Clarke Elementary School Principal Dr. C’monee’ Wilkins has been named 2025 Principal of the Year by the N.C. Association of Educators.
This distinguished award honors outstanding leadership, a deep commitment to student and staff success and steadfast support for public education.
Wilkins has more than a decade of experience in education. She was selected following an interview process led by the NCAE Division of Principals/Administrators Board, who chose her for her strong instructional leadership, innovative approaches and dedicated advocacy for educational equity, according to information from NCAE Press Secretary Adrian Ezell.
NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly said, “We are honored to name Dr. Wilkins as our Principal of the Year. Her transformative work is a powerful reminder of the impact strong educational leadership can have on a school community. We are proud of all she has accomplished and excited to see what she will do next.”
Under Wilkins’s leadership, Clarke Elementary has seen remarkable gains. The school’s overall performance grade has improved, and math proficiency in grades 3-5 has tripled. She credits these achievements to the school’s structured coaching model implemented through its Opportunity Culture framework.
Beyond academic outcomes, Wilkins has championed partnerships with organizations such as Student U and Duke University to secure grants that provide critical academic support, mentorship and family engagement resources – helping students thrive both in and out of the classroom.
“Strong schools are built through collaboration, vision and dedication to student success,” Wilkins said. “Through strategic coaching, thoughtful advocacy and continuous learning, I strive to ensure that Clarke Elementary remains a model of excellence where every child has the opportunity to succeed.”
The NCAE Principal of the Year Award is presented annually by the NCAE Division of Principals/Administrators. Nominees are judged on professional practice, advocacy for the profession, community engagement and leadership skills.
The NCAE is the largest association of professional educators in North Carolina.
