to continue our support for the North Carolina Principal of the Year program and to celebrate administrators like Mrs. Spears, who serve as leaders and role models for all of us.”
Spears will represent the profession as an ambassador throughout the next school year, supported by Wells Fargo and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). Her prize package includes a mobile device, an engraved award, a gift from the Carolina Hunger Initiative, a custom signet ring, and opportunities for further professional development.
In addition to this honor, Spears will compete nationally for the National Association of Elementary School Principals Distinguished Principal of the Year. This competition highlights her role in representing both elementary and middle school levels through the North Carolina Association of School Administrators.
The event also celebrated eight other regional finalists for Principal of the Year:
- Northeast: Sonya Rinehart, John A. Holmes High School (Edenton-Chowan Public Schools)
- Southeast: Christianne May, Castle Hayne Elementary School (New Hanover County Schools)
- North Central: Winston Pierce, Farmington Woods Magnet Elementary School (Wake County Public Schools)
- Sandhills: Erica Fenner-McAdoo, Howard Hall Elementary School (Cumberland County Schools)
- Piedmont Triad: Dr. Nancy Martinez, Career Center High School (Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools)
- Southwest: Dwight Thompson, Renaissance West STEAM Academy (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools)
- Western: Phil Rogers, R-S Central High School (Rutherford County Schools)
- Charter School: Dr. Sarena Fuller, ArtSpace Charter School
The Principal of the Year program has been acknowledging exceptional school leaders since the 1980s, serving as a platform for advocacy and support while promoting best practices in education throughout North Carolina.
For more information on the North Carolina Principal of the Year program, visit the program’s website.
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