Daniel Bentley

“Physical Education gives me the opportunity to teach students how to live a healthy and well-rounded lifestyle,” said Daniel Bentley ’20. 

Daniel was named athletic director at Schodack Central School District in August 2022. 

“I am in charge of coordinating all sports games, practices and athletic events,” he said. “I’ll also be a physical education teacher, so I will be able to work with other students as well, not just student-athletes.”

Daniel’s interest in a career in physical education began when one of his own soccer coaches asked him to volunteer as a coach for an elementary school team. 

“After the first practice I knew I wanted a career in education and athletics,” he said. “I signed up for college the following spring semester and never looked back.”

He started at Hudson Valley Community College, then transferred to Russell Sage College.

“Sage and HVCC have a transfer plan for Physical Education majors and they make it very easy to transfer to the four-year program,” he said. 

Daniel joins the school district from Questar III BOCES, where he was hired as a special education physical education teacher after he completed his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. 

He said he felt very prepared in his first position, thanks to Sage’s emphasis on adapted and inclusive practices, especially in classes taught by Assistant Professor Kelly Brock, Ph.D., BCBA, LBA.

Sage’s Physical Education program has a lot of ties to the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, and Daniel said that his role on the association’s committee for Future Professionals also helped prepare him for his career.  

“The biggest thing I learned during college is not being afraid to go that extra mile,” said Daniel, who will complete a master’s degree in sports administration shortly after he begins his new position. 

“Ask questions, go to conferences and events on and off campus, and ask veteran educators for their advice. Most are willing to help guide you in the right direction.”