P.W. Moore's Manuel named ECPPS' Teacher of Year

An elementary school teacher who has mentored and shared her teaching skills with new educators is this year’s Teacher of the Year for the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools.

Jorice Manuel, who teaches at P.W. Moore Elementary School, was named ECPPS’ Teacher of the Year during a ceremony at the K.E. White Center Thursday evening. The award recognizes Manuel’s “exceptional commitment to her students, her school, and the teaching profession,” the district said in a press release.

“Mrs. Manuel exemplifies the dedication, passion, and leadership that we value in our educators,” ECPPS Superintendent Dr. Keith Parker said in the release. “Her unwavering commitment to her students, her mentorship of fellow teachers, and her pursuit of professional growth make her an outstanding representative of our district and the teaching profession as a whole.”

According to the release, Manuel has served in a host of leadership roles in ECPPS. An active member of the AVID team, she’s worked “to implement research-based strategies to enhance student learning,” the district said. The Advancement Via Individual Determination program is designed to “accelerate the performance of underrepresented students” so that they can succeed both in the classroom and beyond.

Manuel has also served as a new teacher mentor, providing “invaluable support and guidance to educators just beginning their careers,” the district said. She’s also a “cooperating teacher,” sharing her classroom expertise with other educators, and as a teacher leader, “driving initiatives to improve instructional practices and student outcomes.”

Manuel earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and English from Elizabeth City State University and completed her master’s degree in curriculum, instruction, and assessments through Walden University. She holds both AIG (Academically and Intellectually Gifted) certification and National Board certification.

As ECPPS Teacher of the Year, Manuel will serve as an ambassador for the district, “sharing her expertise and advocating for the importance of education in the community,” ECPPS said in the release. She also will have the opportunity to participate in statewide events and professional development opportunities.

Stephanie Ambrose, principal at P.W. Moore, was also recognized during the event as Principal of the Year for ECPPS.