Myra Watkins is a graduate of Lincoln High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Malone University, her education degree from the University of Akron, and her Master’s degree in Urban Elementary Education from Kent State University. She later earned her principal licensure from Cleveland State.

She served the Canton City School District for over 25 years as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal before retiring in 2021. She continues her service to the CCSD as a tutor at Patrick Elementary School where she also teaches African dance and drumming in their afterschool program.

She currently serves as an employee of Family Life Services and with a team of others has started a nonprofit agency called Family Life Social Emotional Learning Center (SEL) whose goal is to train, educate, and empower developmentally disadvantaged adults enabling them to live a meaningful, fulfilling, and quality life.

Ms. Watkins is also a board member of The United Boxing Club and SARTA and is a member of the Leila Green Alliance of Black Educators.

Her community involvement is extensive.

Awards and recognition: 

CCSD Trailblazer Award, February 2019

MLK Jr. Award for Education Service, January 2018

Special recognition from the members of the Ohio House of Representatives of the 132nd General Assembly of Ohio for being named Principal of the Year and Top Educator by the Ohio Association of Black Educators, December 2017

Principal of the Year by the Ohio Black Educators’ Association, 2017

Humanitarian award from the George Dunwoody Foundation, 2016