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

Terri Daniels, EdD, has leveraged over 40 years of experience in both private and public schools to improve education policy, support school leadership and enhance student outcomes. She was instrumental in the early development of the Local Control Accountability Plan and the implementation of Common Core, ensuring these initiatives aligned with the diverse needs of students and educators. She is a steadfast advocate for students with disabilities, working to strengthen protections under IDEA and Section 504, and ensure equitable access to quality education for all students. She has actively advocated for increased student perspectives at a local level with school boards and at the state board of education, ensuring that students’ needs are central to policy development. Additionally, she has advocated for mental health services in schools, pushing for greater resources to address student mental health challenges. She has also been a leader in promoting restorative justice and MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports). As the California state representative for NASSP, she has worked to maintain and increase federal funding, support mental health initiatives and strengthen the teacher-administrator pipeline. 

“When educators step into advocacy roles, we transform educational policy with the authentic expertise that can only come from daily school experience,” said Daniels. “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.” 

Two distinguished school leaders were selected as finalists for the award: Andre Hauser, principal of Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge, CT, and Angie Charboneau-Folch, principal of Integrated Arts Academy in Chaska, MN. You can read more about their backgrounds and achievements here. 

“These three advocates exemplify the transformative power of educational leadership, raising up the voices of those most impacted by educational policy,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “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.” 

The NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year Award recognizes an individual for outstanding and significant contributions to advancing the organization’s policy agenda and advocating on behalf of all school leaders to ensure the success of each student. Award recipients elevate the voices and influence of school leaders in federal, state and local policy and public discourse. Additional information about the NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year Award can be found here.  

Photos and interviews available upon request.