James D. Berry
Coloma
Summary
Experienced educational leader with 26 years in public education, including 10 years in school administration and executive leadership as an ISD Director, seeking to serve as an ISD Superintendent. Brings a strong foundation in Career and Technical Education, student services, and instructional leadership, supported by experience as a CTE teacher, school counselor, CTE director, high school building administrator, and ISD director. Demonstrates a systems-level, service-oriented approach focused on supporting local districts, improving student outcomes, and expanding equitable opportunities while developing staff capacity. Leadership is grounded in positivity and a relationship-focused, collaborative style that builds trust with boards, staff, families, and community partners to strategically align programs, services, and resources to meet countywide needs.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE)
St. Joseph County Intermediate School District (ISD)
01.2022 - Current
- Serve as the Career Education Planning District Administrator (CEPD #47), leading career education efforts for eight local high schools and coordinating postsecondary pathway alignment with Glen Oaks Community College. Collaborate closely with district superintendents, educators, and community partners to align programs with local workforce needs and student interests. Oversee program development, evaluation, compliance, and staff support while using data to drive continuous improvement. Expanded student participation by nearly 200 students through strategic program growth, strengthened career preparation, increased work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities, and designed a CTE Mobile Career Lab to support early career awareness for middle school students.
High School Assistant Principal
St. Joseph High School, St. Joseph Public Schools
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Duties include: opening day of school operations, student handbook and revisions, Navigate Security operations and emergency drills, Academic Awards Night, Detention Room staff and Lunch Room staff supervision, all aspects of day-to-day Student Attendance, Advisory schedule, daily bell schedules/revisions, Student Clubs and staff supervision, Constitution Day lesson, Visitor Passes, New Student Enrollment approval paperwork, Fall newsletter, Power School Grade Checks, Student Discipline, Power School Student Management system, Instructional Supervision and Teacher Evaluation (Marzano - iObserve), CTE Director Duties, and All General Aspects of daily High School Operations and Student Safety for a comprehensive high school with nearly 1,100 students and 85 employees. I also serve as the High School Virtual School Director for the 2021-22 school year, utilizing Edmentum EdOptions Academy instructional delivery system.
Career & Technical Education (CTE) Director
St. Joseph High School, St. Joseph Public Schools
01.2014 - 01.2022
- Attend monthly meetings with regional CTE Director (CEPD #49), Administer local CTE program offerings, oversee new local CTE program applications, manage CTE budget (Perkins and Added Cost), completed required Michigan Department of Education Reports (CTE Navigator, CIP Reviews, CTEIS Reports, etc.) and ensure that students have a gainful experience in CTE. Also, wrote successful grants for student participation in the 2015 Michigan Construction Career Days in Howell, MI. Organized 2015 Whirlpool Young Professionals Network Career Day; Developed 2016 Senior Career Day for 236 St. Joseph students to attend 16 career sites in St. Joseph/Benton Harbor. MDE – CTE 2016 Breaking Traditions Award (student presentation in Lansing), Facilitated (6) new Michigan Department of Education CTE program applications which were awarded program serial numbers (PSNs). Currently oversee (10) CTE State-Approved Programs.
High School Counselor
St. Joseph High School, St. Joseph Public Schools
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Adhered to Michigan Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling Model. Assisted with Master Scheduling, Personal/Social Development, Career Development, Academic Development, College Counseling, Power School Administration, NCAA procedures, Student/Parent workshops, Lake Michigan College Early College/Direct Credit Coordinator, Successfully developed and led staff in implementation of Pyramid of Intervention/RTI and other pertinent duties. Served as Mentor Counselor to (2) WMU School Counselor Candidates (2011-12 and 2015-16).
