Upon entering a first-grade classroom for a walkthrough, she was surprised to find more than students and staff behind the classroom door. Superintendent Dr. Phillip Brown announced Payne’s latest accomplishment to the group, eliciting cheers from her family, students, staff, and district leaders.
Payne turned to the students and shared, “You know what? I'm the lucky one that I get to do this every day with all of you. This is my dream come true to be here with you.”
Payne led the staff of BHT to receive the Piedmont Triad Science of Reading Champions for
Change Award. This honor celebrates the school’s exceptional commitment to advancing literacy and improving student outcomes through innovative, data-driven instructional practices grounded in the science of reading. As a result of their dedicated, data-informed approach, BHT saw a remarkable increase in student reading proficiency. The percentage of students scoring on or above grade level rose from 65% in 2022 to an impressive 82% by the end of the 2024 school year—a testament to the power of focused instruction and committed educators.
Dr. Brown states, “Throughout her tenure, she has fostered a culture of excellence, innovation, and student success, always putting the needs of learners first. Her passion for education and commitment to continuous improvement have made a lasting impact on our district, and we are fortunate to have her leading the way.
Payne attended the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. Her educational career began in 2009 as a teacher in Ogden Elementary School in Wilmington. In 2012, she completed her Master of Arts in Education which focused on Reading Education through East Carolina University and became a teacher at BHT. In 2017, she received her Certificate in School Leadership through Appalachian State University and her National Board Certification. She served as the Tharrington Primary’s curriculum facilitator from 2016 to 2019 when she accepted the role of principal of JJ Jones Intermediate School. She led Jones for four years and was named the 2021-2022 MACS Principal of the Year in 2022. She is currently attending High Point University, where she is working toward her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. She is married to Tyler Payne and they have two children, TJ and Tennyson, and are expecting their third.