Guest Speaker

Dr. John Lassiter knows what it means to come full circle. Once a student walking the halls of Hertford Grammar School, he now leads it as principal, and just this year was named a North Carolina Regional Principal of the Year.

With over 15 years in education, John’s career started where his heart has always been: in the classroom. A math teacher and coach turned school leader, he quickly proved that his blend of high expectations and deep care could change entire school cultures. At Chowan Middle, his leadership helped earn national recognition as a School to Watch. At Hertford Grammar, his team has consistently met or exceeded growth expectations every year since the pandemic and was recently celebrated as a Capturing Kids’ Hearts Rising Star School.

John’s philosophy is simple: teachers are the #1 factor in student success, relationships are the foundation of learning, and technology should be a tool—not a substitute—for great teaching. That grounded belief in people is what’s earned him not only state and national recognition, but also the trust of his colleagues across North Carolina, where he now serves as President of the Principal and Assistant Principal Association.

Faith and family keep John centered. Guided by the words of 1 Peter 5:2–3, he leads with purpose, integrity, and service. And when he’s not in principal mode? You’ll find him fishing, golfing, or playing croquet with his favorite team of all—his wife and three daughters, Emily, Erianne, and Ella.

Dr. John R. Lassiter