Sports Involvement: Avid golfer, former collegiate Baseball and Track & Field student athlete, equestrian
Community Engagement: Actively involved in coaching youth sports through high school in football, softball, and volleyball
Brian James Ed.D., J.D.
Altadena,CA
Summary
Driven and positive individual with strong ability to foster collaborative and inclusive school environment. Possesses in-depth understanding of educational policies and curriculum development, coupled with excellent organizational and communication skills. Committed to creating supportive atmosphere that enhances student achievement and staff development.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of School/Principal
Wallis Annenberg High School
07.2022 - Current
- Design and facilitate professional development programs for staff
- Lead the Positive Behavior Support Intervention plan to enhance school climate
- Lead the student credit recovery program, improving student outcomes
- Oversee and coordinate the Athletic and Associated Student Body programs
- Manage the Local Control Accountability Program budget
- Facilitate the restorative justice program, promoting a positive school culture
- Developed a positive school culture by fostering strong relationships among faculty, staff, students, and parents.
- Guided strategic planning efforts for long-term visioning and goal-setting within the school community.
Assistant Principal
Burbank High School
- Improved school culture by leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives
- Created and managed a comprehensive COVID-19 testing program
- Developed and coordinated the registration process and graduation ceremony
- Supervised facilities management and scheduling to ensure smooth operations
- Supported the Positive Behavior Support Program to foster a safe learning environment
- Hired and supported new athletic coaches to enhance Burbank High's sports programs
- Managed the Athletic and Booster Club budgets and ensured effective program operations
- Engaged with community partners to support the school in various capacities
- Provided ongoing professional development and co-teaching support to teachers
Assistant Principal
John Muir High School
- Improved school culture by fostering personal accessibility and accountability among staff, students, and the community
- Initiated restorative justice practices, reducing student suspensions by 80% and referrals by 65%
- Led the development of the school's Emergency Action Plan and conducted regular drills
- Managed first responder communication and safety protocols during emergencies
- Implemented a Positive Behavior Support Program, reducing suspensions and referrals over three years
- Increased athletic offerings and student athlete participation through targeted programs
- Secured over $100,000 in grants and donations to improve athletic facilities
- Negotiated a marketing alliance with Adidas to enhance the school's athletic presence
- Contributed to an NBA TV special on Jackie Robinson as a content and talent expert
- Broadened the scope of athletic competitions beyond the Pacific League
- Hired a Certified Athletic Trainer to improve athlete safety and care
- Developed Linked Learning opportunities for work-based learning and integrated projects
- Engaged with community partners to support school initiatives
- Promoted literacy by fostering collaboration between core and CTE instructors
Linked Learning Work-Based Learning Coordinator
Los Angeles Unified School District
- Collaborated with Linked Learning staff and schools to develop a robust Linked Learning program
- Developed work-based learning opportunities for students across multiple schools
- Established partnerships with businesses and organizations to support student learning
- Contributed to the creation of an MOU between the district and vendors for work-based learning opportunities
- Participated in the development of the Linked Learning graduate portfolio for the district
Education
Doctor of Education - Higher Education
Bradley University
Juris Doctor - Sports Management, Contract Negotiation
Southwestern University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Kinesiology, Adapted Physical Education
University of Southern California
Skills
- Collaboration
- Event Planning
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Instructional leadership
- Parent engagement and communication
- Student achievement
- Student and parent relations
- Restorative practices
- School improvement
- School facilities and operations
- Critical thinking and judgment
Accomplishments
- 2023 Bradley University Graduate Commencement Guest Speaker
- Spearheaded College and Career Readiness (CCR) improvement plan implementation which redefined performance goals and achieved state benchmarks.
- Improved student CAASPP testing scores to attain district, and state standards in English Language Arts and CCR.
- Improved student engagement through increased athletic and club offerings to support connectivity to the school.
- Represented the Tournament of Roses at various high-profile events
- Facilitated the Tournament’s support of John Muir High School/Dodgers Field of Dreams project.
Certification
- Clear Administrative Credential
- Single Subject Clear (Physical Education, Adapted Physical Education, Life Science, Biology)
- Education Specialist (Moderate and Severe Disabilities)
Associations And Community Involvement
- Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, Board of Directors
- National Football Foundation San Gabriel Valley Chapter, Board of Directors
- Pasadena Ronald McDonald House, Former Board of Directors
- Marshall Athletic Boosters, Past President and Founding Member
- Sierra Madre Girls Softball Association, Former Board of Directors
- Pasadena Girls Softball Association, Former Board of Directors and Founding Member
- New Buffalo Soldiers 10th Calvary
- Pasadena Unified School District Gate Task Team
- Canyon Ridge Homeowners Association, President
Interests
Timeline
Head of School/Principal
Wallis Annenberg High School
07.2022 - Current
- Clear Administrative Credential
- Single Subject Clear (Physical Education, Adapted Physical Education, Life Science, Biology)
- Education Specialist (Moderate and Severe Disabilities)
Assistant Principal
Burbank High School
Assistant Principal
John Muir High School
Linked Learning Work-Based Learning Coordinator
Los Angeles Unified School District
Doctor of Education - Higher Education
Bradley University
Juris Doctor - Sports Management, Contract Negotiation
Southwestern University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Kinesiology, Adapted Physical Education
University of Southern California
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