Britt James

Outstanding New Career and Technical Teacher: Britt James

Britt James teaches Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) at Springdale High School in Springdale, Arkansas. Before entering teaching, he worked in the radio industry as a play-by-play announcer for the Lady Razorback Basketball Network. During his days off, he used to substitute teach and he found his passion for teaching.

When James joined in 2004, the JAG program was expanding to juniors to offer a multiyear program. JAG serves at-risk students to help reduce the drop-out rate, and it utilizes a 10-component model with five national perfomance goals. Students enroll in a career and technical education class and a student organization that's associated with it during the program. In order to understand the 40 JAG competencies, James uses games and videos to help students grasp these concepts. His students receive some of the highest scores on the end-of-the course test given by the Arkansas Department of Workforce Education. After the students graduate, James follows up with the students to check on their progress and offer assistance.

SPRINGDALE - Many students need to tear down barriers created by family and economic circumstances before they can succeed academically, said Britt James, a teacher at Springdale High School.

James teaches the school's Jobs for Arkansas Graduates, or JAG, program, helping students at risk of dropping out stay in school by helping them explore future careers and getting them involved with student organizations.

In recognition of his creative efforts to connect with students needing extra support, the Association of Career and Technical Education awarded James its national New Career and Technical Teacher of the Year award this month.

"It's rewarding to help," he said.
...
Britt James is eager to hear from former students, keeping up with them for many years after graduation. "That's the best reward," he said.

Mr. Britt James

Britt James: ACTE 2009 Outstanding New Teacher

ACTE Outstanding New Career and Technical Educator: Britt James, Springdale, Arkansas

Outstanding New CTE Teacher: Britt James, Springdale, Arkansas

Outstanding New Career and Technical Teacher: Britt James

Britt James teaches Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) at Springdale High School in Springdale, Arkansas. Before entering teaching, he worked in the radio industry as a play-by-play announcer for the Lady Razorback Basketball Network. During his days off, he taught as a substitute and found his passion for teaching.

When James joined in 2004, the JAG program was expanding to juniors to offer a multiyear program. JAG serves at-risk students to help reduce the drop-out rate and utilizes a 10-component model with five national perfomance goals. Students enroll in a career and technical education class and a student organization associated with it during the program. In order to understand the 40 JAG competencies, James uses games and videos to help students grasp these concepts. His students receive some of the highest scores on the end-of-the course test given by the Arkansas Department of Workforce Education. After the students graduate, James follows up with the students to check on their progress and offer assistance.

Mr. Britt James

Key Club

Interview with Britt James - the National Outstanding New Career and Technical Teacher .

m Britt James will be the play-by-play announcer for Arkansas basketball this season.James replaces Kyle Kellams , and will be assisted by sports information director Bill Smith , in his 13th year as color commentator.

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