From Coach To Superintendent

Send us Fan MailA lot of people imagine superintendents as “career administrators” who climbed a neat ladder. Bernard McDaniel’s story is messier, more human, and far more useful. From teacher and football coach to principal, district leader, and now Superintendent of Lee County Schools, he breaks down the real moves that shaped his leadership and the hard moments that tested it.We talk about how athletics and education leadership overlap in ways most people miss. Bernard shares why being named South Carolina Athletic Administrators Association Superintendent of the Year matters to him, and how coaches can become mentors, disciplinarians, and steady guides for kids who need a strong example. He also makes the case that small rural school districts deserve the same respect and fair opportunities as larger systems, especially when it comes to student athletics, resources, and visibility.Then we get practical about one of the biggest K-12 challenges right now: teacher recruitment and retention. Bernard explains Lee County’s Grow Your Own program, including alternate certification pathways, Praxis and Principles of Learning and Teaching support, and why “building from within” creates continuity and commitment that outside hiring often can’t match. If you care about rural education, building a teacher pipeline, or preparing for roles like principal or superintendent, this conversation lays out what “being ready” actually looks like.If this resonated, subscribe to Native Drums, share the episode with an educator or coach who leads with heart, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.Support the show