Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools

Brunson Elementary

Before becoming an assistant principal in 2021, Beth Campbell spent 18 years as a school speech language pathologist. She continues to draw inspiration from students who experience challenges in the classroom, including those with disordered behaviors and problems at home. She sees her job as a way to uplift students regardless of whatever else they have to deal with in their lives, and she encourages her staff to feel the same sense of purpose.

“I can’t control all parts of our world, but I can value and support every child in the world of School,” Campbell said. “The work is not easy, but it is so important. My motivation for working in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is growing hearts and minds, one child at a time.”

R. J. Reynolds High

Paul Pressly joined WS/FCS as a chemistry teacher at Mount Tabor High School in 2005. He previously served as an assistant principal at Speas Global Elementary School, where he became a CORE Awards finalist in 2021. Now he gets to see his former Speas students succeeding in high school, and it empowers him to know he’s helped guide them towards bright futures.

“It is incredibly fulfilling to encounter former students at community events, and to hear how they are thriving as adults with children of their own,” Pressly said. “As a parent of three teenagers who have attended schools within the WS/FCS system, I am dedicated to ensuring that they, along with all students, have the best possible opportunities for success.”

Konnoak Middle

Jamille Rhodes has served five different schools as an assistant principal since 2017. A believer in continuing education, he has participated in educational training academies at multiple universities and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership and organizational development. He values WS/FCS for its commitment to uplifting the leaders of tomorrow, whoever they may be.

“WS/FCS’s investment in leadership development, particularly through its partnership with MCEL, has been instrumental in my growth as an educator and aspiring principal,” Rhodes said. “The district’s commitment to developing leaders of color speaks to its broader mission of diversity, representation, and systemic improvement.”

North Forsyth High

Monika Vasili joined WS/FCS in 2002 as a math teacher at Hanes Magnet School. Since then, she’s won multiple Teacher of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year awards at various schools and was a CORE Awards finalist in 2012. Having come to the United States in 2000 as a political asylum seeker, she appreciates WS/FCS for its diversity and commitment to equitable opportunity among all students.

“I am highly motivated to serve in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools because of the district’s commitment to academic excellence and equitable learning opportunities,” Vasili said. “As an assistant principal of instruction, I am passionate about fostering a culture of high expectations, collaboration, and continuous improvement.”

Robert B. Glenn High

Kimberly Watkins spent 16 years as a teacher and educational leadership intern before joining Glenn High School as an assistant principal in 2022. She was Teacher of the Year at Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy in 2022 and became a finalist for that year’s CORE Awards as well. She tries to be the best possible example for hundreds of students who she knows take cues from the adults in their school.

“I strive to be a good role model for students in how I treat each of them and others in the building,” Watkins said. “It is important for me to show consistency and integrity in all situations because students are looking to me for guidance and they imitate the behavior they see.”