Joseph Evans of Benjamin Stoddert Middle School was recently named the 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year for Charles County Public Schools (CCPS).
Evans, a graduate of North Point High School, has risen through the ranks of CCPS in the past decade. He began his career as a substitute teacher before transitioning to an instructional assistant (IA) role at Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer Elementary School.
Evans said his original major was sports management, but after experiencing the classroom as a substitute teacher, he went into education. Evans worked as an IA at Matthew Henson and Mattawoman middle schools. He taught science at Mattawoman for a little over four years before taking an AP position at Stoddert in 2022 where he currently works.
“I’ve never done this for the recognition,” Evans said, adding he would rather be behind the scenes. But he accepted the award because it reflects the people who have invested in him, including his family and colleagues. Evans said his students are the reason he pours his all into his role at Stoddert. “To our students,” he said. “You are my why. Your resilience, growth and determination inspire me every day.”
In their corner – Evans brings a democratic leadership style to Stoddert where he builds trust, strengthens relationships and creates a unified vision for success. “He establishes trust, connection and advocacy that extends far beyond the school walls,” Marquelle Peavy, Stoddert’s principal, said.
Parents appreciate Evans’ influence. Erica Paulk, mother of Stoddert student Errick Brown, said her son speaks highly of the assistant principal, a true testament to the impact Evans has on students. “Hearing my child speak with such enthusiasm about a school leader reassured me that he was in a positive, encouraging, safe and supportive environment,” Paulk said.
She added that having Evans at school means a lot to her as a single mother raising a teenage son. “It means a great deal to know that there are positive role models like Mr. Evans within the school,” she said. Paulk added that Evans encourages students to become involved in school activities and events while remaining dedicated to their academic responsibilities. “I often hear my son Errick say, ‘I have to stay on the honor roll and keep my grades up because I don’t want to disappoint Mr. Evans,’” she said.
Edwin Green, father of former Stoddert student KyShaune Green, has seen how Evans has influenced students by celebrating their strengths and potential. “As a parent, there is no greater comfort than knowing your child is in the care of someone who genuinely cares about their wellbeing and future,” Green said. KyShaune is now a freshman at St. Charles High School.
“Our child has gained not only academic confidence, but also important social and emotional skills that continue to serve him well,” Edwin Green said of his son’s time at Stoddert.
Students know Evans can be fun but stern when he needs to be. “[It] showed students that he cared about keeping the school a positive and respectful place for everyone,” former Stoddert student Jariel Liriaco, a freshman at St. Charles High School, said. “His hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed.”
“Mr. Evans is a great teacher and mentor,” Paulk’s son, Errick Brown, an eighth-grade student, said. “He has taught me many lessons not even being in a classroom. He is turning me into a better man for the future.”
Evans finds time to attend games and milestone events to cheer on and congratulate current and former students. He keeps a “wall of fame” showcasing photos of students and relays their success stories to Stoddert students as encouragement. “That shows a lot and how much he cared for and loved us,” Synae Thomas, a former Stoddert student who is a freshman at St. Charles, said. ““He supported every one of his students in anything they did or wanted to do.”
A house into a home – At Stoddert, Evans coordinates the Trailblazers Youth Development Program, an afterschool initiative that expands opportunities for students. He coaches various sports including golf, track and volleyball, is launching a school-based broadcast focusing on the accomplishments of student-athletes and others who deserve kudos, and has revamped the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program through the implementation of the House system at Stoddert.
“These programs not only encourage positive behavior but also give students opportunities to connect with staff and peers in meaningful ways,” Davina Putz, school psychologist, said.
“He helped create a culture where students truly buy into what PBIS should look like,” Jessica McCoy, academic mentor, said.
The House system at Stoddert is based on the Ron Clark Academy House System designed to promote character, academic success, school spirit, a family atmosphere and a culture of excellence. Students and staff are “sorted” into one of four “houses,” reminiscent of those in the Harry Potter book series. Each house is represented by specific colors, mascots and characteristics.
The system builds a sense of community and pride among students. “The House system brings our school community together and makes every student feel like they belong,” Jamal Ray, an eighth-grade student who is a leader for House of Nukumore, which represents kindness, said. “It connects students from all grade levels — sixth, seventh and eighth — and encourages teamwork, good behavior and leadership.”
Staff support – Evans teams with McCoy for the Evans and McCoy Educators Academy (EMEA) which provides support and guidance to new teachers and staff. Through monthly check-ins and mentorship, staff members know they have allies in the building to discuss concerns with and activities for students, along with brainstorming instructional strategies.
Evans cultivates a collaborative climate and empowers teachers to experiment, take risks and refine their practice, Peavy said. He works to strengthen ties between home and school, working with families to ensure they feel welcomed and become engaged.
“When I look at the criteria for nominating an Outstanding Assistant Principal — leadership, problem-solving, development of self and others, and community involvement — Mr. Joseph Evans embodies each of them,” McCoy said. “Simply put, Benjamin Stoddert Middle School is a better place because of Mr. Evans.”
