Nicole Hawkins, principal of Arthur Middleton Elementary School, was named the Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) Principal of the Year for 2026. She is also the CCPS nominee for The Washington Post’s Principal of the Year program.

“Mrs. Hawkins serves as a trusted mentor, guiding new and experienced leaders alike with wisdom, empathy and practical strategies,” Courtney Gandee, principal of Eva Turner Elementary School, said. “Her ability to balance high expectations with genuine support has created a culture of growth across [the school] system.”

Hawkins credits collaboration as the foundation to her leadership style. She builds relationships with staff members, students, their families and community members to foster a strong, inclusive and collaborative school culture grounded in shared educational values. “[I] believe that student success is best achieved when educators, families and community stakeholders work together with a common purpose,” she said.

At Middleton, she creates structures that promote collective responsibility and mutual support. Hawkins mentors new principals and participates in a principal cohort working with colleagues to provide feedback on school culture, climate and instructional practices.

Following graduation from Bethany College in Bethany, W.Va., Hawkins began her career in education with CCPS as a special education teacher at Malcolm Elementary School. She spent her teaching career at Malcolm, moving from special education to teaching fourth- and fifth grades before becoming a learning resource teacher. Hawkins left teaching to enter into administration as an assistant principal at C. Paul Barnhart, Gale-Bailey and Dr. Samuel A. Mudd elementary schools before being named acting principal in 2022 at Arthur Middleton Elementary School, and the school’s principal in 2023.

Hawkins has overseen Middleton’s transition to become the first CCPS school to host a dual language program offering instruction in English and Spanish. She works with McKenna Lewis, Ed.D., director of elementary education, members of the English Language Development (ELD) office and other staff to ensure the program is effective and thriving.

Stacy A. Burkheiser, a reading resource teacher, said helping shepherd the dual language program is one of Hawkins’ most remarkable accomplishments reflecting a vision of equitable and inclusive education.

It is among many accomplishments credited to Hawkins at Middleton where she has cultivated a culture of student-led instruction. “Mrs. Hawkins leads with integrity, empathy and vision,” Burkheiser said.

“She has genuine care for the school and the students in it,” Journi Harrison, a fifth-grade student at Middleton, said. “She creates a positive, safe learning space. She jumps into action and makes things fun.”

At Middleton, Hawkins is always visible and is often seen in the hallways interacting with students and building relationships translating to a positive school climate.

She is a presence in classrooms as well. Hawkins steps in to lead instruction when substitute teachers are unavailable and incorporates strategies like “Tag, you’re it.” The practice has Hawkins taking over classroom instruction for 15 minutes giving a teacher a short break.

“One of the most defining qualities of Mrs. Hawkins is her steadfast belief that a school thrives when its staff is supported, valued and empowered,” Stefanie Marcuse, a third-grade teacher at Middleton, said. “She consistently puts her staff first, not as a slogan or leadership trend, but as a deeply held philosophy.”

Hawkins doesn’t limit relationship building to students and staff, she maintains a continuous dialogue with parents and families.

“She communicates openly with parents, listens to concerns and works collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for all students,” Maria Real, the parent of two Middleton students, said. “Her presence at school events and daily interactions reflects her deep commitment to the Arthur Middleton community.”

Marcuse said that Hawkins’ leadership is not about authority, but responsibility. “Every decision she makes, whether large or small, is guided by a deep sense of purpose and a genuine desire to create the best possible environment and growth,” Marcuse said. “She understands that a school is more than a building; it is a community.”

Hawkins will be recognized by the Board of Education of Charles County as the 2026 CCPS Principal of the Year at the May 12 Board meeting.

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 27,904 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).