Hi, I’m Catie Burnette, and I’m incredibly proud to serve as the Principal of Washington Gifted and Talented Magnet Elementary School! Education has always been my passion, and I feel so fortunate to be part of a school community that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.

I grew up in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and my passion for education started early. In high school, I participated in an early childhood education program, which gave me my first hands-on experience working with young learners and solidified my desire to become a teacher. That passion led me to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I was honored to be a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. After graduating, I joined Teach for America and taught first grade in rural Eastern North Carolina, an experience that deepened my commitment to equity in education. When my husband and I moved to Raleigh, I continued my work in the classroom, teaching first and second grade at Bugg Creative Arts and Science Magnet Elementary. My time at Bugg was filled with opportunities to grow as both an educator and a leader—mentoring new teachers, coaching Girls on the Run, and serving as an A+ Fellow with the A+ Schools Program of NC. One of the greatest honors of my career was being recognized by my colleagues as Teacher of the Year and later being named a semi-finalist for Wake County Public Schools in 2015-16.

The incredible leaders and mentors I’ve worked with over the years inspired me to grow beyond the classroom. I earned my Master’s in School Administration at NC State (Go Pack!) and became the Assistant Principal at Hilburn Academy, Wake County’s only PreK-8 school. In 2019, I was deeply honored to be named Wake County Public School's Assistant Principal of the Year.

Outside of school, my world revolves around my family. My husband, George, works in philanthropy at First Citizens Bank. We have a daughter and a new puppy. Together, we love exploring new restaurants, spending time with friends, and making memories at Atlantic Beach. We live in downtown Raleigh, where we embrace all the energy and community that comes with it.

Leading Washington GT is truly a dream come true!

Alumni: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University (HOUSE DIVIDED)

Gifts & Talents: music, relationships, creative writing, art

My Favorite Children's Book: Last Stop on Market Street

My Favorite Quote: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?' " Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Twitter: @catie_burnette