James Mitchem
Plainfield
Summary
Visionary leader skilled in evaluating performance data and promoting professional development. Known for implementing strategic initiatives that drive academic excellence and cultivate positive relationships with stakeholders to enhance student outcomes.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Superintendent of Schools
Valley View Unit School District 365U
Romeoville
07.2010 - 07.2020
- Advised Board of Education on strategic planning initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes.
- Developed strategic plans to enhance educational programs and student performance.
- Collaborated with district leaders to implement curriculum improvements across schools.
- Oversaw budgeting processes and resource allocation for district-wide initiatives.
- Engaged with community stakeholders to foster partnerships and support initiatives.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided feedback to promote professional growth.
- Monitored student performance data to identify areas of improvement in teaching methods or curriculum design.
- Conducted annual evaluations of district personnel to maintain high standards of quality instruction.
- Represented the school district in meetings with local government officials or other agencies.
Principal
Bolinbook High School
Bolingbrook
07.2005 - 07.2010
- Implemented strategic initiatives to promote academic excellence across departments.
- Developed school policies to enhance student engagement and safety measures.
- Led faculty meetings to discuss curriculum improvements and student performance.
- Evaluated teacher performance through classroom observations and feedback sessions.
- Visited classrooms to evaluate teacher instructional techniques during annual evaluations.
- Oversaw budget planning and resource allocation for educational activities.
- Monitored student academic performance data in order to identify trends or areas of need that require additional resources or support.
- Fostered relationships with parents and community leaders to support school programs.
- Promoted an atmosphere of respect amongst students by enforcing disciplinary codes consistently throughout the school year.
- Championed diversity initiatives to create an inclusive school environment.
- Created an environment where all students feel valued regardless of their background or cultural identity.
- Assessed current teaching methods and techniques used by staff members in order to provide feedback on their effectiveness.
Principal
Romeoville High School
Romeoville
07.2001 - 07.2005
- Implemented strategic initiatives to promote academic excellence across departments.
- Developed school policies enhancing student engagement and safety.
- Led faculty meetings to discuss curriculum improvements and student performance.
- Fostered relationships with parents and community leaders to support school programs.
- Oversaw budget planning and resource allocation for educational activities.
- Evaluated teacher performance through classroom observations and feedback sessions.
- Championed diversity initiatives to create an inclusive school environment.
- Assessed teacher instructional techniques during classroom visits.
- Monitored student academic performance data in order to identify trends or areas of need that require additional resources or support.
- Facilitated discussions with students to understand their academic challenges and offer support. Responded Responded to student concerns to encourage, guide, and assist, resulting in improved academics.
- Promoted an atmosphere of respect amongst students by enforcing disciplinary codes consistently throughout the school year.
- Assessed teaching methods used by staff to deliver constructive feedback on effectiveness.
- Monitored and evaluated performance of school employees.
Principal
BJ Ward Middle School
Bolingbrook
07.1999 - 07.2001
- Implemented strategic initiatives to promote academic excellence across departments.
- Developed school policies to enhance student engagement and safety measures.
- Provided instructional leadership to faculty and staff in the areas of curriculum development, assessment practices and professional growth activities.
- Led faculty meetings to discuss curriculum improvements and student performance.
- Organized regular meetings with faculty members to discuss issues related to instruction, assessment strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Evaluated teacher performance through classroom observations and feedback sessions.
- Assessed current teaching methods and techniques used by staff members in order to provide feedback on their effectiveness.
- Instructed teachers on classroom management, behavior and instructional strategies.
- Monitored student academic performance data in order to identify trends or areas of need that require additional resources or support.
- Fostered relationships with parents and community leaders to support school programs.
- Facilitated communication between teachers, administrators, families and other stakeholders in order to promote collaboration among all participants in the educational process.
- Oversaw budget planning and resource allocation for educational activities.
- Oversaw school budgets, documented changes and tracked expenses to allocate and manage school funds.
- Assessed instructional methods by visiting classrooms regularly.
- Created an environment where all students feel valued regardless of their background or cultural identity.
- Reviewed test scores from standardized tests administered at different grade levels in order to track academic progress over time.
- Engaged with staff in a positive manner to promote a collaborative work atmosphere. with staff to demonstrate professional conduct expectations of teaching and administrative personnel.
Director of Athletic Academic Advising
DePaul University Athletics
Chicago
10.1995 - 07.1999
- Coordinated course registration processes for student athletes, ensuring timely enrollment and compliance with academic policies.
- Collaborated with all head coaches to ensure the academic success of all student athletes
- Provided tutoring and study table for all student athletes
- Developed life skill programs for all student athletes
- Led meetings focused on program development and implementation of improvements.
- Directed the organization's daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Oversaw budgeting and financial planning processes, aligning resources with organizational goals.
- Analyzed data to inform decision-making and strategic direction.
Dean of Students
Romeoville High School
Romeoville
07.1985 - 10.1995
- Mediated conflicts between students, fostering a positive school environment.
- Designed and implemented behavioral intervention strategies for at-risk students.
- Collaborated with faculty to address student needs and improve educational outcomes.
- Oversaw student discipline processes, ensuring fair and consistent application of policies.
- Established behavioral procedures to reinforce positive interactions between parents, students and faculty.
- Upheld commitment to educational excellence by promoting and establishing atmosphere of mutual respect and trust between students, faculty and parents.
- Enforced behavior management interventions to improve learning environment and increase academic success.
Physical Education Teacher
Romeoville High School
Romeoville
07.1980 - 07.1985
- Organized and coached teams in a variety of sports, including soccer, basketball, tennis, and volleyball.
- Implemented physical fitness assessments to monitor student progress and development.
- Taught students about concepts regarding fitness, health and well-being.
- Organized and led extracurricular sports programs to promote teamwork and discipline.
- Implemented injury prevention protocols during PE classes.
- Provided individualized support to students with different skill levels and needs.
- Fostered a positive learning environment through effective classroom management techniques.
- Devised safe and effective exercise strategies based on knowledge of kinesiology, anatomy and biology.
- Actively participated in professional development opportunities related to current trends in health and wellness.
Education
Ph.D. - Educational Administration
Argosy University
Schaumburg, IL07-2011
Masters of Education - Educational Leadership And Management
DePaul University
Chicago, IL11-1998
Bachelors Of Science Physical Education - Education
DePaul University
Chicago, IL06-1980
Skills
- Educational leadership
- Curriculum oversight
- Strategic planning
- Budget management
- Data analysis
- Performance evaluation
- Stakeholder engagement
Timeline
Superintendent of Schools
Valley View Unit School District 365U
07.2010 - 07.2020
Principal
Bolinbook High School
07.2005 - 07.2010
Principal
Romeoville High School
07.2001 - 07.2005
Principal
BJ Ward Middle School
07.1999 - 07.2001
Director of Athletic Academic Advising
DePaul University Athletics
10.1995 - 07.1999
Dean of Students
Romeoville High School
07.1985 - 10.1995
Physical Education Teacher
Romeoville High School
07.1980 - 07.1985
Ph.D. - Educational Administration
Argosy University
Masters of Education - Educational Leadership And Management
DePaul University
Bachelors Of Science Physical Education - Education
DePaul University