James Standefer

As the director of a school-within-a-school for students with learning differences grades 4 through 12, I have become a proven leader in modern differentiated learning, adept at staff management (18 cross-curricular teachers) and instructional leadership. I have a strong track record of enhancing student engagement and professional development at various schools. I have skillfully managed multi-divisional resources, partnered with parents, and empowered my teaching staff. As a progressive thinker, I have leveraged cutting edge research in teaching and learning to boost student performance, as well as challenge educational paradigms.

Starting as a classroom teacher and progressing through my various positions in leadership, I have experienced great personal fulfillment in supporting educators and colleagues in their respective pursuits in professional development.  Some of the most notable topics include...

• Collegiality in the Workplace
• Learning Differences and Attention Issues
• Neuro-myths and Neuro-realities
• The Power of Student Agency
• Proactive Behavior Management
• Supporting Dyslexia

Similarly, I was approved by the Florida Department of Education to provide a class dedicated to the Teaching of Students with Disabilities equivalent to a one-hour-semester course at the college level.  

Education and Sustainability Project; 20022004

Two-year service in the mountainous Benguet District of the Northern Philippines

Projects included...

• Teacher trainings
• Student supports
• Library expansion
• Technical skills
• Alternate income projects
• Technology hardware and software supports
• Reading skills and text design

• The best educator in the family is my wife, Noreen Corcoran, the best early childhood teacher (grades K2) I have ever seen.
• The strongest academe and deepest thinker in the family is my son, Caelum (grade 8).
• The most empathetic and committed social activist in the family is my son, Kieran (grade 5).
• The most undeniably popular members of the family are Comet (rescued cat) and Merlin (rescued dog).

During the pandemic, I successfully launched J.STudio-316, a made-to-order pop art studio specializing on personalized art pieces for friends and family.  I minored in studio art at Illinois Wesleyan University and have always embraced creativity as an outlet, a form or meditation, and an escape.