Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Daniels
Hi Danielle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Danielle brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role, with over a decade of dedicated
service in education through the Charleston County School District. Danielle’s career flourished
notably during her tenure as a Family Service Advocate at Sanders-Clyde Creative Arts
Elementary School, and this pivotal role laid the groundwork for her role as a Community
Engagement Officer for the district. Her profound connection to Charleston’s communities and
unwavering commitment to dismantling barriers to educational equity has been the cornerstone
of her professional journey.
A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Danielle’s journey toward fostering community
engagement through education has been deeply influenced by her professional experiences,
academic achievements, and inherent love for learning. Danielle graduated from the Charleston
County School of Arts and holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Francis Marion
University, and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Charleston Southern University, where
she gained invaluable insights into the intersection of law and social behavior. Currently
pursuing her EdD in Educational Leadership at Charleston Southern University, Danielle is
driven by a steadfast dedication to enhancing educational outcomes and leadership within
schools and communities.
Danielle’s approach is rooted in Maya Angelou’s profound wisdom: “I’ve learned that people will
forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you
made them feel.” Danielle’s genuine compassion for helping others and her commitment to
instilling a love for learning motivates her to impact the lives of students and families throughout
the region.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey from Charleston County School District to becoming the Community Engagement Director at Reading Partners South Carolina has been rewarding and exciting! Each challenge presented a valuable learning opportunity that helped me grow personally and professionally.
Working with Charleston County School District gave me a solid foundation in education and community needs, but moving to Reading Partners brought fresh experiences and joys. Transitioning from a large institution to a dynamic nonprofit focused on literacy was invigorating. I proudly support RP’s mission to help children become lifelong readers by empowering communities to provide individualized instruction with measurable results.
Reading Partner’s commitment to educational equity also allows me to embrace new community engagement and partnership-building strategies, which have been both stimulating and fulfilling.
Building relationships with diverse stakeholders, including schools, community organizations, and volunteers, was a new and exciting challenge. It allowed me to develop creative approaches to rallying support and communicating the impact of our literacy programs. Each interaction has been a step forward in fostering a robust and supportive network for our cause and callings with one of my favorite Reading Partner values: Together, we are Better!
Overall, every twist and turn has contributed to a deeply fulfilling role and has strengthened my dedication to enhancing educational outcomes for all students. The road may have had its bumps, but each has been a stepping stone toward making a positive impact. I’m excited for the future and grateful for the incredible experiences that continue to shape my role and drive Reading Partners’ mission forward!
As you know, we’re big fans of Reading Partners. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Reading Partners South Carolina is a dedicated nonprofit organization with a powerful mission: to close the literacy gap for elementary school students from underserved communities. Our focus is on providing one-on-one reading tutoring to help students achieve grade-level reading proficiency and build the foundational skills they need for academic success.
What We Do:
We offer a research-based literacy program that pairs students with trained volunteer tutors for individualized reading support. Our program is designed to address the unique needs of each student, providing personalized instruction that helps improve reading fluency, comprehension, and overall confidence. We work closely with schools and community partners to ensure that our services are tailored to the specific needs of each student and school.
Specialization and What We’re Known For:
We specialize in delivering high-impact literacy tutoring programs that make a measurable difference in students’ reading abilities. Our approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, and we’re known for our commitment to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. Our volunteers are at the heart of what we do, and we take pride in their dedication and the strong relationships they build with students.
What Sets Us Apart:
What sets Reading Partners South Carolina apart is our unique combination of personalized, one-on-one tutoring and our robust network of community partnerships. We integrate educational best practices with a deep commitment to community involvement, ensuring that our programs are both effective and sustainable. Our focus on building strong, collaborative relationships with schools, volunteers, and local organizations enhances the impact of our work and creates a comprehensive support system for students.
Pride in Our Brand:
We are particularly proud of our ability to achieve tangible improvements in student reading outcomes. The success stories of students who have gained confidence and improved their reading skills are a testament to the effectiveness of our program. Our brand represents a commitment to educational equity and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.
What We Want You to Know:
We want our readers to know that Reading Partners South Carolina is more than just a tutoring program; we are a dedicated community of educators, volunteers, and supporters working together to create lasting change. Our services are designed to empower students and give them the tools they need to become confident, proficient readers. We invite you to learn more about our programs, explore opportunities to get involved, and join us in our mission to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives.
At Reading Partners South Carolina, I serve as the Community Engagement Director, where I am dedicated to building and strengthening partnerships essential for advancing our literacy programs. My role involves developing strategic relationships with schools, community organizations, businesses, and volunteers to ensure we have the support and resources necessary to improve reading skills among students.
Reading Partners is a nonprofit organization committed to closing the literacy gap for elementary school students from underserved communities. We provide one-on-one reading tutoring and support to help students achieve grade-level reading proficiency. Our program’s design empowers students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed academically and beyond.
In my position, I specialize in creating and implementing community engagement strategies that connect people and organizations with our mission. This includes organizing outreach events, recruiting and coordinating volunteers, and building partnerships with local entities to enhance program effectiveness. My educational background has given me a deep understanding of academic challenges and how to mobilize community resources to address them.
My unique ability to blend my extensive educational experience with a passion for community building sets me apart. I am known for my innovative approaches to engagement and ability to inspire diverse groups to come together for a common cause. My commitment to fostering strong, supportive partnerships will be instrumental in expanding Reading Partners South Carolina’s reach and impact.
Overall, my combination of skills, experience, and dedication to cultivating meaningful community relationships helps set me apart and drives our mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity to become a confident, proficient reader.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
It all started with my mother’s chapter books, which I would sneak into bed with me, determined to finish just one more chapter before sleep claimed me.
My mother, ever the patient and understanding soul, would sometimes find me reading in my closet or huddled under the blankets with the book propped open.
As my love for reading grew, so did our weekly trips to the bookstore. It became a cherished ritual, my parents indulging my ever-expanding reading list.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://readingpartners.org/
