Derald has served in public education in Oklahoma for the last 39 years in roles that include teacher, coach, assistant principal, and superintendent. In 2014, Derald worked with other school leaders to start the Association of Christian Administrators (ACA) which provides encouragement and support for Christian leaders in schools and has affiliates in eight states. After retiring from public education in 2018, he became the Assistant Executive Director for the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators, offering training and guidance for superintendents and central office staff across the state. Derald has been an Educational Consultant for Christian Educators for the past three years.