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Teacher of the Year Spotlight: Ms. Cecilia "CeCe" Daniels

Distinguished for her love and passion for teaching students, Ms. CeCe Daniels has been recognized as the Teacher of the Year- a recognition that mirrors her individuality, devotion, and zeal for life.

Ms. CeCe has been teaching at Rex Mill Stem School for 3 years. With an impressive 28 years of teaching experience, Ms. CeCe Daniels brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and heart to everything she does. As the English Language Arts Department Chair, she helps to lead with grace and purpose—mentoring fellow teachers, offering resources, and supporting instruction to ensure excellence across the department. Her love for teaching is reflected not only in her leadership but also in the dynamic energy she brings to her own classroom each day.

Walk into Ms. Daniels’ classroom and you'll immediately feel the buzz of creativity. Every inch of wall space is thoughtfully covered with student-friendly print materials—anchor charts, reference tools, and vocabulary displays that her scholars use daily. Her classroom isn’t just a learning space; it’s a resource hub designed for engagement and success. Whether her students are working independently, collaborating in small groups on chart paper, or building infographics to synthesize text, Ms. Daniels ensures that learning is active, rigorous, and joyful.

But Ms. Daniels' impact stretches far beyond the classroom. Each morning, she is one of the first faces scholars see—welcoming them with music and a warm presence to start the day on a positive note. Her calm, even tone and consistent encouragement lift the spirits of both students and staff, creating a nurturing environment where everyone feels seen and supported. Her passion for service continues into the weekend, where she teaches Sunday school to elementary students and cherishes time spent with her own "little humans."

A typical day with Ms. Cece starts with checking in to make sure her students have what they need—whether it's supplies, a quiet moment, or just a smile. Throughout the lesson, she is in constant motion, guiding, monitoring, questioning, and celebrating student thinking. She fosters a classroom culture where students learn not only from her but also from one another. And outside of teaching, she’s known for bringing her team together to fellowship and recharge over a good meal—building strong bonds and a sense of community among her colleagues.

Ms. Cece Daniels is more than just a seasoned educator—she is a leader, a mentor, a nurturer, and a shining example of what it means to teach with purpose. Her unwavering dedication to student success and her joyful spirit make her a treasured part of our school family.