Trinity Alum, Dr. Ryan Daniel ’13, Named 2025 Maryland National Distinguished Principal

Dr. Daniels completed her Master of Science in Administration from Trinity in 2013.

The award is given by the Maryland Association of Elementary Principals. According to their website, “The National Distinguished Principals® (NDP) program was established in 1984 to recognize elementary and middle level principals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character, and climate for the students, families, and staffs in their learning communities.”

From the announcement of Dr. Daniel’s selection: 

We are excited to announce Maryland’s 2025 National Distinguished Principal… Congratulations to Dr. Ryan Daniel from Fort Foote Elementary in Prince George’s County!

Dr. Daniel’s nominators noted that her warm personality, strong rapport with staff, students, and the broader community, and visionary leadership have significantly transformed the culture at Fort Foote Elementary School. Her commitment to fostering connections extends beyond the classroom through events such as Popcorn with the Principal, Donuts with Dads, Thanksgiving baskets, and the inaugural Parent Academy- Homework without Tears. These events not only engage the students but also create opportunities for families and the community to connect in a positive and inclusive environment. One of Dr. Daniel’s most admirable qualities is her hands-on leadership style. Each day, she greets every student at the start and end of the school day, ensuring they feel seen and valued. She consistently visits classrooms to engage with students and provide support to teachers.

Dr. Daniel is a past president of MAESP and currently serves on the Board of Directors for NAESP. We are SO proud of her selection as our 2025 National Distinguished Principal!

More about the National Distinguished Principals Program:

The program is based on three fundamental ideas:

• Children’s attitudes towards learning and their perceptions of themselves as lifelong learners are established in the beginning school years.
• The scope and quality of children’s educational experiences are determined primarily by the school principal, who establishes, through the important work of teachers and the support of caring parents, the character of a particular school’s program.
• The dedication and enthusiasm of the outstanding principals who guide children’s early education experiences should be acknowledged to both show appreciation for their work as well as to allow them to serve as models for others in the field.

Each year, NDPs represent pre-K–8 public schools from across the country, as well as principals in U.S. private schools and those from the United States Departments of Defense Office of Educational Activity and the United States Department of State Office of Overseas Schools. Public school elementary and middle-level principals are nominated by peers in their state, and final selections are made by committees appointed by each of NAESP’s state affiliate offices. Honorees from private schools and overseas schools are selected by special committees.