Folsom Middle School Principal Terri Daniels Named NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year

Terri Daniels, EdD, principal of Folsom Middle School in Folsom, California, has been named the 2025 NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Daniels, who has over 40 years of experience in both private and public education, has been a prominent advocate for education policy reform, school leadership, and student success. She played a key role in the development of California’s Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) and the implementation of Common Core, ensuring these initiatives aligned with the needs of students and educators.

As a strong advocate for students with disabilities, Daniels has worked to enhance protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504, ensuring all students have equitable access to quality education. She has also been a vocal advocate for student mental health services, pushing for greater resources to address the mental health challenges students face. Additionally, she has been a leader in promoting restorative justice and Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) to provide tailored support for students.

“When educators step into advocacy roles, we transform educational policy with the authentic expertise that can only come from daily school experience,” Daniels said. “Receiving the NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year Award fuels my commitment to continue building bridges between policymakers and the educational leaders who understand what our students need to succeed.”

Daniels, the NASSP California state representative, has also worked to maintain and increase federal funding for educational programs and strengthen the teacher-administrator pipeline. Her advocacy efforts have had a far-reaching impact, both locally and nationally.

NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe praised Daniels and the other finalists for their advocacy work. “These three advocates exemplify the transformative power of educational leadership, raising up the voices of those most impacted by educational policy,” Nozoe said. “Their strategic advocacy—from championing mental health resources to ensuring equitable access for students with disabilities—underscores the critical role school leaders play in creating responsive, inclusive educational ecosystems.”

Two other school leaders, Andre Hauser, principal of Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge, Connecticut, and Angie Charboneau-Folch, principal of Integrated Arts Academy in Chaska, Minnesota, were finalists for the award.

The NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing NASSP’s policy agenda and advocating for school leaders to ensure the success of every student. Recipients help elevate the voices of school leaders in federal, state, and local policy discussions.

For Daniels, the award is a continuation of her long-standing commitment to improving education policy and supporting students and educators.