Alexandria City Public Schools is welcoming Jerylen Lavender Daniels as the new principal of Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School (535 Ferdinand Day Drive), starting June 16, 2025.
Daniels isn’t new to Tucker; she has been the assistant principal since 2021.
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,” according to Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS).
“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 ACPS. “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 yielded measurable academic gains and fostered a more inclusive school culture. We are confident she will continue to elevate Tucker’s excellence and community trust”.
Daniels brings a wealth of experience to the job, with over 30 years in education. She’s worked as an interventionist at Patrick Henry K-8 School and as an assistant principal at Dale City Elementary School in Prince William County, Virginia.
Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2024, she received the Anne R. Lipnick Award for her exceptional support of special education students, families, and staff.
Daniels earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Alabama A&M University and her Master of Education in Educational Leadership from George Mason University. She’s currently working on a doctorate in advanced educational leadership at Regent University.
As Daniels steps into her new role, the current principal, Adaarema S. Kelly, is moving on to become the new principal at Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School on July 1, 2025.
