Dr. Ronald Boykins Named 2026-2027 District Teacher of the Year

ECPPS Names Dr. Ronald Boykins 2026–2027 District Teacher of the Year

Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools (ECPPS) is proud to announce Dr. Ronald Boykins, Social Studies teacher at Northeastern High School, as the district’s 2026–2027 Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Boykins joined Northeastern High School in 2023 after a distinguished career in educational leadership spanning more than two decades. Before returning to the classroom, he served in a variety of leadership roles, including principal, superintendent, and mentor to educators across multiple school systems.

Today, Dr. Boykins brings that experience into his Civics classroom, where students engage in hands-on, project-based learning designed to prepare them for success beyond high school. His instruction emphasizes critical thinking, communication, collaboration, civic engagement, and real-world application.

Under his guidance, students have participated in mock trials, created proposed legislation to share with elected officials, and led a voter registration initiative at Northeastern High School that helped eligible seniors register to vote.

“Everything we do in the classroom is intentionally designed to prepare students for the next level,” said Dr. Boykins. “I want students to leave my classroom not only with content knowledge, but with the skills, confidence, and mindset necessary to succeed in the real world.”

Northeastern High School Interim Principal Eboni Stallings praised Dr. Boykins for his commitment to students and innovative instruction.

“Dr. Boykins exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding educator: passion, innovation, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to equity and excellence,” Stallings wrote in her recommendation letter. “He goes above and beyond to ensure that every student has access to meaningful and enriching educational experiences.”

Kathryn Hutto, a Northeastern High School senior and ECPPS student board representative, described Dr. Boykins’ classroom as engaging, challenging, and transformative for students.

“Dr. Boykins transformed what could have been forgettable material into memorable lessons,” Hutto wrote. “He gives all of his students the opportunity to work on an invaluable skill in a safe, judgment-free environment.”

Dr. Parker expressed his appreciation for Dr. Boykins and the work he does both inside and outside the classroom. “Dr. Boykins is a dedicated educator who believes that every single one of his students can grow academically and develop their leadership potential. He can often be found driving a school bus, arriving at his classroom early or staying late, and taking his students on college tours on the weekend. This level of dedication highlights Dr. Boykins’ belief that education changes the lives of his students.” 

As ECPPS District Teacher of the Year, Dr. Boykins will represent the district at the regional Teacher of the Year competition this fall and will have the opportunity to advance in the North Carolina Teacher of the Year process.

Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools also congratulates each of the district’s 2026–2027 School-Level Teachers of the Year for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to student success:

• Central Elementary School – Dana Hawley
• Elizabeth City Middle School – Joshua Sawyer
• Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Early College – Michelle Barker
• H.L. Trigg Community School – Juvanda Crutch
• J.C. Sawyer Elementary School – Amy Williams
• Northeastern High School – Dr. Ronald Boykins
• Northside Elementary School – Morris Ray Burnham
• Pasquotank County High School – Wesley Borton
• Pre-K Education Program – Aerial Sehlemeyer
• P.W. Moore Elementary School – Lynasia Williams
• River Road Middle School – Joleesa Felton
• Sheep-Harney Elementary School – Jennifer Raby
• Weeksville Elementary School – Teri Doughtie

Congratulations to all of our Teachers of the Year!