James Standefer
Gorham,ME
Summary
Throughout a robust career in education, 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 staffs. As a progressive thinker, I have leveraged cutting edge research in teaching and learning to boost student performance, as well as challenge educational paradigms.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Special Education
A. R. Gould School
07.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented individualized education programs (IEPs) for diverse student populations.
- Led training sessions for educators on best practices in special education strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance student support services and create inclusive environments.
- Analyzed student performance data to inform instructional decisions and improve educational outcomes.
Principal
North Broward Preparatory School
07.2018 - 06.2025
- Hired, supervised and evaluated a teaching faculty composed of eighteen dual-certified teachers across three divisions and multiple disciplines.
- Collaborated in the creation and launch of out prestigious school's mission and vision.
- Embodied and advocated for the NBPS mission, vision, expectations and values.
- Demonstrated tenacity and persistence in pursuit of dynamic solutions to maximize student achievement despite challenges related to budget and public health.
- Reflected new pedagogical strategies regarding neurodiverse learners and provided support to new and veteran teachers to effectively apply that philosophy to rigorous student learning.
Upper School Supports Director
The Carol Morgan School / Optimal Learning Center
07.2014 - 05.2018
- Designed detailed learning plans for struggling students based on student diagnoses, curricular expectations, and levels of performance.
- Expanded and re-shaped cultural awareness and perceptions regarding neurodiverse students in middle and high school.
- Worked with parents and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Collaborated as department chair to provide input regarding student achievement and improvement.
English Teacher and Literacy Specialist
Stamford Public Schools
08.2012 - 05.2014
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies
- Launched and oversaw both reading intervention and reading enrichment programs
- Partnered with conventional English teachers in co-teaching environments.
High School English Teacher
The Carol Morgan School
07.2009 - 05.2012
- Taught American Literature, Advanced Placement English Language, Advanced Placement English Literature, 9th Grade English
- Coached Varsity Volleyball, Junior Varsity Basketball
High School English Teacher
Montgomery Co. Public Schools/Kennedy High School
01.2005 - 05.2009
- Taught O-Level and AICE English and Literature in the Kennedy High School Cambridge Academy
- Taught self-contained LD English 9 and English 10 in the Kennedy High School Learning Center
- Co-Taught various HS English courses.
- Coached quarterbacks and running backs, Kennedy Cavaliers
Education
Certificate - School Leadership
Harvard Business School of Education
08.2024
Principal's Certification -
Antioch University, New England
08.2017
Master of Arts - Transitional Special Education
The George Washington University
05.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education, Literature
Illinois Wesleyan University
01.1995
Skills
- Professional Collaboration
- Staff Management
- Instructional Leadership
- Institutional Vision and Mission
- Student Engagement
- Parent Liaisoning
- Rigor and Support Balance
Certification
Certified Principal, State of New Hampshire
Certified Principal (040), State of Maine
Certified Special Education Administrator (030), State of Maine (Conditional)
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Director of Special Education
A. R. Gould School
07.2025 - Current
Principal
North Broward Preparatory School
07.2018 - 06.2025
Upper School Supports Director
The Carol Morgan School / Optimal Learning Center
07.2014 - 05.2018
English Teacher and Literacy Specialist
Stamford Public Schools
08.2012 - 05.2014
High School English Teacher
The Carol Morgan School
07.2009 - 05.2012
High School English Teacher
Montgomery Co. Public Schools/Kennedy High School
01.2005 - 05.2009
Principal's Certification -
Antioch University, New England
Master of Arts - Transitional Special Education
The George Washington University
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education, Literature
Illinois Wesleyan University
Certificate - School Leadership
Harvard Business School of Education
Professional Development
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.
United States Peace Corps
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
Family
- 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).
Commercial Art
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.