Folsom Middle School Principal Terri Daniels, who also serves as ACSA state coordinator to the National Association of Secondary School Principals, is ACSA’s Middle Grades Principal of the Year.
Daniels ensures that all student voices are heard
August 5, 2024
Name: Terri Daniels
Award: Middle Grades Principal of the Year
Title: Principal, Folsom Middle School, Folsom Cordova USD
ACSA highlights: Member since 2008; FCLA Charter President, 2021-2022; Middle Grades Education Council Rep., 2022-present; ACSA state coordinator to NASSP, 2022-present; ACSA Leadership Coach, 2016-present.
The phrase used most frequently to describe Terri Daniels, ACSA’s 2024 Middle Grades Principal of the Year, is “above and beyond.”
As principal of Folsom Middle School since 2019, and prior to that in positions as principal, superintendent/principal, coordinator, specialist and teacher, Daniels has made it her priority to ensure that every student is given opportunities to achieve and succeed. She’s committed to sustaining a strong pyramid of support that provides strategic interventions during the school day, remaining committed to effective first instruction yet ensuring that extra help is accessible to students who need it. While she celebrates Folsom Middle School’s remarkable student achievement as evidenced by state assessment scores, she never loses sight of the 25 percent of students who are not meeting standards.
Daniels developed a climate team on campus for the purpose of making students feel connected, safe, seen and celebrated, providing opportunities to learn about and appreciate different cultures, abilities and ethnicities. She is a strong advocate for inclusion and access for all students in both academics and extracurriculars, implementing a buddy system in which students in general education are partnered with students with moderate to severe disabilities to serve as mentors, guides and friends. She meets with student leadership every two weeks and holds grade-level Lunch Bunch meetings, Parent Chats, one-on-one chats with staff and public town hall meetings to ensure that all voices are heard.
The support and development of teachers is another priority of Daniels’, who has leveraged Educator Effectiveness Funds to provide teacher teams with ongoing and timely professional learning and instructional coaching, leading by example in her desire for continuous self-improvement and encouraging others to share knowledge and ideas. Under her leadership, Folsom Middle School has achieved the first of three levels of certification in Robert Marzano’s High Reliability Schools framework. This accomplishment reflects her dedication to employing evidence-based practices that ensure the overall effectiveness of the school community.
In addition, Daniels is actively involved with ACSA and supportive of new and aspiring administrators, serving as an ACSA Leadership Coach since 2016, representing Region 3 on the Council of Middle Grades Education Leaders and serving as ACSA’s state coordinator to NASSP. She has presented at both ACSA and NASSP conferences on charting a path through difficult conversations and published a case study on identifying parental barriers to student academic achievement.
“Dr. Daniels stands out for her exceptional leadership, which is grounded in a deep understanding of the unique developmental needs of middle schoolers,” said Erin Earnshaw, instructional coach and English teacher at Folsom Middle School. “This commitment is evident by her tireless work towards creating an inclusive learning environment where every student is and feels valued and supported.”
What’s your favorite book or quote on leadership?
Favorite quote: “Brave leaders are never silent around hard things.” Brené Brown. Book: “Lincoln on Leadership” by Donald T. Phillips.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t wait for others to see your worth. Find it within yourself and go out and show the world what you can do. Follow your dreams and embrace your passions.
What are some life hacks that you would recommend for a new administrator?
Take your time and get to know the community you are working with. Build relationships, establish trust. Make time to do individual conversations with each member of your staff and listen to their needs and hopes for the community. Don’t try to change too much too soon. You will actually go further in the long run.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I hold four credentials: Early Childhood; Single Subject; Education Specialist; and Administrative.
I am currently in the process of writing a book. My B.A. and M.A. are actually in history.
What made you want to become a school administrator?
When I first got my administrative credential, I was a single mom raising three children and figured it would be a good thing to have. I didn’t expect to use it right away as I loved teaching and working in the classroom with students. However, once I got it I decided to go for interviews just to gain some experience with interviewing for an administrative position. I got hired and have never looked back. I love my job and will begin my 17th year as an administrator this next school year.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome to get where you are?
There have been many as I have been in the education field for 39 years. Probably the biggest challenge was obtaining my doctorate degree. But with the support of my husband and family and friends, I did it.
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
Being a mom and raising three well-adjusted, bright and productive children. Two of the three are now high school teachers. I am very proud of my four grandchildren with number five on the way. And, of course, proud of obtaining my doctorate degree and also receiving this recognition.
How has ACSA supported you in your career/current position?
I am extremely involved in ACSA and NASSP. I have been supported by ACSA through their awesome professional development opportunities, networking, and through the connections and friendships I have developed through the organization. ACSA staff has always been available to assist with whatever I have needed. I have received help with legal advice through ACSA and the connection with other administrators within the region and throughout the state has been so valuable. I love being a part of ACSA!
Daniels has made it her priority to ensure that every student is given opportunities to achieve and succeed.
Terri Daniels has presented at both ACSA and NASSP conferences on charting a path through difficult conversations.