Pioneer Central Schools

Hello! My name is Daniel Bala, and I am the UPK-4th grade art teacher at Delevan Elementary School, where I enjoy helping students learn to create amazing, expressive works of art!

I have been the art teacher at Delevan since 2018, but have been teaching art since 2012, over which time I taught K-8th grade visual arts at Pinnacle Charter School and North Park Middle Academy in Buffalo, New York.

Prior to teaching, I received a BFA in Fine Arts from Fredonia State University, and received my teaching certification and Masters degree in Educational Technology from Buffalo State College.

I currently reside in Western New York, where I am a husband, and father to a beautiful two year old daughter. When I’m not teaching, or spending time with my family, I enjoy creating art of my own, exercising and playing golf, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills and Sabres!

When I tell people I spent 10+ years at Buffalo State College, there are usually some eyebrows raised in disbelief. Artists, musicians, performing artists…life is about the studio or stage. All I cared about was creating and having access to such an amazing ceramic studio. I wanted to stay in an environment where I was constantly learning, challenged, and surrounded by other creative minds who were inspiring and were critical for my own artistic and personal development. From this amazing time, I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramic Design, a Bachelor of Arts & Science in Art Education, and a Masters in Multi-Disciplinary Studies. I also have an Associates in Design from Mohawk Valley Community College. I’ve exhibited my work both on the national and local level, have work in the Burchfield-Penny Art Center’s permanent collection, spent many years funding my travels and way through college doing the art festivals such as Allentown, Elmwood, and The Roycroft, and have had the honor of spending an additional two years at Buffalo State’s Ceramic Program as their Resident Artist.

I started teaching at Pioneer in 1999 and feel I am the luckiest teacher in the building. I teach what I am actively passionate about, what I would still be involved in regardless if I was teaching or not, and through the years have turned my classroom into a fully functional and amazing ceramic studio where I never tire of being. I am still passionate and dedicated in finding ways to improve instruction and the studio environment where students can feel safe, inspired, and challenged in their own pursuit of excellence in artistic and personal growth!

I began teaching in this great district way back in 2002. I have a Masters Degree in Art Education from Buffalo State College. I teach middle school here in Pioneer, grades 5 through 8. I enjoy sharing my passion with the students. Our main goal in the Middle School is to encourage students to appreciate and participate in the Arts. We strive to develop creative problem solvers and that creativity will serve our students greatly in whatever they endeavor in the future. 

I currently reside in East Aurora where me and my wife enjoy family time with our two sons. My hobbies include, woodworking, lifting weights, travel, hiking, and sports. I have participated in and coached football and wrestling and they continue to be real interests of mine. I am a practicing artist as well. I exhibit at several local galleries, art shows and festivals. My main area of expertise is pet portraiture. I enjoy working is charcoal, pastel, and ink. You can check out my artwork at WWW.NECCIDESIGNS.COM.