What My Colleagues Have to Say
You can learn a lot about a person based on what others have to say about him or her. Here’s a collection of testimonials from those with whom I have shared the closest professional relationships.
His knowledge of technology and using cooperative structures in the classroom not only make him an exemplary teacher, but also an exemplary trainer and coach.
Calvin Dillon
Instructional Coach
His preparedness and attention to detailed analysis of student data/work/exemplars has greatly aided in improving our student scores in a wide range of areas.
Chris Kearney
Teacher
During the past ten years, James has proven to be one of the finest English/Language Arts teachers I have observed among a highly talented department.
Kelly King
Principal
James is a wonderful colleague, team leader and teacher mentor. His leadership of our English 1 Honors teachers, which I am one, has been invaluable. His ability to organize, suggest innovative technology ideas and his ability to zero in on specific areas of need for our students has helped us become a very successful teacher team.
Tammy Scruggs
Teacher
I received one of my best evaluations one year because James helped me get to know a new app using augmented reality. I was really nervous using this new technology, but James made me feel at ease and he took the time out of his day to review everything with me. I went into that lesson with good confidence and that was because James believed in me.
Ann Jacks
Teacher
The first thing most people notice about James is his energy – he is a beacon of light, positivity, and exuberance.. … With a welcoming smile and booming voice, James has the ability to make everyone feel like a friend. This quality is so important when it comes to culture fit, relationship building, and leadership.
Brian Shaffer
District Curriculum Coordinator
He is passionate about teaching his students, he is passionate about helping other teachers teach theirs, he is passionate about creating a happy, fun, safe work environment for everyone. James is a lot of things, talented, hard working, dedicated; but overwhelmingly, he is passionate.
Emily Kelley
Teacher
James has been an invaluable resource for all technology-related issues. He helped me set up Flipgrid, which I use in all my classes, and has solved many technical problems relating to specific websites such as Edsby, Clever, and Microsoft Online, thus enabling me to teach more effectively and efficiently.
Kim Van Den Broecke
Teacher
I have learned a great deal from James, from small things like Kagan strategies and quiet signals, to larger ideas like setting and maintaining group norms and using technology to replace an over reliance on paper. He inspires me every day to be a better, more effective teacher.
Calvin Dillon
Instructional Coach
He has always been a wonderful inspiration to me, especially when I was starting out as a brand new high school teacher. Any time I needed help on a lesson, or even when I just needed help with the overall curriculum, James would be there in a heartbeat to give me assistance. … He is definitely one of the most helpful and patient people I have ever met in my life.
Ann Jacks
Teacher
James helped me and another teacher revamp the curriculum for our freshman reading course. Using his expertise in journalism, he helped us re-envision the entire structure and purpose of the class (while still meeting state standards). Now the class challenges students to collaboratively create a web publication about high school readiness.
Eric Vona
Teacher
His earnest approach to everything he does makes it apparent how much that activity matters to him. Whether it’s leading a PD session in front of 100 educators, or working one-on-one with a new teacher about the latest and greatest piece of ed tech, James has the ability to connect to the work and to others who have the great fortune of working with him.
Brian Shaffer
District Curriculum Coordinator
From day one, he has been extremely welcoming, knowledgeable, and helpful. I always know I can trust in his judgement and expertise if I need anything or have any questions on curriculum or teaching.
Marie Mendoza
Teacher
I have been most impressed with the initiative James takes when he sees or hears about the needs of our teachers in efficiently and effectively developing opportunities to support their work through coaching or trainings.
Kelly King
Principal
James has allowed me to come into his classroom, shown me examples of behavior management, provided positive/constructive feedback on my lessons, researched and created rubrics and alternative assessments, and just listened to me.
Tonya Thomas
Teacher