Jerylen Lavender Daniels Appointed Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School Principal

Jerylen Lavender Daniels will take on the role of principal at Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School (Tucker) as of June 16, 2025. In this role, Daniels will carry out the school’s vision, establish and maintain its philosophy and lead the school to achieve daily instructional program excellence. 

The appointment of Jerylen Daniels as principal of Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School ensures continuity of strong and equity-centered leadership,” said Michael Routhouska, Executive Director of School Leadership for Alexandria City Public Schools. “As assistant principal since 2021, she has led with vision and dedication, particularly in advancing support for students with disabilities and improving instructional practices. Her efforts have resulted in measurable academic gains and a more inclusive school culture. We are confident she will continue to elevate Tucker’s excellence and community trust.

Daniels is a highly accomplished educator and leader with more than 30 years of experience in fostering student success, developing high-performing teams and implementing innovative programs. She prides herself on the ability to drive academic growth, cultivate inclusive environments and build strong community partnerships. Daniels is driven by a desire to ensure that school-aged children have access to high-quality experiences that spark their imaginations and equip them to overcome obstacles. She believes education is the key to unlocking opportunities that allow each student to employ their unique talents that are intended to benefit the world around them. 

Since June of 2021, Daniels has served as assistant principal at Tucker. She has led the school’s special education program, ensuring effective routines, protocols and support for students with disabilities, case managers and co-teachers. In 2024, Daniels received the Anne R. Lipnick Award, recognized for her outstanding support for special education students, families and staff. 

Daniels previously served as an interventionist at Patrick Henry K-8 School where she managed the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) as coordinator, developing and tracking the

effectiveness of equitable, evidence-based strategies and interventions.

Before joining Alexandria City Public Schools, Daniels served as an elementary and middle school teacher in various schools in northern Virginia and in Fulton County, Georgia. She also was an assistant principal at Dale City Elementary School in Prince William County, Virginia.

Daniels received a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama. She earned a Master of Education in education leadership from George Mason University. Daniels is currently a doctoral candidate in advanced educational leadership at Regent University in Virginia Beach.