Daria’s professional achievements. Over the past 28 years, Dr. Daria has dedicated himself to various roles in the field of education, culminating in his seven-year tenure as Superintendent of the Tuscaloosa City School System.
His journey began as a teacher in the Greene County and Tuscaloosa City School Systems from 1995 to 2000, followed by positions as Assistant Principal at Tuscaloosa Middle School in 2000, Eastwood Middle School in Tuscaloosa City from 2000 to 2002, Central High School East in Tuscaloosa City from 2002 to 2003, and Northridge High School in Tuscaloosa City in 2003. He then served as the Principal of Eastwood Middle School from 2003 to 2005 and as the Executive Director of Personnel in Tuscaloosa City Schools from 2005 to 2011. He subsequently assumed the role of Assistant Superintendent for General Administration of Tuscaloosa City Schools from 2011 to 2016, and since 2016, he has led the district as its Superintendent.
Dr. Daria’s educational background includes a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from The University of Alabama, an Educational Specialist’s degree in Educational Leadership from the same institution, an Administrative Certificate in K-12 Administration from Alabama State University, a Master’s degree in Secondary Language Arts from The University of Alabama, and a B.S. in Secondary Comprehensive Language Arts in Science, also from The University of Alabama. Daria also earned the AASA National School Superintendent Certification in 2020.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mike and his wife, Susan (Susy), recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and are the proud parents of two remarkable children, Nicholas and Tyler. Nicholas and Tyler received their education in the Tuscaloosa City Schools and continued their academic journeys at The University of Alabama.
Past AASA Alabama Superintendent of the Year Winners:
2023 Alabama Superintendent of the Year: Dr. Richard Barlow
2022 Alabama Superintendent of the Year: Suzanne Lacey
2021 Alabama Superintendent of the Year: Chresal Threadgill
About the Award:
The Superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by First Student and AASA, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools.
State-level winners are selected on the following criteria:
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- Leadership for Learning
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Community Involvement