Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Awards
Personal Information
Timeline
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Karelin G. James

Karelin G. James

Kailua

Summary

Energetic and compassionate individual with passion for fostering positive learning environment. Possesses deep understanding of educational principles and effective classroom management techniques, coupled with proficiency in curriculum development and lesson planning. Committed to inspiring students and fostering academic growth.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience

Work History

Full-Time Teacher

Trinity Christian School
01.2022 - Current

Modern Humanities Teacher, including U.S History and Literature, 9th grade

Writing Teacher, for 7th–11th grades, focusing on developing composition and critical thinking skills

Rhetoric Teacher, classes for 10th–12th grades, emphasizing classical rhetoric, persuasive writing, and public speaking

Senior Thesis Director, mentoring 12th-grade students through the comprehensive senior thesis project:

  • Guide students in selecting topics, crafting thesis statements, developing research plans, and structuring their final paper
  • Provide individualized support to help students integrate skills from across the classical curriculum into a focused intellectual pursuit
  • Mentor students in preparing and delivering their final presentations or defenses, ensuring they meet rigorous academic standards

House Advisor in the school’s academic house system for 7th–12th graders:

  • Mentor students within a smaller, close-knit community, fostering leadership, teamwork, and character development
  • Guide house captains in organizing events, mentoring younger peers, and promoting house unity
  • Oversee and participate in house competitions, including academic challenges, service projects, creative activities, and athletic events, contributing to the pursuit of the annual House Award

Assistant Principal for Upper Grammar School, providing administrative support to 4th–6th grade teachers:

  • Assist teachers in curriculum development, classroom management, and implementing school policies
  • Foster collaboration among faculty and provide mentorship to support teacher growth and effectiveness

Substitute Teacher

Trinity Christian School
01.2012 - 01.2022
  • Provided substitute teaching services for grades4–12
  • Maintained consistent classroom management and ensured continuity in instruction during teacher absences

Home Educator

Homeschooling
09.1996 - 06.2018
  • Successfully homeschooled four children from pre-school through high school
  • Customized curricula to meet diverse learning needs and foster academic excellence
  • All four children pursued advanced education, achieving significant academic success: Two earned master’s degrees, one earned a degree in mechanical engineering, one earned a degree in audio engineering.

Website Design and Social Media Manager

01.2018 - 01.2024
  • Designed and maintained websites for small businesses and non-profit organizations
  • Managed content creation, analytics, and promotional campaigns across multiple platforms

Yoga Instructor

Prayerful Breath Yoga
01.2014 - 01.2020
  • Owned and operated a small yoga business in Kailua
  • Conducted weekly classes, organized workshops, and managed all marketing and customer relations

Bookkeeping Business Owner

01.1994 - 01.2007
  • Provided comprehensive bookkeeping services for small businesses, non-profits, schools, and churches

Education

Master of Arts - American History And Government

Ashland University
Ashland, OR
07-2026

Bachelor of Arts - Office Administration

Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA
05-1986

Skills

  • Expertise in curriculum development for humanities, writing, and rhetoric
  • Proven ability to teach and mentor students in critical thinking, composition, and public speaking
  • Strong written and oral communication
  • Proficient in Microsoft and FACTs
  • Organized, detail-oriented, and experienced in managing multiple responsibilities
  • Classroom management
  • Lesson planning
  • Student engagement
  • Public speaking

Awards

2024 Recipient of the James Madison Fellowship, Awarded by the James Madison Memorial Foundation. This prestigious fellowship supports graduate study for individuals committed to becoming outstanding teachers of the American Constitution at the secondary school level. Fellowships are awarded competitively, with one recipient selected per state annually.


The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation was established by Congress in1986 to improve teaching about the United States Constitution in secondary schools. The Foundation is an independent agency of the Executive Branch of the federal government. Funding for the Foundation's programs comes from Congress and generous contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporations.


In the summer of 2025, I will participate in a four-week Summer Institute for Fellows in Washington, D.C., where I will complete courses at Georgetown University focusing on the U.S. Constitution and its historical significance.

Personal Information

Raised on O’ahu,  where I raised four children, and have four grandchildren living on the island.

Timeline

Full-Time Teacher

Trinity Christian School
01.2022 - Current

Website Design and Social Media Manager

01.2018 - 01.2024

Yoga Instructor

Prayerful Breath Yoga
01.2014 - 01.2020

Substitute Teacher

Trinity Christian School
01.2012 - 01.2022

Home Educator

Homeschooling
09.1996 - 06.2018

Bookkeeping Business Owner

01.1994 - 01.2007

Master of Arts - American History And Government

Ashland University

Bachelor of Arts - Office Administration

Point Loma Nazarene University
Karelin G. James