An experienced educator with expertise in curriculum development and special education, Daniel K. Schiels holds a bachelor of science in education from the University of Hartford and a master of arts in education from Touro University. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively with students of various ages and learning abilities, specializing in differentiated instruction, individualized education programs (IEPs), and vocational skill development. Daniel K. Schiels has also trained educators in instructional technologies and evidence-based learning programs.
Mr. Schiels has worked in both public and specialized educational settings. As arts enrichment director at Learning Spring School, he developed arts-based curricula for students with autism spectrum disorder. He later served as special education department liaison at Maxine Greene High School, where he conducted professional development workshops and provided training on special education systems. His tenure at Stamford Public Schools involved curriculum development across multiple academic programs, and he was a featured speaker at the district’s Data Conference in 2023. In 2024, he received a Funds for Teacher Fellowship to research nature-based literacy development for autism communities.
Outside of education, Mr. Schiels has published poetry and articles, and has been involved in community service with organizations such as the Gay and Lesbian Health Collective and Cub Scouts Pack 166. His interests include film history, music journalism, hiking, carpentry, and geology.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
As someone who strongly believes in a balance of life, I try to make sure my days of leisure have time dedicated to productivity and vise-versa. I also try to reflect on what is working and what isn’t, then make necessary adjustments. For leisure, I treat activities as important as work commitments.
How do you bring ideas to life?
As a highly creative person, I have learned that storing ideas has led to a massive backlog. I am a twice-published writer and have a media website where I make my own music videos for what I like to call “midnight radio” that matches visuals with cerebral and beautiful music. I find inspiration all throughout the day and make notes sporadically – but like other artists, it is important to know when to shelf ideas/projects and when to truly dedicate time in developing them.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I am highly interested in the modern interpretation of the artistic movement phrased as “art brut” by Jean Dubuffet in 1945, in which artistic expression rejects society values and conventions in favor of impulses and new or abstract thinking. Today, this may be called “bedroom art” or “DIY.” I find this the absolute biggest convenience in today’s access to information and allows people to be self-taught artists without having to conform to any particular style or movement or adhere to conventions that were potentially taught in an educational setting. Through the opportunities with art brut, I personally have learned how to play clawhammer banjo professionally, edit film, and publish writing.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
In order to be productive, I like to try to plan my day (or week!) ahead of time and prioritize tasks. I believe it is also important to set realistic goals, which helps me manage my time effectively. I am a big advocate of to-do lists – I even get caught up with all the new organizational systems they keep coming up with.
What advice would you give your younger self?
If I could talk to my younger self, the important advice would be to follow my passions, embrace my individuality, and don’t compare yourself to others.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that everything happens in cycles and the reasons for events repeat themselves.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
I recommend that people only save items and mementos that are important to them.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When I am overwhelmed, I try to take a break from the situation and consider all the variables I am able to control and try to find a way to release the ones I am not in control of. I also try to exercise, and it always helps to speak on my emotions and find someone I trust to listen.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Not being afraid to take risks! I also pride myself on having strong communication skills, being highly adaptable, developing a good network, and building leadership skills but also not being afraid to ask questions. I am also someone who enjoys being at work and enjoys challenges, so having a strong work ethic has come naturally, and I like to incorporate as much creativity and motivation in what I do as possible.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A subscription-based service that provides schools and parents with real-world financial literacy simulations tailored for different age groups. This platform would use AI to personalize learning experiences based on a student’s progress, helping them build essential money management skills in an engaging way.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I rely on Trello to organize tasks and projects. I use it to track job applications, manage interview preparations, and stay on top of ongoing projects by categorizing them into different boards with deadlines and priorities.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Book: The Lean Startup by Eric Ries. It has shaped my understanding of how to test ideas efficiently, pivot when necessary, and approach problem-solving with a growth mindset. Another one of my favorite books is Close To The Knives by David Wojnarowicz. I believe he is the greatest beat writer of the 20th century.
Podcast: The EdSurge Podcast – it keeps me informed about trends in education technology, which aligns with my background in edtech sales and curriculum development.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Bear (FX). It’s an intense and well-crafted series that beautifully captures leadership challenges, team dynamics, and the pursuit of excellence under pressure – valuable insights for anyone managing projects or leading a team.
Key learnings
- Real-world financial literacy tools tailored to different learning styles can transform education.
- Using productivity tools like Trello helps streamline complex projects and job searches.
- Investing in continuous learning, whether through LinkedIn Learning or books like The Lean Startup, is crucial for professional growth.
- Staying informed about industry trends, such as through The EdSurge Podcast, can provide a competitive edge in edtech and career development.