Daniel Bentley
We recently announced that Daniel Bentley had been hired as Schodack’s new Athletic Director and PE Teacher. Since being appointed in early August Mr. Bentley has been hard at work, meeting with coaches, student-athletes and faculty as he prepares the Athletics Department for the 2022-2023 School Year.
We checked in with Mr. Bentley so Schodack’s families and faculty/staff could learn a little more about him before the school year starts in September.
Tell us a little bit about your background.
I started my educational degree at Hudson Valley Community College and from there I transferred to The Sage Colleges where I received my bachelor’s in Physical Education. After completing my undergraduate work, I enrolled in the Sports Administration program at Canisius College. Prior to joining Schodack, I worked with General Education and Special Education students at Questar III BOCES. Working with diverse groups of students helped me shape my teaching style and philosophy.
What drew you to Schodack as a place you wanted to work and to the Athletic Director position in particular?
When I finished my undergraduate work I was able to work in Schodack as a long-term substitute. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive when I first came in and they made sure I had everything I needed to be successful.
As that position came to an end I knew that I wanted to be part of the district and that if I ever had the opportunity I would go for it. Being from a smaller school district myself, I know what it’s like having a close community and being part of the small school atmosphere.
What have you been doing over the summer to prepare for the upcoming school year?
I have been working very closely with Mr. Silver as I transitioned into this role and he transitioned to his new full-time teaching role. I’ve been working with the coaches to know what they hope to achieve this sports season. I’ve been meeting the JV/Varsity Fall 2022 Student-Athletes since those sports started on August 22 and I look forward to doing the same with the Fall 2022 Modified Student-Athletes when their sports start on August 29. I’ll be asking all of our student-athletes this season and beyond what they love about playing sports for Maple Hill and of course what they hope to achieve this season as well. Once all the students return in September, I’m excited to meet the students I’ll be teaching in PE and the rest of the faculty & staff I’ll be working with.
What’s something about your workstyle you want Schodack families and colleagues to know about you right off the bat?
I am a big team player. We are all one school and one community. No matter how big or small we are, supporting each other in class and in athletics is something we should strive to do. The Schodack District and community have the passion and determination to do great things and I cannot wait to be a part of that.
Finally, what’s life like outside of work?
Outside of work, you can find me spending lots of time with family and friends. I am an avid outdoorsman and I enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing and camping in the Adirondacks. Last year, I was lucky enough to travel to Alaska and spend 2 weeks there. I look forward to traveling more in the future. I also try and see a few Tri-City ValleyCats games each summer.
