BRANDON DANIEL

5th Grade Teacher, Burton Magnet Elementary School

The experience of being raised by his grandparents, growing up in Durham, and being a product of Durham Public Schools have helped shape Brandon Daniel into the teacher he is today. While he didn’t grow up with lots of material things, he was surrounded with social, emotional and educational support from his grandparents who encouraged Daniel to watch, learn and do things himself – the same principles that he uses in his classroom.

While Daniel has had many important teachers in his life, from college professors, teacher assistants and his wife, he credits his students with being his most important teachers. Through his students, Daniel has learned that an engaged student is the best behavior management for any teacher; that they understand math and science better when they “do” it; that smiles and respect both need reciprocity; and most importantly how to be a better teacher, parent and overall human being.

“Mr. Daniel motivates his students to unlock their hidden potential. His ability to facilitate rigorous learning through increased student engagement sets him apart from other educators,” said Burton Elementary principal Dr. Kimberly Ferrell. “In 2018, 95 percent of his students were proficient on the North Carolina Science EOG. But his most distinguishing quality is his love for his students and the impact he is making in our school.”

Daniel has been teaching at Burton since 2013 and was a finalist for the Durham Public Schools Beginning Teacher of the Year in 2017. He received both his bachelor and master’s degrees from North Carolina State University.

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