Penderlea School

Meet Stephen Harris, an experienced educator with a passion for shaping the future of our students. After completing his undergraduate degree at UNC-Charlotte and Masters degree at Wingate University, Mr. Harris has served several years as an Assistant Principal. With an abundance of educational experience spanning elementary, middle, and high school levels, Stephen brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our school community.

Stephen recently moved to Wilmington, NC, with his wife Heather and dog Briar from Charlotte, NC, and is excited to contribute to the growth and success of our school in this vibrant coastal community.

His commitment to educational excellence is evident in his track record of fostering academic growth and creating supportive learning environments. His leadership as an Assistant Principal has been instrumental in guiding students toward success, both inside and outside the classroom.

Beyond the school campus, Stephen enjoys exploring the world with his wife, creating memorable experiences through travel. Additionally, he's an avid fan of the Carolina Panthers and follows their journey with enthusiasm. His love for sports and coaching aligns with our school's commitment to teamwork and collaboration.

My name is Dr. Goodlett, and I am excited to be joining the Penderlea Elementary School community as Assistant Principal. One of my guiding beliefs is: "The strength of a community is built on strong relationships, and through collaboration, we achieve success."

Originally from Pender County, I am thrilled to serve the community where my family roots run deep. I began my educational journey with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. My career in education started in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools as a lateral entry teacher, where I earned my certification as a middle and high school science teacher. I continued my education with a Master of Teaching from Winston-Salem State University, followed by a Post-Master’s Certificate, an Educational Specialist degree, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, all from UNCG.

With over 17 years of experience, I have had the privilege of serving as both a Curriculum and Assistant Principal in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools before moving to the area in 2018. For the past six years, I have served as an Assistant Principal in New Hanover County, where I’ve focused on fostering strong relationships with students, staff, and the community to create an environment where everyone thrives.

Outside of my professional responsibilities, I am a wife to a high school educator and a proud mother to two wonderful daughters. When not at school, you can find me spending quality time with family, gardening, and enjoying the beauty of Pender County.

I look forward to working closely with our staff, students, and families to ensure Penderlea Elementary continues to be a place where collaboration, trust, and student success are at the heart of everything we do. Here's to an incredible school year!