For the past four years, Mr. Daniel Gourley has taught Leadership to sixth and eighth grade students at Gerstell Academy. He is no stranger to teaching as he has been working in the educational field for the past twenty-two years. Mr. Gourley earned a degree in Psychology from Salisbury University where he was a 4-year member of the Division III lacrosse team. He served as captain for the team during his senior year. After earning his degree, he took a flight ‘across the pond’ to live in London, England. During his year-long stay, he enjoyed playing and teaching the game of lacrosse through the English Lacrosse Union. Upon his return to the states, Mr. Gourley earned his Master’s Degree in Counseling from Sam Houston University in Texas. 

 

For the next fifteen years he was a middle school Guidance Counselor for the Carroll County Public School System. During this tenure, he says, “I’ve always heard great things in and around Carroll County about Gerstell Academy. Because of the positive image about Gerstell, I’ve always been curious and interested in what makes that school different from others schools.” 

 

Mr. Gourley not only teaches his Middle School students but finds time to share his time and talents with the Middle School Girls' Basketball team and the Middle School Boys Lacrosse team.

 

Fun facts about Mr. Gourley:

 

According to Mr. Gourley, “Teaching at Gerstell Academy is an honor. The students, staff, and parents share a unique bond with one another where our primary focus is helping students achieve to work to reach their full potential.” His passion is helping students improve on their personal, academic, and emotional goals. Mr. Gourley says, “It can be difficult to measure personal improvements in a short amount of time. We tend to judge ourselves on the outcome, rather than the small steps to the beginnings of our dreams.” Students clearly benefit from Mr. Gourley’s positive and genuine outlook and philosophy.

 

Every summer, Mr. Gourley looks forward to directing Camp Eclectic where campers experience a lot of...FUN! A few examples of what campers do to test their courage and leadership in exciting ways include: coast on the colossal slip and slide, build a rocket, create mixed-media art, and survive a Hunger Games water balloon battle. Gerstell students, staff, and parents are happy to have Mr. Daniel Gourley on campus and look forward to more of his unique ways to inspire and influence the students at Gerstell Academy.