Nolan McDaniel, J.D. (he/him/his) was drawn to education from a young age after watching his mother’s work with students during her career in public schools. “As a student and an educator, I’ve always felt unsettled by the inequities that I felt schools were not addressing. Having been born and raised in East Tennessee, I am committed to this community and am eager to return home to found a school that will provide equitable educational opportunities for youth, regardless of their race, language, income level, ability, or zip code.”
Throughout his experience as a school leader, Nolan has been constantly reminded of the power of authentic relationships and partnerships with students, families, and the community. “Our proposed school will be built around three guiding principles: character formation at the core of the school design; real-world learning opportunities that make education relevant; and being an organization that is in, of, and for the community of Chattanooga. Working alongside the community to put these principles into practice will build a school that not only impacts our own students and families, but has long-term, sustainable impact in the broader community.”
Most recently, Nolan served as the assistant principal at Democracy Prep Charter High School in New York City where he focused on family engagement, student culture, and STEM academic programming, all through an equity lens. He taught algebra at the same school and was also a member of Democracy Prep’s LeaderU program. Prior to this, Nolan worked at Success Academy Charter Schools as a teacher and grade team lead.
Nolan received a Master of Education degree from Teachers College at Columbia University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Tennessee College of Law. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and religious studies from Lees-McRae College.
