Elizabeth City, N.C. — Four Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) alumni prove that ECSU doesn't just create graduates but cultivates educators who lead and excel. Recently, these graduates were honored with the title of Beginning Teacher of the Year (BTOY) at their respective districts, an achievement for both the educators and their alma mater.
This year's honorees display the university's commitment to producing classroom leaders. Each graduate has taken their talent into schools across the region, turning their classrooms into student growth spaces.
Among the standout four is Ashley Harper, representing Wayne County Schools, who has taken her success further. Harper has been selected as a finalist for the highly coveted 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year Award—a recognition reserved for educators who go above and beyond in their first years of teaching. According to the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT), the winner will be announced during a special ceremony March 27, at the Elliott University Center auditorium on the University of North Carolina Greensboro campus.
Harper, along with fellow honorees Brittany Taylor of Beaufort County Schools, Mykal Polite of Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools and Alexis Phthisic of Perquimans County Schools, embody the excellence ECSU instills in its education graduates.
"Excellence is in our DNA. It's how we operate, and these teachers are living proof," said Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds. "Their success is a testament to the training and mentorship they received here."
Classrooms as Their Canvas
Harper, a third grade teacher at Spring Creek Elementary, has transformed her elementary classroom into a space where young minds blossom and every student feels proud of who they are.
"While academics are critical, I strive to foster mutual respect and belonging, ensuring everyone who steps into my classroom feels welcome and celebrated," said Harper.
According to Harper, her time at ECSU was invaluable in preparing her as an educator. She expressed that it allowed her to deeply explore African American culture, heritage and identity while witnessing a supportive environment where students could embrace their roots.
"One of the most rewarding moments in my teaching career thus far was when a Yemeni student, new to the country, gifted me one of her mother's traditional dresses from her culture. It was a meaningful gesture because it showed she felt seen and belonged in our classroom. We wore our dresses together one day, and the pride on her face was absolutely heartwarming. Moments like these remind me why I chose this profession," Harper said.
While Harper credits the growth of her gift to ECSU, her love for teaching didn't start in Vikingland but during her experience as a second grader.
"I remember looking forward to school every day because my teacher made each day feel fresh and exciting. She went beyond academics by interacting with us on the playground and genuinely taking the time to get to know us. That sense of connection and joy stuck with me," said Harper.
In the middle school halls, Mykal Polite is empowering teens and preteens to dream big and work hard. His focus on leadership and critical thinking has earned him the admiration of students and staff at Elizabeth City Middle School.
Polite is a May 2023 Business and Computer Science graduate who credits his journey into teaching to an encounter at an ECSU Career Fair.
"I asked a table filled with district personnel from another city in North Carolina about jobs with marketing and communications in education," he recalled. "They weren't sure about the possibility of careers in the field but asked, 'Have you ever thought about teaching marketing or business?'"
That question sparked a realization for Polite, who began reflecting on the educators who had influenced his life and inspired him to become a teacher.
Polite's time at ECSU shaped his leadership skills and ability to engage with students from diverse backgrounds. "From being the trumpet section leader of the Marching Sound of Class to being the Basileus (Chapter President) of the Lambda Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., to working as a peer ambassador of the Career Development Center, I have been equipped with the skills to lead a group of people from all different backgrounds and make a difference as well as achieve some successes," he said.
While being named District BTOY is a major accomplishment, Polite said his most rewarding moments come from witnessing his students' success. "I love when my students encounter success and they want me to relish in the moment with them," he shared. "For example, in my department, Career and Technical Education (CTE), we have a monthly initiative of nominating a student of the month. When I nominate students, I let it remain a surprise. When they are called down to receive their certificate, they always rush to visit me and show me their certificate."
Polite's passion for teaching and dedication to his students reflect the impact of his experiences at ECSU and his commitment to fostering a positive learning environment.
At Hertford Grammar School, fourth grade teacher Alexis Phthisic inspires young learners with her love for education. For Phthisic, teaching was a natural path, influenced by the supportive educators she had growing up.
"What inspired me to be a teacher was being surrounded by wonderful educators while I was in school," she shared. "I had teachers that believed in me, and I do the same for my students. I also love children and being able to help them grow academically and emotionally."
For Phthisic, the most rewarding aspect of her career has been her relationships with her students.
"My most awarding moment so far would be growing relationships with my students. I wouldn't have gotten this award without each of them," Phthisic said.
Receiving the District BTOY Award was an unexpected but meaningful recognition for Phthisic. "The award was truly shocking. As a beginning teacher, you don't always feel like you're doing everything you can, but this award solidified that I was doing my best and it was recognized. I was extremely grateful and couldn't do it without the children/staff I work with daily."
At John Small Elementary School, Brittany Taylor is at the head of the class. Unlike many educators who set out on the teaching path from the start, this fourth-grade English/Language Arts teacher's journey was unexpected.
"To be honest, I never intended to become a teacher; instead, I aspired to be a life coach/counselor," she explained. However, her deep love for children and her desire to help them reach their full potential naturally led her to the classroom. "I remind all my students that my responsibility is to help them be great. Not mediocre, not below ordinary, but excellent," Taylor said.
Her passion for mentorship and guidance is rooted in her experiences at ECSU. A former member and captain of the En-V Auxiliary Squad for the Sound of Class Marching Band, Taylor found a sense of belonging that helped her grow. "ECSU has a very special place in my heart. It gave me a place to grow and learn to love myself. I truly gained another family outside of my own. I'm forever grateful," Taylor said.
For Taylor, teaching is about more than just academics; It's about fostering confidence and emotional growth in her students. "The most rewarding moment in my teaching journey so far has been seeing students that once struggled with self-confidence grow and become confident in themselves," she says.
Taylor's inspiration comes from educators who shaped her own journey. "My goal as a teacher is to be the teacher who inspires others. I am the teacher I am today because I had educators pushing me and instilling self-confidence in me."
The Viking Advantage
The common thread connecting these educators? A foundation built at ECSU. From student-teaching opportunities to the mentorship of passionate professors, their journeys began with the university's mission to transform learners into leaders.
“This year, an 60% of our Fall 2022 education graduates were named Beginning Teacher of the Year in their districts,” said Joy Smith, dean of the School of Education and Business. “That kind of success speaks volumes about the caliber of educators we produce at ECSU. Our graduates don’t just enter classrooms—they transform them.”
Continuing to Build
In the classroom and beyond, ECSU continues to build a legacy of excellence, one teacher at a time.