Hall of Fame

Ann Carter Hooker served as a teacher, principal, and area superintendent in the Wake County Public School System for forty-three years.

She taught mathematics at LeRoy Martin Junior High School and summer school at Sanderson and Enloe. Ann was an energetic and enthusiastic young teacher who planned lessons that were engaging and made learning fun for her students. She was a teacher-leader, serving as chairman of the math department, Student Council Advisor, and during the summers, wrote math curriculum for the school system. Ann served as president of the Raleigh Association of Classroom Teachers and as a member of the Board of Directors of the State Employees’ Credit Union.  Not only was she involved at the local level, but she was appointed to the State Mathematics Advisory Council. In 1977, she was appointed to the Annual Testing Commission by Governor James B. Hunt.

“Being a teacher is a beautiful thing. It really is.”

Having been a leader as a teacher, Ann was encouraged to become a leader of schools.  She was appointed the principal of Kingswood Sixth Grade Center and two years later she transferred to North Ridge Elementary School, which was one of the largest elementary schools in the county. With a growing student population, she faced constant construction projects including a new media center and kindergarten building, as well as a small gymnasium and auditorium combination. The safety of the students and staff was a constant challenge for three years during those projects.

Her principal duties and experiences prepared her for the next job in the school system as an area superintendent. In that position she worked with principals throughout the county focusing mainly on the K-12 schools in Northern Wake County. She was an extraordinary mentor to the Northern Area principals as she encouraged them to strive for excellence as school leaders. Along with her many duties and responsibilities in this role, she had the monumental task of scheduling and overseeing all high school graduation ceremonies for the school system. She continued to be active in the community during this time serving on the Tammy Lynn Center Board of Directors, the Raleigh City Museum Board, and the Hope Charter School Board.

“Set your expectations high and don’t be mediocre in what you do.”

Ann was presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Beverly Perdue in 2011. She spends her retirement days enjoying time with her husband, William, and son, Brandon. She is an avid reader and she continues to serve the community as a member of the Cary Advisory Board and Credit Committee for the State Employees’ Credit Union, participating in her church and maintaining membership in several community organizations.

Ann Hooker was inducted into the Wake County Public School System Hall of Fame in 2020.