Biography

Dr. Paula B. Wilkins is a native of Winston Salem. Paula has fond memories of attending Walkertown Elementary and Middle Schools and graduating from Carver High School. Dr. Wilkins earned a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University, a Master of Arts in teaching from Wake Forest University, a master’s degree in educational leadership and an education specialist degree from Appalachian State University, and a Doctorate in Education from Gardner-Webb University.

Paula has a combined experience of over twenty years in public education with most serving in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. From April 2016 to November 2021 Paula served as the Principal/Executive Director at Cook Literacy Model School, Executive Director of Project Impact, and Executive Director of Strategy and Innovation. In her role working with Strategy and Innovation, Dr. Wilkins was leveraged to support a focus on improved third grade literacy outcomes.

In the role as Principal, Dr. Wilkins was able to support the school with being removed from both the low-performing and recurring low-performing status and helping support the school to increase a letter grade. Dr. Wilkins believes that engaging our community and helping support educators is the key to transformational change in education. Prior to Cook, Dr. Wilkins led Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools’ professional development and recruiting efforts as Human Resources’ Director of Talent and Professional Development. In this role, Wilkins directed the district’s professional development efforts for all departments.

Currently, Dr. Wilkins is most excited and passionate about her current work to of ensuring that every student in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County has the experiences, supports, and instruction to learn to read by the end of third grade as the Chief Academic Officer. Reading for every student is mission critical and each of us in our community has a duty to support the students in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County to access this fundamental right! Paula looks forward to continuing to serve our 53,000 students in WS/FCS, working side-by side with our community and educators to ensure better outcomes for all students in WS/FCS!