Sundai Riggins

Sundai Riggins is the Head of School at the inspired Teaching Demonstration School. Prior to her current role, Dr. Riggins was the principal of Hendley Elementary School in SE DC for six years. During her time at Hendley ES she improved academic achievement, built robust programming and extracurricular activities, and also redefined the curriculum to include STEM programming and hands-on learning experiences for students. In 2019 her school won the Innovation for Excellence award at the Standing Ovation for DC Public Schools and became the only OSSE recognized STEM elementary school in Ward 8. As a result, Dr. Riggins was recognized for her highly effective leadership and awarded the Leading During a Year of Change, an honor designated for three DCPS principals. 

A veteran school leader, she has served as an urban school leader for sixteen years as both a principal and mentor to aspiring school leaders. Dr. Riggins has written articles for NAEYC, the 74 Million, and was featured as a guest expert on CNN’s The ABCs of COVID-19, with Sanjay Gupta and Erica Hill. Dr. Riggins holds bachelors degrees in English and Journalism, two master’s degrees – a Master of Science in Administration from Trinity University and an Executive Masters in Leadership from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.