Dear CTLA Families, Community Members, Visitors, and Friends,

Welcome to our webpage.  I am looking forward to serving as principal of the Career and Technical Leadership Academy. The staff and I are excited about the opportunity to partner with you to ensure that our students have an unprecedented educational experience. The expectations for safety, academic excellence, and solid values will be our priority as we embark upon this new and transformative year.

The opportunity that our students have been given to be a member of this academic program is attributed to the personal goals that each student has set and to their commitment to work hard and to never lose sight of their dreams. The high school and college courses will challenge and motivate our students to perform at their highest potential. 

CTLA staff and I believe that it is through building strong relationships and clear communication that trust and respect are fostered. We are here for the students and for you. Never hesitate to contact us if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions.

When you are visiting the CTLA website, you will find information about the Career and Technical Leadership Academy program and suggestions of how to become an active participant. The website will be one means of communication; information will be updated frequently so, visit often. Please follow us on Twitter.com/JCCTLA  The Link to our website is provided for your convenience: http://jcctla.johnston.k12.nc.us

I am honored to lead such an outstanding school community and I am eagerly anticipating a successful year.

Sincerely,

Sheila Singleton

Principal

Assistant Principal

Hello! My name is Candace Westbrook, and I am excited to serve as an Assistant Principal for the 2025–2026 school year! I thought you might like to know a little bit about me.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Music from the University of Mount Olive, a Master’s in School Administration and Curriculum & Instruction from East Carolina University (ECU), and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision, also from ECU.

I’m originally from Smithfield and a proud graduate of Smithfield-Selma High School. Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching elementary music and middle school chorus in both Johnston and Wayne Counties, and later served as an Assistant Principal in Duplin and Johnston Counties.

My husband, Scott, and I have been married for 30 years, and we have two wonderful sons—one graduating from Brevard College this spring and the other from high school. They keep us on the go with year-round sports, and on most fall weekends, you can find our family cheering on the ECU Pirates—GO PIRATES!

As a leader, schools thrive when students, families, staff, and community members work together. I am passionate about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to lead. As Tom Peters once said, “Leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders.”

As an instructional leader, I am committed to fostering high-quality teaching and learning by supporting teachers through collaboration, professional growth, and data-informed practices. I believe every child can learn when given the right support, and that every person can be a teacher, every place a classroom, every experience a lesson, and every child a promise.

I look forward to a wonderful year of learning, leading, and growing together!