ORLANDO | As one’s tenure ends, another’s begins.

On July 1, 2024, Dr. Erika Wikstrom, principal of Bishop Moore Catholic School, will take the helm as Secretary for Education/Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

A well-respected educator, Wikstrom’s expertise lies in creating tailored curricula and instructional designs for all students, ensuring academic success for learners of all abilities, cultures, and backgrounds, through the lens of our Catholic faith.

Her tenure with the Diocese of Orlando Catholic Schools began in 2013, at Bishop Moore where she first served as an English and advanced placement art history teacher. Shortly thereafter, she was named the school’s director
of instruction, before leaving to become principal at Trinity High School, a position she held for three years before returning to Orlando in 2020 to serve as principal of Bishop Moore.

In addition, she has taught in Orange County Public Schools and the Upward Bound Program in Orlando, and as an adjunct professor at Rollins College. Wikstrom was also an elementary teacher and middle school program director for Montessori at Roseborough in Mount Dora.

Wikstrom holds a bachelor’s degree in humanities from Rollins College, a master’s degree in art history from the University of York, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Glasgow, an education specialist degree from National Louis University, and a doctorate in education from National Louis University. Wikstrom has completed the Emmaus Catholic Leadership program at Boston College Roche Center and studied at Harvard University Graduate School of Education.

A member of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Winter Park, she is a member of and serves on the boards of directors of numerous community and professional organizations.

As she embarks on this new journey, Wikstrom is prepared to build on the foundation laid by Henry Fortier and to move our schools forward, pulling from the accomplishments of past successes while embracing innovation to meet the evolving needs of students and educators. Fortier served the Diocese of Orlando for 13 years in the position, the longest in the diocese’s history.

“I view my role as a support to our principals, empowering them to use their unique gifts and talents to make their communities the best they can be,” she said. “As the spiritual leader of our schools, I am committed to ensuring we follow Bishop Noonan’s vision and maintain a strong Catholic identity, beginning in the classroom. After all, as Catholic educators, whether we are teachers or administrators, our primary goal is the spiritual and faith formation of all our students.”

By Linda Caldwell, Special to the Florida Catholic, June 20, 2024