District Hires New Assistant Principal

St. James R-1 School District Board of Education on Wednesday, March 15th, approved the hiring of Mrs. Becky Daniels as the new Administrative Intern and she will serve as the Assistant Principal for St. James Middle School for the 2023-2024 school year.

“Our Aspiring Administrators Program was developed to give qualified and interested staff the opportunity to gain more experience at the administrative level,” said Mr. Tim Webster, Superintendent. “And we’re seeing it in action. Daniels is excited about the opportunity and I am confident she’ll bring the same level of professionalism and support she has displayed in her current position to the middle school.” 

In addition to her participation in our Aspiring Administrators Program, Mrs. Daniels is currently an English teacher at St. James High School and in her twelfth year in education. This is her third year as an educator in the St. James R-1 School District. When asked why she applied for the position she said she was “motivated by the opportunity to define and refine myself as an administrative leader, and to do that with the staff and faculty at the middle school, a team I’ve worked with as a classroom teacher my first year in the district, was a huge motivating factor. I love what the middle school works toward every day, and I wanted to be a part of their journey.” 

Mrs. Daniels grew up in Steelville, Missouri where she graduated high school in 2005. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in Secondary English Education, a Master of Science in Educational Administration, and an Educational Specialist in Educational Administration, all from Missouri Baptist University. She has lived in the area all her life and currently resides in Cuba with her husband, Chris Daniels. Chris is a St. James native and is the editor of the St. James Press. Mrs. Daniels enjoys reading, cuddling with her dog, Oshie, and spending time in the sun. She is an active member of the Steelville Presbyterian Church as an elder and VBS coordinator. 

“My vision for the middle school is to continue fostering and creating an environment and programs that directly align with our district mission: empower students through caring relationships, academic excellence, and community partnerships,” said Daniels. “I want all of our students to become lifelong learners and productive members of our community, and fulfilling our mission is an integral step toward that goal.”

Mrs. Daniels will begin serving as Assistant Principal on July 1, 2023.