Dr. Daria Caldwell Honored as Capitol Division Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year

The Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) has honored Dr. Daria Caldwell, Assistant Principal at Cottage Grove Middle School, as a 2026 Capitol Division Assistant Principal of the Year. The Capitol Division represents the East Metro region. Dr. Caldwell is one of eight statewide finalists for the MASSP top honor, which will be awarded in December.

In her two years at CGMS, Dr. Caldwell has distinguished herself as a "service leader" dedicated to student achievement and a positive school culture. Colleagues describe her as a "cheerleader for all students" who possesses the rare ability to meet families where they are while offering overlooked perspectives.

“She is committed to excellence and holds everyone to a higher standard,” her peers shared. “Her example is hard to follow and harder to resist. She brings everyone up and expects nothing in return.”

Congratulations to Dr. Caldwell on this notable regional honor and best of luck at the state level!