Hello, BES Family! My name is Karen Wood, and I am so delighted to be your principal! My heart is in elementary school, so I love having the opportunity to work alongside our staff and school community to continue building upon the great things that BES is doing to help our students grow, learn, and be the BESt they can be.
My life began in the sandhills of North Carolina in Fayetteville, where I grew up and attended the public school system. Many hours of my childhood were spent "playing school," and this lifelong love of education led me to pursue teaching as a profession. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Campbell University and was selected as a Principal Fellow in 2003 and went on to complete my Master's in School Administration at East Carolina University. My career in education began as a teacher in Cumberland County, North Carolina in 1993 and in school administration in Craven County, NC in 2005. I have proudly served Carteret County Public Schools at Beaufort Elementary since July 2018. During my years in education, I have served as teacher, Family Literacy/NCPK specialist, assistant principal, and principal. As an educator and as a mom of a son who is a product of public schools in North Carolina, I understand the journey every parent goes through to ensure their child is safe, happy, and prepared for the next grade level; and I am blessed to partner with you in this process through my role as principal.
My husband, son, dog, and I love Carteret County and have spent many years of enjoyment in this area and now proudly call it home...I view each day as a gift and find hope in working with young learners each day. I look at the opportunity to serve in the Carteret County School System as my way of giving back to the community that I love and doing my part to make it an even better place to learn and live. You won't find a better place than Beaufort Elementary to watch your children grow and learn, and working together, I know we can do great things!
Mrs. Wood's Email
[email protected]