An Easton, Connecticut-based special education director with more than 15 years of experience, Daniel Schiels graduated from the University of Hartford with a bachelor of science in education and later obtained a master's degree from Touro University. He began his career in 2008, working as an arts enrichment director at Learning Spring School, a K-8 school in New York for students with autism spectrum disorder. Daniel Schiels designed academic and social programs catering to the students' unique needs during his seven-year tenure with the school.

Daniel Schiels worked as a special education teacher with the New York City Department of Education from 2015 to 2018. In addition to teaching Grade 9-12 earth science and global history courses in integrated co-teaching and 15-to-1 student-to-teacher settings, he trained staff on NYC Special Education Information Systems and collaborated with community organizations on various events and outreach practices.

Daniel Schiels later worked three years in a similar role with Southern WestChester Board of Cooperating Educational Services and most recently served three years as teacher and team leader for special education at Stamford Public Schools in Connecticut. He received the 2024 Funds for Teacher Fellowship Award to explore the effectiveness of nature-based literacy development.

Daniel Schiels