Beckie Spears is the 2024 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year and a National Board Certified educator with 31 years of service in public education. She is the principal of Wilkesboro Elementary where her leadership has driven student and teacher growth, strengthened school culture, and earned recognition for closing achievement gaps. A proud NC Teaching Fellow and graduate of Meredith College and Appalachian State University, Beckie serves as an advisor to the NC State Board of Education, the NC Teaching Fellows Commission, and the boards of both the Public School Forum, the NC Principal and Assistant Principals’ Association, and the NC Association of School Administrators. Beckie works with the NC Principal of the Year Network to advocate for and support school leaders and serves on Governor Stein’s Advisory Council for Student Safety and Well-Being. Beckie champions strong public schools as the heart of thriving communities and believes school leaders are the builders who bring that vision to life.