LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Ryan Daniel was nominated by an anonymous colleague. 

These three words best describe Dr. Daniel: visionary, innovative, and driven.

"I met her about 15 years ago as a novice teacher," said the nominator. "Her innovative ideas as a classroom teacher assisted in changing the culture in our school at the time. We had many conversations about her goals, and she would say in 10 years, she wanted to be a principal and earn her doctorate. One year she polled the entire school, and during Teacher Appreciation Week, we had an assembly. Each teacher received an award for their impact on the students. It was so inspiring. I was chosen as my favorite teacher in the whole school. I never forgot that."

What has been so inspiring about Dr. Daniel is watching her earn her doctorate and change the cultures of two schools. Students and staff felt appreciated as she implemented different ideas that created a culture where the school was an exciting place to learn and work. These ideas included Parents Night Out, Sio and Paints, Fun days, taking the entire school (grades PreK-6) on a college tour (5 different colleges, most field trips on coach buses), reading book challenges (where she lost the challenge with the students and had to spend time on the school roof), painting murals in an outside the school, and creating community partnerships. Her efforts led to her being chosen as Principal of the Year by the Washington Post this year. She has held state and National positions on many boards and organizations and has spoken at national conferences. Dr. Daniel has done all this while balancing her life as a mother of two young daughters.

"What I adore the most is how she has changed the lives of her students to making school a fun and rewarding place to come," said the nominator. "She is truly inspiring and amazing!"