Wayne school official honored
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on March 30, 2005 1:46 PM
Dr. Willette Campbell Wooten, the director of federal programs for the Wayne County public schools, has received the State Leadership Award from the National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators.
Wooten was recognized at the organization's annual meeting in Washington, D.C., for her role in supporting and promoting the activities and goals of the state affiliate.
Each state nominated four candidates for the award. In her service on the North Carolina Committee of Practitioners, Wooten has proved instrumental in providing input on educational programming to the NAFEPA and the U.S. Department of Education.
"As an advocate for federal education programs, Dr. Wooten is to be commended for her leadership skills and commitment to local, state and national efforts," said Helen Adams, chairman of the North Carolina Committee of Practitioners and NAFEPA board member.
Wooten's accomplishments include initiating and implementing the Capacity Building Workshops, which detail leadership and improvement plans for each school, improving the Take Home Computer Program to utilize laptop computers, and managing comprehensive professional development for school parent facilitators.
"Dr. Wooten is most deserving of this honor in the area of federal programs," said Dr. Steve Taylor, superintendent of the Wayne schools. "Her unique and in-depth understanding and knowledge of federal education programs is an asset to Wayne County public schools and students served.
"The State Leadership Award received is a confirmation of her contributions, commitment and leadership with regard to federal programs, not only in this state but across the U.S."
Wooten came to Wayne County from the state Department of Public Instruction in February of last year. She previously worked as an educational consultant and has also been a mentor, an assistant principal, a curriculum specialist and a teacher.
"I am humbled to be nominated and selected by my peers to receive a State Leadership Award for my work as a Title 1 Program Director," she said. "I will continue to work to improve the achievement of all children."
The NAFEPA works to make the benefits of federal education programs freely available to all eligible children, to aid in effective development of programs and to assist in the evaluation of programs.
It has played an important role in the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Law. It represents local school districts in 39 states and has more than 1,500 members.