Where History Meets the Future

History, Justice & Leadership

The image captures a powerful community conversation at the Carolina Theatre, featuring Judge Drew Marsh (left), Judge Shamieka Rhinehart, myself, teacher Alec Virgil, and civil rights activist Walter Jackson.

Called to Serve

When I had the opportunity to say how my experience was with having enrolled in Harvard's Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship master's program with the School Leadership pathway, I would have had to move there for a minimum of a year to take courses. And I was excited and had planned to make that move. But then, later in 2025, I was named Teacher of the Year for the entire Durham Public Schools district. And being blessed with the foresight of where we are and where we are going as a district, I was placed at a crossroads that I felt was a blessing in disguise, where God told me that you can either go to Harvard or you can stay here in Durham and take part in opening a new DPS school -- collaborative with not only DPS, but Duke, Durham Tech, and Bloomberg Philanthropies. I made the decision to stay in Durham Public Schools because I made the decision to stay for the impact. I figured that now with this new stage and influence, I will continue to use my voice, energy, and action to uplift the consciousness of our beloved community while I still have space and opportunity.

In the 2025-2026 school year, 34 of my students certified in the US Citizenship Proficiency Endorsement and 25 students completed community inquiry projects which involved original research, community engagement, problem solving, and project execution.

Legacy in Motion

It is always an honor to be at the table with change makers and culture engineers. Mr. Jackson, who was a student activist in the '60s and has a spectacular vernacular, was the moderator. The Honorable Judge Shamieka Rhinehart teamed up with Judge Dorothy Mitchell to have my Civic Literacy students experience Superior and District Court last year. One of my colleagues attended and was excited about attending the event also for her friend, who is 114 years old and the oldest living person in North Carolina.

Over the past year, I’ve formed a partnership with the Carolina Theatre, the last public building in Durham to desegregate. My first time working with the theatre was during the 2026 Dr. MLK holiday, when we premiered the “Breaking the Booth,” produced by J.D. Jones, and I had the opportunity to serve on a panel discussing the legacy of young student protesters such as Claudine Lewis, Vivian McCoy, and Walter Jackson, who I’ve had the privilege of meeting. They were students at North Carolina College who were integral players in round-robin-style protests to integrate the theatre. The research done to bring this film to life was outstanding. I’m grateful for the behind-the-scenes team at the Carolina Theatre for continuing to hold space for us.

Teaching was never just a job for me, but more of a calling. It’s how I serve. From my first classroom to now, I’ve worked to create spaces where young people can learn because they feel seen, heard, and empowered. I've spent nearly a decade teaching middle and high school Social Studies, Civics, and Economics. My classrooms are more than rooms with desks -- they’re launchpads for critical thought, identity, and action.

Over the years, I’ve helped develop programs like We Are KINGS and QUEENS for youth mentorship, led initiatives, created partnerships, and worked to bridge gaps between schools and communities, and between students and opportunity.

I am honored to go down in history as the 2025 Durham Public Schools Teacher of the Year. That recognition is less about me, and more about the students and faculty under my tutelage, the families who trust me, and the community that continues to pour into me.

I don’t claim to have all the answers. But what I do have is purpose. And I move with it every day. Through education, advocacy, and action, my work is about lighting the path for others while continuing to walk mine with faith, focus, and forward motion.

This is my purpose in motion.

Over the years, I have embraced my role as an educator. My mission has always been to lead with focus, ambition, and a passion for inspiring students to reach their potential. I believe in the power of disciplined effort and remind myself and my students to, “Nurture your outsized ambitions!”

In addition to teaching, I have expanded my impact through community initiatives and leadership roles. I currently teach Civic Literacy and Economics & Personal Finance at Middle College High School at Durham Technical Community College, where I empower students to become informed, active citizens. I also lead transformative programs like Operation 252, which has provided over 1,500 pairs of brand-new shoes to children in need, and the We Are KINGS and QUEENS program, fostering leadership, career exploration, and community engagement for students of color.

At the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University, I taught research on social equity issues, encouraging students to critically analyze societal disparities and work toward justice and equity. This experience allowed me to blend my passion for education with advocacy for systemic change, mentoring future leaders and reinforcing the importance of informed civic engagement.

As a highly sought-after teacher and speaker, I use interdisciplinary approaches to inspire audiences to see achievement as within their reach. I believe in the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Through my work, I strive to build bridges, empower others, and create lasting change.

-Alec

Dancing with the Carolina Stars

The Carolina Theater

Take Me Through There

2025 Durham Public Schools Teacher of the Year

Purpose In Motion

Growing up in a small town, Wilson, NC, I have always dreamed of making a big impact on the world. After overcoming personal struggles and setbacks, I've been able to find achievement as a teacher, community organizer, and motivational speaker. Today, as a teacher, speaker, and thought leader, I'm dedicated to helping others achieve their own goals and live their best lives.

Called Forward

There we were, standing in front of our fellow Durham Public Schools (DPS) community. It was the three finalists: Rachel, Dominique, and myself. Standing anxiously, awaiting the announcement. I was deeply grateful to be named a finalist and to stand alongside two truly inspiring and dedicated educators. When they announced my name, I was stirred up with praise.

They're Always Watching

Students have said of this accomplishment that they’ve had a good teacher. They’ve experienced my teaching and have gotten to be a part of something special. They say that it shows I actually care about them — in and out of school — and that it’s inspiring to see me achieve my goals and keep reaching for more.