Four Oaks Middle Assistant Principal Tobias Hocutt was named Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) 2023-2024 Assistant Principal of the Year.
Hocutt began his career with JCPS in 2010 when Corinth Holders High opened its doors. However, he did not start out as an administrator, but as a custodian. Since then, Hocutt has served in various roles within the district as a custodian, bus driver, teacher, and now, as an award winning administrator.
As the son of a single mother, Hocutt spent a lot of time with his grandmother growing up, and didn’t have much accountability. “I never had anyone to put their thumbprint on me,” he recalled. A self proclaimed “knucklehead” in school, Hocutt needed some direction, and he literally received it from the Smithfield Middle band director at the time, John Doc Windley.
Although Hocutt had been playing the piano since the age of 5, he didn’t know how to read music. He played “by ear”, practicing for hours to learn his favorite songs. Windley taught him about whole notes, half notes, and everything involved with reading music. In addition to learning this new skill, this was Hocutt’s first experience in a band setting where he was part of a team. And he thrived!
Windley encouraged Hocutt to join the band when he got to Smithfield-Selma High, and he immediately did so. That is when Hocutt’s whole world got bigger. Each weekend he and his band mates would travel to different events all around North Carolina, exposing him to different places and opportunities. That gave him the motivation to graduate from high school. Something which he wasn’t sure would happen before joining the band.
He graduated, which was in and of itself a big accomplishment, however Hocutt had no idea what to do next. In 2010, he accepted a position as a custodian at Corinth Holders High, just as they opened their doors, in turn, opening doors for Hocutt to find and fulfill his purpose.
Suddenly, he was surrounded by positive male figures, something he hadn’t had growing up. He witnessed these men making a positive impact in the lives of those young people, and Hocutt realized his purpose was to be an educator. Now he had a framework to pattern his life after, and those educators at Corinth Holders High poured into him.
As a custodian, Hocutt spent long days on campus, opening the school, and driving a bus. Then he would go to classes in the evening at Augustine University, not getting home some nights until 10 PM. “It was all worth it,” Hocutt said. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 2013.
A few months later in February 2014, he secured a position at Archer Lodge Middle, where he taught social studies for six years. During that time, he was named JCPS 2015 Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year, and 2017 Leading With The Heart recipient.
In May 2020, Hocutt earned a degree in school administration from Barton College, and in July that same year, he joined Cleveland High as an assistant principal. It was during that time that Hocutt realized he needed a bigger stage to help support students by giving them a voice, and to support other teachers.
The next logical step was to pursue a doctoral degree. "I was drawn to the idea of pursuing my Doctor of Education not out of a desire for personal recognition, but because I genuinely believe in the transformative power of education,” he said.
With this advanced degree, I hope to humbly work towards a better and more equitable educational landscape, fostering a love for learning and growth in all of those it touches.
This past summer, Hocutt earned a doctorate in education leadership from Western Carolina University. “With this advanced degree,” he said, “I hope to humbly work towards a better and more equitable educational landscape, fostering a love for learning and growth in all those it touches.”
This year Hocutt became assistant principal of Four Oaks Middle, bringing his experience and knowledge, and is ready to make a positive impact on the lives of the students every day. “The sense of community, and the chance to contribute to the development of our future leaders make this role truly fulfilling,” he remarked.
Hocutt inspires the teachers and staff by regularly acknowledging and celebrating their hard work, dedication, and achievements. “By highlighting their contributions and showing genuine appreciation,” Hocutt said, “I create a positive and motivating atmosphere where everyone feels valued and encouraged.” He uses a variety of motivational methods, including shout-outs in staff meetings or personalized thank you notes.
That is the exact reason Hocutt was named JCPS 2023-2024 Assistant Principal of the Year. The recognition has inspired him to work even harder, lead by example, and foster an environment where excellence and collaboration are celebrated.
All grown up now, Hocutt has come a long way from that knuckleheaded kid. A dedicated father of three children, he has developed a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, traveling, and is a huge theme park enthusiast. But his first love, the piano, is still where he can be his most creative, and he plays weekly at his church.
With this recognition, Hocutt’s goal has never been clearer. He said, ”My aim is to contribute meaningfully to the field, and make a positive impact on students, teachers, and the educational system as a whole.”