LA PLATA — Joseph Evans has been named the 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year for Charles County Public Schools.
Evans, a North Point High School graduate, began his career in CCPS as a substitute teacher before becoming an instructional assistant at Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer Elementary School. He later worked as an IA at Matthew Henson and Mattawoman middle schools and taught science at Mattawoman for more than four years. In 2022 he became assistant principal at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School, where he continues to serve.
Evans said his original plan was to study sports management, but classroom experience as a substitute led him to education. He accepted the award not for personal recognition but because it reflects the support of family and colleagues. “I’ve never done this for the recognition,” Evans said, adding he would rather be behind the scenes. “To our students,” he said. “You are my why. Your resilience, growth and determination inspire me every day.”
At Stoddert, Evans coordinates the Trailblazers Youth Development Program, an afterschool initiative that expands opportunities for students. He coaches golf, track and volleyball, is developing a school-based broadcast highlighting student-athletes and other achievements, and has updated the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program through a House system.
The House system, modeled on the Ron Clark Academy approach, places students and staff into one of four houses with distinct colors, mascots and characteristics to build community, pride and a culture of excellence. Students and staff participate in activities that promote character, academics, school spirit and leadership.
Marquelle Peavy, Stoddert’s principal, said Evans establishes trust and connection that extends beyond school walls. Parents have noted his influence on students. Erica Paulk, mother of eighth-grader Errick Brown, said her son speaks highly of Evans and feels supported in a positive environment. “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 noted that Evans encourages students to become involved in school activities while remaining dedicated to academics. “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 student KyShaune Green, now a freshman at St. Charles High School, said Evans celebrates students’ strengths and helps build academic confidence along with social and emotional skills. “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.
Students describe Evans as both fun and firm when needed. Former student Jariel Liriaco, now a freshman at St. Charles, said Evans showed care for maintaining a respectful school environment. Errick Brown said Evans has taught lessons beyond the classroom and is helping him become a better person. Former student Synae Thomas, also now at St. Charles, said Evans supported students in their activities and maintained a “wall of fame” with photos and success stories to encourage current students. “That shows a lot and how much he cared for and loved us,” Thomas said. “He supported every one of his students in anything they did or wanted to do.”
Evans also partners with academic mentor Jessica McCoy on the Evans and McCoy Educators Academy, which supports new teachers and staff through monthly check-ins and mentorship. Peavy said Evans cultivates a collaborative climate that empowers teachers to refine their practice and strengthens connections between home and school. “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.”
The recognition highlights the role of assistant principals in supporting students, staff and families in Charles County middle schools. Evans’ work at Stoddert contributes to a positive school culture that benefits the broader Southern Maryland community.
