Tamika Walker Kelly

Tamika Walker Kelly has strong roots in the Southeastern region and is proud to call North
Carolina home. Born into a military family, Tamika has applied those lessons of dedication and
service throughout her life. Growing up in Fayetteville, she is a product of the Cumberland
County School System. After graduating from E.E. Smith High School, she attended East
Carolina University, majoring in Music Education with a Minor in Ethnic Studies.

Graduating Magna Cum Laude from ECU in 2007, Tamika returned home to serve the students
of Cumberland County. She taught at Morganton Road Elementary for 13 years as the K-5th
Grade Music Specialist. Tamika is a teacher-leader, as she was the 2015- 206 MRES Teacher
of the Year and 2015-2016 Westover District Teacher of the Year, one of the 10 top teachers in
Cumberland County. As an educator, Tamika was recognized with the Fayetteville Observer’s
40 Under 40 Award in 2018.

Prior to her current role, Tamika served as Vice-President of the Cumberland County
Association of Educators, which put her in direct contact with members throughout the county.
She also served as Political Action chair, to educate members and the community about how
legislation affects the classroom. On the State level, Tamika served as Region 6 Director on the
NCAE Board of Directors. Tamika is currently serving as President of the North Carolina
Association of Educators, the state’s largest professional organization for public school
employees. Tamika’s vision is that through our collective work at NCAE, we can continue to
build upon the great legacy of NC Public schools, for the benefit of our youngest citizens.