Dr Roneca H Wallace Principal

Dr. Roneca H. Wallace

My name is Dr. Roneca Wallace, and I am honored to serve as principal of J.T. Barber Elementary. I was born and raised right here in New Bern, North Carolina, and I am a proud product of the Craven County School System. My educational career began 25 years ago, and throughout that time, I’ve had the joy of teaching in both Pitt and Craven Counties. I’ve taught Kindergarten through Fourth grade and later transitioned into leadership roles, including District Learning Systems Coach, assistant principal at both the elementary and high school levels, and most recently, principal of an elementary school in Craven County for 4 ½ years. During the 2011–2012 school year, I was honored to be named Craven County Schools’ Teacher of the Year.

Academically, I hold a Bachelor’s in Social Work, a Master of Arts in Teaching, a Master’s in School Administration, an Education Specialist Degree (Superintendent's License), and a Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. I also proudly renewed my National Board Certification in 2018, a reflection of my continued passion for high-quality instruction and student success.

On a personal note, I’m married to Tabari Wallace, the 2018 North Carolina Principal of the Year, former Special Advisor to the State Superintendent for Principal Engagement, and also a current Principal. We have one amazing daughter who is getting married in September, and our beloved fur baby, Gucci.

This is my third year at J.T. Barber Elementary, and I am beyond proud of the incredible progress we’ve made in such a short time. Over the past year alone, our school has grown tremendously:

• We increased our overall school performance, moving up one full letter grade and meeting academic growth expectations.

• We saw a significant increase in student attendance, reflecting stronger engagement and a renewed commitment to learning.

• We experienced a notable increase in teacher retention, a sign that our school culture is thriving and that staff feel valued, supported, and motivated to stay and grow with us.

These accomplishments are a direct result of the dedication of our staff, the partnership of our families, and the resilience of our students.

As we enter this new school year, we are thrilled to embark on an exciting new chapter—transforming into J.T. Barber Elementary School of the Arts! Our shift toward integrating the arts into everyday instruction marks a powerful moment in our school’s history. Through music, physical education, visual art, and theater, we are opening new pathways for students to learn, grow, and express themselves in dynamic and meaningful ways. The arts will enrich our academic program while fostering creativity, collaboration, and confidence in every child.

My goal remains steadfast: to provide a rigorous, engaging, and nurturing environment where every student can thrive. I firmly believe that when schools and families work hand in hand, our children will reach incredible heights.

We are the Home of the Crocs, where THIS is Just The Beginning and Champions Represent Our Culture!