Durham Public Schools names Middle College High School's Alec Virgil as Teacher of the Year

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Durham Public Schools (DPS) announced the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year during the district's annual celebration on Thursday.

Middle College High School at Durham Tech Community College teacher Alec Virgil was named the 2024-2025 recipient of DPS's Teacher of the Year award.

DPS described Virgil, a Honors Civic Literacy teacher, as a visionary teacher who challenges his students to think and advocate for themselves.

Vigil, who has been a teacher for eight years, is the lead advisor for the We Are Kings and Queens (WAKQ) program, which empowers students of color to advocate for more equitable practices in their schools.

He said he believes students should be critical thinkers and should be challenged to dig deeper.

"They need to be able to see and relate to all people as individuals, rather than just representatives of a group, and recognize stereotypes when they see or hear them," Virgil said.

DPS Superintendent Dr. Anthony Lewis also spoke about Virgill following the announcement.

"Mr. Virgil represents teaching excellence that leaves a lasting and profound impact. His influence on the scholars at Middle College will be felt for generations because he demonstrates how much he cares about their well-being and their ability to thrive beyond the classroom," he said.

Last years Teacher of the Year, Sgt. Jeffery Matthews, a JROTC Instructor at Hillside High School, also delivered remarks during Thursday night's ceremony before passing the torch.

ABC11 Meteorologist Kweilyn Murphy also served as Mistress of Ceremonies at the event.