Mr. Phelps

Meet Bateman Elementary's January Teacher of the Month

Please join us in congratulating James Phelps as Bateman Elementary’s January, 2016 Teacher of the Month. We asked Mr. Phelps to share his bio with us.  Please read below:

Mr. Phelps has been teaching at Bateman since 1991. He began by teaching students to read in a classroom for first and second grade bilingual students who spoke any language other than Spanish. Over the years, he has also taught fifth, sixth, and seventh grade students. He even served as the school disciplinarian for half a year during his “free time.” Mr. Phelps began teaching social studies in the eighth grade in 2005. Since then, he has been helping Bateman families with their high school applications. In 2010, he started the Bateman chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. He has been the coordinator for the trips to New York City, Washington, D.C., and Springfield for the past two years.

Mr. Phelps began teaching with a B.A. in history. Later, he added a Master’s of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction. In 2014, the School of Education at Loyola University selected Mr. Phelps to serve as the first teacher-trainer for its Teaching with Primary Sources program. He has received multiple nominations for the Golden Apple Award and has presented at the state social studies conference a number of times.

When not teaching, Mr. Phelps keeps busy with a number of personal activities. He volunteers at the Common (food) Pantry in the Bateman neighborhood. For exercise, he rides his bicycle 3,000 miles per year in the warmer months and enjoys downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter. He also enjoys hiking and sailing in the Great North Woods. In the past, Mr. Phelps has appeared on stage as a professional actor. These days, he is delighted to watch current and former students at such events as swim meets, band recitals, and ballet performances.  Best of all, he has seen a number of students appear on stage to receive their college diplomas!     

Congratulations, Mr. Phelps!  Thank you for all that you do to support our Bateman Community!
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