School Leadership
Brittney Lopez, Principal
Mrs. Brittney Lopez recently earned her Master of School Administration from N.C. State University. Prior experience includes being a California native and earning an undergraduate degree in Child and Adolescent Studies with a medal in Community Engagement from California State University, Fullerton. She spent time after college working with Los Angeles Public Schools at Waite Middle. In 2014, she moved to North Carolina and began teaching third grade at Nashville Elementary where she was awarded Beginning Teacher of the Year NRMPS. In Edgecombe County Public Schools, she taught fourth and fifth grades as an Extended Impact Teacher, serving 100 or more students at a time! She was recognized as a Teacher with a Value-Added score in the top 25 percent statewide for three consecutive years before transitioning to my role as Multi-Classroom Leader and Innovative Partnership Coach. Her continued work with communities and schools is where her passion lives. She is a Teach for America ENC Alumna and served as Principal Resident at Tarboro High School for North Carolina State University. Go Pack Go! She enjoys spending any free time with her pups, her husband, and her most precious son Lex! Ms. Lopez believes in innovation, excellence, and coaching success where "winning builds winning."
Carisa Copeland, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Carisa Copeland has proudly served the students and families of Chowan County for 21 years. She began her teaching career in 2004 with Edenton-Chowan Schools and has taught a range of grade levels from kindergarten through eighth grade. Her journey in education has taken her from White Oak Elementary to D.F. Walker Elementary and then to Chowan Middle School, where she was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2021. In her most recent role, Mrs. Copeland has supported both teachers and students as the Early Literacy Specialist at Team WOW through the Office of Early Learning at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of School Administration from Elizabeth City State University, as well as being licensed in Visual Arts, K-12. Mrs. Copeland is deeply committed to creating supportive, student-centered environments where all learners can grow to their full potential. She believes that clear communication, consistent expectations, and strong family partnerships are essential to student success. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two adult children.