ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Daniel McInturff scans the halls of Westwood Middle School, moving purposefully through a sea of students and teachers. He pauses to speak to some, nods to others, and makes quiet mental notes, checking off more than what shows on the surface. He doesn’t overlook struggling students, overloaded teachers, or a hint of drama; he’ll continue quietly assessing them, taking action, and offering assistance where necessary.
This ear-to-the-ground skill is second nature to McInturff, a U.S. Navy veteran who spent two years assisting chaplains as a religious program specialist. It was a position he pursued with intention.
“I got to interact with everybody — not just those I worked with directly — but I was that friendly face that everybody could rely on and relax around,” he explained. “But also, if something was going on and a chaplain needed to know about it, they could come and confide in me. Then I could let them know who needed some attention on the enlisted side.”
Today, he’s a liaison for students and staff instead of sailors, but the focus is the same.
McInturff said, “It’s knowing the vibe of the teachers and students in your building. I want to make sure my teachers have what they need to improve students’ lives, serve all the kids, and make sure all their needs are met. I want to create the path of least resistance for our teachers where they can do the best job they can.”
But before he was the one listening for the vibe, he was a teacher at Norris Middle School in Anderson County for 12 years. The shift from teacher to assistant principal was an adjustment.
“It was a big change, learning new personalities and systems — things like that. I was dealing with certain things a teacher doesn’t necessarily have to deal with, because they can just pass it to the assistant principal.”
But McInturff is honored and thankful to serve at Westwood. Coming home to Manchester when he did enabled McInturff and his family to spend quality time with his father and father-in-law, who both have died since his return.
“I’m really grateful to Mr. Dobson for the opportunity that I’ve been afforded to come home and be an educator, to help my community that I grew up in, and that I don’t see myself leaving anytime soon,” McInturff shared.
Service is at the heart of all McInturff does, whether at sea or within Westwood’s walls.
“I think it’s just servant leadership — making sure that I’m doing for people. I’m not going to ask anybody to do something I wouldn’t want to do myself.”
McInturff doesn’t need recognition to know he’s made a difference. It’s enough to keep showing up, to stay present, and to listen — whether it’s a teacher under pressure or a student whose silence says more than words. He’s learned that lasting impact rarely comes from standing at the front of the room. It starts by keeping your ear to the ground and your heart in the right place. GN