Drafting & Design – Engineering Graphics Adjunct Faculty
Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor
01.2005 - 01.2013
- First teacher in St. Joseph Public Schools to be approved for Early College/Direct Credit Offerings in 2005. Successfully taught the following courses: ENGR 103 - Beg. Engineering Drawing - 4 credits, DRAF 102 - Machine Drawing - 3 credits, DRAF 205 - Beg. Architectural Drawing - 4 credits, DRAF 207 - CAD Mechanical Design - 3 credits, DRAF 208 - CAD Mechanical Detailing - 3 credits
CTE Drafting & Design Teacher
St. Joseph High School, St. Joseph Public Schools
01.2000 - 01.2011
- Courses taught include Technical Drawing & CAD, Engineering Drafting, Architectural Drafting and Teacher Cadet. Served as Freshman Advisor, SADD Advisor, Asst. Key Club Advisor; chaperoned dances; facilitated football, basketball, wrestling, track, and golf events. Also, served as Department Chairperson. Received Standards of Quality Award for the Drafting program (2002-11). Recipient of the 2004 U.S. Air Force Outstanding Teacher Award and the 2007 Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers Award. Participated in the “Assistant Principal for the day” program, fall 2004. Served as 2006-2012 NCA/AdvanceED Co-Chair for School Improvement and Mentor Teacher to WMU student (fall, 2006; 2008; 2009). Former JV Golf Coach. Successfully received a grant and attended training for Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). Co-Founded and Co-Coach of FIRST Robotics Team – Average Joes #3620 (2010-11).
Internship Teaching
Portage Central High School, Portage Public Schools, MI
01.2000 - 04.2000
- Classes taught include Mechanical Drawing, Architectural Drawing, Woodworking, Technology, and Theatre Technology.
Teacher Assistant (TA) of Engineering Graphics
Western Michigan University
01.1998 - 01.1999
- Responsible for holding lectures in lab, grading papers, and attending weekly meetings with the professor.
Detail Draftsman
Borg-Warner Air/Fluid Systems
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Employed on a temporary basis (due to college) to provide detailed layout and design drawings using CAD for instruments and their components, which are used in the marine and heavy truck industries.
Fountain Tool
01.1995 - 01.1996
- Successfully operated Mills, Lathes, CNC equipment, Surface Grinders and long-run production duties. Also, responsible for industrial material preparation.
Education
Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) Degree - Educational Leadership
Grand Valley State University
04.2017
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Degree - School Counseling
Grand Valley State University
05.2010
Master of Arts (M.A.) Degree - Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Western Michigan University
06.2003
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree - Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Western Michigan University
04.2000
Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree - undefined
Muskegon Community College
04.1997
Skills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Servant leadership
- Problem-solving
Websites
Affiliations
- Michigan Association for Career & Technical Education - Current Treasurer (Past President) - www.miacte.org
- Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE) – 2018 National Leadership Fellow
- Golden Key National Honor Society – WMU Chapter.
- Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals
- National Association of Secondary School Principals
- American School Counselor Association
- Michigan School Counselor Association
Certification
- June 2014-2029 State of Michigan School Administrator Certificate (K-12) Central Office (CO) and K-12 (ES) Endorsements Certification #: AD0003625
- June 2021-2026 Industrial Technology (IX) Grades 6-12 Vocational Technical (VT) Grades 6-12 School Counselor (NT) Grades K-12 Certification #: IF0000000186288
INTERESTS
Enjoy ice hockey, golf, hunting, running, camping, fishing, traveling, and time with family.
Timeline
Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE)
St. Joseph County Intermediate School District (ISD)
01.2022 - Current
High School Assistant Principal
St. Joseph High School, St. Joseph Public Schools
01.2016 - 01.2022
Career & Technical Education (CTE) Director
St. Joseph High School, St. Joseph Public Schools
01.2014 - 01.2022
High School Counselor
St. Joseph High School, St. Joseph Public Schools
01.2011 - 01.2016
Drafting & Design – Engineering Graphics Adjunct Faculty
Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor
01.2005 - 01.2013
Internship Teaching
Portage Central High School, Portage Public Schools, MI
01.2000 - 04.2000
CTE Drafting & Design Teacher
St. Joseph High School, St. Joseph Public Schools
01.2000 - 01.2011
Teacher Assistant (TA) of Engineering Graphics
Western Michigan University
01.1998 - 01.1999
Detail Draftsman
Borg-Warner Air/Fluid Systems
01.1997 - 01.1999
Fountain Tool
01.1995 - 01.1996
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Degree - School Counseling
Grand Valley State University
Master of Arts (M.A.) Degree - Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Western Michigan University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree - Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Western Michigan University
Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree - undefined
Muskegon Community College
Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) Degree - Educational Leadership
Grand Valley State University