Dear Hughes Middle students, staff, parents, and community,

I am pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Herman Mizell, current principal of Elko Middle School, as the next principal of Langston Hughes Middle School, effective July 1, 2023. Dr. Mizell is an accomplished instructional leader, communicator, and relationship builder who has a record of success in leading schools. 

Dr. Mizell is an instructional leader. He previously served as principal of Swansboro Elementary School in Richmond, Meadowland Elementary School, and Sterling Middle School in Loudoun County. With each school, Dr. Mizell led significant positive improvements in students’ academic achievement. He built strong, instructionally focused, and caring leadership teams that elevated the school culture, decreased student discipline referrals, and increased teacher efficacy.

As a leader, Dr. Mizell is passionate about education and the success of all students. He is a relationship builder who is known, respected, and loved by students, staff, and parents. Dr. Mizell enjoys being a principal that can be found among the students he leads. He believes in developing relationships with staff and students, communicating his high expectations for himself and the school he leads. Most importantly, he wants students and staff to know he cares about them and their success. 

Dr. Mizell is a highly effective communicator. He is a dynamic speaker who has a commanding but welcoming presence. His words project the depth of his care and commitment to the work of educating children. Dr. Mizell speaks with students in a way that conveys that he cares, he believes in them, and he is there for them. Through his communications with staff, he expresses his consideration for them, his passion for their work, and his expectation of excellence. Dr. Mizell believes in partnering with parents to help their child achieve in school. Parents know he is committed to their child and their success. 

Dr. Mizell has been recognized for his accomplishments as an educator. He was awarded the National Urban League Young Professionals Award (2018), recognized as the City of Suffolk Rookie Teacher of the Year (2001), nominated for Disney Teacher of the Year Award (2001), and inducted into the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society. 

Dr. Mizell earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Norfolk State University. He received a Master of Arts in Administration and Supervision from Virginia State University and a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership/Curriculum and Instruction from Nova Southeastern University. 

Please join me in welcoming Dr. Herman Mizell as the new principal of Langston Hughes Middle School.  

Douglas A. Tyson

Assistant Superintendent, Region 1

Fairfax County Public Schools